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

[jillyh]

OK - so I just watched the DIS unplugged review of FF. It looks amazing - BUT - we are not "foodies" - I do enjoy a good meal, but when I'm at disney what I want is good food and disney atmosphere. I think I'm talking myself into keeping H&V lol We don't eat out much at home, and extremely rarely splurge on a really expensive meal. I too love the idea of the Christmas characters and Holiday desserts!

@areno79 I agree with Lisa - try the touringplans reservation finder. That's how I got my H&V in the first place - now have it looking for a better time. And if you are at ToT and see a crazy 50 something couple riding it over and over again - please feel free to join us

 

[areno79]

there is something funny going on with HDDR. not sure if you have been following. you should be able to get something by a month before. When is your Le Cellier? lol i might be interested

It's on Friday the 8th at 8:30-ish. I'll let you know what we end up doing!

 

[Talby]

@Lisa F (and anyone else who may have an opinion on this, please chime in!!) Which option would you choose?

1. H&V F! package with lunch at 1:25
2. Mama Melrose F! package at 11:10a

I'm having a heck of a time getting an H&V Seasonal Dine ADR. It's been harder than a decent BOG or CRT! Not sure we want to go to H&V unless we can see Minnie et al. I know there's still time, and I do have the back-up Mama Melrose with Sci-Fi at 3:45. H&V seems to me to be one of those where the atmosphere/characters weigh heavy into the overall experience and we just don't happen to be so keen on the ones that are there earlier in the day. Some of these decisions are so hard and I make myself crazy vacillating, so any input is really welcomed!!

 

[Lisa F]

@Lisa F (and anyone else who may have an opinion on this, please chime in!!) Which option would you choose?

1. H&V F! package with lunch at 1:25
2. Mama Melrose F! package at 11:10a

I'm having a heck of a time getting an H&V Seasonal Dine ADR. It's been harder than a decent BOG or CRT! Not sure we want to go to H&V unless we can see Minnie et al. I know there's still time, and I do have the back-up Mama Melrose with Sci-Fi at 3:45. H&V seems to me to be one of those where the atmosphere/characters weigh heavy into the overall experience and we just don't happen to be so keen on the ones that are there earlier in the day. Some of these decisions are so hard and I make myself crazy vacillating, so any input is really welcomed!!

if you have no little kids into disney jr I would pick MM all the way. I would not endure a buffet that is at best "average buffet quality" without the mice in their holiday splendor. MM is decent food, and a lovely atmosphere. It would be on my list if I had the time for it but I don't this would not be a hard decision for me. But then the disney jr characters seriously make me want to put a spike through my brain. Especially special agent Oso though I don't think he is at the H&V regardless this meal is something I would endure for my kids if they gave me the eyes. I might even pick MM over 50's pt depending on my mood and especially would if I wanted the F! package. which I do, because the seats are the best in the house and low hassle. With only one showing per night I expect it to be more crowded and I have read that they do not monitor the FP section once you go through the FP control point so it can get very very crowded.

my two HS picks are Sci Fi and H&V seasonal dine with F!

 

[Talby]

LOL...I just knew I could count on you for an honest answer! I fear a similar reaction to the Disney Jr characters (still laughing about the spike through the brain). I'll keep stalking but will definitely keep Plan B in place in the event we cannot get the seasonal dine. Thanks so much!

 

[PolyRob]

I attended the Springtime Dine back in May.

My family and I selected this as our "Fab Five" character meal due to the unique experience and smaller ADR options in HS. I too was afraid of all the reviews I had read online. While my family and I will not be attending the Holiday Dine this December, I will have to say I did not wait more than 10 minutes to be seated (party of 3 on Fatasmic! package), the buffet area was clean, and the food I selected was warm. I do not like to mix too much, so I only really tried three dinner items. Dessert was delicious though! That I had plenty of

I did not feel the characters rushed either. We are all adults and Minnie spent a particularly large amount of time with my mom in a Minnie shirt. Hollywood and Vine was our only buffet besides Club Villain and I really cannot compare the two. No, it was not our favorite meal or best quality, but if you are looking for the characters at Christmas, or Disney Jr., I think you will enjoy that aspect as long as you go in expecting a buffet.

