Cafe Orleans then F!

[luulu1999]

Tomorrow I will be making my first reservation for our July trip Our first sit down place is going to be Café Orleans so I was wondering what would be a good time to make the reservation....What I was planning is making the reservation and then going straight out to get a good spot for F! so what time would be good for that

 

[figment_jii]

Tomorrow I will be making my first reservation for our July trip Our first sit down place is going to be Café Orleans so I was wondering what would be a good time to make the reservation....What I was planning is making the reservation and then going straight out to get a good spot for F! so what time would be good for that

It depends a little on what you mean by "good spot"...and which show are you going too (if there are two). Folks will start showing up for the prime spots hours in advance of the first show (e.g., at 5:00 pm for a 9:00 pm show). You can cut it much closer for the second show because there is a fair amount of change over from the first show to the second show.

In terms of dining, I would allow at least 2 hours for dinner. It probably won't take that long, but just in case Cafe Orleans is running behind schedule, it's better to have extra time.

It looks like Fantasmic is likely running at 9:00 pm and 10:30 pm. If you want to see the 9:00 pm show, I would make an ADR for around 5:00-6:00 pm, which gives you somewhere between 1-2 hours to find a spot to watch the 9:00 pm show. If you're aiming for the 10:30 pm show, I would make the ADR for around 7:00 pm so that you'll be finishing up as the first show is ending. Then as the first show crowds exit, you can find a spot to watch from. In fact, I would probably do the latter...aim for the second show. It's usually "easier" to get a good viewing spot for the second show.

HydroGuy has a lot of good information about Fantasmic on his thread:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2671983

 

[superlarz]

The second show is much easier to get a good spot to watch the show sitting down. I would give myself 90 minutes for the reservation and to eat. As mentioned, people start camping out for spots to the first fantasmic showing about 4 hours early, the second show wont start getting crowded until the fire works are over at about 9:40-9:45

 

[luulu1999]

Thanks for the advice I am really afraid my kiddos (5&6) won't be able to make it for the late show esp with the time difference because that would actually be like midnight our time I think I am going to do a 5pm dinner reservation and try to get the best spot possible with that

 

[figment_jii]

Thanks for the advice I am really afraid my kiddos (5&6) won't be able to make it for the late show esp with the time difference because that would actually be like midnight our time I think I am going to do a 5pm dinner reservation and try to get the best spot possible with that

If you willing to splurge, you might want to consider the Fantasmic Dessert Party. I've never done it, but I've heard good things about it.

http://www.wdwinfo.com/disneyland-california/disneyland-fantasmic.htm#dessert

 

[Girimama33]

I think 5pm is a good time to do dinner. You should still be able to get a good spot from at 6...6:30. I have done the Dessert Seating before, and if you want to be guaranteed to have a front row seat, you need to line up by 6:30. I think you are better off just getting a seat and saving the $$.

 

[luulu1999]

If you willing to splurge, you might want to consider the Fantasmic Dessert Party. I've never done it, but I've heard good things about it.

http://www.wdwinfo.com/disneyland-california/disneyland-fantasmic.htm#dessert

I had considered that until I seen you still have to get in line pretty early and the price is a big factor I think for a 5&6 year old the price is a little much, I will probably have their dad take them to explore around the area so they don't get bored sitting so long while I get us a good spot