Frozen Pre-Show Package - Is it worth it?

[Geekmom24]

We will be traveling to DL/DCA at the end of July with four teenagers (17 and 14 years old) and a 9 year old. We visit DL/DCA about every 2 years. My teen daughters are very excited to see the Frozen show. I just found out about the Frozen Pre-Show package and am wondering if it is worth it to ensure that we get in to see the show. We are staying at the Grand Californian and will have an early entry morning so getting a fast pass is a possibility. We have seen the Aladdin show many times, so I'm familar with the interior of the theater.

So, what do you think? Is it worth it or do you think we have a good shot of getting a FP first thing on the early entry morning? (Also, where is the FP located?)

Thanks!

 

[CassieF]

You will be fine getting a fast pass. Now with 4 shows fast passes are typically lasting at least until lunch time. The only issue might be if you want a particular show timing it could be tedious, with retuning to the machines repeatedly until they flip to the correct show without missing the show/section you want. Also, if you are particular about where you'd like to sit, especially if you're a front row type of person, it could be worth it, for the seat choice and not having to play the fastpass game, both getting it and dealing with the return line.

 

[Kirbie]

I'm having similar thoughts, for the pre show $49 package. Since it seems like they're doing 4 shows for the summer, and making it more clear as to what show/sections fastpass are currently available, I feel like I have a pretty good chance of getting a FP for a showtime I want (it's just me, so one FP should be easy enough to get).

On the other hand, I'm going in late August, and I am an Oregonian, so late August SoCal heat will seam really brutal to me. I'm almost wondering if it would be worth the $49 for me to get AC for not just the show, but an hour before the show. Especially if I chose the later time, 2:00 I think for the preshow package. I'm still torn, $49 is a lot to me and I'm debating if I want to spend it on an experience or a souvenir (like Oswald ears!)

 

[disneychrista]

Most show packages are only worth it, IMO, if you want to do what is included in the package.

 

[CassieF]

The lines can be brutal, and with FP you still have to be there about 20 minutes before they let you in at the latest, longer if you want to be among the first in... And it's mostly full sun, standing only, and they pack you in tight. For an infrequent trip, $49 for the AC, no stress for fp or return time, and prime seat selection, yeah, I would probably do it. I'm a local, frequent visitor, so it's much harder to justify that price, especially having seen it multiple times already

 

[Kirbie]

The lines can be brutal, and with FP you still have to be there about 20 minutes before they let you in at the latest, longer if you want to be among the first in... And it's mostly full sun, standing only, and they pack you in tight. For an infrequent trip, $49 for the AC, no stress for fp or return time, and prime seat selection, yeah, I would probably do it. I'm a local, frequent visitor, so it's much harder to justify that price, especially having seen it multiple times already

That's super helpful. I wasn't sure what the actual line situation is, but if it's full sun mid day, I think I could get the money to enjoy AC and ice treats. I'm still trying to figure out if I have to be at the venue the full hour+ of the pre show package, or if I could just show up 45 minutes before the show or something. I understand there could be a wait for the treats and photo opps, but I'm also unsure about committing 2 1/2 hours to the show since I only have 2 days; and right now the August park hours are shorter than July. That could change, but still. It's a lot of weighing pros and cons, and I appreciate your input.

 

[avalon451]

I'm still trying to figure out if I have to be at the venue the full hour+ of the pre show package, or if I could just show up 45 minutes before the show or something.

This is my question. It'd be worth it to me, not to have to wait in the full sun, maybe have a nice glass of something while waiting, but I don't want to do that for an hour and a half when I could be doing something else.

 

[mousefan1972]

It's totally worth it. Did it today for the 4:00 show. It was a warm sunny afternoon and the pre-show area was nicely air conditioned. They had shave ice, popcorn, and drinks. We were also given a lanyard and pin. We were escorted to the theatre and had our pick of seats in a completely empty theater. Sat front row center. We are infrequent visitors from Boston and it was 100% worth the money. Hope this helps.

 

[Kirbie]

It's totally worth it. Did it today for the 4:00 show. It was a warm sunny afternoon and the pre-show area was nicely air conditioned. They had shave ice, popcorn, and drinks. We were also given a lanyard and pin. We were escorted to the theatre and had our pick of seats in a completely empty theater. Sat front row center. We are infrequent visitors from Boston and it was 100% worth the money. Hope this helps.

