Hungry Bear Fantasmic! On-The-Go Review

Updated November 3, 2022

This is the most affordable of the three Fantasmic! options and still has a fantastic view.

If Blue Bayou and River Belle Terrace are out of your price range, I recommend considering Hungry Bear.

With a Fantasmic! dining package, you will pay for your meal and with it, you’ll receive a “FASTPASS” that saves you a spot in a great location to watch Fantasmic! later that evening.

I dined at 3:15pm, which gave me a return ticket for the earlier Fastasmic!, which is at 9:00pm.

Take a look at all of your options for Fantasmic! in this post.

Let’s look at all the details.

Basic Scoop

***Tax and gratuity are not included.

Adults (age 10 and over) – $35

Kids (age 3-9) – $25

Infants (up to age 2) – FREE (children age 2 and under do not have to pay for the meal and do not have to have a FASTPASS to enter the viewing area; a meal will not be provided to your child; he or she can eat off your plate)

Dining times for Hungry Bear start each day at 3:00pm. When you book – online or on the phone directly with Disney – you will learn which show your dining time is assigned to. The FASTPASS that you receive that allows you into your viewing location will state this show time, too. You may not attend a show other than the one your FASTPASS assigns you to.

Dining packages are always popular at Disneyland and with the return of Fantasmic!, these are in high demand. Do not hesitate to book your package now. If you change your mind on using it, cancel within 24 hours of your dining time so that your credit card on file is not charged the $10 per person cancellation penalty. These packages do not require pre-payment. All you have to do now is make the reservation. The app does not allow you to make these reservations. You must use the Disneyland site or call Disney directly at (714) 781-DINE (3463) between 7:00 AM and 9:00 PM daily (Pacific Time) to book.

Annual Pass discounts apply to all dining packages.

Dining packages can be booked 60 days out from the day you plan to dine at Disneyland.

Book this package online here.

Menu

Here is the menu for both kids and adults with additional options at the bottom.

If you don’t care for the menu offerings for adults or children, you can usually order from the standard menu at Hungry Bear. You will still pay the same prices. Ask a cast member if this is an option when you check in.

 

Setting

Hungry Bear is located in Critter Country, on the path leading to Splash Mountain. The dining area is outdoors and overlooks the Rivers of America.

This option is great for young kids because you don’t have to worry about them being too loud. There’s room for little ones to run around, too.

Here was my view:

Food

I didn’t love what I ordered – the Pork Riblets. They’re weren’t bad, but next time I think I’ll try the BBQ Chicken.

At Hungry Bear, you can dine there or take your food to go. It’s all wrapped up for you when you arrive.

Everything is included in case you dine elsewhere. Cutlery, napkins, etc.

LOVE the Blue Sky Soda options.

Where The Viewing Location Is and When To Arrive

After paying your bill, you’ll get a “FASTPASS” that looks like this:

You’ll enter near Habour Galley. Arrive by 8:00pm to secure a good spot. Look for this sign:

Show the cast member your FASTPASS and proceed on this path:

Hungry Bear’s section is next to Blue Bayou.

Check out my view:

Not bad for $30!

Here is the crowd on each side at show time:

Depending on when you dine, you will have a Return Ticket or “FASTPASS” for one of two shows – typically scheduled for 9:00pm or 10:30pm.

If you are seeing the 9:00pm show, arrive by 8:00pm to claim your spot. A few minutes after the show ends, Fireworks will begin (if they’re scheduled and weather doesn’t deter them). Stay right where you are for Fireworks. Don’t try to make it over to the castle. It’s too hectic and you won’t make it in time. Stand up after Fantasmic! ends (you’ll be directed to on the loud speaker) and watch Fireworks from where you watched Fantasmic! (More details below.)

If you are seeing the 10:30pm show, watch Fireworks (if they’re scheduled and weather doesn’t deter them) from wherever you wish and then head over to the viewing section as soon as they end. The later show allows all three dining package option guests to sit in the same section. So, you will want to grab a spot as soon as Fireworks end. You can watch them from the viewing area that you will sit in to watch Fantasmic! It’s open to everyone. Then, when the ropes go up to start reserving space for the dining packages, you can be right there ready to claim your spot.

Everything moves quickly here. 9:00pm Fantasmic!, 9:30pm Fireworks, 10:30pm Fantasmic! Cast members are great at keeping people moving. Know ahead of time where to go and you’ll have great views for all shows.

Fireworks

If fireworks are scheduled for the evening you watch Fantasmic! (with or without a dining package), and you’re slated for the first Fantasmic!, stay right where you are for the show.

