Adding Rivers of Light to a Reservation, worth it?

[studiojmm]

So, we just made a dining reservation for Tusker House breakfast for the week after Labor Day. Rivers of Light schedule isn't posted yet so those dining reservations combinations aren't released. Any thoughts on

1) Is it worth doing the Rivers of Light package? We've done the Fantasmics package. We were pleased enough with the character meal at Hollywood & Vine to do it that once (but wow $$$), but we wouldn't do it again. We'd be just as happy doing quick-service takeout and sitting in the stands if we were back. I'm not even sure we care that much about the Tusker House character meal, honestly. We are staying off-property and will have a kitchen. We'll eat one meal a day at the hotel, carry in a lot of healthy food and probably eat one theme-park meal a day, plus whatever snacks/treats might appeal.

2) How do the mechanics of this work? Can we just add the package to the reservation (what I read implied breakfast qualified) or do we do a new reservation and cancel what we have?

Thanks

-Jen

 

[_auroraborealis_]

You do need a new reservation in place of what you have. It's considered separate inventory.

I have not been since open, but I would say ROL package is "worth it." Getting in standby for ROL is a tough one. It's a very small theatre, and apparently 80% or so is devoted to FP+ and Dining Package. To get standby, you need to line up well in advance. Fantasmic is a bigger stadium, with more standby, and more likelihood of being able to get a late-day 4th FP+.

 

[Maggie'sMom]

So, we just made a dining reservation for Tusker House breakfast for the week after Labor Day. Rivers of Light schedule isn't posted yet so those dining reservations combinations aren't released. Any thoughts on

1) Is it worth doing the Rivers of Light package? We've done the Fantasmics package. We were pleased enough with the character meal at Hollywood & Vine to do it that once (but wow $$$), but we wouldn't do it again. We'd be just as happy doing quick-service takeout and sitting in the stands if we were back. I'm not even sure we care that much about the Tusker House character meal, honestly. We are staying off-property and will have a kitchen. We'll eat one meal a day at the hotel, carry in a lot of healthy food and probably eat one theme-park meal a day, plus whatever snacks/treats might appeal.

2) How do the mechanics of this work? Can we just add the package to the reservation (what I read implied breakfast qualified) or do we do a new reservation and cancel what we have?

Thanks

-Jen

The ROL dining package is a completely separate reservation. When the September packages become available, you will have to book that and cancel your current ADR. For ROL, I think the dining package is absolutely worth it. The amphitheater is very small. I've heard that 80% of the seats are allocated to dining packages and FP+. I'm not sure of the accuracy of that stat, but it wouldn't surprise me if it were true. In order to see the show as standby (not dining package or FP+), you will likely have to get in line long before the show, probably an hour or more. You could try for FP+, but since you are staying off-site, you won't be able to book those until 30 days prior and I'll guess that all the FP+ for it will be gone.

We are also going in September and are anxiously waiting the release of the dining packages.

 

[North of Mouse]

What am I missing? Can't see the advantage of ROL dining pkg. (paying more for meal) when the FP (which we have) seems to be just as good! People seem to be almost panicking if they can't get a ressie??!!

 

[Mousemommy1]

For me, I don't want to use a FP for it. Especially since AK will end up being an evening park on that day. I will want to use my FP's for the morning park. Also, the new rides in Pandora will be on FP by then, so I would rather grab those than use one on ROL.

Booking the package will allow us to definitely get into ROL and keep our FP options open.

 

[Hopefully]

What am I missing? Can't see the advantage of ROL dining pkg. (paying more for meal) when the FP (which we have) seems to be just as good! People seem to be almost panicking if they can't get a ressie??!!

I don't see anyone "almost panicking if they can't get a ressie??!!"
I see folks asking questions about options for a new show.
If you have secured a FP+ and this works for your schedule - that is great!!!
We will most likely book a Tiffins ROL dinner package when our window opens, not because I think I have to, but because I choose to eat at Tiffins, package or not, and as PP stated it leave my FP+ options open for, perhaps, Pandora. Also my dinner at Tiffins will likely not cost any more for the package than without, based on the entrée that appeals most to me.

 

[Maggie'sMom]

Booking the package will allow us to definitely get into ROL and keep our FP options open.

This is the main reason I want a ROL dining package. I'd rather be able to use my FP+ for something else. FP+ will be in high demand for this too, so there's no guarantee you'll be able to get a FP+ for it. Some people would rather book the dining package when they can so they don't have to worry about securing a FP+ at 60 days out.

 

[tobikaye]

What am I missing? Can't see the advantage of ROL dining pkg. (paying more for meal) when the FP (which we have) seems to be just as good! People seem to be almost panicking if they can't get a ressie??!!

The price of the TH ROL package is $4 more than the regular breakfast buffet price so it is not that much more. I did book package for my trip as my sister requested we do ROL and she had previously requested TH. I did not panic about anything, I just happen to see the ROL package at a time that should work for us.

As for using a FP+, I enjoy being able to use mine by early afternoon and then finding additional FP as I go. Since ROL is at 9:15 pm on my trip, it would be less likely to get a FP+ after ROL that would work for us. Plus, with the addition of Pandora the week before my trip, I might need to use my FP+ in a differently way.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

It is a very good bet ROL won't be available as a 4th FP+, and you cannot get a 4th until you use all 3. So if you make it an initial selection, you are committing to just those 3 FP+ for the day.

 

[North of Mouse]

I have definitely read some posts about the (non) availability of ROL ressies and the 'need' to have them, so I did not imagine them!!

OK, so now I know 'mostly' why people would rather have a ressie than use their 3rd FP so late - understand now!! FP's at AK are not an issue with us, so didn't think about that.

Per PP's had no problems getting FP's for ROL on any of the days of my 10 day stay at 60 days!! In fact, we're planning on seeing it 3 times, if after our first viewing, we desire to.

Anyways, was just wondering what I might have been missing!

 

[elaine amj]

For me, I am saving my FPs for Pandora. So a ROL package is very much desired.