That is helpful, and I'm glad you enjoyed it! Were you there for the full hour and a half before the show?

 

[mousefan1972]

No, we got there around 2:45. Didn't want the kids to get too bored. They had a CM from the Animation Academy teach the kids how to draw Olaf, which was neat, and they amused themselves by getting up to get popcorn and shave ice every 10 minutes. There was also plenty of seats inside Stage 17. Add in trips to the restroom, and the hour went by quickly. They started walking us over to the theatre at 3:45. I can't emphasize how great it was. Being seated in a/c, no lining up in a huge crowd in the sun, and having our pick of seats was well worth the $ spent.

 

[mamapenguin]

No, we got there around 2:45. Didn't want the kids to get too bored. They had a CM from the Animation Academy teach the kids how to draw Olaf, which was neat, and they amused themselves by getting up to get popcorn and shave ice every 10 minutes. There was also plenty of seats inside Stage 17. Add in trips to the restroom, and the hour went by quickly. They started walking us over to the theatre at 3:45. I can't emphasize how great it was. Being seated in a/c, no lining up in a huge crowd in the sun, and having our pick of seats was well worth the $ spent.

Thank you for your response. I just made a reservation and my daughter is going to be very happy

 

[Disney Lvr of Old]

No, we got there around 2:45. Didn't want the kids to get too bored. They had a CM from the Animation Academy teach the kids how to draw Olaf, which was neat, and they amused themselves by getting up to get popcorn and shave ice every 10 minutes. There was also plenty of seats inside Stage 17. Add in trips to the restroom, and the hour went by quickly. They started walking us over to the theatre at 3:45. I can't emphasize how great it was. Being seated in a/c, no lining up in a huge crowd in the sun, and having our pick of seats was well worth the $ spent.

We are definitely going to do this- thanks for the review. Was your group let into the theater first or were there seats already occupied by other groups?

Has anyone else gone recently who has a review?

Thanks!

 

[Baklava]

I'm considering it myself. I don't believe there's a DAS option that will help me with this one and the line up is one that has given me grief in the past.

 

[mousefan1972]

Thank you for your response. I just made a reservation and my daughter is going to be very happy

You're welcome!

We are definitely going to do this- thanks for the review. Was your group let into the theater first or were there seats already occupied by other groups?

Has anyone else gone recently who has a review?

Thanks!

Yes, we were let in first, the theatre was completely empty. Again, I highly recommend the pre show package. When we exited the theatre after the show ended, at approximately 5:00, there was already a huge line, all packed in like sardines, for the 5:50 show. No thanks!

 

[Disney Lvr of Old]

You're welcome!



Yes, we were let in first, the theatre was completely empty. Again, I highly recommend the pre show package. When we exited the theatre after the show ended, at approximately 5:00, there was already a huge line, all packed in like sardines, for the 5:50 show. No thanks!

.


I'm convinced. I just bought mine- thanks!!!

 

[Kirbie]

Just made my reservation! Booked the later show since I figured it would be hotter later in the day, and part of the reason I want to do this is to escape the heat for a bit. So excited! Can't wait to try all the Frozen treats

 

[mousefan1972]

.


I'm convinced. I just bought mine- thanks!!!

Yay! Glad to be of help. Hope you have fun.

Just made my reservation! Booked the later show since I figured it would be hotter later in the day, and part of the reason I want to do this is to escape the heat for a bit. So excited! Can't wait to try all the Frozen treats

That was my reasoning, too. Booked the 2:30 Pre show for the 4:00 show. It was def warmer later in the afternoon, so the a/c was most welcome. Have fun!

 

[Kirbie]

I do have one question - How do you provide proof of reservation? I haven't purchased my park tickets yet, so it's not linked to that. I have the email, so will I just show them that when I arrive? Thanks!

 

[mousefan1972]

I just gave our name at check in and we were on his list- I did have the email confirm on my phone, just in case, but didn't need it. Have fun!

 

[BriannaRuth]

DD12 wants to do this but DH and DD16 don't. Any chance we could go do it, then save 2 seats for them once in the theater? I'd think if we put the two empty seats between us it wouldn't be too difficult.