Review: Cheapest Fantasmic Dining Package at Hollywood Studios

The most cost-effective Fantasmic Dining Package at Walt Disney World is on the market at Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant, which gives reserved seating to the reimagined nighttime spectacular at Hollywood Studios. Here’s the way it works, meals images, ideas on the view from the reserved part, our evaluation of whether or not the upcharge is definitely worth the cash, and an general evaluation of the expertise.

In phrases of fundamentals, Fantasmic Dining Packages are again for breakfast, lunch & dinner at DHS. These supply a pay-to-play FastPass with seating in a reserved space for the nighttime spectacular at Walt Disney World. This comes at a value, with these reserving the Fantasmic Dining Package paying a premium over what their meal would value if paying out of pocket.

However, Fantasmic Dining Packages are at present the solely technique to assure a seat on the reimagined nighttime spectacular at DHS. There isn’t any digital queue or Genie+ Lightning Lane. It’s both shopping for a eating bundle or ready within the standby line. Given that Fantasmic has been gone for almost 3 years and there’s a ton of pent-up demand–it’s at all times in style with vacationers, however now locals are desperate to see it for the primary time in a number of years and longtime WDW followers additionally need to try the brand new scenes–that is significantly related.

One large factor to notice, and a supply of confusion amongst Walt Disney World followers, is how to order the Fantasmic Dining Package. Simply making an Advance Dining Reservation for a taking part restaurant is (often) not sufficient. It’s doable the restaurant will can help you convert to a Fantasmic Dining Package upon arrival, however there aren’t any ensures.

The finest follow is making an ADR for the devoted Fantasmic Dining Package. You’ll know you have got the correct factor as a result of it’ll be listed as “Fantasmic Dining Package” within the My Disney Experience app, on disneyworld.com, and in your confirmed ADR.

Here’s what’s included in every Fantasmic! Dining Package at Walt Disney World:

• An entrée and appetizer or dessert at choose full-service eating places or one (1) full buffet (the place relevant), together with a non-alcoholic beverage
• One voucher for assured seating at Fantasmic! in a reserved space

Participating eating places at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and eating bundle costs, which exclude tax and gratuity:

For our Fantasmic Dining Package, we booked Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant. In actuality, we first booked Hollywood & Vine vibrant and early on the morning when Fantasmic Dining Packages first opened up (for the .0002 seconds they have been really obtainable) with the intention to revisit Minnie’s Holiday Dine, however needed to change that ADR because of different journey plans. I assumed I used to be going to have to do that meal solo consequently, and wasn’t significantly eager on doing a personality eating expertise on my own.

Fortunately, Captain America intervened and saved me on the final minute. By that, I imply our good friend Mark Willard–who has made previous appearances on the weblog and is world-renowned for his appearances as Steve Rogers at MNSSHP–took Sarah’s place. Except we did Sci-Fi as a substitute of Minnie’s Holiday Dine. But I digress.

With the pivot to Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant, my plan modified to ordering the costliest appetizer and entree with the intention to display the way to get as a lot bang for buck as doable with the Fantasmic Dining Package. Then I referred to as a last-minute audible because of unexpected circumstances. Which is to say that my abdomen demanded a burger. Suffice to say, I had no say within the matter.

And because it seems, I can merely inform you the way to get the most effective worth for cash out of the Fantasmic Dining Package at Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant: order the Sci-Fi Smoked Wings and Pan-Seared Salmon Pasta. At current, that’ll complete $42 as in comparison with the $49 for the Fantasmic Dining Package. The finish end result with that combo is paying $7 additional for the Fantasmic FastPass, which is the most effective you’re going to do. (We additionally each ordered Coke, however I’d’ve gotten water if that wasn’t included, so I’m ascribing $0 to that. YMMV.)

Instead, Mark ordered the Spinach & Artichoke Dip and Drive-in BBQ Burger; I ordered the Fried Dill Pickles and Feature Film Burger (Signature Burger + shrimp & crab cake, pepper jack cheese, chipotle hollandaise sauce). Save for this newish Feature Film Burger, we’ve commented on all of this stuff in previous evaluations. As for the burger, it was glorious as at all times, however I ended up consuming the seafood cake individually as I didn’t assume it added something to the burger.

If you’re searching for different delicacies suggestions, try our full Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant Review. Since that is merely the traditional menu, I’m not going to fixate on the meals portion of the evaluation. As ought to be clear from its inclusion on our List of the 22 Best Restaurants at Walt Disney World, we’re large followers of Sci-Fi and extremely advocate it. The Fantasmic factor of the eating bundle is the far more pertinent consideration right here.

