Hello!
I wanted to come over and share our experience with the VIP Experience!
We arrived around 7:05 - 7:10 to check in. And didn't have a wait or issue checking in. We did not ask if we could have shown up later but I think you can if you want. But as folks have mentioned above, you actually sit with the dinning package folks. So it is a big area. It was not overcrowded but if you want a specific area I would get there on the early side.
We sat about 4 rows up smack in the middle. It was perfect seating! And we somehow managed to not get anyone in the row directly in front of us, which was perfect for our girls.
If you aren't concerned about how high or low you want to be in the middle section, I really think you could show up 15 minutes before the show and find a seat.
When you check in, you will go to the area for fastness but stay to the left hand side. There will be a separate lane for the VIP-ers. You check in and are given these bad boys.
Disney_2017_VIP Fantasmic by
Ariella Saucier, on Flickr
They gave us blue ribbon versions for the kids. They said they are for the kids specifically, so not sure if that is how they are distinguishing between over 21 and not?
Disney_2017_VIP Fantasmic by
Ariella Saucier, on Flickr
You then walk a little farther and come to a cart set up to pick up all of your goods.
As folks have mentioned, the adult drink comes in a beer mug shaped plastic mug.
Disney_2017_VIP Fantasmic by
Ariella Saucier, on Flickr
The Blue Drink was STRONG!!! I am not sure if it depends on whether they fill your cup up when it is full or towards the bottom but ours was potent! They were good. Reminded me of the drinks they serve at the Star Wars Dessert Party. Nothing fancy/special...
They have a nonalcoholic version for the under 21 folks. It was a mix of cranberry juice, pineapple juice and something else. My girls didn't really like it as they don't like cranberry juice. But they liked the cups. These cups were kind of boring looking but are pretty thick solid cups.
You collect your drinks and they had you a bag (or 2) with your desserts in them.
Disney_2017_VIP Fantasmic by
Ariella Saucier, on Flickr
And the small bottles of water. I really appreciate the bag. Gives you something to carry your leftovers in. And you don't feel like you need to stuff your face silly to get your "money's worth".
The Adult Dessert Box:
Closed
Disney_2017_VIP Fantasmic by
Ariella Saucier, on Flickr
And Open
Disney_2017_VIP Fantasmic by
Ariella Saucier, on Flickr
It was a great variety, in my opinion. I like that they give you sweet and savory, too! It was def enough food!
Evil Queen's Apple Crisp: This was probably my favorite in the box. Very good!
Ursula's Cheesecake: I am not a big cheesecake fan but it was a decent My girls love the little pearls on top.
Maleficent's Chocolate Cupcake: This was a dense but moist cupcake with VERY thick frosting. The frosting was a dense buttercream, and I could see some not liking it but I loved it.
Strawberries: Always, always, always my favorite! These were standard chocolate covered strawberries but relish!
California Trail Mix: I am not a coconut fan, so I didn't eat mine but the little jar that is came in was perfect sized. I actually have it sitting on my desk at work, waiting for a day of desperate hunger.
Assorted Cheeses: your basic cubed cheese. Nothing special about it, just cheese.
Rice Chips: These were crisp when they gave us the box. But DH didn't eat his at the show and they got soft over night. But the little bag they came in was super cute!
The kids dessert box:
Closed
Disney_2017_VIP Fantasmic by
Ariella Saucier, on Flickr
Open
Disney_2017_VIP Fantasmic by
Ariella Saucier, on Flickr
Build-Your-Own Worms n Dirt: The girls ate this deconstructed but liked all of it. The chocolate pudding tasted like pudding you get in the snack packs in your school lunch.
Colors of the Wind Confetti Popcorn: This is same popcorn you get all around Disney World. And if you haven't had it... It is SUPER sweet!!!!!
Red Seedless Grapes: They were grapes... They were fresh and crisp as a grape should be. Better than the grapes they give with kids meals.
Sorcerer Mickey's Vanilla Cake: I didn't try this but my DD liked it.
My girls liked all of the options in the kid box and I think it was perfect for kids. Although, my DD said she wished she had a chocolate covered strawberry. As did I, as I ended up giving her one of mine.
They also gave you a card with what was in the boxes:
Disney_2017_VIP Fantasmic by
Ariella Saucier, on Flickr
Disney_2017_VIP Fantasmic by
Ariella Saucier, on Flickr
I will say that everything was packaged up well, and made it super easy to bring back to the hotel with us. DH & one of my DD didn't even touch there boxes while we were there. But snacked on them later that night and later in the week.
Overall, I think it was worth it for us. I wasn't interested in eating at the restaurants eligible for the Dinning package so this was perfect for us. This was our first time seeing the show as well, and was very happy to have great seats! It won't be for everyone but it's a nice alternative to the dinning packages and fast pass. And I believe the fast pass section is to the side? maybe?
I hope my review helps some of you decide what you want to do!