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Suzie Minnie
07-19-2007, 07:51 PM
We did the Fantasmic Balcony seating on our first day at Disney. On our third day, I decided to go to City Hall and give my first Disney complaint ever, which to me is a big deal.
I estimate that I have been to Disney over 150 times including Disneyland, Disney World and Disney cruises.
Our table was the size of a plant stand, which we had to share with 2 strangers. We were placed in the 2nd row (even though we were the 2nd group to arrive). We were so packed in that I had a choice of putting my right foot down or seeing Fantasmic. I kept kicking the "plant stand" which caused my cocoa to spill everywhere. The 2nd row was playing musical chairs (in an attempt to see) and had to stand to view the show. Very poor organization for $60 a head. HIGHLY, HIGHLY disappointed. At first we thought we’d forget about our hour of misery, but on our third day we decided to complain at City Hall. Fantasmic Balcony seating was by far my worst Disney experience ever. For our misery, they gave us one free fastpass!! That made the situation worse as far as I was concerned! What an insult! You can get fastpasses free anyways. Since I was in a wheelchair, we didn’t need them anyways.
The rest of our trip was absolutely wonderful, thankfully. Especially the Vineyard Room. I have been looking for recipes for The Vineyard Room and I cannot find them. Does anyone else know where I can get them from?

Suzie Minnie
07-19-2007, 07:57 PM
I would like to add that if I could have stood for the entire show (which I could not - hence the wheelchair) I wouldn't have been kicking my "plant stand" with my right foot. They should not call this balcony "seating" b/c half of the people cannot sit, if they want to see the show that is. Shame on you Disney! I wouldn't recommend that mess to anyone! If we had wanted to stand for the show, we wouldn't have paid $60 each.
I would like to add that our servers were wonderful, especially Brad. They seemed frustrated in how to help us but since we were crammed in there like sardines, where else could they place us? If they placed everyone back (instead of having 2 rows) have one giant semi-circle, everyone would be able to see.

Suzie Minnie
07-19-2007, 09:17 PM
Even though I already submitted a written and verbal complaint at City Hall, I e-mailed them the exact same complaint I wrote on Mousepad. I will keep everyone updated. 100% disappointment!!!

Suzie Minnie
07-19-2007, 10:02 PM
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Malcon10t
07-19-2007, 11:20 PM
Most people really enjoy Balcony, but I am one who prefers the Riverside for exactly the reasons you state. The area is cramped and claustrophobic to me, but to others it is romantic. Sadly, balcony will be no more after July 31st, so there will be more competing with me for Riverside now.
ETA - You will get a reply in about 3-5 days, they always send an auto reply.

Suzie Minnie
07-19-2007, 11:32 PM
Well, the entire 2nd row was complaining so I know we aren't alone here. Maybe that is why they are canceling this mess?

Honestly, it was so terrible that I am not sure I ever want to see Fantasmic again. I used to love that show but I don't want Fantasmic Balcony Seating memories. On r last 2days at Disney we made sure we were at CA Adven. or in places where we couldn't see Fantasmic.

Those people that love it must have had seats where they could see the show. I have never been so disappointed with anything Disney in my life.

pooh0200
07-20-2007, 05:35 AM
Just a quick question was your server Brad a big guy with glasses and blond hair????? If so he is one of our friends from here in Utah and he is awesome. I could see why you had good service from him. If it was not him. I am still glad you had good service. To bad the space stunk.

anniedg
07-20-2007, 06:22 AM
What a drag, for $60 a piece too! I'll be interested to hear Disney's response. We'll hopefully get to go to DL next summer, but likely just for a couple of days so I'm considering doing preferred seating because we really won't have time to stake out a spot. Malcon10t it sounds like this sort of thing is less likely in Riverside seating, is that right?

DangerMouse
07-20-2007, 06:49 AM
What a disappointment for you. I'm sorry you experienced that. Have you ever viewed F! from the area for people with GAC? They usually have a pretty nice spot reserved for wheelchairs.

