Dining packages - opinions please!

ravenwing · 20 Apr 17, 01:38 PM

Hi,

Today I booked the last of my ADRs (a sneaky BOG late breakfast just in case we are in MK on our checkout day

) and I've been laughing at all the reservations I have made so far.

Basically I have booked Mama Melrose 3 times because I cannot decide what to do!
Booking 1 is for late lunch/early dinner at 3.05 pm for Fantasmic package.
Booking 2 is for 4.30pm on a different date, not the package
Booking 3 is for 4.30pm on original booking date, not the package.

So, my thoughts: I quite like the look of MM, which is why I thought we'd go there for the package. I'm not particularly enamoured with the selection of QS places in Hollywood Studios which is why I'm happy to pay extra for a TS here (we have QSDP plus a gift card for a few TS meals).

But I'm not sure if Fantasmic package is better than using a fast pass. If we don't spend the gift card value on TS we can use it for shopping so I want to book my TS wisely. If we don't do the package I might still keep a booking for Mama Melrose, but it doesn't have to be on the same day as we are planning on doing Fantasmic.

What would your thoughts be on spending extra OOP for dining package vs fastpass + cheaper TS? We have 2 kids, 5 & 9 and I need to minimise the waiting in line/waiting in seats time as much as possibly.

I will have the same problem when it comes to Rivers of Light, but they aren't out yet!

Thanks

**sha9** · 20 Apr 17, 01:42 PM

The dining package gives you good seats but you still need to get there about half an hour early. I don't know what FP seating is like and I suppose it depends if you have plans for the FP? We enjoyed MM but I'd only pay for it for the Fantasmic package.

chmurf · 20 Apr 17, 02:13 PM

with kids 5 & 9 I would have a meal at Hollywood&Vine. Characters and lots of food
you can even have it as a Fantasmic! package.

Mama Melrose is decent, but I wouldn't pay to eat there 3 times ...

they'll also probably love Sci Fi Dine In, and eating inside cars. It's rather inexpensive compared to some other restaurants.

But if you are set on disney around DHS, why not grab an ADR at Beahces and Cream over at Beach Club, take the boat there and back for a late lunch.

ravenwing · 21 Apr 17, 09:27 AM

Originally Posted by chmurf

Mama Melrose is decent, but I wouldn't pay to eat there 3 times ...

I am planning on cancelling 2 of the reservations - just as soon as I decide which to keep! There are too many lovely sounding options for me to book anywhere more than once

Originally Posted by chmurf

But if you are set on disney around DHS, why not grab an ADR at Beahces and Cream over at Beach Club, take the boat there and back for a late lunch.

I have now booked Beaches & Cream as well

I kept looking at it and wondering if we could do it on an Epcot day, but there's so much Epcot food choice I didn't. But I had seen the HS boat option somewhere else, so I've added it to my plans on my HS EMH day. Thanks!

ravenwing · 21 Apr 17, 09:37 AM

Originally Posted by sha9

The dining package gives you good seats but you still need to get there about half an hour early. I don't know what FP seating is like and I suppose it depends if you have plans for the FP? We enjoyed MM but I'd only pay for it for the Fantasmic package.

Our Fantasmic day is actually one of our 'rest-ish' days, we'll probably head to Typhoon Lagoon (or Blizzard Beach if the transport options are better) in the morning, and then the plan was to head to HS for our dinner booking before Fantasmic. Because we'll be at HS for another 2 different days (1 morning to try and do Jedi Training and 1 afternoon/evening for Star Wars fireworks) I think we'll be ok for Fastpasses for this visit to use one on Fantasmic.

My concern is twofold I think - 1). The package booking is 3.05 which might mean we have to rush back from our waterpark sooner than we'd have liked (but maybe not, neither of the kids can swim! )
2). The cost difference between the package and just paying for what we order.

But I do like the idea of just walking in to our seats. Does anyone know how long the fastpass queues can be?

**Sweetie Babes** · 22 Apr 17, 12:13 PM

I've never had a problem getting a seat at Fantasmic! It holds 9,000 people, you know. You can always find somewhere to sit: the auditorium fills up from the right hand side first, front to back. There is also overflow seating on bleachers right at the back behind the disabled section.

mummyroo1 · 22 Apr 17, 12:48 PM

The dining package seats were the best location. We got there around 20-30 minutes early and has perfect seats. I think the fast pass seats were more off to the side. We ate at Mamma Melrose last trip and are doing again this trip. You get 3 courses included. Can order any starter and main and they a sampler dessert platter. I had calamari and steak (my steak wasn't the best but hubby's was fab so just luck of the draw and I should have sent mine back)

Guest · 22 Apr 17, 02:25 PM

We've done Fantasmic twice in our past trips, never had any problem getting a seat without the dining package...Agree about MM...Nice t/s service but not three visits in one stay...

ravenwing · 23 Apr 17, 10:28 PM

Thank you all

20 Apr 17, 02:13 PM	#3
	20 Apr 17, 02:13 PM chmurf Imagineer
chmurf Imagineer Join Date: Dec 12	with kids 5 & 9 I would have a meal at Hollywood&Vine. Characters and lots of food you can even have it as a Fantasmic! package. Mama Melrose is decent, but I wouldn't pay to eat there 3 times ... they'll also probably love Sci Fi Dine In, and eating inside cars. It's rather inexpensive compared to some other restaurants. But if you are set on disney around DHS, why not grab an ADR at Beahces and Cream over at Beach Club, take the boat there and back for a late lunch.

22 Apr 17, 02:25 PM	#8
	22 Apr 17, 02:25 PM Guest Guest
Guest Guest	We've done Fantasmic twice in our past trips, never had any problem getting a seat without the dining package...Agree about MM...Nice t/s service but not three visits in one stay...