Advice/Suggestions, please

[SSDonut]

We're arriving MCO on Thurs 11/17 (mid-afernoon). Originally I didn't want to go into the parks on our arrival day, but to make it fun and clear we were in WDW, I made a dinner reservation for Chef Mickey's. (for me, DH, DD7, DD4, and my dad, who is picking us up at the airport and driving us over to WDW).

Now I see that the only day during our entire stay when Spectromagic is at 7pm (rather than 9pm, which is just a little late for us--we're early to bed, early to rise folks) is that day--the day we arrive.

I'm now thinking I should cancel the CMs ADR (it's for 6pm) so that we can go see Spectromagic. I've been leaning toward purchasing APs for everyone anyway--this would just tip the scales on that one--so we Could go into MK without it being a ticket sacrifice. . .

What would you do for dinner, before Spectomagic? Should I stick with CMs or try something else? What time would you try to make the ADR for?

Thanks. I thought I had this whole first day thing nailed down, but I keep picturing my girls' faces when they saw Spectromagic for the first time last year, and I think we should try not to miss it!

 

[agotta]

I would keep CM's. It is a reall short walk over to the MK. If AP's are the most cost effective, than I would say go for that. Depends if you are going back or not. Depending on how many days your tickets are for, it will probably be very inexpensive to just add a day. If spectro is at 7, I would plan on being there by 6:30 at least. You might be eating early that night, I would say 4 or 4:30. Especially with a large group.

 

[Merriwind]

Wow, that's a tough one. You could see about changing your ADR to 5pm, which is when CM opens, iirc. It would still be a rush, but you probably could make it. I don't know if I would want to rush that much though.

You didn't say where you are staying. Could you check-in, grab a bite to eat and then head to the MK? You could always grab a Dole Whip or other snack if needed in the evening. If you went with this plan, would you have a slot to do CM another time in this visit?

If not, then I think you need to decide what's most important to you and your family--Spectro or CM. Either way, I hope you have a great time!

 

[stschaefer]

Chef Mickey's is a buffet and you can probably get to MK if you change your ADR from 6 to 5 - but might be pushing it. We took 90 minutes of eating and character interaction. One idea is to try for a 4:30 or 5 PM ADR for CRT and walk out in time for Spectomagic.

 

[jann1033]

i wouldn't miss spectro unless cm is some special tradition for your family...and check pass prices as 1 day add ons after about 6 or 7 days are only $3 a day lots cheaper than aps. cp is another mk option

 

[SSDonut]

Thanks everyone.

We're staying at BCVs, and yes, we could still do CMs later in the stay. I guess I was thinking that if we Do decide to go to see Spectromagic and will be in MK, maybe we should eat there? Maybe Crystal Palace (I'll have to look at their menu). . .I don't want to go all the way into the MK or there will be cries to get on the rides, I'm sure!

I had thought that starting a tradition of CMs on arrival day might be fun, but I don't have my heart set on it by any means, whereas I'm pretty sure we won't ever make the 9pm Spectromagic. . . .

geez, even when you get some ADRs, nothing is really settled, is it!!

 

[agotta]

Have you thought about going to Tony's? CRT was another good suggestion.