Click on this link to see if fireworks are scheduled during your visit.

You’ll be advised to stand (by the magical voice on the Disneyland loud speaker), but it’s a great place to watch fireworks, as you can see them shooting off in all the locations. Projections that accompany the show are visible on a water screen (like World of Color), in front of Tom Sawyer Island.

So, as you can see from this photo, fireworks are going off to the right and then the projections are in front of you. These are the same projections you will find on the castle and the it’s a small world facade.

(Fireworks are not part of the dining package and are never guaranteed.)

Notes

  • I think this dining package is an excellent value. The viewing section is fantastic – right next to Blue Bayou, which is much pricier – at $65 a person.
  • Technically, the only sections that are guaranteed to be able to sit on the ground while watching the show are Blue Bayou and River Belle Terrace. If the crowds are heavy enough, guests in the Hungry Bear section may be asked to stand to accommodate more people. However, in the three times I watched Fantasmic! shortly after it began in the busy summer, and every time since then, I never saw this section have to stand. That being said, it is entirely possible that you will stand in this section. Be prepared for that so that you’re not disappointed.
  • The second showing of Fantasmic! typically includes all three dining package sections mixed together in one section. Meaning, guests who dined with the Blue Bayou and River Belle Terrace packages will be seated with those from Hungry Bear. Why? Most guests prefer the earlier show, so many more dining packages are sold for that earlier time. This isn’t a guarantee, but I have yet to see the three sections separated for the later show. What this means for Hungry Bear dining package guests – Well done on a super low price for front row! If you arrive early enough, you have the same possibility to grab front row as those who paid much higher prices for Blue Bayou or River Belle Terrace.
  • Within each dining package section, guests in wheelchairs or ECVs are stationed near the back of the section so that they’re not blocking other guests’ views since they’ll be sitting on the ground. Feel free to enjoy any of the dining packages and know you can sit with everyone in your party within in the dining package sections noted on the map above.
  • Disneyland is super accommodating with food allergies. If you have specific needs, share those when you book online in the section provided. If you call in to book, let the cast member helping you know your needs. Then, when you check in at your dining time, reiterate those details again.
  • I’ll be back with my kids to dine here again. The food and viewing section are totally worth the money.
  • I have sat front row, right by the iron railing for this show several times and never had an issue with getting wet. However, several readers have told me that they got SOAKED. If the wind is blowing in the direction of the crowd, be prepared to get a little or a lot wet. Set up in the middle of the section if this is a concern.
  • If you don’t care for Blue Sky Soda, you can purchase a Coke product instead.
  • If you don’t care for the menu choices, you can choose from their regular menu which is less “exotic” and more so “burgers and fries”. But, you will still pay the stated price for adult or child.
  • You can find my review on Blue Bayou’s Fantasmic! dining package at this link. It’s the most expensive option and includes a cushion to sit on during the show.
  • You can find my review on River Belle Terrace’s dining package at this link. It’s the mid-range option and has an upgrade available to actually watch the show from your table.
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57 thoughts on “Hungry Bear Fantasmic! On-The-Go Review

  1. I got a river Belle reservation for 4pm but don’t know if they will let me add fantasmic on them. Do you think they would run out of add on passes by then? and what time showing do you think I would get. Also saw someone arriving later could I arrive earlier say by an hour?

  2. Is it really possible to swap the dining package food for something else on the regular menu? The food does not sound good to us and I have very picky eater kids. There is not one thing on the dining package menu that my kids or husband would eat.

  3. Do you know if everyone with a hungry bear on the go reservation has to be there or can one person from the party go pick it up?

  4. I’ve been curious about this package for a couple years, but stayed away because the kale and apricot rice sides didn’t look appetizing to my family. This morning while I was looking at the Disney site, I noticed the sides listed as mashed potatoes, glazed carrots, and cornbread. The 4 entrees weren’t listed. Do you know what the entrees are now since the change was made? Considering my options for October’s trip.

  5. Thanks so much for sharing this. This is the first time we’ve seen it since they instituted this. Now I know exactly what’ll be happening!

  6. Hi Casey,

    Thanks for all the info. My daughter is 2.5. I got the hungry bear on the go package. Do I need to order for her too? Does she need the pass to enter or it’s for below 2 only?

  7. Hi Casey:)
    Thank you for the detailed review! It helped a lot! I am trying to make a reservation for the Hungry Bear Fantasmic Dining Package. Is the show time assignment randomly? We would like to go to the second show since we want to watch the fireworks on the main street. Would we have better chance of getting the fastpast for the later show if our reservations are later at night?