TikiTiki
07-20-2007, 07:43 AM
What a drag, for $60 a piece too! I'll be interested to hear Disney's response. We'll hopefully get to go to DL next summer, but likely just for a couple of days so I'm considering doing preferred seating because we really won't have time to stake out a spot. Malcon10t it sounds like this sort of thing is less likely in Riverside seating, is that right?

I can't speak for Malcon10t but as for us, we use Riverfront seating each and everytime we go to Disneyland to see Fantasmic. Never ever had a problem with space. The view is terrific. Once a guest had some balloons, a bunch to be exact, and they plopped themselves righ down in front of the Riverfront seating section. A couple CMs went over right away and the balloon holder was moved to another spot.

First time we did the Riverfront seating we got little goodie boxes full of desserts and they would bring over whatever drinks you wanted.

For the last four times at least, it's been a dessert buffet table and it's nicely laid out. They are always very atttentive when it comes to bringing your beverages. Really can't say enough about how great they've been Riverfront side.

Oh, as an aside, I've been there enough to see how they handle wheelchair bound guests. Remarkably well! Always let in first and there is plenty of room for the wheel chair guest and their companions!

JMHO but I love Riverfront!

..just wanted to add that while the view is a little off to the left, it's close enough to see nice details on the lovely floats and feel the heat of the fire, too. The luxury of not having to fight for space or WAIT for hours for it either, makes it all worth it for Us!

Malcon10t
07-20-2007, 07:44 AM
Our table was the size of a plant stand, which we had to share with 2 strangers. We were placed in the 2nd row (even though we were the 2nd group to arrive).I just want to clarify, seating is arranged by when you call and not when you arrive. If you call in first, you will be assigned seats 1-2. It sounds like you got thru towards the end of the tickets, thus why you got the seats you did. Also, they always seat 4 to a table. They don't have room for more tables.

From what I understand, they don't intend to bring Balcony seating back. It will all be Riverside now.

WifeyMommy
07-20-2007, 09:35 AM
The first time I paid for river seating for only my husband. He wanted to get a "perfect" Fantasmic video for once and I thought it would be easy. They seated him right in front of a lighting pole! His video was cut in half :eek: The second time we decided to do it so we could have a reserved seat without having to camp out starting with a blanket sized space and getting reduced to a postage stamp by the time the show starts LOL. We were in the second row and the kids ended up sitting on our laps 8,4,1 so their seats were sort of a loss. By the end of the show strangers were sitting in our $50.00 seats. My suggestion is ride splash mountain and haunted mansion while the crowds line up and when you exit HM you can get a pretty good view from the bricks near the river rafts. And take the train to someplace quiet like Tomorrow land and avoid the Fantasmic let out at all cost! Especially with a wheel chair or stroller. GOOD LUCK

JoeCool
07-20-2007, 09:37 AM
We did the Fantasmic Balcony seating on our first day at Disney. On our third day, I decided to go to City Hall and give my first Disney complaint ever, which to me is a big deal.
I estimate that I have been to Disney over 150 times including Disneyland, Disney World and Disney cruises.
Our table was the size of a plant stand, which we had to share with 2 strangers. We were placed in the 2nd row (even though we were the 2nd group to arrive). We were so packed in that I had a choice of putting my right foot down or seeing Fantasmic. I kept kicking the "plant stand" which caused my cocoa to spill everywhere. The 2nd row was playing musical chairs (in an attempt to see) and had to stand to view the show. Very poor organization for $60 a head. HIGHLY, HIGHLY disappointed. At first we thought we’d forget about our hour of misery, but on our third day we decided to complain at City Hall. Fantasmic Balcony seating was by far my worst Disney experience ever. For our misery, they gave us one free fastpass!! That made the situation worse as far as I was concerned! What an insult! You can get fastpasses free anyways. Since I was in a wheelchair, we didn’t need them anyways.
The rest of our trip was absolutely wonderful, thankfully. Especially the Vineyard Room. I have been looking for recipes for The Vineyard Room and I cannot find them. Does anyone else know where I can get them from?


It seems that closing the Balcony viewing is a mixed blessing. There always seems to be customer service issues associated with it. Disney should have always booked a smaller amount of people for each viewing so each guest has some reasonable comfort space.

