Chez Ali Fantasia Folklore Show Ticket with Moroccan Dinner

If you’re heading to Marrakech and craving a night filled with vibrant culture, lively performances, and a taste of Morocco’s rich culinary traditions, the Chez Ali Fantasia show might catch your eye. We haven’t experienced it ourselves, but after scouring reviews and details, it seems to offer a fascinating glimpse into Moroccan folklore—at least on the surface.

What we love about this experience? First, the convenience of hotel pickup and return takes the hassle out of logistics. Second, the spectacular setting—a luxurious Berber-style tent with lively dancers and fireworks—is pretty hard to beat. Third, the variety of traditional Moroccan dishes, from tagines to couscous, makes it a good value for a night out with dinner included.

However, some travelers point out that the entertainment quality can be hit or miss, and there are concerns over food quality and the cost of drinks. This experience is probably best suited for those who want a lively, tourist-friendly night with some cultural flavor, especially if you’re after a memorable evening rather than a purely authentic or gourmet experience.

Key Points

• All-in-one experience: Dinner, cultural show, and transport included.
• Convenient logistics: Hotel pickup and drop-off simplify the evening.
• Family-friendly: Suitable for most travelers, with a start at 8 pm.
• Variable entertainment: Some reviews praise the dancers and horses, others find the show rushed or amateurish.
• Decent value: With a four-course meal and show for around $52, it appeals to those wanting an affordable cultural night.
• Mixed quality: Food and entertainment receive both high praise and criticism, so expectations should be managed accordingly.

What to Expect from the Tour

The Itinerary

The tour kicks off with hotel pickup at 8:00 pm, a time that allows you to enjoy your evening after a day of sightseeing. The drive to Chez Ali, about 12 km from central Marrakech, takes roughly 20 minutes. This time is well spent—your driver might even let you snap some photos of the impressive entrance with knights and the Ali Baba cave, which set the tone for what’s to come.

Once there, you’ll have the opportunity to stroll around the grounds, which are designed to feel like a cinematic Arabian kingdom. The entrance is decorated with traditional costumes and horses, giving you plenty of chances for photos. Many reviews mention the excitement of seeing the knights and riders in their colorful attire.

The Venue

Arriving at Chez Ali, you’ll be led into a luxurious Berber-style tent where dinner is served. This setting is surprisingly plush, with a real sense of opulence that sets it apart from typical tourist spots. Reviewers like Tina R. describe it as “absolutely breathtaking,” with the atmosphere matching the grandeur.

Dinner Experience

The Moroccan meal is served buffet-style, including moroccan soup, couscous with chicken and seven vegetables, and a choice of tagines (beef or chicken). There’s also fresh fruit for dessert, which most found plentiful and tasty. One review notes the meal was “good and plentiful,” though others mention the food being somewhat mediocre or rushed, especially with the service feeling hurried in some instances.

A key detail: alcoholic beverages are not included, and drinking costs can add up, as some reviews mention paying high prices for water and soda. Be prepared to bring cash if you want drinks during or after your meal.

The Show

Post-dinner, you’ll settle into a large outdoor arena or enclosed space to watch the main event. The Fantasia show features horse stunts, belly dancers, acrobats, folklore performances, and fireworks. The spectacle is designed to be lively and engaging, with some reviews highlighting exceptional horse riders and talented performers, while others mention the show feeling rushed or less polished than expected.

Gillian K. mentions that the entertainment was “not as professional as it could have been” and felt “rushed,” while Tina R. describes it as “great” with “folklore dance and dinner” being “lovely.”

Some travelers also noticed the show was shorter than anticipated—about 30 minutes in some cases—leading to disappointment, especially when expecting a full evening of entertainment.

Transportation and Timing

The entire evening lasts roughly four hours, from pick-up at 8 pm to the end of the show around 11 pm. The transportation is air-conditioned, making the journey comfortable, though some reviews report delays—waiting up to an hour for pickup or late arrivals—that can cut into your evening.

The tour’s start time is ideal for pairing with a day of sightseeing, allowing you to unwind with a lively performance after a day exploring Marrakech’s sights.

Authenticity and Cultural Experience

When it comes to cultural authenticity, reviews are mixed. Many describe the show as a “spectacular” way to glimpse Moroccan folklore and traditions, especially the horse riding stunts and traditional music. However, some critics point out that it feels overly commercialized or touristy—more of an entertainment spectacle than an immersive cultural experience.

Ybrikman calls it a “tourist scam,” criticizing the food quality, inflated drink prices, and the brevity of the show. Conversely, Toni_M and Shahabdin_K praise the atmospheric setting, traditional music, and overall fun.

The Highlights and Shortcomings

Highlights:

• The setting is visually impressive, often resembling a scene from a Hollywood movie.
• The dancers and horse riders are often described as talented athletes, adding genuine excitement.
• The dinner is generally plentiful, with multiple Moroccan dishes that most find satisfying.
• The convenience of pre-paid tickets and hotel transfers saves you time and hassle.

Shortcomings:

• The entertainment quality varies, with some reviewers feeling it’s amateurish or rushed.
• The food can sometimes be mediocre or served quickly, with limited gourmet options.
• Drinks are not included and can be overpriced.
• The show duration might be shorter than expected, leaving some feeling it’s not worth the price.

Practical Tips for the Best Experience

• Book in advance: The tour is popular and often booked around 26 days early.
• Bring cash for drinks or extra tips, as beverages aren’t included.
• Manage expectations: This is a lively, tourist-focused event—don’t expect Michelin-star cuisine or a flawless show.
• Arrive early for photos and exploring the venue before the show begins.
• Dress comfortably, especially if you plan to walk around or take photos.
• Consider timing: An evening show pairs well with daytime sightseeing—just be prepared for possible delays.

Is This Tour Worth It?

For those looking for an entertaining night with a taste of Moroccan culture in a grand setting, this tour offers a lot of visual spectacle and hearty food for the price. The convenience of hotel pickup makes it accessible, and the setting alone makes for memorable photos.

However, if you’re expecting a highly polished performance or gourmet meal, you might find some shortcomings. It’s a good choice for families or first-time visitors wanting a fun, lively evening that encapsulates Marrakech’s vibrant spirit.

To sum it up, this experience is a blend of cultural spectacle and tourist trap, with enough charm and excitement to make it worthwhile—so long as your expectations are realistic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off from your accommodation in Marrakech, making logistics straightforward.

What time does the tour start?
It departs at 8:00 pm, perfect for an evening activity after daytime sightseeing.

How long does the entire experience last?
Approximately four hours, including transportation, dinner, and the show.

What does the dinner include?
A four-course Moroccan meal with soup, couscous, a choice of tagines, and fresh fruit for dessert. Alcoholic drinks are not included.

Is the show suitable for children?
Most travelers find it family-friendly, though younger children might find the short duration and loud performances overwhelming.

Are drinks included?
No, drinks are paid separately and can be pricey at the venue.

How is the entertainment quality?
Reviews vary; some find the performers talented and engaging, while others see the show as rushed or amateurish.

In the end, the Chez Ali Fantasia show offers a lively, accessible introduction to Moroccan culture with the convenience of all-inclusive logistics. It’s best suited for those who want a fun night out, are okay with some variability in quality, and are looking for a memorable visual spectacle over a gourmet experience.