Hi Kelly!
Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel! My family loves doing dining packages to get access to reserved seating for shows!
I am delighted to know that you are considering the
Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade Dining Package. We loved dining at Tony's Town Square Restaurant with this package in Magic Kingdom and used our dining plan entitlements. The best part - we got a practically perfect parade viewing spot across from the restaurant on Main Street, U.S.A. We have also used our dining plan entitlements at Tusker House Restaurant with the
Rivers of Lights: We Are One Dining Package in Disney's Animal Kingdom. And, we have used our dining plan entitlements at Hollywood & Vine for the
Fantasmic! Dining Package in Disney's Hollywood Studios. Finally, during the winter holiday season, we book an
EPCOT® International Festival of the Holidays Candlelight Processional Dining Package to ensure our access to the show.
Typically, the number of meal entitlements we use corresponds to the meal entitlements that are required for that restaurant. Check your dining confirmation for additional information. When I recently made a reservation for Disney's Festival of Fantasy Parade Dining Package, I saw a note in the reservation process that indicated the showtime we could access and whether or not dining plans are accepted at the restaurant. My email confirmation indicated that Tony's Town Square Restaurant would require one dining plan entitlement per person with the dining package. Remember that dining plan entitlements are allotted for each person 3-years old and over on your dining plan.
Review the
Enchanting Extras Collection - Spectacular Sweet Spots to find more information on dessert parties. When you make your reservation for a dessert party, you should also see a note regarding dining plans right after you select the time of the reservation. When I made a reservation for the Rivers of Light - We Are One Dessert Party, there was a note in the reservation process that clearly said, "Dining Plans Not Accepted." Also, pay close attention to the cancellation policies with each package and note that show cancellations may happen, especially in the event of inclement weather.
As always policies and procedures may change, so be sure to confirm your dining package and dining plan details with the Cast Member who serves you at each restaurant. We have always received our show vouchers during our meal. So, hang on to those. We had a scare one day with our Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade Vouchers. One of our girls misplaced her voucher after we had been admitted to the reserved area. A second Cast Member came by to check vouchers. Eventually, she found it - just know to hold on to the vouchers even after you are in the reserved area!
Kelly, one final Moms Panel Tip - even though you have access to a reserved viewing area, I recommend that you still arrive at least 30-45 minutes prior to showtime so that you can get a good seat/spot!
Magic and memories,
Donyell