    1. Yes. Later reservations allow you to see the later show. The system should tell you which show you’re committing to prior to when you confirm. If you call 714.781.DINE to book, they can walk you through it.

  8. Hi there,
    i’m curious…if the fireworks have to be cancelled, how will we know? is it announced over the loud speaker?

    1. Hi, Nancy. Yes. There will be an announcement made over the loud speaker letting you know. There is typically a warning announcement….that they may be cancelled….then a confirmation if they are.

  9. Hi Casey!

    Are you allowed to sit in the Hungry Bear section? I thought I read on one of your other dining reviews that only BB and RBT are allowed to sit, but your photos from the HB area look like everyone is seated.

    Also, if all three dining reservations are seated in the same area wouldn’t it be more economical to buy HB and then get a seat closer to the BB section? Or is it already full from people watching fireworks? Do cast members make everyone leave after fireworks?

    Is it possible to get a good spot (week night in mid August) without purchasing a dining package?

    Thank you!!

    1. Hi, Kirbie.

      In every show I’ve attended, the HB section has been able to sit on the ground. IF the show is too crowded, HB is the only section that might be asked to accommodate more guests (standing guests allow for more people), but I’ve never seen it happen.

      For the early show, the dining package viewing sections are separated out. Every time.

      Most often (not a guarantee), the later show includes all the viewing sections are merged together into one total section, allowing guests from HB to get a front center view, along with RB and BB.

      Guests watching fireworks are scooted out after the show so that they can set up the dining package sections. It will be cleared giving everyone a fair shot at getting the location they want to view.

      I recommend the HB dining package for your week night in mid-August if you want a great view. FASTPASSES for Fantasmic! are tricky and there’s not a great strategy to ensure you’re happy with your viewing area. The dining package view is AMAZING. The show is right there in front of you and the pirate ship looks like it’s so close that it’s going to come ashore. Highly recommend a dining package.

  10. Do you think it’s ok to order my teenagers kids meals? They don’t eat a lot and normally order off kids menus still.

    1. I encourage all guests to follow the rules, which states kids are up to age 9. Teenagers seem like a big stretch for that limit. You might be questioned upon purchasing.

  11. Hi thanks for your review it was really helpful I am just wondering since I haven’t been to Disney in a while it’s there a big difference between the view you get from this package and the view you get with a fastpass?

        1. The view was awesome for this package! Virtually right in front of the island and the fountain projectors are almost directly in front of you as well. We arrived a few minutes before they started seating (so about an hour out) and were able to get a spot in the 3rd row. Totally worth it.

  12. Love the site, thanks for your efforts.

    How flexible is the reservation time for the fantasmic dining package at hungry bear? We have a 4pm reservation but wanted to catch the 3:30 Pixar Play parade that day, and would prefer eating closer to 5pm anyhow.

      1. I just wanted to report back that we were able to arrive at the restaurant around 5PM with no hassle. They have a separate line for the Fastpass meals and a cast member has a list of the day’s reservations.

        THE GOOD: Fantasmic is simply incredible, a definite highlight of our trip. As you have mentioned, the Hungry Bear viewing area is also a wonderful spot to watch the fireworks that take place right after the early show, as 95% of the fireworks are visible and the visuals are projected right on the fountains. The fastpass area was very busy but everyone was able to remain seated, a cast member just asked that everyone scoot forward once or twice.

        THE BAD: We decided to order off the regular menu, and the food was simply terrible. Worst we had in Disneyland by a significant margin. We all ordered cheese burgers, and in addition to taking a really long time considering there weren’t that many guests waiting, were horribly overcooked and had clearly been sitting in a warming tray for a long time. We weren’t expecting Napa Rose, but it would have been unacceptable at a state fair. In retrospect my wife and I agreed that we would have rather just paid $25 a person for the fastpass (which was totally worth it) and skipped the food altogether. So I guess I’d recommend ordering something REALLY straight forward (which I thought a cheeseburger would be..).

        1. So sorry you didn’t like the food more. I’m not a fan of the typical theme park, so I totally understand. Thrilled you enjoyed the show and fireworks!

  13. Thanks for the pictures! I always feel stressed about these things because describing them with words doesn’t always help me know where to go!
    This may be a silly question, but do you have to park your strollers outside the viewing area? I find the stroller really helps my little ones sit comfortably and be able to see whats going on. But I imagine it would be a hindrance in this seating area for other people. Just thought I should ask ahead of time! Thank you so much!

    1. Also, I have heard it is not the best spot to view the fireworks. We have only seen them from in front of its a small world. Will this viewing spot be a decent view? Do you have to stand for the fireworks from the fanstasmic viewing area?

