Brand new! dining questions

[paula70]

Hello! I am brand new and have never been part of a message board before! This is my first WDW trip with my family (dh, dd8, dd51/2) and will be staying 2/8/06-2/14/06. I have a couple of dining questions. First, we are having lunch at CRT and I am wondering about what to wear. Although my DD's are very excited about the princesses, they have outgrown dressing like them! Because it will be Feb. and may be chilly would nice capris/skirts and a shirt be appropriate? If we are walking around all day, I still want them to be comfortable. Also, looking into the Fantasmic dinner package. We have purchased the dining plan and have heard mixed reviews about the limited menu at Mama melroses. Because it is Feb, will fantasmic still be very crowded (not sure if my kids can sit for 1 1/2)? Or is it still best to book the dinner package? Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Looking forward to all the great advice this board has to offer!

 

[Disney Fool]

First of all, WELCOME to the DIS. You are going at a relatively busy time, so yes, Fantasmic will be filling up. It usually always does. February weather can be tricky, so bring jackets or sweaters, or pullover sweatshirts for chilly evenings. If you don't want to carry them with you all day, consider putting them in a locker at the park, and if the temperature drops considerably during the day, you'll have access to them without having to leave the park. Unless there is a dress code for the restaurant (and Disney will inform you of this when you make reservations) casual clothing is the norm, even when meeting the Princesses. Have a wonderful trip! I'm thinking of squeezing in a trip myself in mid-January. I can't miss out on the great prices for annual passes!

 

[dcgrumpy]

Theme park attire (shorts, tees etc...) is fine for CRT

 

[paula70]

Thanks..I am glad to hear casual is the norm.

 

[LiteBrite]

About the Fantasmic Dining Package - I think you'll like it. I enjoy having my dinner, than making my leisurely way to the reserved seating section at Fantasmic. You will still want to be there 45 - 30 minutes before the show, but the waiting's not too bad. Bring a little something for the girls to play with while you wait. The biggest advantage in my opinion is the ability to get out of the stadium at the end of the show ahead of the many thousands who will be vying with you for trams and buses. It's quite a stampede, and you'll be in front of 95% of it.

If you don't like the look of the offerings for the FDP at Mama Melrose's, you could try for a package at Hollywood and Vine instead. It's a buffet with a good variety of choices to please kids and grownups, and it has the advantage of costing a little less than Mama Melrose's. Since it's a buffet, you won't be limited on what you can choose the way you are at MM's.

 

[CoolDisneyCat]

welcome to the Disboards!

here is a hint for Fantasmic in the winter ..

the stadium bleachers are metal .. and your backside will get cold quickly sitting here waiting for the show. We take beach towels with us to fold up and put on the seats .. it really helps!

 

[Wendy1953]

I don't think your dd's will be bored with Fantasmic at all, on the contrary it holds everyones attention for the duration of the show! The only restaurant on disney property that calls for anything but casual is Victoria & Alberts at the Grand Floridian. As in the previous thread however, do make sure you have some warm clothes to put on at night if you need it, and that's a wonderful suggestion for the towels on the bleachers! Going in January with DMIL (83), DH & DSIL, I'm going to remember the towel trick!

 

[erikthewise]

I suggest doing the Fantasmic Dining Package at Hollywood & Vine. It's a nice buffet and the price for the package is little if anything more than the regular price.

 

[paula70]

So what do you all think would be a good time to make the resevation, so we could finish dinner and still have time to get to our seats on time?

 

[erikthewise]

So what do you all think would be a good time to make the resevation, so we could finish dinner and still have time to get to our seats on time?

When you call and ask for the Fantasmic Package, the CM will offer time slots specifically set aside for the package. Expect slots at least 2 hours before showtime. It will probably be considerably earlier than you're used to eating dinner.

 

[paula70]

thank you all for all your help...now i just have to decide between MM and H&V!

 

[huskies90]

the stadium bleachers are mental .. and your backside will get cold quickly sitting here waiting for the show. We take beach towels with us to fold up and put on the seats .. it really helps!

...mental?

I am sorry, I know it was a misprint but it just made me laugh...

 

[CoolDisneyCat]

...mental?

I am sorry, I know it was a misprint but it just made me laugh...

I just came back to read the thread and saw my mistake! Those are some craaaaazy bleachers!!