We did this dining package yesterday, and I wanted to report back regarding our experience.
We made our reservations just a couple of days before our trip. We wanted to do the package for lunch, and get passes for the first (8:30) parade. The CM told me that reservations between noon and 4:55pm , adould get passes to the first parade. However, the earliest reservation time available was 2:15pm. The CM suggested that we could check at the restaurant to see if they could accommodate us before our reservation time, so that's what we did.
When we arrived at the restaurant at about 12:15pm, there was no line at all. I explained that our reservation wasn't until 2:15, and the CM said it was no problem at all for us to dine early. The patio itself was practically empty -- maybe 4 tables were taken. I believe a lot of this had to do with the fact that it had been raining on and off all morning, and it was also pretty chilly outside. We received our food within 5 minutes of sitting down at the table. The food was fine (adults had chicken, my son had mac & cheese), but if you are a big eater, I don't think you'd find it too satisfying. The portions were definitely small.
The CM at Aladdin's Oasis suggested that we go to the viewing area at 8:00pm. Since the park was really crowded due to the holiday weekend, we decided to venture over at 7:10 to see how things were looking. We spoke with the CM who was standing near the IASW stroller area (the strollers had not been completely moved off of the parade path yet), and asked where the viewing area was for our package. She pointed to the white chairs in the reserved VIP area, and said that was for Aladdin's Oasis. She suggested we come back at 7:30, as there was no line yet.
Where do I begin with how very wrong her information was? Seriously, how is it possible that someone working in that area could be so misinformed? I can understand it when you call to make reservations over the phone, but when the CM is standing right there? Anyway, I told her that I thought the chairs were for a different package, and wondered if she might be able to ask someone else where our viewing area was going to be. She asked the CM who was a couple of feet away, and she pointed to the elevated patio area (as others have recently reported) behind the white chairs. I then asked what the line in front of the white chairs was for, and guess what? Yup, it was people already waiting for the Aladdin package. So if I had listened to the first CM, I would have left and come back 20 minutes later to a much longer line.
With our arriving an hour and 20 minutes before the parade, we were about 7 parties back in the line. While in line, I discussed the viewing area situation with a CM. She said that it had previously been different, but converting the area to standing only allowed them to accommodate more guests. I admit I was a little annoyed that we had paid for the viewing area, but people who did not pay were the ones who got to have the curb/sitting areas on the ground in front of us.
Once we entered the area, we were able to get a spot up against the railing/fence, next to a planter. DS(8) sat on the edge of the planter, and the rest of us stood against the rail. The area filled in as it go closer to parade time, but I did not find it to be over-crowded.
I have to say that we actually liked our viewing area. Sure, it's a bit of a bummer to have to stand...but I decided that sitting on the ground is not comfortable anyway. I am amazed that people did that for 4 hours (or more). Chairs would have been awesome, but our standing area above the ground-sitters was 2nd best I think. We really had a great view...even my son thought it was ideal.
So that's my two cents
