Articles | Disneyland | Walt Disney World
Page 1 of 5 1 2 3 ... LastLast
Results 1 to 25 of 103

Thread: Fantasmic Fastpass: The Guide

  1. #1
    Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix
    MousePad Moderator
    MousePad Administrator
    MousePlanet Staff
    AVP's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2001
    Location
    Happy Homeowner
    Blog Entries
    264

    Fantasmic Fastpass: The Guide

    This will run on MousePlanet tomorrow, but I'm also posting it here as a sticky thread for future reference.

    Disneyland's Fantasmic has been upgraded to include new effects and technology several times since it debuted in 1992, but a small piece of paper may represent the biggest change in the show's history.

    Starting December 12, 2014, Fantasmic will move to a Fastpass system similar to the one used for the World of Color show in Disney California Adventure. With Fastpass comes a new Fantasmic Dining Package program, with four different options ranging from a grab-and-go picnic at Aladdin's Oasis, to a new 3-course table service dinner offering at River Belle Terrace.

    All together, there will be 6 different ways to see Fantasmic, and as many as 6 different viewing areas. The workings of this new program are so detailed that Disney published a 6-page guide for cast members, including answers to 44 likely questions from guests.

    Reservations for the new dining offerings begin online via Disneyland.com on Tuesday, November 12, so you have just a few days to figure out how best to see Fantasmic if you're planning a visit during the holiday season. We've prepared this guide to help you navigate the options and make the best plan for your visit. Please note that some details are not yet finalized, and we'll update this information as soon as new information becomes available.

    Starting from most-expensive and working down to the no-charge options, here are the six new ways to see Fantasmic at Disneyland after December 12, 2014, along with some general notes that apply to all viewing areas:

    1) Reserve a Fantasmic dinner package at the Blue Bayou

    The new Fantasmic dining package at the Blue Bayou is a 3-course prix fix meal, with your choice of starter, entree and dessert. The package includes all of the entrees from the normal Blue Bayou dinner menu. Dinner service begins at 4 p.m. The restaurant will also accept regular (non Fantasmic dining) reservations.

    This location can accommodate many dietary restrictions be sure to note your restrictions when you make the reservation, and ask to speak with a manager or chef when you arrive to discuss specifics.

    The cost is $61 for adults, $23 for ages 3-9. Tax and gratuity are not included. Premium and Premier passholders receive a 15% discount; all other passes receive a 10% discount.

    Guests who book this package are expected to be assigned to the best viewing area, and are given a souvenir Fantasmic cushion to sit on during the show.

    2) Reserve a Fantasmic dinner package at the River Belle Terrace


    Starting December 12, River Belle Terrace will debut a new offering for Fantasmic dining packages. The restaurant will cease counter-service service at 2 p.m., and will reopen at 3 p.m. as a table service operation. The restaurant will offer a three-course prix fix Fantasmic dinner, including starter, entree and dessert.

    Bread service

    Starter choice of:
    • Mixed greens
    • Corn chowder


    Entree choice of:
    • New York strip steak and Cajun shrimp skewer
    • Rosemary grilled chicken breast
    • Hand-topped pasta Primavera


    Dessert choice of:
    • Caramel apple pie
    • Chocolate cake


    The children's menu includes:

    Starter vegetable crudits with ranch dressing

    Entree choice of:
    • New York strip steak
    • Rosemary grilled chicken breast
    • Macaroni and cheese


    Dessert choice of:
    • Cupcake
    • Fruit skewer


    This location can accommodate many dietary restrictions be sure to note your restrictions when you make the reservation, and ask to speak with a manager or chef when you arrive to discuss specifics.

    The cost is $41.99 for adults, $22.99 for ages 3-9. Tax and gratuity are not included. Premium and Premier passholders receive a 15% discount; all other passes receive a 10% discount.

    Guests who book this package will be in a different viewing area than those who book the Blue Bayou package, and do not receive the souvenir Fantasmic cushion. Subject to availability, you may also request to remain in the River Belle Terrace seating area and watch the show from your table.