Suzie Minnie
07-20-2007, 09:44 AM
Pooh, that was him and he was awesome.

Suzie Minnie
07-20-2007, 09:50 AM
I booked the Fantasmic Balcony seating before I had any idea I would be in a wheelchair. I thought that I would be OK to walk the park for 3 days but I was in denial. I hope that I won't have to do Disney in a chair again, not that there is anything wrong with it. I just hope my medical issues improve. So, no I have never viewed Fantasmic in the chair space.

I will let you know what Disney's response is once I hear from them.

JoeCool
07-20-2007, 09:56 AM
I booked the Fantasmic Balcony seating before I had any idea I would be in a wheelchair. I thought that I would be OK to walk the park for 3 days but I was in denial. I hope that I won't have to do Disney in a chair again, not that there is anything wrong with it. I just hope my medical issues improve. So, no I have never viewed Fantasmic in the chair space.

I will let you know what Disney's response is once I hear from them.

I recommend writing via regular USPS mail to Disneyland Guest Relations. Whenever I have had issues, I wrote to them and got a written and positive response.

dawnid
07-20-2007, 09:57 AM
I'm sorry you had such a rotten experience. I've always really enjoyed the balcony. I've been at least 6 times and only had the second row once. It is a very small place to set up a dessert & beverage bar plus seating.

dougeebear
07-20-2007, 10:38 AM
Well, the entire 2nd row was complaining so I know we aren't alone here. Maybe that is why they are canceling this mess?



No, they are cancelling Balcony Reserved Seating because they are kicking out the Gallery and turning it into a Cinderella Suite for the Year of a Million Dreams promotion.

Burnt Toast
07-20-2007, 10:40 AM
Well, the entire 2nd row was complaining so I know we aren't alone here. Maybe that is why they are canceling this mess?

Honestly, it was so terrible that I am not sure I ever want to see Fantasmic again. I used to love that show but I don't want Fantasmic Balcony Seating memories. On r last 2days at Disney we made sure we were at CA Adven. or in places where we couldn't see Fantasmic.

Those people that love it must have had seats where they could see the show. I have never been so disappointed with anything Disney in my life.

Don't you think you're overreacting just a tad to "never want to see Fantasmic" again because of one incident?

... and the reason why the balcony is closing is because the Gallery is being turned into a hotel suite. Yah, I know. A hotel suite to give away during the extended "Year of a Million Dreams".

KDR
07-20-2007, 10:49 AM
No, they are cancelling Balcony Reserved Seating because they are kicking out the Gallery and turning it into a Cinderella Suite for the Year of a Million Dreams promotion.

Actually, in the pursuit of accuracy, I think they used "Cinderella Suite" so as to compare it with the suite in the castle at WDW's Magic Kingdom as a quick association for a place that will allow guests to stay overnight inside the park. That's not the actual name they'll be using. The names I've seen bandied about for the Gallery space are the "Disney Family Suite" and the "Walt Disney Suite."

Then again, to the best of my knowledge there have been no formal announcements on what will be taking over the Gallery space.

Suzie Minnie
07-20-2007, 11:31 AM
I meant again on that same trip. Sorry to clairfy, I didn't mean "ever" as in forever.

Suzie Minnie
07-20-2007, 12:17 PM
Pooh,

Well, the Disney people know that we received great service from Brad b/c I mentioned it in my complaint about balcony seating. So, hopefully he will hear about it from his boss.

Susan

anniedg
07-20-2007, 12:31 PM
Thanks for all the information TikiTiki and WifeyMommy!!
I go back and forth on how to handle F! at DL, but I think riverside seating sounds worth a try for us this next trip if we can work it in the budget.

10-97
07-20-2007, 01:29 PM
Suzie,

I'm sorry you had a bad experience at the Fantasmic balcony seating.

We only did it once, back when guests were seated based on when they arrived at the gallery to wait in line. I made it a point to get there early, and we were first to be seated. The gallery castmembers were great.

We had a nice view from the first row, but I remember thinking that the second row had some obstructed views, cramped seating, and the chance that a tall person would sit in front of them.

