Dinner ADRs and times for nighttime shows?

[misskate]

I want to make ADRs for dinner, of course, for my DH and myself during our stay in Feb. I want to make sure we hit all the night time shows, though.

I'm assuming it's better to make an early ADR, like 5:00, then head to the park of choice that night, stake out a good spot and relax until the parade/show starts. Correct? Any advice or tips to make it run smoother? Any restaurants to get a late reservation at and be able to see the entertainment from the restaurant?

I'm very much a newbie at planning a trip to WDW by myself. I haven't been without my parents ever, and haven't been at all in 12 years!

Thanks for humoring me.

[Robo]

Originally Posted by misskate

1- I'm assuming it's better to make an early ADR, like 5:00, then head to the park of choice that night, stake out a good spot and relax until the parade/show starts. Correct?

2- Any advice or tips to make it run smoother?

3- Any restaurants to get a late reservation at and be able to see the entertainment from the restaurant?

1- That'll work, if you have plenty of time to get to the park before the event.

2- There are far too many events and restaurants to list every kind of possibility, I'm afraid.
Much easier to answer about a SPECIFIC event.

3- There are a very few IN the parks:
Tony's in MK for a somewhat limited view of the parades.
Rose & Crown in Epcot to see IllumiNations.
Yak & Yeti in DAK, certain areas offer a limited view of the parade.

OUTSIDE the MK-

The Beach at the Polynesian Resort offers a great view
of Wishes and other MK Fireworks shows.
They do "pipe in" the audio of the shows.
There are several ground-level speakers along the
sidewalk.

They also pipe the audio to the speakers at the Poly
pool.

That said, the volume level is so LOW that its nearly
inaudible.
It's been that way for years, and I don't know why.




Here's a photo I took from the Poly Beach-
MK Fireworks (MVMCP Christmas Finale)


-----------------------------

More Viewing Spots-

You can see them from TTC (they pipe-in the audio from
the show) but you are not allowed to stand in the
Ferry loading area.

You can see them from the boat-dock and an outside
observation deck near Narcoossee's restaurant at the
Grand Floridian. Also from the Patio overlooking the Marina.



At the Contemporary, there is viewing on an outdoor
observation area on the 4th floor.
The California Grill observation areas are reserved for patrons that day of the Grill or Bar.




(Fireworks shown above are simulated.)




As for viewing from INSIDE the dining area of restaurants
(you usually need ADRs for most, and they are usually busy during the shows)...
you can see (and hear) them at California Grill at Contemporary,
'Ohana at Poly,
and Narcoossee's at the Grand Floridian.

[lake queen]

Usually we make 5:00 ressies and are able to make it to the nighttime shows.

However, be prepared in case everything doesn't go exactly right.

One night we had 5:00 O'Hana, but so did everyone else dining that night, so we didn't get seated until 5:35, then we had a very slow server, and we took our time enjoying our meal!

Then we just missed the Monorail, which was packed when we actually got on. By the time we made it to the MK, the parade route was already 4 people deep! The kids got to see by sitting on our shoulders! Good thing we had planned another night there, so we could get a good curb seat and all enjoy it!

[misskate]

Thanks so much!! I have a much better idea what to do now. I appreciate the advice!