EDIT: I have also read the most positive reviews from the Holiday Dine compared to the other menus

 

[CaleCakes]

I may have changed my plans. Maybe. I'm on the fence. I need help deciding.

If we could stay a few extra days and transfer hotels from SoG to ALK, should we? Would you? All that was available was a pool view room. I would assume I would only be able to do fast pass for the days we would be staying on a Disney property.

 

[Lisa F]

I attended the Springtime Dine back in May.

My family and I selected this as our "Fab Five" character meal due to the unique experience and smaller ADR options in HS. I too was afraid of all the reviews I had read online. While my family and I will not be attending the Holiday Dine this December, I will have to say I did not wait more than 10 minutes to be seated (party of 3 on Fatasmic! package), the buffet area was clean, and the food I selected was warm. I do not like to mix too much, so I only really tried three dinner items. Dessert was delicious though! That I had plenty of

I did not feel the characters rushed either. We are all adults and Minnie spent a particularly large amount of time with my mom in a Minnie shirt. Hollywood and Vine was our only buffet besides Club Villain and I really cannot compare the two. No, it was not our favorite meal or best quality, but if you are looking for the characters at Christmas, or Disney Jr., I think you will enjoy that aspect as long as you go in expecting a buffet.

EDIT: I have also read the most positive reviews from the Holiday Dine compared to the other menus

yes, I have read more positive reviews on the christmas holiday dine than any other. There are some seasonal specific items that get good reviews. From the photos I've seen, unless the food is stone cold (my boyfriend actually mocks me that I prefer my food to be "lukewarm" and he's right. I finally am old enough and confident enough to admit that I prefer my food warm rather than piping hot, lol) and unless everything that looks good is terrible, I won't go away hungry. I think it's mostly about expectations, and mine are set appropriately low on food and medium on character interaction.

I do not doubt that sometimes there is an off night and they are understaffed and the buffet gets filthy or the wait staff seems inattentive or the characters are rushed (or all 3). It happens at the best of places I think (the more popular and crowded the more impact missing staff would have I would think - I think that is why the MOST popular and busy places also seem to have the biggest swings in mixed reviews - like Ohana, CRT, le Cellier etc). And who knows, maybe I will be unlucky enough to experience that. But I think that is the chance you take at pretty much any character aycte experience. I like to go earlier in the seating time rather than later because I feel like your chances of getting better food and fresher service are also a bit lower as the night crawls on.

 

[Lisa F]

I may have changed my plans. Maybe. I'm on the fence. I need help deciding.

If we could stay a few extra days and transfer hotels from SoG to ALK, should we? Would you? All that was available was a pool view room. I would assume I would only be able to do fast pass for the days we would be staying on a Disney property.

I am doing a split stay and it SEEMS (will let you know lol) possible to do if you are organized. They recommend that you pack a bag (or set of bags) for your first stay and unpack into the room and repack as you use clothing. pack a second whole bag for your second stay and do the same. Makes moving easier. No one here is going to tell you that staying a few extra days is bad, lol. You have to weigh all of your personal pros and cons (budget and scheduling etc). If it works for you on paper I'd do it. WE ALL WOULD!

Pretty sure you get 60 day advance FP on property and with ticket media attached to your MDE and 30 day advance off property but with ticket media attached to your MDE account. You have to make sure your tickets are purchased and linked to get either of those benefits.

 

[Lisa F]

LOL...I just knew I could count on you for an honest answer! I fear a similar reaction to the Disney Jr characters (still laughing about the spike through the brain). I'll keep stalking but will definitely keep Plan B in place in the event we cannot get the seasonal dine. Thanks so much!

the food even at its best isn't good enough to justify a trip there IMO unless you are interested in the characters. If you're not, there's no way I'd go. I'm sure they are lovely for preschoolers who are into disney junior but handy manny drives me bonkers too and they are all huge plastic heads that creep me out a bit (I don't mind the stuffies and I don't mind the face characters but the big walking bratz dolls give me the chills ). I'm a little snarky sometimes but I don't think ANYONE goes to H&V for the food. They go for the characters first.

 

[PolyRob]

the food even at its best isn't good enough to justify a trip there IMO unless you are interested in the characters.

