***1st Week of December Thread ADR Plans, Park Hours, and dealing with Pop Warner***

[Candycane83]

Ok, so I'm now thinking maybe I could watch the candlelight processional on my own while DH and DS can have some alone time if they don't want to watch... But how does it work? With a dining package, how early would you have to line up?

 

[micandminforever]

Ok, so I'm now thinking maybe I could watch the candlelight processional on my own while DH and DS can have some alone time if they don't want to watch... But how does it work? With a dining package, how early would you have to line up?

To get a good seat people still line up early, at least 30 to 45 mins. They start letting standby in about 15 minstrel early, so I would at least get there 20 minstrel early to be seated before standby.

 

[Mintycake]

Ok, so I'm now thinking maybe I could watch the candlelight processional on my own while DH and DS can have some alone time if they don't want to watch... But how does it work? With a dining package, how early would you have to line up?

So would you only buy 1 dining pkg then for yourself and do regular reservation for your dh and ds?

 

[Candycane83]

So would you only buy 1 dining pkg then for yourself and do regular reservation for your dh and ds?

No I actually plan to get us all in the package in case they are willing to watch. The difference is only $10pp for Biergarten since only DH and I need to pay. We plan to eat there for lunch anyway so I'm thinking why not... (the pressures of being in dis! Lol)

 

[PolyRob]

@PolyRob 11th is available!!!

Thank you!

I got my reservation with the 6:45pm show! Very happy!! Strange they released different days at different times, but it all worked out

 

[Mintycake]

No I actually plan to get us all in the package in case they are willing to watch. The difference is only $10pp for Biergarten since only DH and I need to pay. We plan to eat there for lunch anyway so I'm thinking why not... (the pressures of being in dis! Lol)

I know, it's like you were saying before that we have to remember that this is still vacation. But still, it's tough when I'm laying out a large amount of money for the Disney experience, to not try to plan it meticulously so that we are getting the best value for our time and money - hence a lot of character meals for us and RD. Also since being on the DIS gives you access to information than just a casual vacationer to Disney, there is pressure to "get it right" at least for me. I do tell myself though that my friend and her family went last April, did not plan squat, never rope dropped, did not do ADRs or FP+ ahead of time, and they still had a great time. The only downside for them was they were not able to get into any TS restaurants except for 50s prime time (they did a walk in) and they couldn't do 7DMT and they missed meeting some characters. But as her kids are older than mine, that wasn't a big deal - they were just happy to meet Buzz Lightyear at HS. They did their FP+ each day when they got to the parks.

I managed to snag a "brunch" at Akershus and think will try to rope drop the ride and then head back to the restaurant. I figure getting there 30 mins before park open through IG should be okay, if we have to wait 20-30 mins for FEA then no biggie as we'll FP+ it the day before. Not only is breakfast a lot cheaper but I know DD will enjoy the food more. Lunch can be just snacks in the world showcase as we plan to drop DD at Sandcastle club around 430-5pm and then we will head back to Epcot to tour around the WS and maybe grab some quick service, as we want to maximize our time enjoying the park (or heck, maybe we'll just keep that Beaches and Cream reservation. I know it's not romantic but I do want to try it!).

The more I think about it, the more I think Biergarten isn't for DD so we'll skip it. Too bad as it looks great!

 

[Candycane83]

I know, it's like you were saying before that we have to remember that this is still vacation. But still, it's tough when I'm laying out a large amount of money for the Disney experience, to not try to plan it meticulously so that we are getting the best value for our time and money - hence a lot of character meals for us and RD. Also since being on the DIS gives you access to information than just a casual vacationer to Disney, there is pressure to "get it right" at least for me. I do tell myself though that my friend and her family went last April, did not plan squat, never rope dropped, did not do ADRs or FP+ ahead of time, and they still had a great time. The only downside for them was they were not able to get into any TS restaurants except for 50s prime time (they did a walk in) and they couldn't do 7DMT and they missed meeting some characters. But as her kids are older than mine, that wasn't a big deal - they were just happy to meet Buzz Lightyear at HS. They did their FP+ each day when they got to the parks.

I managed to snag a "brunch" at Akershus and think will try to rope drop the ride and then head back to the restaurant. I figure getting there 30 mins before park open through IG should be okay, if we have to wait 20-30 mins for FEA then no biggie as we'll FP+ it the day before. Not only is breakfast a lot cheaper but I know DD will enjoy the food more. Lunch can be just snacks in the world showcase as we plan to drop DD at Sandcastle club around 430-5pm and then we will head back to Epcot to tour around the WS and maybe grab some quick service, as we want to maximize our time enjoying the park (or heck, maybe we'll just keep that Beaches and Cream reservation. I know it's not romantic but I do want to try it!).

