News, announcements and information about Disney

Adrienne Vincent–Phoenix revisits this topic in this updated article, which we originally published a year ago.

When Disney's Electrical Parade returned to the Disneyland Resort last year, the parks introduced a variety of “premium priority viewing” areas and dining options. Depending on your taste and budget, you could enjoy everything from a parade-route picnic to an all-you-can-eat dessert extravaganza.

Since we first reported on these new options in Summer 2001, the Resort has made a number of changes to these offerings. The parade-route picnics lasted only a few weeks, and other options have been modified or eliminated.

Remember, the Disneyland Resort now allows you to make reservations for any of the priority viewing areas up to 30 days in advance. This service is especially appreciated by those of us who have spent entirely too many early mornings waiting in the cold to claim those precious Fantasmic! balcony seats. You can call (714) 781-4400, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., seven days a week to reserve any of the premium seating packages listed below. For regular restaurant reservations, call 714-781-3463.

Fantasmic is by far the hottest premium seating ticket, and two viewing options are available. The most popular is the dessert buffet, located on the Disney Gallery balcony. For $45, you enjoy an all-you-can-eat dessert buffet with your choice of beverages, and a wonderful view of Fantasmic. On a recent visit, the dessert selections included cheesecake, chocolate mousse cake, crème brulee, fresh fruit skewers, and assorted individual pastries. Beverages include coffee, tea, and hot chocolate, as well as sodas, lemonade, and mint juleps.

The magical buffet is just the start of your experience.

The balcony can seat up to 21 people in two rows, on a first-come, first-served basis. The line forms in the center courtyard of the Gallery, so you'll want to be there at least an hour before the show to get a front-row seat. If you find yourself in the second row, you can get a better view by standing up for the show.

The view from the balcony is the best available to the public.

When the dessert balcony consistently sold out for both shows every night, the park realized they were turning customers — and their wallets — away. In response, a new premium seating area was added last summer right under Tower C, the large light tower nearest the Haunted Mansion.

At the new Rivers of America premium seating area,
your dessert comes packed in a souvenir box.

Instead of a dessert buffet, the $45 price tag comes with a souvenir box filled with assorted dessert items, and a choice of beverages including coffee, soft drinks, and hot chocolate from the nearby French Market.

When we tried this new area last year, our box contained a chocolate truffle, a chewy nut confection, a fruit tart pastry, two chocolate-covered strawberries, and assorted cookies. Friends who have visited more recently say that little has changed. For $35, children get a chocolate brownie sundae in a keepsake bowl shaped like a Mickey Mouse head.

The new Rivers of America premium seating area feels crowded with just 25 people, although the area can seat 100.

The viewing area can hold up to 100 people, although there were only about 25 people on the night we attended. Seating was arranged in two rows, with the front row reserved for small children.

Unfortunately, the chairs were arranged very close together even with so few people there. The fence in front of the viewing area is constructed with large cement blocks and light fixtures, which block your view of the show, and were not taken into consideration when the chairs were arranged. Guest Control cast members pass back and forth during the show with their yellow flashlights. In addition, because the area is between two of the giant water screens, you do not get a clear view of either one.

This is the least-obstructed shot from the show that night — and you can still see the light poles against the pirate ship.

Once the show started, a man sitting a few chairs away from us decided that his view was too obstructed, and moved into the previously empty front row, thereby blocking the view for those of us in the second row. Most of my photos of the show from that evening have either a light pole or that gentleman's head in them. I would not want to be in the third or fourth row of a sold-out show.

Whether these seating options are worth the money depends on your priorities. It might be something to experience if you want to see the first showing of Fantasmic from a good viewing area without wasting two to three hours saving a seat, or if you want to splurge on a special treat for a loved one. Having experienced both the balcony and the priority viewing, I definitely prefer the balcony; it is absolutely the nicest of the two options.

Seating on the Golden Vine patio.

If you prefer a full meal to a dessert box, head over to DCA and catch a showing of Disney's Electrical Parade. For $45, an adult can enjoy a selection of meats, cheeses, and bread and sweets, as well as a glass of Mondavi wine. Kids' meals are $35, and include sandwiches and juice.

Visitors sitting in the front row have a good view,
but those further back are at a disadvantage.

Seating is first-come, first-serve. Unfortunately, the seating area at the Golden Vine Winery is less than optimal for viewing the parade. There are two clusters of tables set up on the winery patio; one on either side of the entrance stairs. Customers are far removed from the parade route as well as any character interaction. While people sitting along the wall have a decent view of the parade, those sitting further back are at a real disadvantage.

If you book this package July 13 - August 23, you can also receive a voucher for VIP seating at one of the "Rockin' the Bay" concerts that same day. Be sure to visit the Golden Vine Winery to claim your tickets, as seats are limited.

The Blast dinner package is probably the least popular offering at the Resort. For $45, ($20 for children), you get priority seating at the Hyperion Theater, and a meal at your choice of the full-service restaurants at DCA. Depending on which restaurant you chose, you either select from a fixed menu, or receive a meal voucher.

Of course, tickets to Blast are free, and the show rarely, if ever, fills to capacity. Perhaps this is why only a handful of people take advantage of this package.

Dancing to "Kokomo" with the Beach Boys

A reserved seating package has been added for the Summer Concert Series at DCA. Visitors who book a reservation at the Golden Vine Winery, or reserve the Premium Priority Seating for the Electrical Parade, receive a voucher for VIP seating at one of the two concerts that same day.

When the program was announced on July 12th, the ABC Soap Opera Bistro was also participating. The Bistro was removed from the program midway through the first day of concerts, leaving future visitors of a choice between the $45 Electrical Parade package, or a pricey meal at the Golden Vine Winery. Either way, you will be committed to staying inside DCA well into the evening - the first Electrical Parade starts at 8:30, and the Winery opens at 5 p.m..

Vouchers are distributed on the patio of the Golden Vine Winery

A $25 per person minimum is required when dining at the Golden Vine Winery as part of this package. Reservations can be made up to 30 days in advance by calling the Disneyland Resort dining line at 714-781-3463.

Upon arriving at DCA, you will check in at the Golden Vine Winery to collect your seating voucher. Seats are limited, and are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. Priority Seating begins 30 minutes before the concert, and the line forms near the Golden Zephyr.

Most diners with special dietary needs can take advantage of any of these options. With advance notice, dessert boxes can be modified to remove items such as nuts, chocolate, or other items that may cause allergic reactions. You can also replace your wine with the soda of your choice.

According to a manager, the picnic meal at the Golden Vine Winery can be modified for vegetarians to replace the meats and / or cheese for additional cheese, fruits or vegetables.

Since many of the CMs do not know that alternative selections are available, be sure you make your request when you make reservations. In many cases, you may be forwarded to Guest Relations for more assistance.

In the end, priority seating is only a value if you want the absolute convenience of walking right up and getting a reserved seat, and a little something to nibble on before the show. With the exception of the balcony seating for Fantasmic, you can readily obtain as good a seat, if not better, by investing a little time before a show, or being flexible enough to catch a second performance.

If you have your heart set on getting balcony reservations, plan ahead and get on the phone a month early. Otherwise, order dinner to go from a counter service restaurant, grab a piece of curb, and enjoy the parade or show! With the money you save, you can splurge on dinner another night.

You can write Adrienne Vincent–Phoenix at avp@mouseplanet.com

Story and photos by Adrienne Vincent–Phoenix

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