I agree 100%

The characters are truly unique. You get a PhotoPass photo when you enter the restaurant (ours was with Daisy in her purple flower dress), and you get a card with all of their signatures.

 

[Talby]

the food even at its best isn't good enough to justify a trip there IMO unless you are interested in the characters. If you're not, there's no way I'd go. I'm sure they are lovely for preschoolers who are into disney junior but handy manny drives me bonkers too and they are all huge plastic heads that creep me out a bit (I don't mind the stuffies and I don't mind the face characters but the big walking bratz dolls give me the chills ). I'm a little snarky sometimes but I don't think ANYONE goes to H&V for the food. They go for the characters first.

I agree 100%

The characters are truly unique. You get a PhotoPass photo when you enter the restaurant (ours was with Daisy in her purple flower dress), and you get a card with all of their signatures.

Okay, yep, that's along the lines of what I was thinking. We're all about the characters at the seasonal dine and the big draw for why we would chose to go to H&V. (No offense at all to anyone who enjoys the Disney Jr bunch--awesome that Disney has something for everyone!) Excellent. Now I've got a Plan A and Plan B! Yay!

 

[Lisa F]

Okay, yep, that's along the lines of what I was thinking. We're all about the characters at the seasonal dine and the big draw for why we would chose to go to H&V. (No offense at all to anyone who enjoys the Disney Jr bunch--awesome that Disney has something for everyone!) Excellent. Now I've got a Plan A and Plan B! Yay!

people do but I think it is because their kids are super into Disney Jr. @Mintycake is taking hers for that reason. Also I think the breakfast buffets are a different story. I'd go to a convenient one even if I was not THAT interested in the characters because I love breakfast and I love a variety for breakfast (I never know what to order when I have to order from a plated menu and I always get irritated when bacon is an add on item for a ridiculous amount of money lol). If I wanted a PPO at HS I might endure the disney jr characters (maybe). I think both of those reasons are why mintcake is going and I approve. I know she feels SO much better knowing I approve lol.

Just about every character buffet gets better reviews for breakfast than lunch and dinner. The foods are just a lot more univeral and harder to screw up. If the eggs are too runny or too hard who cares? have another mickey waffle and a pile of bacon. ahhhhhh. I think those are good without fail everywhere on disney property.

 

[Talby]

people do but I think it is because their kids are super into Disney Jr. @Mintycake is taking hers for that reason. Also I think the breakfast buffets are a different story. I'd go to a convenient one even if I was not THAT interested in the characters because I love breakfast and I love a variety for breakfast (I never know what to order when I have to order from a plated menu and I always get irritated when bacon is an add on item for a ridiculous amount of money lol). If I wanted a PPO at HS I might endure the disney jr characters (maybe). Just about every character buffet gets better reviews for breakfast than lunch and dinner. The foods are just a lot more univeral and harder to screw up. If the eggs are too runny or too hard who cares? have another mickey waffle and a pile of bacon. ahhhhhh. I think those are good without fail everywhere on disney property.

Like most moms (and dads), I'm all over whatever it is my kids are into and will make that happen at Disney for them if I can. It's such a fun part of the planning I think, regardless of whatever characters that might mean. It's their enjoyment/reaction that gives me the warm fuzzies! Breakfast does seem to be much harder to screw up, and I agree that one can't really go wrong with those Mickey waffles and bacon!!

 

[BDFmom]

I love, love, love reading this thread. it always makes me feel better as I vasilate or ADRs and plans.
My kids are 14 and 17. We only have CRT and BOG scheduled for character meals this trip both at my daughter's request. Neither of them were interested in any other character meals and they choose a more varied menu. And they did not want alot of buffets.
I on the other hand was devastated that they did not want CP, Ohana(breakfast) or Chef Mickey. **Sigh**. I'm especially sad about them not wanting CP as Pooh and friends are my favorite.

I'm happy that they want to explore all the foods varieties.

Now... can I whine about the SW dessert party still not being available.

