How to Book a Fantasmic Dining Package at Disneyland: Your Ultimate Guide
Securing a prime viewing spot for Fantasmic! at Disneyland is akin to finding the Holy Grail of theme park experiences. While spontaneity has its place, guaranteeing a magical evening often requires a bit of planning. The key? A Fantasmic! Dining Package. So, how do you snag one? The process is straightforward, but mastering the nuances is crucial. You need to make an advance dining reservation for a participating restaurant, specifically requesting the Fantasmic! Dining Package when booking. These packages bundle a delicious meal with a guaranteed spot in a designated viewing area for the show. Availability is limited, so booking well in advance – ideally 60 days out – is highly recommended.
Understanding the Fantasmic! Dining Package Landscape
Before diving into the “how,” let’s appreciate the “what.” Disneyland offers several dining package options, each providing a unique culinary experience and viewing location. Understanding the differences is critical to choosing the package that best suits your party’s preferences and budget.
Participating Restaurants and Packages
Currently, Disneyland offers three main Fantasmic! Dining Package options:
Blue Bayou Restaurant: This is the crème de la crème. Dining inside the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction adds an unparalleled atmosphere. However, it’s also the most expensive and notoriously difficult to book. With this package, you receive a reserved viewing location along the Rivers of America, providing excellent sightlines.
River Belle Terrace: Offering both lunch and dinner packages, River Belle Terrace provides a more relaxed, Southern-inspired dining experience. The viewing area provided with this option offers a generally good, albeit sometimes slightly obstructed, view of Fantasmic!. There are also premium dining reservations available.
Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante: This quick-service dining package at Rancho del Zocalo, only available for dinner, offers a more budget-friendly option. You’ll receive a voucher that grants you access to a reserved viewing area. This package offers the least expensive option of securing a spot to view Fantasmic!.
Booking Timeline: Timing is Everything
The booking window for dining reservations opens 60 days in advance of your visit. For popular restaurants like Blue Bayou, setting an alarm and being ready to book the moment the window opens is essential. Keep in mind that cancellations can and do happen, so checking back frequently, even in the days leading up to your trip, can sometimes yield unexpected results.
Utilizing the Disneyland App
The Disneyland app is your best friend. It allows you to check restaurant availability, make reservations, and even modify them if needed. Familiarize yourself with the app’s interface before your booking day to ensure a smooth experience.
Step-by-Step Guide: Booking Your Fantasmic! Dining Package
Now, let’s break down the actual booking process into actionable steps:
Create or Log In to Your Disneyland Account: Ensure you have a Disneyland account linked to valid credit card information. This will expedite the booking process.
Check Restaurant Availability: Open the Disneyland app or visit the Disneyland website. Navigate to the “Dining” section and search for the participating restaurants: Blue Bayou Restaurant, River Belle Terrace, or Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante.
Select Your Date and Time: Choose your desired date and party size. Select a time slot that works best for your schedule. Keep in mind that later dinner times are typically more desirable as they are closer to the Fantasmic! showtime.
Specify “Fantasmic! Dining Package”: This is crucial! During the reservation process, clearly indicate that you are requesting the Fantasmic! Dining Package. Look for a specific option or checkbox related to the package. Some restaurants will require you to select the package from a drop-down menu or specify it in the “special requests” field.
Review and Confirm Your Reservation: Double-check all the details, including the date, time, party size, and the fact that you have specifically booked the Fantasmic! Dining Package. Confirm your reservation and note the confirmation number.
Arrive on Time for Your Reservation: Punctuality is key. Arrive at the restaurant at least 15 minutes prior to your reservation time to allow for check-in.
Receive Your Viewing Credentials: Upon checking in at the restaurant, confirm that you are part of the Fantasmic! Dining Package. The restaurant will provide you with a ticket or voucher that serves as your entry pass to the designated viewing area. Hold onto this; you will need to present it to a Cast Member at the viewing location.
Head to the Viewing Area: Allow ample time to reach the designated viewing area. Arrive at least 45-60 minutes before the show starts to secure a good spot within your section.
Tips and Tricks for Securing Your Package
Be Flexible: If Blue Bayou is unavailable, consider River Belle Terrace or Rancho del Zocalo. Having alternative options increases your chances of securing a package.
Divide and Conquer: If traveling with a group, have multiple members attempt to book simultaneously.
Consider Off-Peak Seasons: Visiting Disneyland during less crowded times of the year increases your chances of finding availability.
Check for Cancellations: As mentioned earlier, cancellations happen. Check the Disneyland app frequently, especially in the days leading up to your visit.
Fantasmic! Dining Package FAQs
1. What happens if Fantasmic! is canceled due to weather?
If Fantasmic! is canceled due to unforeseen circumstances, such as inclement weather, you will generally not receive a refund for the dining package. However, the restaurant may offer a partial refund or a voucher for a future visit. Contact Guest Services for more information.
2. Can I modify my Fantasmic! Dining Package reservation?
Modifications are subject to availability. You can typically adjust the date, time, or party size through the Disneyland app or website, but changing the restaurant or the fact you selected the Fantasmic! package is not guaranteed.
3. What is the difference between the River Belle Terrace lunch and dinner Fantasmic! Dining Packages?
The difference primarily lies in the menu offerings and pricing. The viewing area is typically the same for both.
4. Are the Fantasmic! Dining Packages worth the cost?
This depends on your priorities. If a guaranteed viewing spot and a sit-down meal are important to you, the packages are generally considered worth the investment.
5. Can I book a Fantasmic! Dining Package over the phone?
While it’s possible to book dining reservations over the phone, using the Disneyland app is generally the most efficient method.
6. What if I have dietary restrictions?
All participating restaurants are accustomed to accommodating dietary restrictions. Note your requirements when making the reservation, and inform your server upon arrival.
7. How early should I arrive at the designated viewing area?
Arrive at least 45-60 minutes before the show to secure a good spot within your viewing area.
8. Are strollers allowed in the Fantasmic! viewing area?
Strollers are generally not allowed in the immediate viewing areas. Designated stroller parking may be available nearby.
9. Can I bring outside food and drinks into the viewing area?
Outside food and drinks are typically not permitted in the designated viewing areas.
10. Is the view from the Rancho del Zocalo package as good as the Blue Bayou?
No. The Blue Bayou offers the best view due to its location. Rancho del Zocalo provides a more budget-friendly option with a less-central viewing area.
11. What is the best time to book a dining reservation?
Booking as early as possible – 60 days in advance – gives you the best chance of securing your preferred restaurant and time.
12. Do children need their own Fantasmic! Dining Package?
Yes, each member of your party who wants to participate in the package and have a guaranteed viewing spot needs to be included in the dining reservation and pay for the package.
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