Honest Fantasmic Dining Package Review from a Disney Mom
Looking for an easy way to enjoy Fantasmic! At Hollywood Studios without the stress?
My Fantasmic! Dining Package review breaks down our experience with this convenient dining option.
As a mom of young kids and a travel agent, I know how important it is to make things as simple as possible.
If you’re wondering whether it’s worth it for your family, I’ll break down the details, from where we dined to how the reserved seating worked, so you can decide if this is the right choice for you on your next Disney trip.
What Is the Fantasmic! Dining Package?
So, what is the Fantasmic! Dining Package?
In simple terms, it’s a combo deal that includes a sit-down meal at one of several participating restaurants in the park, plus a reserved seat for Fantasmic!,
Fantasmic! is the incredible nighttime show featuring fireworks, water effects, and so many of your favorite Disney characters.
Here’s how it works: you dine at one of the participating restaurants earlier in the day (usually lunch or dinner), and at the end of your meal, your server hands you a voucher that gives you access to reserved seating in a special section of the Fantasmic! amphitheater that evening.
It’s a great way to avoid the long wait and still get a great view of the show.
Which Restaurants Are Included?
- 50’s Prime Time Café – Here you can get Classic comfort food. It’s also entertaining as your server pretends to be your older cousin or aunt and scolds you for things like “elbows on the table.”
- Hollywood & Vine is the only character meet–and–greet meal of all the dining packages. The buffet has a little of everything, and you can meet Mickey, Goofy, Pluto, and more. This is where we chose to eat because my kids love meeting the characters.
- Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano – Italian-American food in a cozy, tucked-away area. Head’s up: this restaurant will be going away soon as the new Monsters Inc. land is built.
- Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant – A totally unique drive-in movie experience where you eat in vintage “cars” while watching old sci-fi clips.
- The Hollywood Brown Derby – An upscale dining experience inspired by Hollywood. Try the Cobb salad. You won’t regret it. This is my pick for a date night before the fireworks.
How the Reserved Seating Works
After your meal, you’ll receive a Fantasmic! seating voucher with details about where and when to show up.
While the package doesn’t assign specific seats, it reserves you a place in a special section of the amphitheater that’s exclusively for dining package guests.
That section is usually front and center. Want an amazing view without having to line up an hour before the show? The package might be for you.
We showed up about 30 minutes before showtime and had no trouble finding seats together.
There was no scrambling or stress. For this mom, that alone was worth the package price.
Benefits of the Fantasmic! Dining Package
There’s a lot to love about this package, especially if you’re traveling with kids (or just don’t love standing in long lines).
Guaranteed Seating for Fantasmic!
This is the big one. With the dining package, you’re guaranteed a seat for the show. There is no need to stress about finding a spot last minute or getting turned away if the amphitheater fills up.
Skip the Standby Line
Instead of lining up an hour (or more) before showtime, you can stroll in with your voucher and head right to the reserved section. For us, that meant more time riding rides, grabbing snacks, or just taking a breather.
Flexibility in Dining Times
You don’t have to eat dinner right before the show. You can choose a lunch or early dinner time that fits your family’s schedule, and still get the voucher for that evening’s Fantasmic! performance.
Dinner + a Show = One Easy Night
Let’s be honest—Disney evenings can be chaotic. With this package, you get a relaxing sit-down meal and reserved seating for one of the best shows in the park. It’s one less thing to plan, and it made our night feel a whole lot easier
Fantasmic! Dining Package Pricing (2025)
Each Fantasmic! Dining Package includes:
- An entrée and dessert at the full-service restaurants, or one full buffet
- A non-alcoholic beverage (or an alcoholic beverage for guests 21 and older).
- One voucher for guaranteed seating at Fantasmic! in a reserved area.
| Restaurant | Adult Price (10 & up) | Child Price (9 & under) |
| 50’s Prime Time Café | $60.00 | $23.00 |
| Hollywood & Vine (Breakfast) | $65.00 | $39.00 |
| Hollywood & Vine (Lunch/Dinner) | $81.00 | $49.00 |
| Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano | $62.00 | $23.00 |
| Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant | $57.00 | $23.00 |
| The Hollywood Brown Derby | $83.00 | $31.00 |
Note: Prices are subject to change and do not include tax or gratuity. Park admission is required and not included in the package price
How to Book the Fantasmic! Dining Package
Booking the Fantasmic! Dining Package is pretty straightforward—but like anything Disney, timing is everything.
Where to Book
You can book the Fantasmic! Dining Package through the My Disney Experience app or the Walt Disney World website. Just search for your desired restaurant and look for the “Fantasmic! Dining Package” option. It’s a separate reservation from regular dining, so be sure to select the correct one!
When to Book
Reservations typically open 60 days in advance of your park day, and they can go quickly, especially for popular spots like Hollywood & Vine or Sci-Fi Drive-In. If you’re staying on Disney property, you can book for your entire trip (up to 10 days) starting 60 days from your check-in date, which gives you a bit of a head start.
