Dinner Prior to MNSSHP

[boydstcher]

I need some advice. I currently have dining reservations at 5:00 at 1900 Park Fare. We are taking it easy that day with breakfast at Ohana, swimming at the resort or maybe go to downtown Disney. I have tix to the Halloween party that night, and I'm wondering if I should keep the 5:00 reservation or cancel it and just eat at the park once we get into the party esp since we can get in as early as 4.

 

[Cafeen]

Depends on your length of stay, if you'll have plenty of normal MK time, then I'd keep the 1900 PF, ask for the check when you sit, and then leave when you're done (this saves you some time at buffet type places, especially if you're not concerned about max character time).

If you don't have that much normal time in MK, then I'd skip and do CS or something nearby.

 

[boydstcher]

I do have another day set aside for MK, so I will probably keep it and take your advice regarding the check. That's a great idea

Depends on your length of stay, if you'll have plenty of normal MK time, then I'd keep the 1900 PF, ask for the check when you sit, and then leave when you're done (this saves you some time at buffet type places, especially if you're not concerned about max character time).

If you don't have that much normal time in MK, then I'd skip and do CS or something nearby.

 

[LoriABil]

FWIW, we have done it both ways (a 5:00 ADR at Tony's the 1st year and grabbing something in the parks the third year). I really think it depends on your traveling party and what you want to do. If you have younger kids, or people who are going to be ready to hit the party running (you know the type - go go go!), then grabbing a quick bite might be better.

We enjoyed sitting at Tony's and people watching. It was our first year, so there wasn't a plan during the party, per se. Just a general idea of what we wanted to do and which parade we wanted to see (we opted for the early one). By the end of the meal, our son (who was 5) was getting antsy. But it was still a great evening!

The best time we had was our 2nd year doing MNSSHP, when we ate at the resort (Cape May), and then headed to the MK. We were more relaxed, and excited about getting to the park, instead of having to break stride because we were trying to agree upon a quick meal or sitting for an extended TS meal with all of the distractions of the Magic Kingdom. We also began opting for the late parade - less crowded - plus you are able to ride lots of rides during the first parade!

Hope that helps!

 

[boydstcher]

Thank you, that does help. It is just myself, my husband and 8 year old daughter. They are both pretty laid back and will go with the flow. This is our second party and last year we ate prior to arriving but I did not know then about the earlier than 7 admission time. I should probably just leave well enough alone I do think my daughter will enjoy the Park Fare dinner.

FWIW, we have done it both ways (a 5:00 ADR at Tony's the 1st year and grabbing something in the parks the third year). I really think it depends on your traveling party and what you want to do. If you have younger kids, or people who are going to be ready to hit the party running (you know the type - go go go!), then grabbing a quick bite might be better.

We enjoyed sitting at Tony's and people watching. It was our first year, so there wasn't a plan during the party, per se. Just a general idea of what we wanted to do and which parade we wanted to see (we opted for the early one). By the end of the meal, our son (who was 5) was getting antsy. But it was still a great evening!

The best time we had was our 2nd year doing MNSSHP, when we ate at the resort (Cape May), and then headed to the MK. We were more relaxed, and excited about getting to the park, instead of having to break stride because we were trying to agree upon a quick meal or sitting for an extended TS meal with all of the distractions of the Magic Kingdom. We also began opting for the late parade - less crowded - plus you are able to ride lots of rides during the first parade!

Hope that helps!

 

[deakam]

If the Park Fare ressie is on time, and at 5 it should be, then you will have plenty of time to enjoy the Ugly Stepsisters, a fairly decent meal and be in the Magic Kingdom just in time to start the party. Even though you can enter the MK at 4 nothing for the party really starts until 7pm. If you are staying until the end of the party you will have plenty of time to do everything and to see everyone.

 

[boydstcher]

Thank you, that's very helpful.

If the Park Fare ressie is on time, and at 5 it should be, then you will have plenty of time to enjoy the Ugly Stepsisters, a fairly decent meal and be in the Magic Kingdom just in time to start the party. Even though you can enter the MK at 4 nothing for the party really starts until 7pm. If you are staying until the end of the party you will have plenty of time to do everything and to see everyone.

 

[momtoejanda]

I like being in the park between 4-7 before the party. Most people dont know that you can get into MK at 4 with just MNSSHP tickets so they arent there. And those who were there during the day are leaving to go to dinner somewhere else. I find it to be very empty and we go on all of our favorite rides with virtually no wait.

We usually do a meal (dont know what to call it) at Crystal Palace at 3:30 then while the kids and I hold a spot for the parade around 7:30 my dh goes and gets snacks. Seems to work for us...

 

[A&MsMommy]

I have been wondering the same but with a 5:00 BBB appointment I think we're going to go with on the go eating. I'm contemplating seeing if I can get a 4:30 just to give us a little more time....