    3) Reserve the Fantasmic Dessert Experience at the Hungry Bear Restaurant

    This new offering includes a plated dessert assortment, live entertainment, and a separate reserved viewing area for Fantasmic.

    The dessert assortment includes snack-sized portions of 8-layer Ghirardelli chocolate cake, chocolate opera cake, coconut macaroons, Madeleine cookies with dipping sauces, a chocolate truffle and a chocolate Sorcerer Mickey disc.

    The package also includes your choice of hot coffee or hot cocoa, plus a "seasonal favorite" beverage.

    A gluten-free dessert option will be offered upon request be sure to note your request when you make your reservation. At this time, there are no plans for a sugar-free option, but that may change if there is enough demand.

    The cost is $29.99 for ages 3 and up, and tax and gratuity are included. Premium and Premier passholders receive a 15% discount; all other passes receive a 10% discount.

    Each dessert service begins 90 minutes before show time. Guests who book this package will be escorted to a separate reserved viewing area for Fantasmic prior to the show, and will not be seated with the Blue Bayou or River Belle Terrace customers.

    4) Reserve a Fantasmic On the Go meal at Aladdin's Oasis


    Similar to the World of Color picnics, the On the Go meal at Aladdin's Oasis offers a more flexible option for those who don't want to devote the time or money to one of the table service options.

    Aladdin's Oasis will be open from Noon to 7 p.m. on Fantasmic nights, and customers select a pick up time when they make their reservation. Limited seating is available include Aladdin's Oasis, or you can take your On the Go meal to any counter service restaurant seating area.

    Adult entree options include choice of:
    • Herb marinated chicken breast with vegetables
    • Lasagna Bolognese
    • Vegetarian lasagna


    Adult meals are served with mixed greens, a dinner roll and marble cheesecake for dessert. The package includes choice of beverage.

    Children's entree options include choice of:
    • Grilled chicken
    • Spaghetti
    • Macaroni and cheese


    Children's meals are served with vegetables and a cookie. The package includes choice of beverage.

    This location can accommodate many dietary restrictions be sure to note your restrictions when you make the reservation, and ask to speak with a manager or chef when you arrive to discuss specifics.

    The cost is $19.99 for adults, $13.99 for ages 3-9. Tax and gratuity are not included. Premium and Premier passholders receive a 15% discount; all other passes receive a 10% discount.

    Guests who purchase this package will receive a Fastpass ticket for the show, but we do not know if there is a separate section reserved for the Aladdin's package, or if they will be mixed with the general Fastpass viewing.

    5) Get a Fastpass the day you wish to see the show

    Fastpass tickets will be distributed along Big Thunder Trail starting at park opening. Tickets will be distributed while supplies last, or up to one hour before show time., whichever comes first. The tickets will indicate the show time, return time and assigned viewing section.

    As with World of Color, Fastpass distribution will begin with the first show. When those tickets are distributed, tickets for the second show will become available.

    Your park ticket must have been used for admission before you can get a Fastpass ticket. This means you can't send one member of the family in to get Fastpass tickets for everyone, while the rest of the family sleeps in at the hotel. Likewise, passholders can not get Fastpass tickets for their entire family unless everyone has already entered the park. However, so long as all tickets and passes have been used for admission that day, you can send a runner to get tickets for your entire group.

    The Fantasmic Fastpass is not linked to the Resort Fastpass system, and will not prevent you from collecting another Fastpass immediately.

    6) Wait for a standby spot

    A standby section near River Belle Terrace will provide "limited standby viewing" for people without a Fastpass ticket. This viewing area will open at the same time the reserved Fastpass areas open for each show.

    Note: Disney will clear the entire Fantasmic viewing area before each show, so you no longer have the option of arriving hours before the show and camping out for a spot.

