Fantasmic! Dining Package – Is it worth it at Disney World?

If you want a guaranteed seat for Fantasmic at Hollywood Studios along with a delicious meal, then a Fantasmic Dinner Package is by far one of the best (and tastiest) ways to do it.

It’s an offer that combines a great meal at one of the park’s restaurants with reserved seating for the always spectacular Fantasmic! nighttime show and fireworks.

But here’s the burning question: Is it worth the price?

In this article, we’ll dig deep into the pros and cons of the Fantasmic Dining Package, while exploring whether the convenience, dining quality, and upgraded viewing experience make it a worthwhile investment.

So with that said, let’s jump right into it!

What is the Fantasmic Dining Package at Disney World?

The Fantasmic Dining Package is a special offering that combines a meal at a designated restaurant with guaranteed seating in a reserved area in the amphitheater for the Fantasmic! nighttime spectacular show and fireworks.

Here’s what’s included in the Fantasmic Dining Package:

• A voucher for guaranteed seating at Fantasmic in a reserved area
• One (1) entree and appetizer (or dessert) at a full service restaurants or….
• …One (1) full buffet and a non-alcoholic drink

Although the food part is great, the most important perk of this dining package is that you’ll have access guaranteed access to seating in the center of Hollywood Hills Amphitheater for your performance of Fantasmic!

That said, the reserved seating area is guaranteed but your specific seat is first come first served.

How much does the Fantasmic Dining Package cost?

The Fantasmic Dining Package starts at $49 per person and varies depending on the restaurant that you choose to dine at.

Here’s how much the dining package costs at the five participating restaurants inside of Hollywood Studios for both adults and kids (ages 9 and under):

50’s Prime Time Cafe

• $51 for adults
• $22 for kids

The Hollywood Brown Derby

• $73 for adults
• $29 for kids

Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano

• $54 for adults
• $22 for kids

Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant

• $49 for adults
• $22 for kids

Hollywood and Vine

• $54 for adults during breakfast
• $36 for kids during breakfast
• $71 for adults during dinner
• $47 for kids during dinner

The only table service restaurant that is not a part of the dining package is Roundup Rodeo BBQ.

Lastly, Hollywood Studios park admission is not included in the price of dining package and you will need a valid theme park ticket (and park reservation) to enjoy this offering. Package prices also don’t include tax or gratuity.

How do you book the Fantasmic Dining Package?

Making a reservation for the Fantasmic Dining Package is just like making a normal advanced dining reservation on the My Disney Experience app.

Just choose your date, the number of people in your party and then select “Fantasmic! Dining Packages.”

From there, you’ll be able to see all available restaurants and time slots available, as well as the showing that you’ll have reserved seating for.

Where do you sit during Fantasmic?

The reserved seating area for the Fantasmic Dining Package guest are located in the Scar and Mickey section of the theater, which are in the very center of the stage.

One thing I always emphases is that while the Fantasmic Dining Package does guarantee you a seat in reserved section, your seats are not assigned as it’s first come first serve.

So even though you can arrive up to 25 minutes before showtime, there’s always the possibility that your seats won’t be as close as you’d want them to be.

Where do you check in?

After your meal, the check-in area for your reserved Fantasmic seating is located on Sunset Blvd right next to the Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage.

Seating will begin 90 minutes before showtime and it is recommended that you arrive at least 25 minutes prior to showtime so that you can be seated in the reserved section.

Dining Package Food vs Buying It Yourself

When you purchase the Fantasmic Dining Package, you’ll get to choose from five different table service restaurants inside Hollywood Studios, all of which have their own prices for adults and kids.

Since with each meal you’ll either receive an entree and appetizer (or dessert) or one full buffet, there is the possibility that you can eat a delicious meal while still getting reserved Fantasmic seating practically for free (or for like a few bucks).

Here’s a breakdown of how much you’ll save or spend extra at each restaurant:

• 50’s Prime Time Cafe = $9 – $13 extra per person
• Hollywood & Vine = $11 – $26.50 extra per person
• Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano = $5 – $7 extra per person
• Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant = $8 – $23 extra per person
• The Hollywood Brown Derby = $1 to $36 extra per person

Regardless of how you run the numbers, opting for an appetizer is more cost effective than getting a dessert for adults.

