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Review: Fantasmic Dining Package at River Belle Terrace in Disneyland


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Fantasmic is back! Fantasmic is back! Can you tell we’re excited?!

Fantasmic at Disneyland

Fantasmic at Disneyland

This epic multi-sensory show has been dark and dry since early 2016, making way for changes to Disneyland’s Rivers of America and the start of construction on Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge (the official name for both Star Wars lands!).

But now the show is back — and it’s better than ever! The revamped show features the same basic storyline with Sorcerer Mickey as the hero, but it incorporates some newer characters along with the classics. Plus there’s fresh technology to enhance an already technically spectacular show.

Everything the Light Touches is Fantasmic

Everything the Light Touches is Fantasmic

But you know us: we wanted to know what Fantasmic had in store in terms of event-specific food (including yummy snacks!). And food plus a show equals the Fantasmic Dining Package. Luckily our Disneyland pal Sabrina (hey-o, @everythingdisney.55!) was able to snag a dining package reservation — and some yummy food pics. ;)

Atmosphere

The Fantasmic Dining Package offers three dining options: Blue Bayou Restaurant in New Orleans Square and River Belle Terrace in Frontierland are table service, while Hungry Bear Restaurant in Critter Country is counter service. Blue Bayou and River Belle offer a three-course meal with a non-alcoholic beverage, while Hungry Bear offers an entree and a beverage.

Sabrina dined at River Belle Terrace because, well, it’s awesome. The building itself has so much southern charm with wrought iron fencing and posts, two-story pillars at the entrance, and lovely shutters astride double-paned windows.

River Belle Terrace in Disneyland

River Belle Terrace in Disneyland

And the outdoor seating? So. Many. Tassels. And also pretty serene for a theme park dining area.

Outdoor Seating

Outdoor Seating

The details continue inside as well, with elaborate chandeliers. Love the flowers organically intertwined in the arms of the light fixture.

Light Fixture and Ceiling Detail

Light Fixture and Ceiling Detail

After you’ve dined and eventually make your way to the preferred viewing seats, you’ll find that Blue Bayou and River Belle Terrace share an area — and there are no assigned seats. Rather, you get a ticket for preferred viewing at the end of your meal, and when you arrive before the show, you self-select your seats. Preferred seating for Hungry Bear is likewise first come, first served, but folks on the interwebs who’ve had this preferred view have not reviewed it kindly.

Fantasmic Dining Package Preferred Seating Ticket

Fantasmic Dining Package Preferred Seating Ticket

Sabrina was able to snag a center seat in the Blue Bayou/River Belle Terrace section, and she reports that her view was perfect. We agree!

View from River Belle Terrace and Blue Bayou Fantasmic Preferred Seating

View from River Belle Terrace and Blue Bayou Fantasmic Preferred Seating

Eats

River Belle Terrace specializes in southern-inspired dishes (it’s where we found Secret Menu Tater Tots!), and the menu for Fantasmic Dining reflects that, featuring classics like a Fried Chicken Sandwich and Pulled Pork.

Fantasmic Dining Package Menu

Fantasmic Dining Package Menu

The kids’ menu also offers lots of options, including Mickey Check Meals like Oven-Roasted Chicken.

Fantasmic Dining Package Menu

Fantasmic Dining Package Menu

Sabrina opted for Corn Chowder for her starter, and she reports that it was delicious! It featured lots of plump, Fresh Corn, plus some Red Peppers for color and flavor.

Corn Chowder from River Belle Terrace Fantasmic Menu

Corn Chowder from River Belle Terrace Fantasmic Menu

For her entree, Sabrina chose the Pork Spareribs, which come with two sides. She went with Tater Tots and Baked Beans. The Spice-Rubbed Spare Ribs were flavorful, while the sides complemented the meat well. (We love the cute little handled dishes for the sides!)

Fantasmic Menu Spiced Spare Ribs

Fantasmic Menu Spice-Rubbed Spare Ribs

But dessert was a tough call for our intrepid diner. Sabrina went with the Maleficent Dragon, which was as spicy as the villain herself. It featured a Crunchy Milk Chocolate base, a Spiced Dark Chocolate and Blackberry Ganache interior, Caramel Mousse, and an Orange-Vanilla Sauce.

Maleficent Dragon

Maleficent Dragon

It is a visually beautiful dessert, featuring a glossy exterior that’s shimmery purple in the sunlight. But Sabrina reports that when the description says “Spiced Dark Chocolate”, it totally means it (for once!)! After two bites, she couldn’t go on (even though the flavors were yum!). But if you like spice, this is sure to be a winner.

Maleficent Dragon Interior

Maleficent Dragon Interior

The table also ordered the Strawberry Shortcake. It’s described as featuring a House-Made Sweet Biscuit, which Sabrina felt was more like a scone (so a little more dense). But the Fresh Strawberries and Whipped Cream were as classic as Fantasmic itself!

Strawberry Shortcake

Strawberry Shortcake

Overall

Sabrina loved the Fantasmic dining package. The value for a great meal and great seats was totally worth it for her. The Fantasmic Dining Package at River Belle Terrace is the mid-priced package: $45 for an adult, $25 for children 3-9. Blue Bayou will cost you $65 per adult and $25 per kid. Hungry Bear (the counter service option) runs $29.99 for adults and $19.99 for children.

Fantasmic Pirate Ship

Fantasmic Pirate Ship

Nosh or Not?

Sabrina’s take? The package is totally worth it. But here are a few other considerations:

You might like the Fantasmic Dining Package If:

  • You want to see Fantasmic but don’t want to show up super early to grab a seat
  • You love one of the participating restaurants and love the bonus of preferred seating
  • You’ve got limited time at Disneyland and a tight touring schedule

The Fantasmic Dining Package Might Not Be For You If:

  • You’re ambivalent about seeing Fantasmic
  • None of the dining options really appeal to you
  • You’re on a budget and the extra cost for a meal isn’t worth the preferred seating when you could see the show for free in exchange for a little wait
  • You prefer to eat quick service — and the Hungry Bear viewing isn’t enough of a draw for you

Have you ever taken advantage of a dining package? Let us know your thoughts! And if you’ve done the Fantasmic Dining Package, what did you think? 

Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and:


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