 

[Lisa F]

I love, love, love reading this thread. it always makes me feel better as I vasilate or ADRs and plans.
My kids are 14 and 17. We only have CRT and BOG scheduled for character meals this trip both at my daughter's request. Neither of them were interested in any other character meals and they choose a more varied menu. And they did not want alot of buffets.
I on the other hand was devastated that they did not want CP, Ohana(breakfast) or Chef Mickey. **Sigh**. I'm especially sad about them not wanting CP as Pooh and friends are my favorite.

I'm happy that they want to explore all the foods varieties.

Now... can I whine about the SW dessert party still not being available.

I would say your kids are old enough to deal with CP if you want to do it. JMHO of course, lol. The compromise is that you are not doing ALL THREE that you want to do, you are picking just one. I think mom should be able to get a favorite in. The food is good there. Maybe book a breakfast? i mean what kind of grouch won't like pooh's puffed french toast? and all you can eat bacon. I'd totally put up with special agent oso for my mom and for all you can eat bacon, maybe not in that order.

I tried to pick places that I know my kiddo will love but some of them he may just like. That's ok. Narcoossees is for me (he like the menu but there is nothing especially special for him there... though he is young enough I can get him to be enthusiastic about almost anything).

 

[BDFmom]

I would say your kids are old enough to deal with CP if you want to do it. JMHO of course, lol. The compromise is that you are not doing ALL THREE that you want to do, you are picking just one. I think mom should be able to get a favorite in. The food is good there. Maybe book a breakfast? i mean what kind of grouch won't like pooh's french toast?

I tried to pick places that I know my kiddo will love but some of them he may just like. That's ok. Narcoossees is for me (he like the menu but there is nothing especially special for him there... though he is young enough I can get him to be enthusiastic about almost anything).

I actually have CP plugged into TP....

 

[Talby]

I love, love, love reading this thread. it always makes me feel better as I vasilate or ADRs and plans.
My kids are 14 and 17. We only have CRT and BOG scheduled for character meals this trip both at my daughter's request. Neither of them were interested in any other character meals and they choose a more varied menu. And they did not want alot of buffets.
I on the other hand was devastated that they did not want CP, Ohana(breakfast) or Chef Mickey. **Sigh**. I'm especially sad about them not wanting CP as Pooh and friends are my favorite.

I'm happy that they want to explore all the foods varieties.

Now... can I whine about the SW dessert party still not being available.

Our kids are the exact same ages @BDFmom (DD17, DS14). It's bittersweet that they grow up so fast, but I do enjoy that they broaden their horizons on the food front as they get older. They still love their pizza and such! lol But they've shown interest in a lot of more "mature" items on various Disney menus as we've poured over them. I'm looking forward to that aspect. Our CRT is actually *MY* must do this trip! I really hope you get the CP!!

 

[Talby]

I love, love, love reading this thread. it always makes me feel better as I vasilate or ADRs and plans.
My kids are 14 and 17. We only have CRT and BOG scheduled for character meals this trip both at my daughter's request. Neither of them were interested in any other character meals and they choose a more varied menu. And they did not want alot of buffets.
I on the other hand was devastated that they did not want CP, Ohana(breakfast) or Chef Mickey. **Sigh**. I'm especially sad about them not wanting CP as Pooh and friends are my favorite.

I'm happy that they want to explore all the foods varieties.

Now... can I whine about the SW dessert party still not being available.

PS: May I join you in whining about SW dessert party still not being available? Oh. My Goodness. I just need to know already!

 

[Lisa F]

Our kids are the exact same ages @BDFmom (DD17, DS14). It's bittersweet that they grow up so fast, but I do enjoy that they broaden their horizons on the food front as they get older. They still love their pizza and such! lol But they've shown interest in a lot of more "mature" items on various Disney menus as we've poured over them. I'm looking forward to that aspect. Our CRT is actually *MY* must do this trip! I really hope you get the CP!!

omg don't make me cry. I am already counting the trips forward and hoping my kiddo stays my kiddo for as long as possible. That is part of why we are going all out on this trip - with him being a disney kid it is economical. I tell him no so much of the time at home, but vacation is all about saving up the "yes" answers, lol. At home ice cream is a "sometime food" but on vacation we have a rule that we MUST have ice cream every single day! Who knows if we will but we'll try, lol. But he wont' do CRT. he begged me "mom. please, no princesses." I will respect that but we're going to a couple of signatures!