A very short but rewarding trip-May 11-12 About This Page:

[chezp]

I'm glad to hear the fireworks went ahead - it sounds like you got a lot done in the evening.

[Huntermom]

I really did feel I was getting tons done, in spite of it being relatively crowded. I really loved how easy it was to walk between parks. I had debated coming to the parks just for the evening but with Aladdin and Remember just on Sunday, I was now glad I did. Even though DL was open to mid-night, I knew I was going to head out after Fantasmic.

I decided to head straight to the check in as the fireworks had started late and it would be close to 9:50 by the time I walked there. I headed down but the walk to Fantasmic was blocked. I waited with a crowd of others for about ten minutes before the rope was dropped. Overall, I think WDW is better managed. It was a little annoying that I was told to get some where for a certain time, then the area was blocked off.

I got to the Fantasmic Dessert area just before 10 along with a few other parties. There was no one at the check in. I know they have moved the seating from a balacony to down by the water. I think all the seats had unobstructed views. there were no chairs where there were posts. The seating was at the left end of the lake and I actually thought that better seating was available without the package. I was also surprised that many people arrived just a few minutes before the show and were seated just in front of us and there was still room for more.

As I walked in I was given a box of desserts. It contained five small pastries, some grapes, several chocolates and five individual cheeses and crackers. The desserts were nice. I don't take notes and can only remember a cheesecake, a chocolate covered strawberry, and another chocolate confection. I was also served a small bottle of Dasani, which I think was the only non-caffinated beverage the offerred.

I was a bit disappointed that the cheeses were of the supermarket variety (two of which I have in the refrigerator now and regularly stock at home). I saved the cheeses and crackers. I thought it would have been a nice touch to have some better cheeses thant Bonbel (three of these) and kraft sticks (two).

I enjoyed the show, but could not figure out many of the projected images on the water. I think it was the wind issue. There was a bit of a breeze and it looked like all the images were distorted. My seat was great though and i really wished I had a camera with me. As I said before my mother's day gift had not arrived. I had debated going out and getting a camera for my DD, but she didn't want me to buy it without her she was really busy with the girls and the team, the whole time she was there. It was also in the middle of her final exams, so spare time was dedicated in part to biochemistry.

I left the show, pretty tired. But another great thing about DL was I was back to the car and on the road within a half hour of the show ending. The hotel was less than ten minutes with no traffic. I enjoyed my suite for a half hour or so before heading to bed. I had a long and busy day ahead of me tomorrow.

Diane

[Colexis Mom]

Another great update! Sorry about the cheese at Fantasmic I guess it's not a "buffet" anymore?? Still sounds like a great night

[Huntermom]

No, The dessert package wasn't a buffet at all. There were wait stff who handed out plastic boxes of desserts-cheese and crackers, chocolates, a little fruit and bite sized desserts. They also handed out drinks, including water, coffee and tea. The box was nice, but a little limited. I had also wished they did a little more to "Fancy Up" the experience. Maybe using plastic cups that had a Fantasmic logo, rather than paper cups, and my bottled water was just handed to me. I also wished they had some how identified the pastries. The chocolate strawberry I easily idenitifed, but it would be nice to have a name for the others.

It was $59.95 which I felt was a little high for what you got. I try not to keep comparing it to WDW but I think the Fantasmic Dinner package is a much better deal. I enjoyed the experience in part because I was alone. I probably would not had done it were any of my children with me.

Diane

[Colexis Mom]

I thought it used to be a "buffet". I guess they've changed things up That's a wee bit expensive for just some desserts in a box

[DyanKJ130]

Great update! there was some confusion and the dessert area wasn't as you had hoped! The show sounds like it was a lot of fun!! (We missed it in February because it was 'dark' at the time ) Can't wait to hear more

[NanaTink]

I just read your tr and it has saved me a bunch of money! I was considering the Fantasmic dessert package for our trip in August, but I don't think what you described was worth $60! :
I have done the Fantasmic dinner package and did not like the seating off to the side...I think you lose a lot of what is going on!
Thanks!

[Huntermom]

I thought it was high for what you got but then I thought all the food in DL/CA was expensive. I haven't been to WDW since January 07, but we've done many trips and I never felt that food was particularly expensive. I did feel that way here.

There were a couple of couples celebrating anniversaries and a few birthday people. The chairs were set up in rows, so it wasn't a particularly romantic setting. The seating was off to the left, but I think the problem when I watched was that the wind blew all the water images and distorted them.

I think I was OK with the $60. price because I only paid for one. Had I bought tickets for my family, I would not have thought it was worth$240. if that makes sense. I'm not sure I would do it again. It was nice and for $25. it would have been a good deal.

Diane

[chezp]

Hmmm... that dessert package doesn't sound worth it at all. :

[Two4Disney]

And I thought they discontinued the dessert package - maybe they changed it and it's not as nice now?

[Huntermom]

I searched online for information on the package the other day and it looks like this package has been in effect since the first of the year. I did find pictures of the box, but wasn't sure if I could link to it. It was interesting that several people strongly recommended the package and one person referred to it as the biggest rip off on DL property. I think I'm in between. I found some information that it was originally around $25. which I think would be a fair price.

The good thing was I saved the cheese and crackers and they made a nice snack the next morning when my breakfast plans didn't pan out.

Diane