Originally Posted By karenandkids Hi There- Just curious- I have had a request in with Vacation Planning at the Grand Californian for a month or so for Fantasmic balcony seating and yesterday, 30 days before the show we requested, we got a call saying that they booked us for Riverside seating but that balcony seating was discontinued. Like, forever discontinued. Anyone know why? Karen
Originally Posted By amazedncal2 I can't answer your question but if VP's information is correct, I'm sorry to see that oportunity gone. I'm sure another LPer will get the scoop. We enjoyed it the few times we did it and planned to treat our DD and her husband the next time they went to DLR
Originally Posted By Dave I don't know when you're going but Fantasmic is down till around June 11th so that may be the problem.
Originally Posted By Nobody Dave, They booked her for Riverside seating, so Fantasmic must be running. When are they doing the refurb work on the gallery? Might that be what's causing the issue?
Originally Posted By ADisneyPrincess Darn, if this is true it's very disappointing. I only did balcony seating once, but I loved it! I liked being above the crowds to see. I haven't done the Riverside seating so I don't know how it compares.
Originally Posted By Darkbeer There is work on the Club 33 west side, which is supposed to be causing the "no balcony seating" for Fantasmic!, which will start on June 15th, but more than likely without the Mark Twain (the finale will be on the TSI stage). I can't get a straight answer, maybe they just want to move everyone dowenstairs and save money in lee Cm's needed for the area, and reserve the Balcony for just "VIP's" or maybe a special Tour Group....
Originally Posted By Liberty Belle Wow, what a shame if it's gone for good! I've done the balcony seating three times so far and was planning to keep treating myself on subsequent visits.
Originally Posted By tiggerdis_ I just emailed VP myself to see if they would tell me if it's just a temporary thing, or if we'll be able to get balcony seating in September (Labour Day weekend)
Originally Posted By SuzieQ Go for Riverside. Honest. It's every bit as good as balcony and a LOT less crowded. Yes, your desserts come in a box, but you can't finish all of them! I've done the balcony 3 times and if you are in the front row, "all you can eat" dessert buffet isn't a real thing anyway. It's hard to get out of your seat because you are so crammed in, and they don't resupply the buffet. They may use disposable products for the drinks and serve dessert in a box, but it's still worth every penny. Anyone who was around last Christmas remembers my tirade about the boxed desserts when I found out after reserving Riverside for my family. Know what? They loved it! We all took our extras back to the hotel and we got hot chocolate to go after the fireworks.
Originally Posted By debtee ^ Yes I'm with SuzieQ....The balcony was getting so crowded the last few times we have gone it's really not that pleasant, as you can't move to get up and get the dessert! The riverside seating is more enjoyable and gets our vote! It would however, be a shame to see the balcony option gone forever.
Originally Posted By Liberty Belle Yeah, that's true Suzie - we had front row last time, which was great, but we didn't get to grab some more desserts and when the show was finished they were all packed away. I've never done Riverside, but I might give it a go next time.
Originally Posted By iamgoofy For which restaurant are you all talking about? Riverside and balcony seating sounds much more enjoyable then standing 20 deep in the crowd like I usually do.
Originally Posted By tiggerdis_ It's not a restaurant. The Disney Gallery has a balcony, that in the evenings when they have Fantasmic a small number of people (I think 12 - 16) can pay the equivalent of one days entry to the park to have premiere seating and an all you can eat dessert buffet. They also offer designated seating in a roped off area along the River (hence riverside) along with boxed desserts and beverages, for I believe the same price. I think it's worth doing at least once. I was hoping for balcony this summer, but if it's not available, I'll go for the riverside.
Originally Posted By SuzieQ They cram 20+ on that little balcony! Two rows of seats, angled chairs along the sides. The Riverside seating is elevated above the heads of people standing below. CMs ensure no children are lifted onto shoulders to obstruct your view. They have waitstaff who bring you a boxed set of desserts (two each of choclate dipped strawberries, several kids of cookies, mickey head rice krispie treats) It's more than you can eat. They also bring you whatever you would like to drink, including mint juleps. Seating is very uncrowded, and they encourage you to stay to watch the fireworks from your seat after Fantasmic.
Originally Posted By karenandkids Thanks for the info. everyone. It sounds like the Riverside seating is going to work out better for us anyway. We have an energetic 2-yr-old who wouldn't have done well in tight, balcony seating. 22 days until lift-off! I'm so excited!!!!!!!
Originally Posted By 1disneymom3boys I also have a very (extremely) energetic 2 year old. I know he would sit still once fantasmic begins, but he is not good at waiting. How far in advance do you have to be seated before the performance? How much are the tickets? Does everyone pay the same price, or are there adult and child prices? Thanks in advance.
Originally Posted By karenandkids We paid around $50 for Riverside seating (may have been $45, can't remember) but we didn't have to pay for our two year old. They say he can sit on a lap.
Originally Posted By peachypitts Wow $50/per person. That's outrageous. I enjoy seeing the show from ringside along the river for free. We would much rather go out for a nice dinner to a restaurant outside the park instead of being ripped off for that show. But to each his own I guess.
Originally Posted By karenandkids We are a little bit afraid of the Fantasmic crowds. It can be pretty scary to try to negotiate a stroller through masses of people (we'll probably have to do this anyway) and then to keep track of the kids (2 & 5) and still get to enjoy the show. Also, this will be their first time seeing it, so we're doing this as a special thing. We certainly don't feel that we're being "ripped off". Ha-humm. Like you said, to each his (her) own.
Originally Posted By SuzieQ Definitely to each his own. The reserved seating is a luxury experience. You definitely feel special being seated and above the crowds. That is what you are paying for. When we went at Christmas, we had 10 in our group. The trip was a Christmas gift to my and my brother's families from our parents. We had 3 generations there, and there was no way we were going to be able to sit along the River for hours during capacity crowds, waiting for Fantasmic. So, I gave everyone Riverside Seating tickets as their Christmas gift. It was wonderful! It's definitely something you do as a treat, and not an 'every trip' type thing. Everyone I know hesitates to pay the price, second guesses themselves once they have, then vows to never sit on the ground for hours again, lol.
