Fantasmic Dining Package Discussion Thread

[Geemo]

A couple of questions, we are planning a trip in November. My apologies if these questions have been asked already.

-Can I pay over the phone using Disney gift cards? Or only Credit Card?
You make a reservation for the number in your party. You will pay for the meal when you dine. $10 per person is charged if you cancel less than 24 hours prior or are a No-Show. I believe a credit card is required to make the reservation. I've never tried a gift card.

-What happens if it raining? Issued a refund? The show still goes on?
Generally refunds are not issued if the show is canceled. You can watch the weather and if you feel the weather will cancel the show, you could cancel your reservation. I don't know how much rain it takes for Fantasmic! to be canceled.

-I can make reservations 60 days or 30 days prior? If our plans change, am I able to get a refund?
Some dining reservations can be made at the 60 day mark. For some of the special entertainment packages it's less than 60 days. You'll need to keep an eye on the reservation calendar from about the 50day mark on. Again, you are not paying for the entire meal only making a dining reservation. If your plans change you just need to call or go online to adjust or cancel you time.

Sorry for all the questions, we have never gotten dining before but I would like to splurge for my birthday, my DS's birthday and our 20th anniversary.

And for those of you lucky ones that are there now, or going soon, enjoy!!!!

I'm excited to see a seating location map for the new Fantasmic!, once someone has the time to pull it together and post it.


Geemo

 

[Skyegirl1999]

Did RBT dinner tonight. Kids had three dessert options: butterscotch pudding, chocolate cupcake, or fruit plate. The adult meal was very good, but my four-year-old polished off her two little slivers of chicken, so I'd hate to see what an older kid, like eight or nine, might think of that tiny portion.

We had planned to get to the seating area around 8:15, but the park was so packed/difficult to navigate, and lines were so long, that we decided to head over when we got off the carousel at almost 7:30. We made it over around 7:45-7:50 and were let into a holding area for a few minutes before they actually opened up the seating area. We got a spot right at the railing - next to a pole, but not blocked by it. It was a great spot! There were people immediately behind us, but after that there was a wide open area, so the section definitely wasn't full.

The BB seat cushions were cooler-looking than I expected; I was a little jealous! But overall we were very happy with the RBT dining package.

 

[D2Pugs]

[GALLERY=][/GALLERY]Overall I enjoyed the premium RBT package. I definitely would do it again just for the convenience. We didn't have to beat the crowds and being that we arrived at 7:40pm, there was a very minimal wait time.

They started seating at 8:00pm promptly and served drinks with a bread basket shortly after. We had our two tables next to one another and our seating was pre-arranged. I don't know if it was pre-arranged because we had a large party but nonetheless I'm glad they placed us where they did. We were seated in the very back row of tables which meant we were allowed to stand when watching Fantasmic!. This was a plus since we were able to see over everyone siting in front of us and over the foot traffic and spectators down below (Yes, the walkway below the patio is still open and used- sigh). There is a speaker system directly above the patio seating so it is LOUD!! It was so loud that you could not hear the CM's directing traffic below us. So I appreciated that.

The water projections were within view and very visible. I wouldn't say there was anything obstructed about our view besides the traffic down below but then again our tables were right in the center of the patio seating so we had a pretty good angle.

In terms of service, it was spectacular. As we entered the patio for seating we were given a RBT wristband which allowed us to have access inside and outside the patio area. Then our hostess gave everyone in our party a lanyard. There was a portable charging station on our table as well which was a nice touch.
Then our meal started off with drinks and a bread basket. Then the starter was served and then the main entree. Desserts were served right before Fantasmic! began but no one in our party touched their desserts till after the show.

Once Fantasmic! was finished we were also able to see part of the water projections for the fireworks before they were cancelled due to the wind. The fireworks, the few that were lit, however are an obstructed view.

Overall I thought it was a decent package.

 

[onlyoneash]

Great pics guys! So has it been officially confirmed that all BB packages get the seat cushions? Premium and regular F! dining packages? It seems so!

 

[KatieCharlotte]

Did RBT dinner tonight. Kids had three dessert options: butterscotch pudding, chocolate cupcake, or fruit plate. The adult meal was very good, but my four-year-old polished off her two little slivers of chicken, so I'd hate to see what an older kid, like eight or nine, might think of that tiny portion.