    General notes:

    • The Fastpass system is in place for the first two showings of Fantasmic each day. If a third show is scheduled or added, the entire viewing area is open on a first-come, first-serve basis.
    • In the event the showing of Fantasmic for which you hold a Fastpass ticket is cancelled, you may not use that ticket for another show time or date. This applies to dining package tickets as well.
    • Children under 3 do not need a Fastpass ticket.
    • Dining package customers can select their preferred show time. when you make your reservation.
    • As with the World of Color packages, there is no refund of your dining package in the event your scheduled performance of Fantasmic is cancelled.
    • Dining packages can be booked via Disneyland.com, or by calling 714-781-DINE, starting November 12.
    • Same-day reservations may be made, subject to availability, up to one hour in advance via Disneyland.com or by calling 714-781-DINE.
    • Same-day walk up reservations may also be made at Blue Bayou, River Belle Terrace and Aladdin's Oasis, based on availability.
    • Walk-up reservations are no offered for the Hungry Bear dessert package, so be sure to make those in advance.
    • A credit card is required to reserve one of the dining packages, and there is a $10 per-person cancellation fee if you cancel the reservation less than 24 hours in advance, or no-show for your reservation.


    I have a Fastpass - now what?


    Your Fastpass will include your assigned viewing area, show time., and return time. You will also be told when and where to line up before the show. The earlier you join the line, the earlier you will enter the viewing area and the better your chance of grabbing a better spot.

    We expect that Big Thunder Trail area will be used as the return queue for Fantasmic. The smoking section currently located along the trail will be moved closer to Fantasyland as part of this new program.

    Sitting or Standing?

    One of the things we've noticed is careful wording about sitting and standing, making it seem that there will be some standing-only sections for Fantasmic. Disney spokesperson Erin Glover confirmed this in a reply posted on the Disney Parks Blog article about the new offering, saying, "Some viewing areas offer seating on the ground, while others are standing-only sections."

    At this time, the only thing we know for certain is that the Blue Bayou package will have a ground-seating area, as that package comes with a souvenir cushion. However, Glover also said, "Guests with special needs will be accommodated on an individual basis," so be sure to speak with the cast members in your assigned area for assistance.
    If you're the smartest person in the room, you're in the wrong room.

    MousePlanet CEO, writer and photographer. Foster and Adoptive Mom. Owner of MouseShoppe and CharmingShoppe. Long-distance walker. Not in that order. In my spare time, I try to sleep.

  2. # ADS

    Join Date
    Location
    Posts
     

  3. #2
    The Hollywood Chain Gang CariBelle's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2005
    Location
    Bakersfield, CA

    Thank you AVP! If our trip goes as planned we will be at DLR December 14-16 so this was causing a bit of stress in my planning.


  4. #3

    Does option 3 really include tax and gratuity?

    Reluctant Runner
    1st Place Advanced: Ready Player One, Spring 2015 =====Now Masters=====
    2nd Place Advanced: Sugar Rush, Fall 2014
    1st Place Basic: Deuces Wild, Spring 2014
    1st Place Basic: Mouseadventure 365, Fall 2013

  5. #4

    To quote Lord Vader....

    "Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo oooooooooooo"

    I love Fantasmic, but I don't want to buy a meal to see it or do yet another FP run!

    Sorry for the vent...


  6. #5

    so, which option has chairs? we need the chairs for those in our party who have physical problems with either standing for long periods or sitting on the ground. one of them may need a scooter this trip. The dessert box seating was perfect for us.

    -I'm not bad, I'm just drawn that way-


  7. #6
    CL--DLR Trip Planning and DVC Toocherie's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
    Location
    15 minutes from Disneyland!

    I don't believe there is an option with chairs any longer (sadly). I'm sure there will be ADA-accessible areas where someone on a scooter or in a wheelchair could stay seated. Otherwise, I think the only other option would be to get a reservation at RiverBelle Terrace late in the window and stay seated there (although the view wouldn't be as good)

    "Let me never fall into the vulgar mistake of dreaming that I am persecuted whenever I am contradicted." -- Ralph Waldo Emerson

  8. #7
    The Hollywood Chain Gang CariBelle's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2005
    Location
    Bakersfield, CA

    I have a reservation at RiverBelle Terrace for 7:50 PM on 12/14 as of right now. I need to talk with BF to see if he would rather do the dessert party since they indicate there will be a gluten free option.


