Do I need a FP for ROL?

[KEK1]

We will be at WDW in mid Jan, and am trying to cut down on TS meals (particularly buffets due to $$$).
Currently I have TH booked with the ROL package. Do I really need a FP to view it well (I know its not a popular show but we are coming from Australia and should probably see it once, yes?)
I also have GG booked PPO not really for the characters (we are all adults) but for the jump on Soarin.. we will only have 2 epcot days. Necessary?
And finally (this is probably a restaurant boards Q sorry) I have Boma dinner booked but wondering if I should just get what we want in the Mara (we are staying AKL)- most of us are not massive eaters.
TIA!!

 

[OB1]

ROL standby works - but you probably need to arrive at least 1/2 hour before start, and maybe even 45 minutes. While it is not everyone's favorite, it does tend to be crowded. HOWEVER, you are at a slower time of the year unless it is MLK weekend and then the attendance will ramp up. I would probably chance it to walk up and not worry about FP given your criteria to cut down on meals.

Mara is a great place to eat - probably the best counter service at any resort. Boma is amazing. Wife & I are not huge eaters so we don't cash in, but it is really a great selection and slightly different tastes. Tusker House is a Boma lite - so if you want a little adventurous, then you can try it instead of Boma. I would not schedule both.

 

[KEK1]

Thanks so much for your reply! What would you do re Garden Grill?

 

[Klayfish]

No you don't need a FP+ for ROL, but show up 30 minutes early. If you're coming all the way from Australia and the show interests you, then go for it. But I'm one of the ones who says the show is not worth the time...and I'm a huge WDW fan in general.

 

[WaterLinds]

We will be at WDW in mid Jan, and am trying to cut down on TS meals (particularly buffets due to $$$).
Currently I have TH booked with the ROL package. Do I really need a FP to view it well (I know its not a popular show but we are coming from Australia and should probably see it once, yes?)
I also have GG booked PPO not really for the characters (we are all adults) but for the jump on Soarin.. we will only have 2 epcot days. Necessary?
And finally (this is probably a restaurant boards Q sorry) I have Boma dinner booked but wondering if I should just get what we want in the Mara (we are staying AKL)- most of us are not massive eaters.
TIA!!

For Epcot—you have two full days there? Were you able to get the other Tier 1 FPs you want for those days? If you aren’t trying to squeeze in any of the other T1s you could just RD Soarin’ (since you were going to be up early anyway I assume you’re OK with RD). Especially at a (theoretically) less busy time like January, you should be able to get all Epcot rides done pretty easily with two days there.

 

[KEK1]

Thanks very much, all! People on the DisBoards are so helpful , its an incredible planning resource. Goodness knows how people do Disney without..talk about a complicated holiday I am planning for our group of 8 so want to get it right.
Still too early to book FPs , nov 14th is our day Yes definitely happy with RD, we are early to rise people. Hopefully next Jan is better than I heard this one was..

 

[WaterLinds]

Thanks very much, all! People on the DisBoards are so helpful , its an incredible planning resource. Goodness knows how people do Disney without..talk about a complicated holiday I am planning for our group of 8 so want to get it right.
Still too early to book FPs , nov 14th is our day Yes definitely happy with RD, we are early to rise people. Hopefully next Jan is better than I heard this one was..

Of course, I shod know January is still over 60 days...I keep posting without finishing my coffee!

Given that it’s far out, you could certainly hang on to your ADR until you confirm your FP just in case, but I don’t think the Epcot rides are too hard to get at 60 now so I’d imagine you’d be fine.

It sure is complicated and getting increasingly so it seems! Good luck.

 

[gharter]

Unless you are there on a very busy day (weekend), you rarely need a FP. However, the seating for FP is more centered than the standby area, so that may be a reason to get a FP or do a dinner package.

 

[KEK1]

Thanks! Maybe we could score it as a 4th FP..?