When the seating procedures changed, and there was no guarantee that our non-refundable seats would be in the front row, I decided to skip it.

dsny1mom
07-20-2007, 02:58 PM
"We did the Fantasmic Balcony seating on our first day at Disney. On our third day, I decided to go to City Hall and give my first Disney complaint ever, which to me is a big deal.
I estimate that I have been to Disney over 150 times including Disneyland, Disney World and Disney cruises."

Just curious, did you do any research, on balcony seating for F! at DL or on the internet, before you booked your ressies?

"Our table was the size of a plant stand, which we had to share with 2 strangers."

The tables are small but at least you had one on the balcony. At riverside seating all you have is the ground to put your beverage on and your lap to set your cardboard box of goodies on.


"We were placed in the 2nd row (even though we were the 2nd group to arrive)."

Seats are assigned based on who gets their ressie first. That is the way it was in the begining and with the exception of approx. one year (maybe two) that is the way it has been for some time now. They did try doing a line up and escorting the first in line onto the balcony first, but that took away one of the perks of the balcony, the perk of not having to wait in advance for your seat.

Also ever since Vacation Planning was created and they were given the ability to book seats, the front row usually goes to those that are having VP book their seats, as their call in proceedure is a bit different than the publics.

"We were so packed in that I had a choice of putting my right foot down or seeing Fantasmic."

How many guests were up there? The max should be 22. Although 17-18 is best, IMHO. However with the end coming quickly it wouldn't surprise me if they were going up to 28 or 30 for last month of shows. That happened to us one night when a Disney big wig showed up and brought his party of 8 onto the balcony when it was sold out at 22. So yeah, 30 was pretty tight.

"I kept kicking the "plant stand" which caused my cocoa to spill everywhere."

Perhaps holding your cocoa would have been a better choice.:)

"The 2nd row was playing musical chairs (in an attempt to see) and had to stand to view the show."

This is very common, at least the having to stand part. One of the last times we were up there we had our only time 2nd row seats and we stood. We've seen F! from the balcony over 50 times and the 2nd row will stand if their view is obstructed by the front rows heads. Any time you have more than one row without elevated seating or enough room to stagger the seat this can happen. It happens at riverside as well, especially when children are seated behind adults.

"Very poor organization for $60 a head. HIGHLY, HIGHLY disappointed."

It's not the organization IMHO, it's the lack of space. Once the restaurant redo is done (if it's done) I hope they decide to do something similar to the balcony offering with more space, and a full meal at a steep price.

"At first we thought we’d forget about our hour of misery, but on our third day we decided to complain at City Hall. Fantasmic Balcony seating was by far my worst Disney experience ever. For our misery, they gave us one free fastpass!!"

I think it's nice they gave you a FP. They didn't have to give you anything. Look at it this way. If someone is upset about a meal or anything else and they wait a couple of days to voice thier concern, the concern may be looked at as meerly a way to get a refund or a meal, or some other freebee. And by no means am I saying or implying that was your intention.

"That made the situation worse as far as I was concerned! What an insult!"

An insult? You ate, drank and saw F! without having to camp out hours in advance. What do think they should have done for you? You know if when you first got onto the balcony and saw the setup and immeadiately (before you ate, drank and saw the show) said no way this isn't what I wanted, the chances are your money would have been refunded. Even though the seats are supposed to be nonrefundable, they have made exceptions in the past, but not after the fact.

"You can get fastpasses free anyways. Since I was in a wheelchair, we didn’t need them anyways."

No offense to you, but I'm happy DL is no longer giving the farm away (so to speak), after the fact. Many people feel if they are dissatisfied, even though they ate the meal, took the tour, etc, they are owed something. Not happy? Voice your concerns, but don't expect anything other than a thank you for doing so.

I for one am sadened by the balcony seating going away. I wouldn't do riverside again (did it once) even if it was free. For now I'll stick to the dock area by BTM, lots more fun than riverside or camping out for hours only to have other guests squeeze in all around you at the last minute.

dsny1mom
(who hopes her words are not deemed as being harsh, this is just a touchy topic for me)