Columbia Harbor House "Secret" room?

[Miss Patecleaver]

I have read in the past about an upstairs room in CHH that bridges Liberty Square to Frontierland. It's supposed to be much less crowded, with some good views. Does anyone know the exact way to find it when in Columbia Harbor House? I'm sure the location has been posted before, but I cant find it or remember where..... Thanks!

 

[ReneeA]

When at the registers, look to your left. There is a wide staircase tucked in the corner. It looks a bit dark since the whole restaurant is fairly dimly lit and doesn't have a lot of large windows downstairs so it's easy to miss. Head up those stairs and it's normally quiet and much less busy. There are some large windows that overlook the Haunted Mansion and the walkway right out front.

 

[vicki_c]

It's really not secret in any way - very wide open! Once you are upstairs you shouldn't have any trouble seeing it - we sat in there last time we were at CHH. We always sit upstairs and were disappointed on a recent trip when they had the upstairs closed off!

 

[Big Daddy Incredible]

Here is a good link that has some nice pics and comments about CHH - http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2010/10/18/guest-review-magic-kingdoms-columbia-harbour-house/

 

[TheRustyScupper]

1) It is not a secret.
2) But, the stairway is frequently closed.
3) If not chained-off, anyone can go upstairs and eat.
4) It also has a good view of HM and the walkways.

NOTE: All WDW eateries know the attendance for the park
on any given day. Unless there are large crowds predicted,
the stairway is usually chained.

 

[Miss Patecleaver]

Thanks everyone! I've eaten upstairs before, but never on that side.... I wonder if it will be open when I'm there.

 

[mlittig]

I love eating upstairs as it is much more peaceful and quieter than downstairs

 

[Senator Tressel]

I've never seen the upstairs closed and I usually go in slower times not long after the restaurant has opened. When do they put the ropes up?

 

[TheRustyScupper]

I've never seen the upstairs closed and I usually go in slower times not long after the restaurant has opened. When do they put the ropes up?

1) The manager gets the official attendance information.
2) When the manager feels the rush is over, the rope goes up.
3) Some days, the rope never comes down.
4) Just hope for a day with big attendance.

 

[Senator Tressel]

But I always go when its not crowded overall AND right when the place opens when almost nobody is there.

 

[vicki_c]

But I always go when its not crowded overall AND right when the place opens when almost nobody is there.

LOL - that is my experience also. Many many trips. Usually low season. Usually show up for lunch at 11:15 (or maybe 11:30 - can't remember when CHH opens at this minute) -- upstairs has only been closed one time for us and it was last trip or the one before.

But that doesn't mean RustyScupper is wrong either -- I often liken Disney things to the blind men investigating the elephant - do you know that story?

 

[kateybee]

It was roped off when I was there in January too. I'll have to check it out next week and hope for better luck... actually no, I'll sit downstairs happily if that means lower crowds in the park overall!!!!

 

[POOHsie]

When we took the KTTK tour, lunch was upstairs at CHH. I think that's always where that lunch is held.

 

[Day-Day]

We usually eat upstairs as well. A lot of people don't realize there is an upstairs area. Also, people with strollers and small kids aren't likely to use the stairs which lowers the number of small kids upstairs.

 

[n2mm]

We usually eat upstairs as well. A lot of people don't realize there is an upstairs area. Also, people with strollers and small kids aren't likely to use the stairs which lowers the number of small kids upstairs.

 

[ScottOKW2K]

When at the registers, look to your left. There is a wide staircase tucked in the corner. It looks a bit dark since the whole restaurant is fairly dimly lit and doesn't have a lot of large windows downstairs so it's easy to miss. Head up those stairs and it's normally quiet and much less busy. There are some large windows that overlook the Haunted Mansion and the walkway right out front.

There is another stairway just to the left of the main entrance to the restaurant. I have seen cases where one is roped off but the other is not. What is even more important than the "secret" eating area upstairs is "double super-secret" bathroom. I have NEVER been in and found all the facilities in use. If you gotta "go" in the Magic Kingdom this is the place to go (pun intended !).

 

[vicki_c]

There is another stairway just to the left of the main entrance to the restaurant. I have seen cases where one is roped off but the other is not. What is even more important than the "secret" eating area upstairs is "double super-secret" bathroom. I have NEVER been in and found all the facilities in use. If you gotta "go" in the Magic Kingdom this is the place to go (pun intended !).

That is the tiniest bathroom but that is the only one I have ever used at CHH.