      1. I actually love this area for fireworks. The projections are shown onto a water screen in front of Tom Sawyer’s Island and the view of the actual fireworks is good. I share a photo of what it looks like here:

        https://disneylanddaily.com/hungry-bear-fantasmic-on-the-go-review/#Fireworks

        The loud speaker will ask all guests to stand for fireworks after Fantasmic! because some guests will want to exit and not stay for the show. If you remained seated, you might be in danger from the people exiting in the dark. However, I encourage you to stay right where you are to see them. You’d lose your mind trying to get over to middle of the park for a castle view and likely get rerouted by cast members to walk toward the front of the park instead of toward the castle as you would want to.

        If you’re visiting during the Holiday season, you’re in great shape, too, for the show. It snows at the end of fireworks right where you are. Enjoy!

        1. I feel like I read this somewhere… If fantasmic is canceled for some reason but you purchased a dinning package, will you get tickets to see the next show?

    2. Me, too! That’s why I review these dining options and take lots of photos. I never know really what to expect. Glad you found them helpful.

      Strollers should be allowed in the viewing areas. You’ll need to set up toward the back of the section so as not to deter other guests from seeing the show. But, they should allow you to bring it in.

  14. Just ate at the Hungry bear dining. Food was terrible had we threw most of it in the trash. Hope the veiw for Fantasmic is worth the extra money.

    1. Hey, Justin. I’m sorry you didn’t like the food. Did you let a cast member know? The view is fantastic from that area. I hope you were able to enjoy at least that! Let me know if I can help you in any way.

      1. The veiw was good for Fantasmic. I would recommend substituting for the food on the regular menu. All the people sitting around us said the same thing. Amazing show though.

  15. I’ve searched lots of sites for answers to my questions in regards to the Hungry Bear Dining package, seating area, etc… yours has been the most helpful! Thank you very much!

  16. Hi Casey! Thanks for This review! We have fantastic reservations at hungry bear on 10/7 @ 8:30 pm. How are the crowds for the 10:30 pm showing? You also stated that in the later show all dining packages share the same seating area. So would it be better if we watched the fireworks near there to get front seats for the show? Any tips would be greatly appreciated!

  17. Hi Casey, I have just booked Cafe Orleans Fantasmic! Dining Package for 6:30pm on Sun 10 Sept. My reservation email says “Cafe Orleans Fantasmic! Dining Package, 2nd Show”. Does this mean we will get a Fastpass for the 10:30pm show not the 9pm? I’m worried this will be too late for my kids to stay up and watch.
    Thanks for your help.
    Sally

  18. How does hungry bear in the go work?when exactly do you order? And any idea what is being offered on the cafe orleans menu?
    Thanks

  19. Hi Casey!

    If you order off the regular menu do you get and entree and a side and a fountain soda? How will it work?

    Thanks so much!!!
    Ps is there anyway to get the cafe orleans package menu?
    Thank you 🙂

  20. Need to ask; Where is the disabled section? It’s not mentioned on the map. Dad is not “disabled” in that he is in wheelchair or has placard for car but is 77 yrs old and to expect him to sit on hard ground for upwards of two hours is unacceptable. Does Disney allow for a chair in any instance such as this? Some form of accommodation? (if I’m paying extra to have reserved seating they should have some sort of accommodation for seniors in this instance)

    1. Hi, Jenn. There are no chairs available for this dining package. The upgraded version of River Belle allows you to stay in your seat for the show. I share all those details here:

      https://disneylanddaily.com/river-belle-terrace-fantasmic-review/

      This weekend, I’m working on disability sections for Fantasmic! I’ll update the maps within each dining package post and this one, too:

      https://disneylanddaily.com/fantasmic-at-disneyland-everything-you-need-to-know/

  21. Hi Casey , so excited you did this review. My family is doing our first trip Sept 21-27th. I have booked the Hungry Bear on the 23rd. My question is, if we want to order off the regular menu, how does that work? Do we just let them know when we show up for our reservation? The special menu is just a bit too special for my 8 and 11 year old ?. Thanks so much. Krista

      1. Thank you, thank you. I could not figure out how this worked because you don’t input any info when you reserve. One more thing not to fret about. So excited bout our first trip.

  22. Hi Casey,
    I’m loving your website and Facebook page!
    Our trip is getting closer, and I was going to book the hungry bear Fantasmic dining package, but it appears on the entertainment schedule on the Disneyland website that Fantasmic isn’t scheduled for the days we will be there?
    Would this be the case or likely to be updated.
    We were going the Tuesday or Wednesday 5/6th of September?
    Thanks in advance

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