We had planned to get to the seating area around 8:15, but the park was so packed/difficult to navigate, and lines were so long, that we decided to head over when we got off the carousel at almost 7:30. We made it over around 7:45-7:50 and were let into a holding area for a few minutes before they actually opened up the seating area. We got a spot right at the railing - next to a pole, but not blocked by it. It was a great spot! There were people immediately behind us, but after that there was a wide open area, so the section definitely wasn't full.

The BB seat cushions were cooler-looking than I expected; I was a little jealous! But overall we were very happy with the RBT dining package.

Thank you for your review. It sounds like they took the feedback they received and expanded the children's menu a bit.

I'm glad to hear that they aren't crowding people into the seating area. That will absolutely make it worth the price for my family.

Does anyone have any idea what would be the latest we could arrive at the seating area for the first show, if we're not worried about having the perfect spot?

 

[Goofy2012]

We are going in August with three kids, the youngest being 7. I can't decide between RBT preferred seating or sitting on the ground closer to the front (BB is unavailable). Not sure Dad will do well sitting on the ground but the view from the tables seems a bit far back. It's been 5 years since we have been to DL and with so many options it's a little overwhelming!

 

[cruisehopeful]

We had our two tables next to one another and our seating was pre-arranged. I don't know if it was pre-arranged because we had a large party but nonetheless I'm glad they placed us where they did.

Did they let you make a large reservation? Or, did you have 2 reservations that were connected? I am asking because I know someone who tried to make a large reservation and she was told she could only book a maximum of 5 people for the RBT 8:00pm seating. She thought they didn't allow large parties, but maybe it was just sold out except for 5.

 

[22Tink]

[GALLERY=][/GALLERY]Overall I enjoyed the premium RBT package. I definitely would do it again just for the convenience. We didn't have to beat the crowds and being that we arrived at 7:40pm, there was a very minimal wait time.

They started seating at 8:00pm promptly and served drinks with a bread basket shortly after. We had our two tables next to one another and our seating was pre-arranged. I don't know if it was pre-arranged because we had a large party but nonetheless I'm glad they placed us where they did. We were seated in the very back row of tables which meant we were allowed to stand when watching Fantasmic!. This was a plus since we were able to see over everyone siting in front of us and over the foot traffic and spectators down below (Yes, the walkway below the patio is still open and used- sigh). There is a speaker system directly above the patio seating so it is LOUD!! It was so loud that you could not hear the CM's directing traffic below us. So I appreciated that.

The water projections were within view and very visible. I wouldn't say there was anything obstructed about our view besides the traffic down below but then again our tables were right in the center of the patio seating so we had a pretty good angle.

In terms of service, it was spectacular. As we entered the patio for seating we were given a RBT wristband which allowed us to have access inside and outside the patio area. Then our hostess gave everyone in our party a lanyard. There was a portable charging station on our table as well which was a nice touch.
Then our meal started off with drinks and a bread basket. Then the starter was served and then the main entree. Desserts were served right before Fantasmic! began but no one in our party touched their desserts till after the show.

Once Fantasmic! was finished we were also able to see part of the water projections for the fireworks before they were cancelled due to the wind. The fireworks, the few that were lit, however are an obstructed view.

Overall I thought it was a decent package.

Thanks for the review and pictures, I'm glad you had a good experience! I'll have my DD9 with me. Do you think she'd be able to see decently? I'm loving the idea of sitting in a chair and not being crammed into a viewing area for the show (why I love the WOC dessert party!) but i want her to be able to see.

 

[gmi3804]

When booking RBT for F online, is there an option to upgrade to the patio seating? Do you have to book the 8:00 slot to be able to upgrade? How is it done?

 

[dec2009mama]

any pictures of kid menu options for all dining would be helpful!!!

 

[22Tink]

When booking RBT for F online, is there an option to upgrade to the patio seating? Do you have to book the 8:00 slot to be able to upgrade? How is it done?

You have to call to book the RBT Premier seating. It cannot be booked online unfortunately!

 

[gmi3804]

You have to call to book the RBT Premier seating. It cannot be booked online unfortunately!

Thanks. What time does the reservations line open at the 60-day mark?

 

[22Tink]

Thanks. What time does the reservations line open at the 60-day mark?

I believe so but not 100% sure on that. We were already well within the 60 day mark when the F! dining packages opened.

 

[Davin_Felth]

I'm glad to hear they're expanding on the kids menu for the RBT. I already figured I was going to end up with butterscotch pudding since the little kids won't eat it and my DW was guessing she just would end up with no dessert. Hopefully after they're done making their adjustments, someone can post a picture of the menu here.