To that finish, we obtained Fantasmic FastPasses on the finish of our meal with the date and efficiency time listed on them. I suppose technically these aren’t FastPasses as that system has been retired, however that is nonetheless mainly a paper FastPass by a distinct identify.

We have been additionally suggested by our server that if we misplaced the paper not-FastPass, we might both obtain one other or entry into the eating bundle part with our receipt. It’s been a protracted, very long time since we did the Fantasmic Dining Package at Walt Disney World, however that is virtually verbatim what we have been advised earlier this 12 months at Disneyland. In any case, we went virtually instantly from Sci-Fi to the Hollywood Hills Amphitheater, so dropping the paper FastPass throughout that commute would’ve been fairly the spectacular feat.

Otherwise, Fantasmic Dining Packages usually are not a brand new factor, and work precisely the identical as earlier than. Seating on the Hollywood Hills Amphitheater the place Fantasmic is carried out begins (at the very least) 90 minutes previous to the primary efficiency time. As with everybody else, eating bundle friends will enter on Sunset Boulevard subsequent to Beauty and the Beast: Live on Stage.

The Fantasmic Dining Package reserved seating sections are assured till at the very least 25 minutes earlier than the present begins. At that point, Cast Members may start providing open seats to friends with out packages. (In follow, we didn’t see this really occur and aren’t assured it does–it’s only a ‘warning’ on the Fantasmic FastPass.)

There’s loads of signage and Cast Members stationed to direct site visitors and make sure you get to the reserved space. It’s fairly easy–simply comply with the directional signage, with the one one which actually issues being on the seating space itself.

The Fantasmic Dining Package reserved seating areas are the Mickey and Scar sections of the Hollywood Hills Amphitheater. These are actually dead-center, with the most effective views of the stage. While Walt Disney World claims that nice views of Fantasmic can be found wherever within the amphitheater–which is arguably true–that is the middle stage perspective. Mickey Mouse and different characters seem instantly in the course of the stage very often, making this the most effective view. There is actually little question about that.

Seats usually are not assigned, so you may select any open spot within the Mickey or Scar sections.

Of the 2, Mickey is the more-centered part. If you have got choices, I’d say purpose for as near the entrance as doable, and on the Scar facet (moderately than Pocahontas facet) of the Mickey part. Personally, I prefer to be a number of rows again to have clearance over the handrail for images and in addition to be on a straight-plane with the principle stage. That’s in all probability splitting hairs a bit an excessive amount of, although. The backside line is that wherever within the Mickey or Scar sections goes to supply an distinctive view of Fantasmic.

Finally, the core query for many Walt Disney World planners: are the Fantasmic Dining Packages definitely worth the cash? Yes (with an asterisk). 

This is kind of the change in perspective. If you requested me pre-closure whether or not the Fantasmic eating bundle was definitely worth the out-of-pocket value, my reply would’ve been a fast and unequivocal “no.” I’d’ve merely beneficial catching the second present, or hedging your bets with a FastPass+ choice if Fantasmic was actually vital and also you didn’t need to wait or danger it.

Even my present sure comes with an asterisk, but it surely’s nonetheless fairly removed from an unequivocal no. This is partially as a result of Fantasmic is extra in style than ever because of the reimagining…and for good purpose. (Speaking of which, unsure whether or not there’s curiosity in a standalone evaluation of the brand new Fantasmic, but when so, let me know.) It’s additionally partially as a result of there’ll usually be no straightforward options to the eating bundle.

With that stated, I’m going to equivocate a bit right here as a result of it’s not a hard-and-fast rule. I’d say that 90% of the time, the eating bundle is price the additional $7 to $15 per individual. The time you’ll save ready within the standby line plus the superior view weighed in opposition to the present lack of options for guaranteeing an important view with out the trouble make {that a} fairly straightforward conclusion.

The remaining 10% of the time, chances are you’ll not want the eating bundle for an important spot with minimal effort. For instance, on the evening that we did the Fantasmic Dining Package, there have been two performances of Fantasmic. Second showings have been added for a lot of the vacation season and early 2023 because of elevated early-on demand for Fantasmic, which noticed crushing crowds overwhelming Sunset Boulevard.

For many dates throughout peak seasons, these second showings are completely essential. This explicit evening, not a lot. The far left and proper (Hades/Beast and Ursula/Witch) sections by no means stuffed up, and there have been loads of openings in different prime viewing areas, as nicely. In reality, we have been capable of snag spots within the Mickey part just a few rows behind our earlier reserved spot lower than quarter-hour earlier than showtime.

