ADR Advice

[randi817]

Hi all -
So the last time I posted on the dis boards was during our last big Disney vacation four years ago. Love the fact that we can do online ressies now. Need some advice. The trip will be my husband and I and our nine year old daughter. We are traveling from 8/24-9/3.

First off, how much are we missing by not having a BOG dinner reservation and instead aiming for lunch? I see that it's not a character meal - right? I'm still trying, though with the limited time we have left, I think getting a reservation is going to be tough.

Secondly, wanted some advice to fill some missing ADR slots...

Our plans so far:
8/25 - MK 8:30 a.m. BBB ressie, no ADRs (plan for BOG lunch?)
8/26 DHS 8:25 a.m. 1900 Park Faire (will then take bus to DHS)
2:50 pm Sci Fi Dine in Theater
10 pm Fantasmic
8/27 Epcot 4:15 pm Garden Grill
8/28 AK 1:30 pm Sanaa (will leave park and take bus to AKL)
7:40 pm Narcoossee's (hoping to see 9 p.m. Wishes)
8/29 MK 9 p.m. Tomorrowland Dessert Party
8/30 Epcot 1:40 pm Akershus
8/31 Water Park? 7:20 a.m. Chef Mickey
9/1 no reservations as of now
9/2 Pool Day 8:45 pm Pirates and Pals Cruise, Contemporary

I'd like to get in a dinner at world showcase on one of our epcot days, potentially - considering Biergarten or the new one at Mexico or going back to Rose and Crown (or something different)... Thoughts?

Wanted Crystal Palace before MK opens but no such luck so far... What else, especially with a 9 year old daughter, should I be considering that I don't have here???

Do I need to make an ADR for dinner at Hollywood or can I just do that on the fly (QS) and then go to Fantasmic without a Fantasmic dining package?

And finally, should we be able to get to the GF from AK in 40 minutes if we leave when AK closes and head to GF for dinner? (I figure we can change at GF right before dinner, or I'll just wear a sundress to AK...?)

Thanks for all advice, ideas, and opinions!!

 

[ses1230]

Hi all -
So the last time I posted on the dis boards was during our last big Disney vacation four years ago. Love the fact that we can do online ressies now. Need some advice. The trip will be my husband and I and our nine year old daughter. We are traveling from 8/24-9/3.

First off, how much are we missing by not having a BOG dinner reservation and instead aiming for lunch? I see that it's not a character meal - right? I'm still trying, though with the limited time we have left, I think getting a reservation is going to be tough.

Secondly, wanted some advice to fill some missing ADR slots...

Our plans so far:
8/25 - MK 8:30 a.m. BBB ressie, no ADRs (plan for BOG lunch?)
8/26 DHS 8:25 a.m. 1900 Park Faire (will then take bus to DHS)
2:50 pm Sci Fi Dine in Theater
10 pm Fantasmic
8/27 Epcot 4:15 pm Garden Grill
8/28 AK 1:30 pm Sanaa (will leave park and take bus to AKL)
7:40 pm Narcoossee's (hoping to see 9 p.m. Wishes)
8/29 MK 9 p.m. Tomorrowland Dessert Party
8/30 Epcot 1:40 pm Akershus
8/31 Water Park? 7:20 a.m. Chef Mickey
9/1 no reservations as of now
9/2 Pool Day 8:45 pm Pirates and Pals Cruise, Contemporary

I'd like to get in a dinner at world showcase on one of our epcot days, potentially - considering Biergarten or the new one at Mexico or going back to Rose and Crown (or something different)... Thoughts?

Wanted Crystal Palace before MK opens but no such luck so far... What else, especially with a 9 year old daughter, should I be considering that I don't have here???

Do I need to make an ADR for dinner at Hollywood or can I just do that on the fly (QS) and then go to Fantasmic without a Fantasmic dining package?

And finally, should we be able to get to the GF from AK in 40 minutes if we leave when AK closes and head to GF for dinner? (I figure we can change at GF right before dinner, or I'll just wear a sundress to AK...?)

Thanks for all advice, ideas, and opinions!!

I can answer some...

BOG dinner is not considered a character meal because there are no characters that come around to the tables. However, Beast is there and after your meal you can get a photo with him. He also occasionally walks through the dining room - but just walks through, no stopping. If seeing Beast is not that important to you (keep in mind he does not greet at Epcot anymore), then lunch is a fine choice.

We love Biergarten! The food is consistently good and the band is very entertaining. My kids love to go down to the dance floor to dance and listen to the band.

For HS, you can do that. My favorite CS is Starring Rolls but it is only open for lunch. You would still have to line up for F! 45-60 minutes before show time, I would say.

If you leave AK right at closing there might be lines for the buses, making getting to GF and changing in 40 minutes a little iffy. To be sure, you can always take a cab if the lines are really long, or you can leave AK a bit early.

 

[tony609]

Fun choices!