1st trip booked!!! Help me plan :)

[NicholeB630]

I can't really speak to how kid friendly it is but... I would ask for the waterside table(you may have to wait a little longer but it's worth it) and the kids will have fun watching the people in the boats go by. There is also a fancy lemonade that you get a glow cube which is fun as the restaurant is dark.

Maybe somone else who has taken kids and speak to it. I do recall seeing all ages of kids in there so I think it will be fine for your kids. I think it's cool cause you get to EAT inside of the ride.

We ate at the ride in Mexica at Epcot where you sit inside a ride almost, you over look the Grand Fiesta Tour and it was really neat. Dark but fun.

 

[Pamela M]

We ate at the ride in Mexica at Epcot where you sit inside a ride almost, you over look the Grand Fiesta Tour and it was really neat. Dark but fun.

Blue Bayou is very similar to that! Also note- Pirates is longer and has more scenes than the WDW version. You are eating in the area at the beginning of the ride which is one of the scenes not included at WDW.

 

[NicholeB630]

Blue Bayou is very similar to that! Also note- Pirates is longer and has more scenes than the WDW version. You are eating in the area at the beginning of the ride which is one of the scenes not included at WDW.

That sounds fun. Im excited to ride pirates at DL. Im debating doing the terrace restaurant though for Fantasmic, only because we can do the upgraded package and be able too stay at the table to watch. Rather then standing or siting on the ground.

 

[Pamela M]

That sounds fun. Im excited to ride pirates at DL. Im debating doing the terrace restaurant though for Fantasmic, only because we can do the upgraded package and be able too stay at the table to watch. Rather then standing or siting on the ground.

Just note the view isn't that great from the Riverbell Terrace. but it is nice to sit down.

 

[NicholeB630]

Just note the view isn't that great from the Riverbell Terrace. but it is nice to sit down.

hmmmm I just don’t want to be stuck standing bc my kids can’t see over other ppl. I’m not sure what’s best?

 

[azdisneylover]

I would suggest 5 day park hopper tickets with MaxPass. Staying at the DLH will give you EE/MM every day, which is awesome, it is fantastic in DCA because it is only the onsite hotel guests for that first hour, and in DL you can get a good spot with WiFi to try for a BG (if it is still being done in June).
Ask to ride in the cone of the Monorail. Your kids will enjoy it.

 

[dieumeye]

hmmmm I just don’t want to be stuck standing bc my kids can’t see over other ppl. I’m not sure what’s best?

If you do the BB or Hungry Bear packages, you won't be standing, but you will be sitting on the ground. It's the best view, and definitely a better view than RBT tables.

I'd say RBT tables are really only a good option if you absolutely cannot under any circumstances sit on the ground for the duration of the show. And, you can get basically the same view at the (free) Stage Door Cafe tables next to RBT if you get there early enough.

 

[midnight star]

The Blue Bayou package for fantasmic is lovely. They give you a lot of food so be prepared. A lot of families eat there. I would just show your kids the menu before making reservations to see if they like what is offered.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

I'll have to look at that menu. Im a pescatarian so no land animals for me. Typically BBQ has no options ha. But I'll take a look So if you do the package for BB its not the same menu? You get a different menu for Fantastmic?

BB F! menu has fish -- I usually get the salmon and ask that it be customized (e.g. no sauce, no spice, etc.). The kids do have a F! menu -- and the kitchen is very good about customizing for special requests. Just ask about this when you get there -- the BB servers are great with kids and very helpful if you ask nicely. We love our BB F! cushions -- they are such fun to use when gardening or on the patio -- good reminders of happy memories at DL! The food items on the F! menu are also offered on the regular BB menu -- it's not dramatically different -- but the F! is a set menu, not a la carte.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

hmmmm I just don’t want to be stuck standing bc my kids can’t see over other ppl. I’m not sure what’s best?