While this will likely be doable infrequently, the issue lies in precisely and persistently predicting when it is going to happen. (You may not have a lot luck guessing accurately 60+ days out.) It’s probably that Walt Disney World will get higher about scheduling second showings of Fantasmic solely as demand dictates, that means low-crowd days like this could solely have one displaying all through 2023.

Another chance is that Fantasmic will obtain a Lightning Lane, that means that those that buy the Genie+ service will have the ability to e-book reserved seating through that paid FastPass choice. The issues with which might be two-fold. First, it doesn’t but exist. Second, even as soon as it does, which means selecting Fantasmic over one other Lightning Lane in DHS, which is already a aggressive park for Genie Plus.

Given that Fantasmic Dining Packages e-book up virtually immediately after they’re launched, I’d not advocate rolling the cube on any of this. Sure, a second present may be added to your date that may be much less crowded, or Genie+ may be a viable various, however there aren’t any ensures. And even when a type of choices does pan out, it’s not with out danger or draw back.

Even on the evening we did the second displaying of Fantasmic with ease, there was a possibility value. We might’ve achieved Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance or Slinky Dog Dash with wait instances of 40 minutes or much less. Other points of interest have been undoubtedly walk-ons at that time, too.

This weblog spends lots of time warning in opposition to falling sufferer to the FOMO machine or that mentality. There are so many upcharges which might be in extraordinarily low provide, and this shortage leads to packages promoting out regardless of larger worth factors. That will be confused for reputation or high quality, which is usually not the case. Dessert events, we’re you!

Unlike dessert events, the Fantasmic Dining Package is just not a type of cases. For most guests who could be doing a desk service meal at Disney’s Hollywood Studios regardless, the Fantasmic Dining Package is definitely worth the cash for the superior view and time-savings.

With that stated, it’s additionally not the tip of the world when you can’t afford the eating bundle or get shut out. The Hollywood Hills Amphitheater seats 6,900 friends with extra standing room for about 3,000 friends. That’s a large quantity, and one which’ll permit a great share of all friends in Disney’s Hollywood Studios to see Fantasmic.

There’s no query that the Mickey and Scar sections supply the most effective views of Fantasmic. However, until you’re an obsessive photographer who may be very explicit about views, there are a selection of sections that’ll be ‘good enough’ for you. The purpose-built venue for Fantasmic makes it a lot simpler to see–the amphitheater and present have been kind of designed so that each one seats supply satisfactory or above views.

Ultimately, the Fantasmic! Dining Package is nicely definitely worth the premium per individual pricing for almost all of Walt Disney World friends, and is an objectively higher use of your trip price range for bonuses or add-ons than absolutely anything else. The time and complications saved plus the consolation of the reserved space and avoiding the chaos of the standby part makes this cash nicely spent.

That’s not true of each Walt Disney World upcharge providing, and definitely not of most different nighttime spectacular reserved viewing or dessert events. Of course, that is topic to vary. It’s probably that the ‘new nighttime spectacular smell’ will put on off Fantasmic in some unspecified time in the future in 2023, or it’ll be added to the Genie+ service. If or when these issues occur, the value-calculus might change.

For now, we’d advocate reserving a Fantasmic Dining Package as quickly as doable as soon as your ADR window opens. You can at all times cancel nearer to your journey dates if it doesn’t seem to be it’ll be essential, however you virtually definitely will be unable to e-book a Fantasmic Dining Package to your Walt Disney World journey on the final minute.

Planning a Walt Disney World journey? Learn about accommodations on our Walt Disney World Hotels Reviews web page. For the place to eat, learn our Walt Disney World Restaurant Reviews. To lower your expenses on tickets or decide which sort to purchase, learn our Tips for Saving Money on Walt Disney World Tickets publish. Our What to Pack for Disney Trips publish takes a singular take a look at intelligent gadgets to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Ride Guides will assist. For complete recommendation, the most effective place to start out is our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide for every part it’s worthwhile to know!

Your Thoughts

Will you be reserving a Fantasmic eating bundle? Thoughts on doing Sci-Fi for the most cost effective meal versus “upgrading” to a costlier restaurant? Is it definitely worth the surcharge to ensure that you simply’ll have a spot within the Hollywood Hills Amphitheater to see the nighttime spectacular? Have you achieved any of those eating packages up to now? Was it definitely worth the cash? Do you agree or disagree with our evaluation? Any questions? Hearing your suggestions—even once you disagree with us—is each fascinating to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas beneath within the feedback!