Bummer on Mama Melrose. We had a pretty good experience there a couple of years ago, but the more I read of trip reports the more I think we may have been in the minority that night. But at least you all enjoyed Fantasmic! and got a ride in on Rock 'n Roller Coaster! Enjoying the report.
That really is a shame. It could be a great restaurant. And in the past, I thought it was. But I was pretty disappointed by it.
Fantasmic is always fun and I was so glad to finally get to ride RnRC!
I've never actually seen it ... but that's what I hear. I'd like to see it before it goes bye bye (not that they've announced anything about that ...), but somehow I'm always pressed for time on HS day and it's something that's easy to take off the list.
No, I'd assume even if it does go away, they'll have to pretty much keep it open until something new is announced and close to opening. If they shut it down anytime soon, there would be nothing to do in that park!
It's not fun to wear really big glasses for 15 minutes. Remember, she has a smaller head than you, so those glasses aren't so comfortable.
Also ... short attention span. I'm told they grow out of it eventually (well, most of them - I never did)
Yeah, they just don't fit the little kids well at all.
Ouch. I think Mama Melrose's was also our longest ADR wait before being seated. But 20 minutes past ADR time when you checked in early is really rough.
Yeah, it was pretty ridiculous. If it weren't for the Fantasmic! package I was tempted to go ask if we could get out of our ADR since we showed up and hadn't been seated yet.
Well that sounds like great service ...
Only the best.
I hope you wrote to Disney and complained! 2.5 hours for an ADR is really unacceptable (IMO). I'm glad you got things done in the morning, because this really sucks and would definitely have screwed up your schedule.
I should have. But truthfully, after we came home it was Christmas, then New Years, then
Disneyland. So I didn't really have time to dwell on it and send an e-mail. And it certainly wasn't something worth wasting more of my valuable time there doing.
I don't believe it. I have never seen FP+ for RnRC available day of (and I've checked every time I'm at HS). Touringplans is crazy!
Well, it was really a pretty low crowd day. I thought maybe there was a chance.
That's a smart plan. I wouldn't expect one to become available, but checking on the phone is a lot easier than constantly running back to the kiosks.
Yep, never hurts to try.
I also had a bad experience with the actual dining part, but loved the convenience of the dining package (even as adults). They're fantastic seats and it's so much easier to just be able to show up 15-20 minutes before the show.
Definitely. I love being able to walk in just before show time... rather than show up 2 hours early to stand around, then be herded in and sit there for another hour. Blech!!
I see the point, but I don't think it's just FP+ - I think it's part of smartphone culture. People are always on their phones. When I was in DL in 2012 I was on my phone plenty, and there was no FP+ there (although ... there was at that point in time a DL app).
Very true. I was using mine quite a bit at DL. I used the Disneyland Lines app quite a bit.
It is an awesome show, but I can see why it would get boring for the little ones. Hopefully she'll love it when she gets older.
I'm sure she will!
Wow, offering to take a bus back? You are so magnanimous!
Well, it would certainly be easier for me than them with the kids!
I really don't mind the bus when I'm by myself. But with kids and strollers and all the crap you have to haul around with them... no thanks.
I find that happens a lot with long lines - people just give up and get off the line. Always nice when your wait is shorter than advertised!
Yep. I was sticking it out anyway, but I was more than happy to move aside for those going the wrong way!
Yay! You finally got your ride in and you look like you're enjoying!
He looks happy! Did he want to build a snowman?
And ride a bike around the halls.
Yay! You got out of there with the car still in the right place and no traffic nightmares!
It was much better than our Saturday night at DHS!!!
It's definitely hard to explain these things. I like your explanation. And it definitely is a good thing that he's asking these kinds of questions - shows a high level of thinking.
Thanks. And it made me happy to see him taking what information I was giving him and then process it. He's growing up.
Aww ... I totally know that feeling. When you're surrounded by the magic and beauty of Disney it's hard to think about leaving. Don't you just wish you could stay there forever?
My bank account just isn't quite big enough though.
Great report! I've been following along for a while and enjoy the fellow Dis Dad perspective. I'm glad you finally rode the RnRC.
Thanks! I'm glad I finally got to ride too. I was going to be disappointed if I didn't!
I would think the Backlot area alone would be good for a couple of good sized rides.
Yeah, I think so. But if you're looking to do 1, possibly 2 themed lands, where LMA would basically fall right between them... you just never know. Heck, I'm not sure they know what they're doing at DHS yet. They just keep closing and deconstructing.
Sure. There's tons of leftovers.
On my way!!!!
Okay. So it sounds like that's what I read. FP+ for Fantasmic not a great idea.
And from what you describe, dinner package worth it.
Um. Was it extra for the package? Or just the cost of the meal?
I assume extra, but...
My understanding is that it really doesn't cost more. But you have to order appetizer, entrée, drink and dessert. So if you're paying out of pocket and didn't really want that much food... then you would be paying a little more. At H&V, you get the regular buffet. Either way, I don't recall the exact cost since we were on DP, but on the plan it was still just one Table Service credit at Mama Melrose.