Dining reservations and fast passes

[Minapoof]

I was wondering how long I should allow for dining with reservations before scheduling my next fast pass.

Example: I have a dining reservation at MK at Crystal Palace at 3:20 pm. What is the earliest I should schedule a fast pass after my reservation?

In addition, if I have a fast pass available before dining how long should I allow for the fast pass to be completed before dining?

Example: I have a fast pass for 12-1 and dining reservations at a nearby restaurant for 1:35 pm will this be enough lead time for my fast pass to be completed?

Thank you,
Mindy

 

[lovetoscrap]

Moved to the Disney Restaurant Forum

 

[smiths02]

Luckily, the FP+ windows are an hour long, I would generally give 90 minutes to dining (the meal could probably be done in 60 minutes, but you might have to wait to be seated, wait for a character, wait to get the check paid, take a potty break, etc.). So I would say a 5-6 pm FP+ to your first example (which would give you walking time).

In your second example. You could get to the FP+ at 12, so you would have plenty of time to get to dining nearby at 1:35. You would probably be okay even if you used the FP at the end of the window.

 

[figment_jii]

I agree with smiths02; I generally allow between 60 and 90 minutes for an in-park TS meal. So, I probably start looking for FPs about 90 minutes or so after your ADR time.

In terms of scheduling FPs for before your ADR, it depends on whether you're planning on getting there at the start of the window or the end. I would probably aim to be in the FP line at least an 75 minutes before your ADR time just in case things are moving slowly, there are unexpected ride stoppages, time for the ride, and then to allow time to get to your reservation (I'm assuming that you're asking about FP and ADRs that are in the same park).

 

[Minapoof]

Wow, thank you. Someone was telling me I would need at least 3 hrs for each reserved meal due to the wait even with reservations. We will be eating in the same park as our fast passes and we will be going mid September if that makes any difference.

 

[figment_jii]

Wow, thank you. Someone was telling me I would need at least 3 hrs for each reserved meal due to the wait even with reservations. We will be eating in the same park as our fast passes and we will be going mid September if that makes any difference.

It can happen...my family once had to wait about an hour after our ADR time to be seated at BOG, so that meal took a while (assuming you measure it from when you check-in to when you exit the restaurant). Still, that is not that common an experience, so my general rule of thumb is 60 to 90 minutes for an in-park TS meal, but some do take longer (most take at least 60 minutes). I would plan your ADRs and FPs so that you don't have to spend the entire meal watching the clock.