Dinner reservations and other Newbie Questions

[Waterbaby]

Only 4 days to go, already packed, flights checked, and am approaching the "bouncing of the walls" stage here at work!!

I'm getting worried about making dinner reservations. This is a special vaca for just my hubby and I (celebrating our anniversary), and since it is our vacation, we both don't want to be too 'scheduled', so we may not want to decide where or what we'd like for dinner until the day of. Is this going to be a problem for us to be able to eat at a reasonable hour (i.e. 6 or 7pm)? (For medical reasons I can't lie down for a minimum of 3 hours after I finish eating.) I'd really like to try Mythos, Mama Dellas and Margaritaville for dinner........

We'll be staying at the PBH - do you think we'll be able to see the fireworks on the 4th of July from somewhere on the grounds or should we venture into one of the parks?

Is there a separate park entrance for on-site guests?

Should we take the water shuttle from PBH or just walk? How long a walk is it from PBH to say, Universal?

Thanks for all of your help!! I appreciate it!

 

[Motherfletcher]

You should be able to see the fireworks from the beach pool but there have been alot of comments regarding the low level fireworks that you will miss unless you are at the park.
I have walked from PBH to US (a good 1/4 mile). I wouldn't do it again because there will be plenty of walking in the parks. I would take the bus from PBH to US and the water taxi to IOA.
I have never made advance ressies and got in.
No separate entrance.

 

[snowsdad]

I have never made advance ressies and got in.

Motherfletcher - does this comment mean that you never use PS, but you, nonetheless, don't have problems getting dining seats!

 

[themepark]

I have never had trouble being seated at Mythos but we have always eaten lunch there. They will give you preferred seating if you show your hotel room key. If you are planning on eating dinner there, I would check with them on that day about their closing time. People here have reported them closing earlier than the park closes at times.

At Margaritaville, I would strongly suggest getting a Preferred Seating time in advance if you plan to eat there around 7:00. There is always a line and the wait is often 1 - 1 /2 hours. Sometimes your room key will help you be seated quicker and sometimes it won't. I would call ahead.

I would definitely take the Water Taxi from PBH. You will be doing plenty of walking in the parks so relax and enjoy the ride there!
I hope you will post a trip report when you return! Have fun!!!!

 

[WDWmaniac125]

Originally posted by Waterbaby

Is there a separate park entrance for on-site guests?

I wish.

 

[Waterbaby]

Thanks, everyone! Your help is very much appreciated.

Hi thempark! - Yes, I plan on doing a trip report when I get back. As I mentioned in a previous post, I think it's a great payback to all the folks who take the time to answer my questions here!

 

[cinamin27]

Waterbaby, a tip on Margaritaville, if you get there without a PS, check out the bar area on the side with the line to make seating arrangements, if there is an open table, its game as this area isnt reserved for people waiting to be seated. We have eaten here on a Friday nite with no wait & watched tables sitting empty for up to 5 minutes at a time. If you hang out near the bar waiting/watching for a table, I bet you could seat yourself in under 15-20 minutes. Each table is a high table with 4 tall chairs & the area holds about 5-8 tables.

 

[Motherfletcher]

Yeah, I don't make PS's. I usually go in the off hours though.

 

[Waterbaby]

Thanks, cinamon27! Great tip!

 

[Duck/Fish]

Ignore my post. Just found the answer to my question.