Originally Posted By nbodyhome Thanks! It has actually been 5! years since I've been to Disneyland (this from someone who went probably 5 times in the couple of years prior to that). I'll probably be back there within a year again - but almost skipped the Fantasmic dessert this year since it's not on the balcony (and I'd not read good reviews on this seating area until I was here). I do think the DL Fantasmic is WAY better than the MGM one, no matter where I'll be.
Originally Posted By Chedstro Bob and I were there last Sept. It was buffet (Riverside) and it was wonderful! Has it changed since then? Cindy
Originally Posted By planodisney For some reason, this false, sorta legend, has grown over time of just how much superior the DL version is. Many of these people who speak about this havent even been to MGM I do think the DL version is a little better, but in know way is it "WAY" better. And, the seating is WAY better at MGM And, I am no WDW chearleader. DLR is my Disney.
Originally Posted By trekkeruss <<Many of these people who speak about this havent even been to MGM>> How do you know that?
Originally Posted By juicer I feel the DL version is much better that MGM version - But the seating is better at MGM And I have been to both - I feel I don't need to see the MGM's version again - But I will see DL's
Originally Posted By SuzieQ I've been to both - including multiple visits to WDW. I very much disliked the MGM version, both the show and how they do the seating. No way was I going to line up for hours ahead of time to get into the stadium! If I don't do reserved seating at DL, then I can usually walk up right at show time over by Haunted Mansion and find a spot to stand.
Originally Posted By planodisney I have never had to line up ahead of time for Fantasmic at MGM, but if you dont get there ahead of time at DL, then good luck. Also, I have seen many people post that DL's version is much better than MGM's, and then seen the same people post on another thread that they have never been to Orlando. Doesnt realy mater to me, I think both are great, I just like the comfort of MGM's version. Also, I believe that MGM's Fantasmic is consistantly rated by visitors as one of the very top experiences in all of WDW. It can't suck too bad!!!
Originally Posted By trekkeruss <<I have seen many people post that DL's version is much better than MGM's, and then seen the same people post on another thread that they have never been to Orlando. Also, I believe that MGM's Fantasmic is consistantly rated by visitors as one of the very top experiences in all of WDW. It can't suck too bad!!!>> It works both ways... I bet many who think F! at the Studios is one of WDW's best haven't been to DL. Paraphrasing Simon Cowell, DL park as a whole wipes the floor with the MK.
Originally Posted By Dabob2 I don't know if DL's version is "waaay" better (depends on the definition of "waaay" I suppose), but to me it's decidedly better. Not having the Columbia means the best single moment of the show (for me) isn't there at MGM, for starters. When you hear that BOOM! and then suddenly the Columbia is lit up and practically on top of you... it's a moment I know is coming and it STILL puts a shiver down the spine. I also prefer the proximity to the river you get at DL (granted, we usually go in off season and can get pretty close without a huge effort). It is nice to sit down at MGM without paying extra, I'll give you that. But if you go off-season, or go to the second showing in busy season, DL's can't be beat.
Originally Posted By nbodyhome I saw the Fantasmic at DL a number of times before the WDW one opened. I was very excited that we were getting one - but I didn't like the seating arrangment, and didn't much like the show either. I live here in the Orlando area, I haven't seen it in years now.
Originally Posted By MOLLYSMOM Well, this is a bit of a bummer for me. We're taking my parents down for their 50th, and the balcony seating was one of the little surprises that I wanted to get them. So...new idea/question... Mom will get to sit in the handicapped section because she is in a wheelchair. I am going to assume that she will get a decent view of things. Should I get them the Riverside seating desert deal, or should I treat them to dinner at some awesome place...say Napa Rose...in place of the balcony buffet? I know that mom will LOVE Fantasmic, and I wanted the balcony seating to make sure she got a good view. She's not a "foofy" kind of gal, so while most of us would die to eat at Napa Rose, she'd like the Blue Bayou atmosphere better...that would be an option, too. Ok, experts, I need your vote... Riverside seating, Blue Bayou, or Napa Rose??????????????
Originally Posted By Autopia Deb I've seen both versions and I will tell you D-land's is FAR superior to MGM's. When I see Columbia with all the pirates swinging from the rigging I get goosebumps. When I see Mark Twain decked out with all the characters I get misty eyed. That little itty bitty water way with the pathetic looking boat just leaves me flat compared. It's worth it to stand around for a little while in discomfort to get a show that leaves an emotional impact. FWIW, I've never waited longer than 30 minutes to see F! at DLR most times get a pretty good view.
Originally Posted By tiggerdis_ Mollysmom, I think you should do the Riverside seating. I know what you mean about wanting the balcony seating, and I'm thinking with all the good reviews here, that if balcony is not available, I will do the riverside seating. I have also been seated in the handicapped area (we got pushed out of our seats by a woman who kept bringing in more and more people. By the time she hit 10, I lost it). I believe it's to the right of the riverside seating. I just think it would be nice to sit down in a chair, have someone bring you a drink and a snack, and watch the show with an unobstructed view - just once. Although my son and I did do balcony two years ago, my husband and I will be celebrating our 20th anniversary this year, and he is a Fantasmic freak, I wanted to do this for him. (such a sacrifice!). So, to make a long story short, my vote is Riverside.
Originally Posted By gurgitoy2 "For some reason, this false, sorta legend, has grown over time of just how much superior the DL version is. Many of these people who speak about this havent even been to MGM I do think the DL version is a little better, but in know way is it "WAY" better. And, the seating is WAY better at MGM And, I am no WDW chearleader. DLR is my Disney." Well, maybe legend to you, but I've seen both as well (as it seems most favoring DL's have). When I first saw the MGM version I was so disappointed. Granted, I liked that you could get a good seat, but even that lost some of the magic. At Disneyland, the stage is hidden during the day. The seating is normal walkways, and you would have NO idea that a massive show was going to happen there later that night. It's magical how it all appears right on the river. At MGM you know exactly what you're getting into because you're herded into stadium seating and you see the stage and "mountain" right in front of you. Disneyland's uses real watercraft. WDW just has nothing like the Columbia or Mark Twain. The small steam ship they do have looks like it's made of plywood and could capsize at any moment. It's just not as grandios as the Disneyland version. The Pocahontas scene at MGM is way too far away from the crowd, so everything looks small. The final dragon scene where Mickey slays Maleficent is so lame at MGM. All that happens is a big wall of fountains that hide the mechanism while you hear screams from the dragon. Disnyeland handles this scene so much better. So, yeah, I feel that the Disneyland version of Fantasmic is vastly superior to the MGM version, and it's no legend to me.
Originally Posted By MOLLYSMOM I'm leaning toward Riverside for my folks. I know that dad will like it, but my mom will be blown away. The first time I saw it, we weren't smart enough to get a spot before hand. We had a "not-so-good spot", but we still were amazed and speechless at the whole show. I can't wait to see it again. I get all shivery just thinking about it.
Originally Posted By MOLLYSMOM Ok...Riverside it is. Is that a 60 day PS window, or a 30 day??? I remember being told that the Balcony was 30 days out, but I don't recall ever asking about Riverside. Thanks, again, folks.