Tips for Snagging a Reservation
- Be flexible with your dining time. Earlier or off-peak meal times usually have better availability.
- Prioritize this reservation. Make sure you are ready to book your reservation 60-days prior to your first park day. If you need help, reach out to me. I typically am up at that time anyway, booking clients’ dining reservations for my travel agency.
- Check back often. Plans change and people cancel, so spots do open up closer to the date.
- Get a Travel Agent: As a Disney travel agent, I can take care of booking your dining package (along with park passes, resort stays, and more) at no extra cost to you. One less thing on your plate while you’re planning your magical trip!
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel or modify your Fantasmic! Dining Package reservation up to 2 hours before your meal time without penalty.
If you miss that window, you may be charged a per-person cancellation fee, so just keep that in mind as your trip gets closer.
My Honest Review: Is the Fantasmic! Dining Package Worth It?
As a mom of young kids and a Disney travel agent, I’m constantly weighing convenience vs. cost when we’re in the parks. And I’ll be real with you, the Fantasmic! dining Package was 100% worth it for our family.
Where We Dined and What We Ordered
We dined at Hollywood & Vine, which offers a buffet with Minnie and friends at lunch and dinner. We chose the dinner buffet, and it was such a great fit for our family.
The food was honestly pretty good for buffet food! My personal favorite was the salmon. And I loved that the buffet had plenty of options that my kids actually wanted to eat, like mac and cheese and corn dogs.
No bargaining or begging involved! We could move at our own pace, which is so important with little ones.
The character interaction was fantastic. The characters made multiple rounds, took their time at each table, and really made the kids feel special.
It wasn’t rushed, and we didn’t feel like we were watching the clock the whole time.
Our Experience with the Reserved Seating
This is where the real value came in.
With little kids, waiting around for an hour to grab a decent spot for a nighttime show is just not practical.
By the end of the day, attention spans are short and patience is even shorter.
With the dining package, we showed up about 30–35 minutes before showtime and walked straight into our reserved section, which had plenty of seating and a fantastic view.
No stress, no squirmy kids, no “I’m tired of standing” complaints.
Was It Worth the Cost for Our Family?
Absolutely. Since we were already planning on a sit-down meal, the extra cost for the package felt minimal compared to the peace of mind it gave us.
Pros and Cons from a Parent’s Perspective
Pros:
- No long wait for the show
- Guaranteed good seats
- Less stress at the end of a long park day
- Meal + entertainment = one less thing to plan separately
- Dining flexibility (you don’t have to eat right before the show)
Cons:
- Slightly higher cost than just booking a regular meal
- Not every table-service restaurant is included
- Still need to arrive a bit early for seating (just not as early)
Would I Do It Again?
In a heartbeat.
In fact, I recommend it to so many of my travel clients, especially families with young kids like mine.
If you’re already planning to do a sit-down meal at Hollywood Studios and want to see Fantasmic! without the hassle, the package just makes sense.
Who the Fantasmic! Dining Package Might Not Be Right For
While we loved it, this package isn’t necessarily a must-do for every family. It may not be the best fit if:
- You’re on a tight budget: The package does add cost, especially with kids who might not eat much at a buffet.
- You prefer quick meals or snacking – If you’re more of a grab-and-go family, committing to a sit-down meal can feel like it eats into your park time.
- You’re not planning to stay for Fantasmic! – If the nighttime show isn’t a priority, you won’t get the full value from the package.
That said, if a relaxing meal and guaranteed seats for a spectacular show sound like your kind of Disney night, this package might be just the thing to make your day easier, and I’d love to help you book it!
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Fantasmic! Dining Package was a win for our family, and I’d definitely recommend it to anyone looking to simplify their park day.
If you’re already planning a sit-down meal and want to avoid the stress of waiting in line for the show, this is a great way to make the most of your time at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
If you’re ready to book or have any questions, feel free to reach out. I’m always here to help plan the perfect Disney experience for you and your family!
FAQs About the Fantasmic! Dining Package
Do you have to eat right before the show?
Nope! You can choose any available dining time that day. Your meal and the show are separate—just keep your voucher handy for Fantasmic! later that evening.
Can you use the Disney Dining Plan for this package?
Yes! The Fantasmic! The Dining Package is eligible on the Disney Dining Plan. It typically costs one table-service credit per person(except at Hollywood Brown Derby, which is two credits),.
Are there any allergy-friendly or kid-friendly options?
Yes to both. Disney is great with food allergies; just let your server know. And kid-friendly foods like mac and cheese, chicken nuggets, and corn dogs are widely available, especially at Hollywood & Vine.
What happens if the show is canceled due to weather?
If Fantasmic! is canceled, the dining portion of your package is still honored, but there are no refunds or rescheduling for the show itself. It’s a risk, especially during stormy seasons.
How early should you arrive to the reserved seating area?
About 30 to 45 minutes before showtime is plenty. You don’t need to camp out like the standby crowd, but arriving too late might mean less ideal seats, even in the reserved section.
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