AK: FP & ADR advice please

[Star Mom]

So I'm in a pickel and not sure which ADR's to let go, as I do not want to hold them any longer than I should and give someone an opportunity. Please help! Be honest and most importantly realistic. I have a 2 and 4 year old with me, please note time needed for stroller parking, my travel time and infamous potty breaks! Lol Tusker house is a must do due to characters ( either lunch or dinner) but conflicted about Boma breakfast or dinner? As everyone's says that it is must do due to wonderful food and experience.

We are staying offsite, and have a car rental therfore all ADR's/snacks are OOP.

Breakfast at Boma at 7.30am? (Prior to park) can this be done?
If so, Should I park at AKL and then drive to AK after? OR Should I get on the shuttle and valet for the day at AKL? Or should I cancel this and grab breakfast prior to leaving my hotel, arrive at park by 9ish, just in time for safari FP?

FP at 9.20-10.20 Safari (check in no later than 9.30, hopefully done by 10.15)
FP at 10.30-11.50 Lion King show (30mins, check in by 10.45ish finish by 11.30)

Lunch at Tusker House at 11.55am or should we grab a QS? Options and suggestions for QS please.

Flight of Wonder at 12.45 (after QS lunch) or at 2.45 (after Tusker lunch or after train ride and QS)

Really would like to experience the train ride to Rafiki planet watch and conversation station. I know this would take about an hour. I'm thinking the kids would like this. Is this a must do attraction? Thought?

FP 3.30-3.50 Finding Nemo (plan to arrive by 3.45ish for 4pm show)

After/before show we plan to hit the bone yard and Triceratop spin. (Depends on time)
Try to catch Pocahontas right by the Dino bridge.

Options are
Tusker house dinner at 5.50pm (possible Boma breakfast, QS lunch)
OR
Boma dinner at 6pm ( possible only if we come straight to the park, breakfast in our hotel, and Tusker lunch, Tusker lunch eliminates the train ride etc)

Thanks in advance!!! I really appreciate all your feedback. You guys are awesome and def helped me with this planning process!

 

[SmallWorld71]

Personally, I would find 2 buffets with little ones in one day to be unnecessary stress. Unless you are all huge breakfast eaters, I would skip the Boma breakfast. If I did go, I would take the car to AK with me. This will make it easier for you at the end of the day when everyone is tired.

Rafiki's Planet Watch is not something we do every trip, but it is a nice break from the crowds. When my kids were little, they liked the petting section (can't remember what animals, goats? sheep?). It's also a good way to meet Chip and Dale and/or Rafiki.

I highly recommend kennythepirates character locator app. The times will be much more specific than they are on the times guides. We use it and get in line 5-10 min. before the characters next set and have minimal waits for all characters. This even worked during Christmas week.

As far as lunch or dinner at Tusker House, when do your kids typically eat their biggest meal? Is the 2 year old likely to be tired and cranky and/ or asleep at a certain point in the day?

 

[nkereina]

IMO, which may not be a popular opinion, Boma isn't worth going out of the way for. We've only done it while staying at AKL. The food was fine and if you're an adventurous eater you will appreciate a lot of the buffet offerings, but we found it a little crowded and chaotic. The seating area and buffet area were both cramped. At Tusker House, the buffet area is wide open and easier to move around in. You'll also find some of the same food offerings at Tusker House. I also agree with PP in that two buffets might be too much.

 

[Star Mom]

@SmallWorld71 , thanks for the insite. You know I did not realize that Boma was a buffet until y'all pointed it out! Also the 2 year old usually naps right after lunch no matter what. So she is always out like a light from 1-3pm. Any day no matter what the noise level, and anywhere. All she needs is her blanket! As far as their biggest meal, pro rally lunch, but again it totally depends on the food! They love their food! And no picky, just needs to be flavorful
Good tip on kenny the Pirates app. Shall def look into that. Finally taking the car is def a good idea!

@nkereina my reasons for Boma is because of all the rave! We do plan to go to Sanaa on our free day for lunch to enjoy the animals, yummy reviews and famous bread service. Again, had no idea about the double buffets.

Perhaps I can look for some other dinner option that night after the park and also since we would have the car, we can go almost anywhere. That if if we stay with Tusker lunch and forfeit the train ride. Soooo much to think about!

Thanks again!

 

[nkereina]

We always do Disney Springs at night on our AK day, since AK takes the least amount of time for us. Raglan Road is our favorite TS restaurant there, and Wolfgang Puck Express is our favorite QS on property.

 

[Cyrano]

For FP+ advice I am moving this to the Everything FP+ board.

Questions on ADR's are best posted on the Restaurant board here

 

[maxiesmom]

Twice now when I have had a FP for the safari the FP line has been very long. If you are hoping to catch the Lion King show right after the safari, you should get in the safari FP line so that you hit the touch point by 9:15 (which accounts for the grace period).

 

[Star Mom]

@maxiesmom Thanks for the tip! Yes I think I'm going to cancel the Boma breakfast so I can make it in time for the safari FP. Gonna take your word and get to the line by 9.15am

@nkereina Any suggestions on QS at the park? What are your picks? Yup, so I'm gonna confirm lunch at Tusker House and finally dinner at DS perhaps. That way, we can leave the park after the Nemo show and if even early if the kids get tired.

Thanks again!

 

[nkereina]

Any suggestions on QS at the park? What are your picks? Yup, so I'm gonna confirm lunch at Tusker House and finally dinner at DS perhaps. That way, we can leave the park after the Nemo show and if even early if the kids get tired.

At AK, Flame Tree BBQ is by far my favorite QS! One of my favorites in property actually.