So if you can, get an appetizer and skip the dessert if you want the best bang for your buck.

50’s Prime Time Cafe

• Appetizers cost between $9 and $12, entrees costs between $17 and $28, and dessert costs between $7.50 and $10.
• Kid’s appetizers cost $3 and entrees costs between $12 and $14.
• An adult meal will cost $24.50 to $40, on average.
• A kid meal will cost $15 to $17, on average.

The dining package costs $51 for adults and $22 for kids, meaning that you are essentially paying $11 to $26.50 extra for Fantastic seating.

Hollywood & Vine

• Breakfast buffet costs $42 per adults and $27 per child.
• You are paying $13 extra per adult and $11 extra for kids during breakfast for reserved Fantasmic seating.
• Lunch and dinner buffet costs $59 per adult and $38 per child.

You are paying $12 extra for adults and $9 extra for kids for guaranteed Fantasmic seating.

Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano

• Appetizers cost between $9 and $13, entrees costs between $23 and $36, and desserts cost between $6.25 and $10
• Kid’s appetizers costs $3 and entrees cost either $11 or $12
• An adult meal will cost $29.50 to $49, on average.
• A kid meal will costs $14 to $15, on average.

The dining package costs $54 for adults and $22 for kids meaning that you are paying $5 to $7 per person for guaranteed Fantasmic seating.

Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant

• Appetizers cost between $11 and $15, entrees cost between $19 and $26, and desserts cost $7 to $10
• Kid’s appetizers costs $3 and entrees cost between $11 and $13.
• An adult meal costs $26 to $41, on average.
• A kid’s meal costs $14 to $16, on average.

The dining package costs $49 for adults and $22 for kids meaning that you are paying $8 to $23 extra for guaranteed Fantasmic seating.

The Hollywood Brown Derby

• Appetizers cost between $13 to $21, entrees cost between $22 to $49, and desserts cost $12 or $13.
• Kid’s appetizers cost $3 and entrees cost between $9 to $17.
• An adult meal costs $34 to $70, on average.
• A kids’ meal costs $12 to $20 on average.

The dining package costs $73 for adults and $29 for kids, meaning you are paying $1 to $36 extra for guaranteed Fantasmic seating.

Best Bang for You Buck?

The ultimate, best bang for your buck will be at Hollywood Brown Derby IF you get the Charcuterie Board appetizer for $21 and the Filet Mignon entree for $49 which adds up to a total price of $70. As a result, you are only paying $1 for Fantasmic seating, before tax and gratuities.

Regardless of where you dine, if the goal is the maximize your savings, I would be sure to skip the entree salads as they are always the cheapest things on the menu.

What’s the cheapest Fantasmic Dining Package?

The cheapest Fantasmic Dining Package at Disney World can be found at Sci-Fi Dine-In Restaurant which costs $49 per adult and $22 per kid.

In my opinion, this is probably the best option in terms of food, restaurant, and price.

Is it worth it?

So is the Fantasmic! Dining Package at Hollywood Studios worth it?

Absolutely! (but only if your prioritize saving time over money)

Here’s why:

• Reserved seating in the best section of Fantasmic’s amphitheater
• A massive time saver since you aren’t waiting in line to be seated
• You can enjoy a great meal stress-free, knowing that you’ll have a seat for Fantasmic
• Since there is no Genie+ Lightning Lane for Fantasmic, the dining package is the only way to get guaranteed seating for the show

At the end of the day, the extra $10+ per person is worth the time you’ll save waiting the standby line.

I’m not someone who’s willing to wait up to 2 hours for this show especially since there’s still the risk that I’d get a crappy side view, like the one below.

But with the dining package, you’ll essentially get a great meal and have one of the best seats in the house.

So, if you already planned on eating at a sit-down restaurant in Hollywood Studios, this package is a great way to both enjoy a tasty meal AND get a great seat without waiting in a super long queue.