The more I think about it, the more I think Biergarten isn't for DD so we'll skip it. Too bad as it looks great!

You're totally right. I watched a video of the processional and am deciding against it. It's not something my DH would like and it's a family vacation so maybe next time when we go back and my son is older. That way I could probably go alone and DH would enjoy with DS plus I won't feel guilty about it

Wow, I can't imagine going without planning especially when spending so much. CAD vs USD makes it even more cringe worthy. It's great they had a great time despite. I've heard of another friend of a friend who went a couple years ago and her DH and kids just did not like it! They just wanted to be by the pool...

I like your EPCOT plan. brunch does seem less stressful plus I'm seeing threads saying that they are holding people from lining up at FEA since they are just paying the $10pp and skipping the breakfast.

I think you would enjoy Beaches and Cream. It's the nostalgia effect I'm guessing but I'm seeing a few people posting adults only trips and going there.

 

[Candycane83]

Thank you!

I got my reservation with the 6:45pm show! Very happy!! Strange they released different days at different times, but it all worked out

Yeah I know, it was in a span or 3 or 4 days before they released it!

 

[DisneyBelle27]

Oh man, I totally missed when the CP packages were released cause I've just been so busy lately! Just found out and totally freaked, but I was just able to book exactly what we wanted! Woohoo!

Also, this might already be somewhere in this thread, but anyone have any ideas who the narrator might be, or when they might release that info?

 

[Mintycake]

brunch does seem less stressful plus I'm seeing threads saying that they are holding people from lining up at FEA since they are just paying the $10pp and skipping the breakfast.

I read that! Akershus is a meal I don't want to rush because I know that DD will love the princesses (we chose it over CRT because I hear the princess interactions are better) and the food would be more agreeable to my picky DD. There's talk they'll make it prepaid, which I don't care about since I'm not specifically going to it for the ride. However, eating $10 pp to get on the ride early is not surprising, people go to BoG to hit up mine train and I hear they just buy a Mickey Straw (we also have PPO BOG and plan to split a meal and get coffee, but that's more because the breakfast menu seems pretty meh. AND we're doing lunch there too where we'll order full meals.) But holding back people that actually paid for the meal and ate there seems harsh.

 

[Candycane83]

I read that! Akershus is a meal I don't want to rush because I know that DD will love the princesses (we chose it over CRT because I hear the princess interactions are better) and the food would be more agreeable to my picky DD. There's talk they'll make it prepaid, which I don't care about since I'm not specifically going to it for the ride. However, eating $10 pp to get on the ride early is not surprising, people go to BoG to hit up mine train and I hear they just buy a Mickey Straw (we also have PPO BOG and plan to split a meal and get coffee, but that's more because the breakfast menu seems pretty meh. AND we're doing lunch there too where we'll order full meals.) But holding back people that actually paid for the meal and ate there seems harsh.

Yeah, I see a lot of people saying just buy a coffee or a straw and go. For BOG, I think it's fine because there's no tips involved and I'm pretty sure they are either fully booked or overbooked. For Akershus, it's a much bigger impact financially to Disney and to servers. I think it happens for GG too. prepaying is a solution but that'll be a lot of paying and refunding (ADR 180 days before will result to a lot of that)

I found BOG PPO but I really did not care for the menu so I am opting for Crystal Palace PPO just for empty castle pics... We can't really do 7DMT since DS is too short so the most we will probably do is a fastpass for one person then do rider swap.

 

[nicynot]

So after playing around with my schedule and making/canceling a ton of dining reservations I think I have this loose plan set up. With my group not willing to pay OOP for the candlelight package, I will not be seeing NPH, but instead will be seeing Whoopi, really couldn't go wrong with either I would think..
Dec 1st - arrive at pofq around 130, snack and chill/nap until dinner at por 1-qs

Dec 2nd - 8:20 OOP The Garden Grill Candlelight Breakfast (5:00PM Show) since paying out of pocket, this is the least expensive/best thing for my group, we will stay at Epcot for the day. Via Napoli for 3:15 lunch, which should leave time to get in line for the 5pm candlelight show? we'll head Hollywood Studios EMH after that 1-ts

Dec 3rd - Hollywood studios in the AM. 2:30 lunch at 50's Prime Time Cafe. Head to Magic Kingdom and need to make it until 10 to see Wishes. Might quick serve at Cosmic Rays if need be 1-ts 1-qs

Dec 4th - Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party night!! No park. Shop at DS maybe visit monorail resorts? QS at POR or DS, Magic Kingdom for 4 and try to snag some fast passes before dinner at 6 at Crystal Palace 1-ts 1-qs

Dec 5th - Animal Kingdom EMH morning, Need to be in Hollywood Studios by 3:45 for my HNV F! reservation! Stay there until 7 and then I can sleep, shop in Disney Springs, or head to Magic Kingdom till 10 1-ts