  9. #8
    Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix
    MousePad Moderator
    MousePad Administrator
    MousePlanet Staff
    AVP's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2001
    Location
    Happy Homeowner
    Blog Entries
    264
    Quote Originally Posted by SteveMartin View Post
    Does option 3 really include tax and gratuity?
    According to Disney, yes.

  10. #9

    Has anyone seen a map of the sections yet?

    The secret of life is enjoying the passage of time.
    - James Taylor

  11. #10

    Maybe it's just me but the new changes for Fantasmic are a little confusing and a little overwhelming. We will be there during the Christmas week and was hoping to do the original dessert package. If I am right that doesn't exist any more. Is that right?


  12. #11
    Quote Originally Posted by disneyis4us View Post
    Maybe it's just me but the new changes for Fantasmic are a little confusing and a little overwhelming. We will be there during the Christmas week and was hoping to do the original dessert package. If I am right that doesn't exist any more. Is that right?
    That is correct. Option #3 above is the closest thing, however no chair seating and the desert party is to be prior to the show at the Hungry Bear Restaurant . We have reservations for the Blue Bayou dinner package the first night they start this. Might be a mistake trying this the first night, but it should be interesting to say the least.
    There are no perfect men in this world-Only perfect intentions

  13. #12

    Fantasmic Fastpass: The Guide

    3) Reserve the Fantasmic Dessert Experience at the Hungry Bear Restaurant

    This new offering includes a plated dessert assortment, live entertainment, and a separate reserved viewing area for Fantasmic.

    The dessert assortment includes snack-sized portions of 8-layer Ghirardelli chocolate cake, chocolate opera cake, coconut macaroons, Madeleine cookies with dipping sauces, a chocolate truffle and a chocolate Sorcerer Mickey disc.

    The package also includes your choice of hot coffee or hot cocoa, plus a "seasonal favorite" beverage.

    A gluten-free dessert option will be offered upon request be sure to note your request when you make your reservation. At this time, there are no plans for a sugar-free option, but that may change if there is enough demand.

    The cost is $29.99 for ages 3 and up, and tax and gratuity are included. Premium and Premier passholders receive a 15% discount; all other passes receive a 10% discount.

    Each dessert service begins 90 minutes before show time. Guests who book this package will be escorted to a separate reserved viewing area for Fantasmic prior to the show, and will not be seated with the Blue Bayou or River Belle Terrace customers.
    This says "guests who book this package will be escorted to a separate reserved viewing area for Fantasmic." Does this mean they will be sitting in chairs, sitting on the ground? Would love to reserve this for my in laws but there is no way they can sit on the ground.
    Last edited by Drince88; 11-21-2014 at 03:39 AM.

  14. #13
    Ready for MA World Explorers! Drince88's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2003
    Location
    N.O. LA
    Blog Entries
    5

    I don't think we'll know which areas will be 'sitting in the ground only' 'standing only' or'both options'. I'm doubting there will be any chair seating with any option, but that's a non-expert reading between the lines!

    Cathy

  15. #14
    At home in the hills candles71's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    foresthill Ca

    Considering the most expensive option nets you a cushion for the ground, I don't think anyone is getting chairs.


  16. #15
    Quote Originally Posted by candles71 View Post
    Considering the most expensive option nets you a cushion for the ground, I don't think anyone is getting chairs.
    To me, $61.99 for the BB package seems like a bargain. Although my wife and I will miss the chair seating, a really nice dinner with desert for about the same price as the previous desert package (After AP discount that didn't apply on the previous desert package) seems like a really good value.
    There are no perfect men in this world-Only perfect intentions

  17. #16
    At home in the hills candles71's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    foresthill Ca

    Well, when you look at it that direction, I suppose the value increases. I just know the last time we went to BB, 4 of us had dinner for $140. So $120 for 2 sounds outrageous to me.