The view from the BB, HB, RBT regular dining package sections is the BEST for F! -- right up by the water, everyone seated on the ground, no shoulder kids, no one standing in front of anyone. I'm short (not much taller than a kid) and I always have a stellar view of the show, right up by the railing, no one in front of me. The BB section is the most centered, but the other sections are very good, too, as long as you try to sit closer to the center, not far out on the edges.
The RBT Premium Package, as a pp noted, is really only good if you cannot sit on the ground -- the view there is obstructed by pedestrians, light poles, shoulder kids in the section in front of you, and other tables if you don't get the front row. Even the front row view cannot compare to the view from the BB section. I've either done all the packages or checked all the views personally, and I won't pay for the RBT Premium Package for the non-premium view. If we pay for a package, it's either BB or HB.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

So I am thinking we'll do a dinner package for Fantasmic one evening and then we'll do the world of color dessert party. I know I want to eat at Lamplight, maybe for lunch one day. I want to do Brunch at The Plaza. Any other suggestions? Ive seen so many good food choices. I do want some days to not have sit downs and we can just try random stuff. Any must haves?

You're going to love the WOC Dessert Party -- they really make you feel special! They give LOTS of dessert, so get a to-go box (they supply these on request) and your family will have plenty of snacks in the hotel room for your stay!
We love Lamplight Lounge. Just know that the menu isn't extensive, so look it over beforehand to make sure that everyone will have something to eat. Get the donuts!
Minnie's breakfast at the Plaza Inn has the most characters, so have your phone charged and ready to go. There is indoor and outdoor seating, so be ready to request what you want. Most people like indoor -- a/c in June will be nice.
Have you looked at Carthay Circle Restaurant and Lounge? Both are really nice -- the lounge is such a nice break from the parks for small plates, cocktails, fun service. They have a kids menu. And CCR has a great burger at lunch -- our favorite burger in the park. Their menu is seasonal, so it will change by the time you arrive.

 

[NicholeB630]

The view from the BB, HB, RBT regular dining package sections is the BEST for F! -- right up by the water, everyone seated on the ground, no shoulder kids, no one standing in front of anyone. I'm short (not much taller than a kid) and I always have a stellar view of the show, right up by the railing, no one in front of me. The BB section is the most centered, but the other sections are very good, too, as long as you try to sit closer to the center, not far out on the edges.
The RBT Premium Package, as a pp noted, is really only good if you cannot sit on the ground -- the view there is obstructed by pedestrians, light poles, shoulder kids in the section in front of you, and other tables if you don't get the front row. Even the front row view cannot compare to the view from the BB section. I've either done all the packages or checked all the views personally, and I won't pay for the RBT Premium Package for the non-premium view. If we pay for a package, it's either BB or HB.

Ahhhh ok we'll do BB then for F! As long as there is some basic kids options we'll be fine. My kids aren't too picky. We will plan on getting to the area as early as we can so we have good sitting spots! Do you know if in the summer F! is every night? Curious if thats what we should maybe do our first night when we get there? Or wait and do it another night were back at DL after DCA?

The world of color dessert party looks awesome. I am excited about that. It looks like fun and nice you get to sit and enjoy your treats while watching! We will love that. Hopefully that will be going on the ONE night that isnt Grad nites. Out of our 4 days pretty sure only one evening wont be Grad nite. So assuming it will be offered.

Would you recommend doing 7am everyday? We are all about that extra hour but worry about burning out. Mornings I think will be easy for us because time change but I think its the evenings that we might struggle with and since its summer Im guessing night time entertainment is pretty late 9/10? Obviously not at DCA on Grad nites. Would it be a horrible idea to do 8am at DL one morning? Or will we really need that extra hour? I do love a park when its pretty empty. Although guessing with ROTR its not very empty even at 7am?

 

[NicholeB630]

You're going to love the WOC Dessert Party -- they really make you feel special! They give LOTS of dessert, so get a to-go box (they supply these on request) and your family will have plenty of snacks in the hotel room for your stay!
We love Lamplight Lounge. Just know that the menu isn't extensive, so look it over beforehand to make sure that everyone will have something to eat. Get the donuts!
Minnie's breakfast at the Plaza Inn has the most characters, so have your phone charged and ready to go. There is indoor and outdoor seating, so be ready to request what you want. Most people like indoor -- a/c in June will be nice.
Have you looked at Carthay Circle Restaurant and Lounge? Both are really nice -- the lounge is such a nice break from the parks for small plates, cocktails, fun service. They have a kids menu. And CCR has a great burger at lunch -- our favorite burger in the park. Their menu is seasonal, so it will change by the time you arrive.

I did notice lamplights menu is smaller. Ill look again. Thats why I was thinking for lunch or even just a quick snack and drink break You don't need reservations right? We def will be booking Plaza Inn for Brunch. Im very excited about that. My kids aren't as big into characters as they used to be so I want to do at least one meal with them to force them to get pics HAHA.

 

[NicholeB630]

I would suggest 5 day park hopper tickets with MaxPass. Staying at the DLH will give you EE/MM every day, which is awesome, it is fantastic in DCA because it is only the onsite hotel guests for that first hour, and in DL you can get a good spot with WiFi to try for a BG (if it is still being done in June).
Ask to ride in the cone of the Monorail. Your kids will enjoy it.

Id love 5 days but I don't think we will. I did up it to 4 with park hoppers and max pass. We'll go to DL the day we arrive which will be pretty early I think we'll really want our last day to do something non Disney and relax some before coming home. At least the DH will.

 

[NicholeB630]

The Blue Bayou package for fantasmic is lovely. They give you a lot of food so be prepared. A lot of families eat there. I would just show your kids the menu before making reservations to see if they like what is offered.

I just found the 2020 menu and there's def options for all of us !!!

 

[theluckyrabbit]

... Do you know if in the summer F! is every night? Curious if thats what we should maybe do our first night when we get there?... Although guessing with ROTR its not very empty even at 7am?

During summer, F! should be showing twice every night. If your family can stay up (or if you can get naps or a rest time in the afternoon), you might want to try doing the first F! on your first night -- then you could stay in your viewing area for fireworks after the show. (This helps you avoid the mass horde exit after F! -- wait it out until the crowds disperse, then leave the area.) Then on another night, you could view fireworks from the castle or IASW.
As for park opening, first thing in the morning, right now ROTR is making things more crowded than normal, but things calm down within half an hour to an hour or so after opening.
Keep up with the ROTR Superthread for up to the minute (literally!) news about how the ride is affecting DLR.

I did notice lamplights menu is smaller. Ill look again. Thats why I was thinking for lunch or even just a quick snack and drink break You don't need reservations right?...

You can do a walk up, but try to be in line early or during a non-peak time so you won't have to wait. Reservations make it easier -- you know you'll get the downstairs lounge (with the full menu) and you shouldn't have to wait very long for your table.

 

[NicholeB630]

During summer, F! should be showing twice every night. If your family can stay up (or if you can get naps or a rest time in the afternoon), you might want to try doing the first F! on your first night -- then you could stay in your viewing area for fireworks after the show. (This helps you avoid the mass horde exit after F! -- wait it out until the crowds disperse, then leave the area.) Then on another night, you could view fireworks from the castle or IASW.


You can do a walk up, but try to be in line early or during a non-peak time so you won't have to wait. Reservations make it easier -- you know you'll get the downstairs lounge (with the full menu) and you shouldn't have to wait very long for your table.

Ok thanks! Maybe ill do a lunch reservation at Lamplight one of the days were there! What time is fireworks typically? So they are after the first F! or the second?

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Ok thanks! Maybe ill do a lunch reservation at Lamplight one of the days were there! What time is fireworks typically? So they are after the first F! or the second?

Fireworks are normally around 9:30 pm. F! usually shows at 9 pm and 10:30 pm. So if you see the first show at 9 pm, you'll be invited to stay in the BB section for the fireworks right after. The projections will show on the water screens on the ROA and the music will be piped in.
And I edited my post above to answer your question about ROTR and park opening.

 

[NicholeB630]

Fireworks are normally around 9:30 pm. F! usually shows at 9 pm and 10:30 pm. So if you see the first show at 9 pm, you'll be invited to stay in the BB section for the fireworks right after. The projections will show on the water screens on the ROA and the music will be piped in.
And I edited my post above to answer your question about ROTR and park opening.

Ok thanks! I want to think we could do it the first night but Im worried we'll be exhausted. We will be getting up at like 5am east coast time for an early flight. So it might be a bad idea. Im thinking we could get to the park by 12:30/1 after checking in hotel or just dropping luggage. But maybe we'll just focus on picking up some fast passes when we get in, get lunch and just get the feel of DL and have dinner then head in for an early night so we can stay up late the next night.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

.... But maybe we'll just focus on picking up some fast passes when we get in, get lunch and just get the feel of DL and have dinner then head in for an early night so we can stay up late the next night.

That sounds like a good plan. Relax your first night, get acquainted with the parks, get familiar with MP (and play with it!), and have a fun dinner. Maybe watch fireworks from DTD or the DLH. Then get a good night's sleep to be ready for your first full day in the parks!