Bi-Location may be necessary

[davedvf]

Hello,

I was able to get a reservation to Be Our Guest at 8:55PM Saturday night (our last day).
The problem is that if we keep that reservation we will miss the fireworks show at 9pm.

I just wondered if there is much wiggle-room allowance with dining reservations as far as showing up early (or late)?

Thanks!

 

[Nancyg56]

I would not suggest using this as a plan, especially with BOG. I would make a choice and run with it. I know that folks will say there is a 15 minute grace period, and in many cases there is but it is not "official" so individual restaurants can decide how to handle guests who arrive late. If you want to see the fireworks, you have to incorporate not only the length of the show, which I have heard is about 20 minutes, but the time it will take to navigate against the crowd to get to BOG. Now you are not looking at 15 minutes anymore.

Arriving early at BOG is probably not a plan either. This is one of the hardest onsite restaurants to book, and turns people away daily.

Personally, I would choose the fireworks show and look for another place for dinner.

 

[leebee]

Not usually too much wiggle room, especially at a restaurant like BOG, where it's so hard to get an ADR. I would keep trying for something earlier. Honestly? BOG was fine, but we didn't love the food. I'd rather see the fireworks.

 

[sharonabe]

If the fireworks are at 9:00, is the park closing at 9? If so, there may not even be anyone outside BoG to check you in AFTER the fireworks. If BoG closes at 9:00, they will still serve those who are there and checked in before 9, but won't be letting any others in the restaurant.

 

[AllThingsMickey4]

Not usually too much wiggle room, especially at a restaurant like BOG, where it's so hard to get an ADR. I would keep trying for something earlier. Honestly? BOG was fine, but we didn't love the food. I'd rather see the fireworks.

I agree!! I know some people love BOG, but our dinner there was the worst meal of our trip. The service was fine, but the food was just not good at all.. especially for the price. If you've never been and want to see the castle maybe try for a lunch reservation? You really don't want to miss the new fireworks.. they are awesome!!

 

[ChristineOH]

There's no way to make both work. Watch HEA!

 

[Minnesota!]

Choose the fireworks!

 

[FSU Girl]

You could try checking in and then asking if they would be okay with you watching the fireworks from over there. The view probably wouldn't be the best, but they might let you get in some firework viewing time.

 

[Pumbaa_]

You need a plan b if you want to do both

 

[davedvf]

Thanks everyone. My wife really wanted to stop here but given the situation it doesn't really sound like a good idea this trip (we were unable to get reservations with our last trip...amazing how much advanced planning is required to get a reservation here!). I agree that the food is underwhelming here... mediocre at best. At that time of night we were just thinking we'd have ordered a desert for the 4 of us, but what a shame it would be to miss the fireworks on our last night The fireworks are at 9P and the park closes at 10P (with some kind of a castle projection show at 9:45P). We will plan on the fireworks and I will cancel my 8:55p reservation. We can always get a desert somewhere after the show if they still want to. That ice-cream shop on main street is an option though it is always so crowded after the fireworks (better than missing the fireworks show to have 'Little Debbie's' in disguise at BOG). Thanks again everyone for sharing your thoughts on this!

 

[sharonabe]

Thanks everyone. My wife really wanted to stop here but given the situation it doesn't really sound like a good idea this trip (we were unable to get reservations with our last trip...amazing how much advanced planning is required to get a reservation here!). I agree that the food is underwhelming here... mediocre at best. At that time of night we were just thinking we'd have ordered a desert for the 4 of us, but what a shame it would be to miss the fireworks on our last night The fireworks are at 9P and the park closes at 10P (with some kind of a castle projection show at 9:45P). We will plan on the fireworks and I will cancel my 8:55p reservation. We can always get a desert somewhere after the show if they still want to. That ice-cream shop on main street is an option though it is always so crowded after the fireworks (better than missing the fireworks show to have 'Little Debbie's' in disguise at BOG). Thanks again everyone for sharing your thoughts on this!

I would say keep trying for a later ADR; you never know what might show up. Take a look on MDE while you're waiting for the fireworks even. If you still don't get one, I'd be tempted to stroll over there and ask if there might be a table just to order dessert. And dessert is definitely better than "little Debbie." We enjoyed all our desserts there.

 

[Mrs. Ciz]

Thanks everyone. My wife really wanted to stop here but given the situation it doesn't really sound like a good idea this trip (we were unable to get reservations with our last trip...amazing how much advanced planning is required to get a reservation here!). I agree that the food is underwhelming here... mediocre at best. At that time of night we were just thinking we'd have ordered a desert for the 4 of us, but what a shame it would be to miss the fireworks on our last night The fireworks are at 9P and the park closes at 10P (with some kind of a castle projection show at 9:45P). We will plan on the fireworks and I will cancel my 8:55p reservation. We can always get a desert somewhere after the show if they still want to. That ice-cream shop on main street is an option though it is always so crowded after the fireworks (better than missing the fireworks show to have 'Little Debbie's' in disguise at BOG). Thanks again everyone for sharing your thoughts on this!

I would say keep trying for a later ADR; you never know what might show up. Take a look on MDE while you're waiting for the fireworks even. If you still don't get one, I'd be tempted to stroll over there and ask if there might be a table just to order dessert. And dessert is definitely better than "little Debbie." We enjoyed all our desserts there.

I agree with sharonabe..keep trying for a different BOG ADR time. You could give the Touringplans.com reservation finder a try. It is free and it works!

 

[davedvf]

Wow... you were right (Touring Plans Reservation tool really works!). I was able to get reservations for 4 at 8:05PM at BOG. This should be plenty of time to have a desert before the fireworks at 9P. I really appreciate the tips as I never would have known about the tool. Many Thanks everyone!

 

[Nancyg56]

Wow... you were right (Touring Plans Reservation tool really works!). I was able to get reservations for 4 at 8:05PM at BOG. This should be plenty of time to have a desert before the fireworks at 9P. I really appreciate the tips as I never would have known about the tool. Many Thanks everyone!

I don't want to be a wet blanket but I would just be aware that BOG may run behind. I have never gone that late for dinner so I do not have personal experience in this aspect, but I just like to plan ahead if things are important to my family.