FDP - please help me think this through...

[ms.ojo]

OK, I know i'm doing the FDP...just trying to think of the best timing. Presently I have an ADR for 4:30....and Fantasmic will be at 7pm on the night we'll be there.

What do you think is the latest time I'd want to eat and still be able to get over to Fantasmic comfortably at 6:30 or so? We're doing Mama Melrose, family of 4.

BUT.... I started looking at the schedule for the new Lights, Motor Action show and I don't know how we're going to see it. Looks like they don't do the 1pm show all the time. Other options are just before 3 (which would prevent us from seeing the parade) and at 5:40. So maybe I SHOULD keep my 4:30 ADR at Mama Melrose.....try to catch the 5:40 show of LMA...and then on to Fantasmic?! Just seems so rushed. But I don't want to do a 2nd day at MGM just for the show.... How good is this show????

Thanks for the help...

 

[NCombs]

Well, I just read in the UG to allow 2 hours for the FDP because of the number of courses-appetizer, salad, main course, dessert. Plus, you sometimes have a wait to be seated.

I don't think it is possible to be seated, eat 4 courses and be to LMA in 70 minutes.


Sorry, I have heard the scheduling of LMA can really be a pain to fit in with dining plans and other shows.

 

[ms.ojo]

Well, I just read in the UG to allow 2 hours for the FDP because of the number of courses-appetizer, salad, main course, dessert. Plus, you sometimes have a wait to be seated.

I don't think it is possible to be seated, eat 4 courses and be to LMA in 70 minutes.


Sorry, I have heard the scheduling of LMA can really be a pain to fit in with dining plans and other shows.

thanks for the reply...I figured we'd order some pretty simple italian fare...but didn't realize the pkg entitled us to so many courses. I guess this will take longer than if I had made the ADR at H&V. Hoping someone will reply who has done Mama Melrose and can tell me ~ how long it takes to eat dinner. (is service relatively quick?) And also maybe someone who went to the last showing of LMA...how long does it take to exit that arena...and make it back to the front of MGM??? Maybe I'll actually try to arrive early on our ADR and get seated before 4:30. I'm going to have to have a snack before bedtime that's for sure! Doesn't sound like I'm going to be able to do this all in 1 night!

 

[solotraveler]

70 minutes is certainly too tight to try and do all of that. And even if you tried, you'd be wolfing down your meal and sprinting between places.

If you were open to it, I think the best bet would be to skip the parade (if it's not a must-do for you) and see the 3:00 LMA show. This would put you in the general area of the park you would need to be for your 4:30 seating and then you could enjoy your meal and head on to Fantasmic. Now, if when you there they do show the 1:00 LMA, then problem solved.

Solotraveler

 

[skiingwife]

What time is the parade at Disney Studios?

 

[ms.ojo]

What time is the parade at Disney Studios?

3:30 that time of year. I have a feeling I'm sunk if they don't offer the early afternoon show on the day we're visiting MGM.

 

[wildernesslodgelover]

I am having the same problem...not sure when to get my ADR for Brown Deby. Right now I have it for 3:50. that is too early for me, but then again, I want to have ample time to get to Fantasmic without feeling rushed. I believe Fantasmic will be on at 7:30 when I am there (Oct 12.)

BTW...I was worried about the parade, too. But, my friend who is an expert in all things disney, said the MGM parade is not worth worrying about. I am not saying this from personal experience, but I trust her opinion.

 

[PIRATEGIRL007]

We have at MM several times are were out in just under 1 hour, with no ADR's. We walked right in and got a table. But that is just apetizer and entree and it was in the slow time (sept). I also think you would be really rushed even if you were seated right away.

 

[ms.ojo]

I am having the same problem...not sure when to get my ADR for Brown Deby. Right now I have it for 3:50. that is too early for me, but then again, I want to have ample time to get to Fantasmic without feeling rushed. I believe Fantasmic will be on at 7:30 when I am there (Oct 12.)

BTW...I was worried about the parade, too. But, my friend who is an expert in all things disney, said the MGM parade is not worth worrying about. I am not saying this from personal experience, but I trust her opinion.

Actually, it is one of our family's favorite parades. has a lot of villains and the chars are very interactive! It's a must see for us. But everyone has different preferences.

 

[ms.ojo]

We have at MM several times are were out in just under 1 hour, with no ADR's. We walked right in and got a table. But that is just apetizer and entree and it was in the slow time (sept). I also think you would be really rushed even if you were seated right away.

Yes, I think it would be too rushed. Even if we got in a bit early and did manage to eat in an hour...we'd still have <10mins to get to our seats in LMA and I don't think I'd enjoy dinner worrying about getting to the show on time. Then I'd worry about getting out, across the park and into Fantasmic! nope...just too much worrying.

So....we're sticking w/ our favorites..the parade and Fantasmic. If I can fit in LMA earlier in the day...great. If I can fit it in on the other night we're doing the Osborne lights....ok. If not, something to look forward to when we return in a few years. (amazing what a good night's sleep can do for one's perspective!)

 

[dizplanner]

ms.ojo, I think your solution is the best. We all want to do everything and it is just not possible. It is actually a relief when we can let go of this impossible desire.

 

[wildernesslodgelover]

Yes, ms ojo...I agree...you definitely have a plan now and can rest easy! And I certainly did not mean to insult the parade...I should know better than judge something I have never seen. On YOUR recommendation, I promise to see the parade one day...just not the day I have FDP booked! It is a good feeling when we come to the realization we just CANNOT do everything we want to do...just like dizplanner said! But hey...there is ALWAYS next trip...right????