Dec 6th - Magic Kingdom in the morning, 12:10 BOG reservation!! Stick around until the 3pm parade is over. 4:45 res at Trails End BBQ buffet (my fav!) and then head to Epcot for the night 930 Illuminations and EMH until 11:30 1-qs 1-ts

I feel like i haven't left enough time at animal kingdom, and I haven't figured out a way to fit it in, but on the 6th I could go there before my BOG reservation

 

[Lisa F]

Dec 2nd - 8:20 OOP The Garden Grill Candlelight Breakfast (5:00PM Show) since paying out of pocket, this is the least expensive/best thing for my group, we will stay at Epcot for the day. Via Napoli for 3:15 lunch, which should leave time to get in line for the 5pm candlelight show? we'll head Hollywood Studios EMH after that 1-ts

I think this is too tight. if it takes more than 15 minutes to get seated and an hour to eat then you may miss your show. Disney's rule is 2.5 hours minimum when they book dinner close to the show.

 

[micandminforever]

Oh man, I totally missed when the CP packages were released cause I've just been so busy lately! Just found out and totally freaked, but I was just able to book exactly what we wanted! Woohoo!

Also, this might already be somewhere in this thread, but anyone have any ideas who the narrator might be, or when they might release that info?

View attachment 179047

December 7 has not been named yet. Here is the Disney site of signed speakershttps://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/epcot/candlelight-processional/

 

[Wolfpack]

We will be there 12/1- 12/6. My question is how much does pop warner effect the crowds, busses etc. We are staying in POFQ...if that helps or matters

 

[nicynot]

We will be there 12/1- 12/6. My question is how much does pop warner effect the crowds, busses etc. We are staying in POFQ...if that helps or matters

Unless you plan on visiting the value all star resorts you will be fine. Sometimes they overflow at CBR and I think I heard one time they over flowed at POR, but I wouldn't think you'll notice them at POFQ at all, not even a reason for them to go there. I'll be there the 1st through the 7th, and I switched from AOA family suite (a resort they don't even go to) to POFQ because sometimes they'll cross the POP bridge and eat at AOA. I hear you don't notice them in the parks, especially during the day since they are competing. There is one night they close Hollywood Studios early, and forgive me I'm not sure what night that is.. but I don't see it effecting my trip.
Since you get there on Thursday, you should be good with the magical express at the airport to the resort. I wouldn't wanna be arriving on Friday or Saturday and dealing with the swarms of kids/parents all trying to get to the values.
I would suspect the busses to the all stars from the resorts will be crowded with long lines at night. Fingers crossed we should be in the season where pofq will have a dedicated bus to and from parks instead of sharing with POR, which actually makes a difference. Use the boat to Disney Springs. I would suspect they'll be out shopping there, and might congest the way to the busses.

 

[Lisa F]

Unless you plan on visiting the value all star resorts you will be fine. Sometimes they overflow at CBR and I think I heard one time they over flowed at POR, but I wouldn't think you'll notice them at POFQ at all, not even a reason for them to go there. I'll be there the 1st through the 7th, and I switched from AOA family suite (a resort they don't even go to) to POFQ because sometimes they'll cross the POP bridge and eat at AOA. I hear you don't notice them in the parks, especially during the day since they are competing. There is one night they close Hollywood Studios early, and forgive me I'm not sure what night that is.. but I don't see it effecting my trip.
Since you get there on Thursday, you should be good with the magical express at the airport to the resort. I wouldn't wanna be arriving on Friday or Saturday and dealing with the swarms of kids/parents all trying to get to the values.
I would suspect the busses to the all stars from the resorts will be crowded with long lines at night. Fingers crossed we should be in the season where pofq will have a dedicated bus to and from parks instead of sharing with POR, which actually makes a difference. Use the boat to Disney Springs. I would suspect they'll be out shopping there, and might congest the way to the busses.

they close HS on Wednesday night historically bit it is a true after hours party. the only thing it might affect is fireworks? they won't close earlier than Park hours now posted.

 

[nicynot]

I think this is too tight. if it takes more than 15 minutes to get seated and an hour to eat then you may miss your show. Disney's rule is 2.5 hours minimum when they book dinner close to the show.

Damn me and my need to eat, gets in my way!

 

[Lisa F]

Damn me and my need to eat, gets in my way!

lol is there a reason you can't do 6:45 show? I assume moving via Napoli us problematic

 

[nicynot]

Moving Via Napoli isn't problematic at all, the 5pm show is what it gave me with breakfast. I can't afford to keep calling the reservation line for a 20 call just to get the 645 show. i'll just do a quick serve some wheres either before the show, or after at HS