 

[Susie63]

[GALLERY=][/GALLERY]Overall I enjoyed the premium RBT package. I definitely would do it again just for the convenience. We didn't have to beat the crowds and being that we arrived at 7:40pm, there was a very minimal wait time.

They started seating at 8:00pm promptly and served drinks with a bread basket shortly after. We had our two tables next to one another and our seating was pre-arranged. I don't know if it was pre-arranged because we had a large party but nonetheless I'm glad they placed us where they did. We were seated in the very back row of tables which meant we were allowed to stand when watching Fantasmic!. This was a plus since we were able to see over everyone siting in front of us and over the foot traffic and spectators down below (Yes, the walkway below the patio is still open and used- sigh). There is a speaker system directly above the patio seating so it is LOUD!! It was so loud that you could not hear the CM's directing traffic below us. So I appreciated that.

The water projections were within view and very visible. I wouldn't say there was anything obstructed about our view besides the traffic down below but then again our tables were right in the center of the patio seating so we had a pretty good angle.

In terms of service, it was spectacular. As we entered the patio for seating we were given a RBT wristband which allowed us to have access inside and outside the patio area. Then our hostess gave everyone in our party a lanyard. There was a portable charging station on our table as well which was a nice touch.
Then our meal started off with drinks and a bread basket. Then the starter was served and then the main entree. Desserts were served right before Fantasmic! began but no one in our party touched their desserts till after the show.

Once Fantasmic! was finished we were also able to see part of the water projections for the fireworks before they were cancelled due to the wind. The fireworks, the few that were lit, however are an obstructed view.

Overall I thought it was a decent package.

Thank you for the review. I am not able to sit on the ground and this will be perfect for me and my family.

 

[Skyegirl1999]

I'm glad to hear they're expanding on the kids menu for the RBT. I already figured I was going to end up with butterscotch pudding since the little kids won't eat it and my DW was guessing she just would end up with no dessert. Hopefully after they're done making their adjustments, someone can post a picture of the menu here.

The dessert part on the kid side just said "ask about our selection of kids desserts," so it could continue to change and they could just leave that as what's in writing.

 

[Winnowill]

I'm curious about the BB seat cushions. What happens to them after the show? Do CMs collect them back? Or do you keep them? What are they like?

 

[figment_jii]

Thanks. What time does the reservations line open at the 60-day mark?

According to the information on the dining site, the phone lines open at 8:00 am Pacific time. Just note that if you call on the 60-day mark and nothing is available, keep checking because the system doesn't always load right away (it can take anywhere from a few hours to days).

 

[DLtorgo]

Hungry Bear review

We were late checking in at our meal pickup time and it wasn't a problem at all. We chose Salmon which came with a rice pilaf and kale salad. I am not huge on Kale, but I liked the rice and the salmon was a good portion a cooked well. The lemon wedges were quite elderly. Kids had salmon and chicken. The meat portion for the kids was small. They got grapes, the rice, and could chose Kale salad or Goldfish crackers. Adult dinner came with fancy canned soda, which my kids grabbed.

You line up at Harbor Galley (where they serve soup) There were people gathering by 7:20 so they let us into the area at 7:30 even though they said it wouldn't open till 8. Area was standing for the show. there was plenty of space for all but we had to hold our space. You could leave and come back. We were at rail but I didn't realize the tom Sawyer raft sign was right in front of me seeing projections. boo. My kids and Dad had a good view. I would recommend getting spot right at rope dock area. Our view of Mickey and the island was great! People sat as they waited then we had to stand about 30 min before showtime to give room for everyone to get space.

I really liked the show. Next time I would get a regular FP and skip meal, but this worked well for us since it was a one day trip and my Dad was having leg trouble. I brought my own chair pad from home for him to sit on.

Afterwards it was a good fireworks view spot. Unfortunately show was stopped midway through due to high winds.

 

[D2Pugs]

Did they let you make a large reservation? Or, did you have 2 reservations that were connected? I am asking because I know someone who tried to make a large reservation and she was told she could only book a maximum of 5 people for the RBT 8:00pm seating. She thought they didn't allow large parties, but maybe it was just sold out except for 5.

Yes they did allow me to make a reservation for my entire party. But the system only allows you to book 5 people per reservation so the CM had to book two reservations for us and made a note to seat our tables next to one another.