What is it?
The Fantasmic! Dinner Package is a special deal for those guests who wish to enjoy a dinner at one of the Studio’s finer dining areas but still want to experience Fantasmic! without hurrying through dinner.
Which restuarants can I eat at and get the package?
For lunch, you can eat at The Hollywood Brown Derby or Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano.
For dinner, only The Hollywood Brown Derby, Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano, and Hollywood and Vine are the locations you can eat at. The 50’s Prime Time Cafe has also been included in the past, so be sure to call the WDW Dining line at (407) 939-3463 and confirm availability.
How does it work?
You make an Advanced Dining Reservation for dinner at one of the participating restaurants and request the package. After the lunch or dinner, you’ll recieve tickets (similiar to FASTPASS) for a showing of Fantasmic! that night in a special section for you.
Therefore, you do not have to line up and stake out your section or wait in the theater or anything else. You just have to show up at the designated time (at least 30 minutes before) and you’ll have a seat waiting for you.
How much does the package cost?
Since June 2009, the Hollywood Brown Derby and Mama Melrose allow ordering from a la carte menus.
Hollywood & Vine $26.99 adult/$13.99 child (3-9) (plus tax and gratuity) (no characters). All you care to eat buffet. Choose from a number of selections including; oven-roasted Prime Rib, Citrus Baked Chicken, Pan-seared Salmon, and Stir-Fry Noodles with Sesame. Also includes fresh salads and build your own ice cream/dessert bar. Adult beverages NOT included. Child’s meal includes beverage.
Is there a cancellation fee?
Yes, a $10 cancellation fee applies if not cancelled at least 48 hours beforehand. Otherwise there is none, although you do need to put a credit card down to guarantee your spot.
If there is more than one showing of Fantasmic! on a night, do I need to get the Fantasmic! Dinner Package if I plan on going to the second or third showings?
No, you do not need to get the dinner package if you plan on seeing the second or third showings. The first showing is always the most crowded, while subsequent showings are much less crowded and you should have no trouble getting into it.
When do I have to arrive?
You need to be there at least 30 minutes before the show or you will lose your seating and be forced to take whatever is available(if anything) in the regular section.
Is there any other way to get these special seatings for Fantasmic?
No, the Dinner Package is the only way to get reserved seats, although it should be noted that from time to time(very rare) Disney has run a lunch package. Be aware it is not announced beforehand. Call the WDW Dining line at (407) 939-3463 for more information. The best method of anticipating a possible lunch package is if your going on a day that should be very crowded.
So after dinner I’ll have some seats for just my party?
No. Disney has reserved a special section of the Hollywood Hills Ampitheater for Fantasmic! Dinner Package people. That means if you want to get good seats, you’ll still need to arrive around 30-40 minutes early.
Where is the reserved section?
Witch section, which is located on the far right of the theater. Note, that you can get wet if you sit in the first few rows.
How do I get to my section?
There used to be a special entrance on Hollywood Boulevard, but guests on the dinner package now walk down Sunset Boulevard to meet cast members near the Beauty and the Beast theater, where you will be directed to your reserved seating.
How far in advance can I book my Fantasmic! Dinner Package?
The package can be booked up to 180 days in advance.
How do I book the Fantasmic Dinner Package?
Call (407) WDW-DINE. The prices (which vary depending on the restaurant you choose) will include reserved seating for the Fantasmic Show at Hollywood Studios, dinner, 15% gratuity and, in the case of Hollywood and Vine ONLY, a beverage. Tax is NOT included in the price – this is due to the fact that sales tax schedules may change for the area after an upcoming vote. As of now the computer isn’t showing any black out dates. If you have a package that includes meals, (discovery magic) you can use your wishes. Your credit card will be charged when you book the meal. On nights where there is more than 1 showing of Fantasmic!, you must take the earlier showing if you want to use the phone reservations.
What if the evening’s show is cancelled?
There are no refunds or exchanges. You will still have your dinner reservations but no raincheck for the Fantasmic! showing.
So, is it worth it?
In my humble opinion, no. The seatings are at the far right section and unless you get the best seat in the section, your view can and probably will be obstructed a bit. If you get the worst seat near the dinner package seating, that seat is probably better than the worst seat in the dinner package section.
The only reason to possibly do this is if your planning on having a nice dinner at the Studios anyway and have problems with getting there on time or just don’t like waiting for an hour to get a good seat. Otherwise, feel free to skip this.