  18. #17
    Quote Originally Posted by candles71 View Post
    Well, when you look at it that direction, I suppose the value increases. I just know the last time we went to BB, 4 of us had dinner for $140. So $120 for 2 sounds outrageous to me.
    Well-If you ordered one of the lower cost entrees you are correct-The package may not be a good value then. If you already know you're going to order one of the more expensive entrees like the filet or surf&turn and add the cost of a desert and drink, then it's only a few extra bucks you're paying for the premium sitting spot. Not to mention how much time I used to spend waiting in line to sign-in and get the spots we wanted with the previous desert package. (Big time saver)
    There are no perfect men in this world-Only perfect intentions

  19. #18

    Yikes! This is exactly what I was worried about. They took away the option of sitting at the River Belle Terrace during the show without extorting more money out of you. I mean, yes, you still had to buy food, but not spend a prescribed amount. Unfortunately, I saw that one coming.

    Not letting people camp out hours before the show congesting the area sounds like an improvement though.

    We'll have to examine our options. Don't think that we will be experiencing overwhelming crowds on our visit, so we should be able to find an option that works for us.

    Thank you for the info. to aid in our planning.


  20. #19

    Anybody know what happens if you purchase a dining package and the Fantasmic performance is cancelled due to rain? We have reservations for Friday the 12th, and it's looking like this is a possibility.


    Guess I should have read the fine print before posting this.

    Anyway: Fantasmic! may be cancelled due to technical or weather issues without notice. No refunds or exchanges will be available, even if the show is cancelled.

    I wonder if they might be willing to at least exchange a first showing ticket for the later show if only the first one was cancelled?

    There are no perfect men in this world-Only perfect intentions

  21. #20
    Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix
    MousePad Moderator
    MousePad Administrator
    MousePlanet Staff
    AVP's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2001
    Location
    Happy Homeowner
    Blog Entries
    264
    Quote Originally Posted by GrumpyGoofyGuy View Post
    Anybody know what happens if you purchase a dining package and the Fantasmic performance is cancelled due to rain? We have reservations for Friday the 12th, and it's looking like this is a possibility.


    Guess I should have read the fine print before posting this.

    Anyway: Fantasmic! may be cancelled due to technical or weather issues without notice. No refunds or exchanges will be available, even if the show is cancelled.

    I wonder if they might be willing to at least exchange a first showing ticket for the later show if only the first one was cancelled?
    No. No refunds, no exchanges, even the same night.

    Buyer beware.
    If you're the smartest person in the room, you're in the wrong room.

    MousePlanet CEO, writer and photographer. Foster and Adoptive Mom. Owner of MouseShoppe and CharmingShoppe. Long-distance walker. Not in that order. In my spare time, I try to sleep.

  22. #21

    Isn't it considered a dining reservation though, so if on Thursday you believe the show isn't going to happen, you could cancel and not be charged?


  23. #22
    Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix
    MousePad Moderator
    MousePad Administrator
    MousePlanet Staff
    AVP's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2001
    Location
    Happy Homeowner
    Blog Entries
    264
    Quote Originally Posted by ttig34 View Post
    Isn't it considered a dining reservation though, so if on Thursday you believe the show isn't going to happen, you could cancel and not be charged?
    I believe so, yes. But check before you book, just be be sure.
    If you're the smartest person in the room, you're in the wrong room.

    MousePlanet CEO, writer and photographer. Foster and Adoptive Mom. Owner of MouseShoppe and CharmingShoppe. Long-distance walker. Not in that order. In my spare time, I try to sleep.

  24. #23

    Please note: All reservations require a credit card guarantee. If you wish to cancel your reservation, you must do so at least 24 hours prior to the reservation time to avoid a $10 per-person charge. This charge will also apply to “no shows.”


    I wonder if you would still get the Fantasmic seat cushion? (If you had purchased the BB package)

    There are no perfect men in this world-Only perfect intentions

  25. #24

    So how well is this working? Does anyone recommend the B.B. Dinner option as having the best view? How hard is it to see from the river belle terrace option? Can you sit in any section but the BB section? Planning to go at the end of jan. LL

    -I'm not bad, I'm just drawn that way-


  26. #25

    Also wondering how this is working. Mostly interested just in the regular fast pass option. Has anyone done this yet?


Bookmarks

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •