Change in Dining Times

[BarbaraB]

I have been having really mixed feelings about the earlier dining times. We too have the early seating. It does seem like a rush to get everyone ready by 5:30. On the other hand I think my twins (4 1/2) will enjoy (and last thru) the shows better if they start at 7:45 rather than 8:30.

My question is, what is the lastest you can arrive for dinner (if you are running late) and still be served and not be rude? Is there a window (ie. for the 5:30 seating show up between 5:30 -5:45)? Not that I am planning on being late, but I can see it being a problem with the earlier times.

Thanks

 

[Michelle]

Please note that this change in dining is a TEST ONLY by DCL! Unless you are on one of the four cruises affected and want to change your time, I wouldn't change yet. DCL has NOT announced that these times are permanent, and I wouldn't switch to late dining yet unless you are prepared for it to be at the old time of 8:30.

Just wanted to make that clear to everyone.

 

[floridaminnie]

we are traveling on our seven day cruise 7/20 and this is the first time I've heard about the times changing. I ran to go check my docs, but all it says is that we have the main dining. So it looks like we might be eating at 5:30. At least I'll be able to make ressie at Palo's later one evening!

 

[mmouse37]

I just received my letter from DCL in the mail about the dining changes.

It says "We are pleased to announce that in preparation for your cruise, we have made slight adjustments to our rotational dining times. This enhancement is based on the guest feedback we have received. During your cruise, Main Dining will begin at 5:30 pm and Second Dining will begin at 7:45 pm".

It goes on to say about reading your Navigator to find out dining attire for each evening with the first night being casual. It also says they will rearrange the unique evening entertainment to accommodate the new dining times.

If you have questions, they ask that you call 1-800-WDW CRUISE m-f 8:00 am to 10:00 pm and Sat, Sun 9:00 am and 8:00 pm EST.

They did not mention which cruises this will be effect on. Forgot to mention we are on the 8/3 sailing, one of the ones Michelle mentioned as being a test.

Hope this helps a bit.

MJ

 

[floridaminnie]

Thanks MJ for the info!

 

[adkaul]

Got my letter from DCL today. We're on the 7/13 cruise. Seriously considering asking for the later time now. I'm going to consult those online navigators to see what I might be rushing from to go get showered and changed for dinner. 5:30 sure does seem pretty early

 

[Tiiiigergirl]

Although for right now it doesn't look like it is going to affect/effect (I always get those two confused!) the cruise I'm on I can see where 5:30 is pretty early. We are in the MT time zone and it will be like 3:30. Sadly, I can eat 24/7.

 

[mmouse37]

I pretty excited about the 7:45 start for late seating. We always opt for late but this will be a nice change to start eating a bit earlier. Now maybe we can leave the dining room by 9:00 ish instead of almost 10:00.

MJ

 

[peg2001]

It sounds like most people would be unhappy with dining at 5:30 but I think it would work out great for my family with young children. We are on Eastern Time and like to eat around 6:00. With all the activities, swimming, and fresh ocean air, I am sure that we will be starving by 5:30. . .unless we snack all afternoon! Plus, the earlier showtimes would make it easier for my DDs to stay awake and enjoy the shows.

Also, I'm not sure how much "sprucing up" people do to need 1 to 1.5 hours to get ready for dinner!! I can't imagine it taking us more than 20 minutes to change clothes, wash faces and hands, and comb hair.

One vote for early early dining!

 

[floridaminnie]

I called DCL today, because I can't stand the waiting for maybe a letter arriving. They did say that the July 20th seven day cruise is going to have the 5:30 seating for main and 7:45 for the late.

 

[Fawn]

Consider this if you have a lot of people showering in your cabin. Anyone who had an appt. that day at the spa can get an all day pass to the Rainforest for like $8? You can shower there and free up the cabin shower! That gives you a bit more time by the pool hopefully!

Maybe Disney will consider alternating an earlier and later seating. Later for formal and semi-formal nights so people have more time to get dressed...and the new times for the more casual evenings when people don't need to dress up?

 

[Mjasp]

Peg...How about the time in the shower after having sunscreen all over you and being in the heat and chlorine or sand in your hair. I have 2 girls and then its drying the hair and putting it up and then my hair and makeup. Gee...I hope and hour and a half is enough time.

I found myself rushing for the 6 P.M. seating, I would go for the later one if it stays after the test.

 

[peg2001]

mjasp,

Thank you for the clarification. I truly was wondering what people were doing to need 1.5 hours to get ready for dinner.
I can understand how a woman with 2 girls who all need to shower, blow dry and fix hairstyle, dress, and make-up would certainly need plenty of time.

We have simple haircuts that don't require much styling, just brush out the sand and go. Plus, I don't wear make-up.

I promise, however, that we will all be clean and wear appropriate clothing to the dining room!

Peg

 

[mmouse37]

Try getting three teens (two girls and one boy) plus mom and dad ready for dinner. Everybody is fighting for the hair dryer and the mirror...can get very hectic, especially Formal night!!!

MJ

 

[plutojudy]

I hope they decide to leave the dining times as they are now and don't change the times. After early seating for two cruises we tried late last time and really liked late seating. One reason was less small children in the dining room.