Garden Grill CP Package: Problem/No Problem

[erikthewise]

Garden Grill recently changed format (again) to have separate lunch and dinner hours. Lunch is now 12:00-3:30 and dinner 5:00-8:00. This would appear to make it difficult at best to have dinner at Garden Grill in conjunction with a 6:45 showing of Candlelight Processional. However if you purchase a CP package, PS times for Garden Grill from 4:20-4:50 will magically show up on the CMs screen. Or so one of them told me; I haven't actually done it yet, but will very soon.

 

[PirateFan]

We have a CP package for Garden Grill at 4:20 and show at 6:45. Does this give us enough time for dinner and making to the show before it starts? The CM said that it was, but since we've never eaten there, I don't know. I would think that with such an early dinner time, we wouldn't have a long wait to be seated, but how slow is the service there?

I probably should stop worrying about everything, but when I spend nearly $200 on a meal, I would like to be able to take my time eating the $8 mashed potatoes.

 

[CarolMN]

Originally posted by PirateFan
We have a CP package for Garden Grill at 4:20 and show at 6:45. Does this give us enough time for dinner and making to the show before it starts? The CM said that it was, but since we've never eaten there, I don't know. I would think that with such an early dinner time, we wouldn't have a long wait to be seated, but how slow is the service there?

I probably should stop worrying about everything, but when I spend nearly $200 on a meal, I would like to be able to take my time eating the $8 mashed potatoes.

It should be more than enough time. Dinner usually takes about an hour there. Let's say you get seated 10 minutes late (at 4:30) and dinner takes an hour and one half. That would still gives you 30 minutes to get to the theater, which should be adequate. Given that these dinner times are only for CP guests (and the servers will know that), it's unlikely that you will be seated late or that there will be any delays in receiving your meal. I'm sure you will be fine!

Do try to arrive at the theater at least 15 minutes ahead of show start time to make sure you get a seat in the reserved section. At some point, the CMs do let stand by guests into the reserved section if there is still room.

Enjoy!

 

[PirateFan]

Thanks Carol. We're really looking forward to Lt. Dan telling the Christmas story.

 

[erikthewise]

OK, now that I've booked mine!

Garden Grill CP package for 2 adults, 2 children cost me $2.41 more than just the dining, assuming a 15% tip. That's before tax, but you pay the tax either way. Actually, ir's about $1.70 more per adult, but you save money on children!

At this price, I think it's a no brainer to get the preferred seating for 60 cents a head. You can even decide skip CP if necessary and not worry about it.

 

[PirateFan]

Erik,

I thought it was a pretty good deal, too. We already had a PS for Christmas dinner at Garden Grill and the price was $25.99 each. I think this did include drink, but not tip or tax. For $1 more we are getting the CP package, which includes tip, but not drink. It seems like it will actually be cheaper, assuming good service and at least 15% tip. Have I figured this right?

 

[PirateFan]

On Deb's site, it says that dinner packages may be picked up at Prearranged Group Sales. What exactly are we picking up and where is this? I assumed that all we needed was the confirmation #.

I'm sure this has already been answered, but I couldn't find it.

Thanks.

 

[CarolMN]

Originally posted by PirateFan
On Deb's site, it says that dinner packages may be picked up at Prearranged Group Sales. What exactly are we picking up and where is this? I assumed that all we needed was the confirmation #.

I'm sure this has already been answered, but I couldn't find it.

Thanks.

If you are staying on site, you can pick up your CP dinner package items at the Guest Services Desk of your resort. If the GS Desk isn't open, ask at the front desk.

If you are not staying on site (or if it is more convenient), you can pick up your CP stuff from specially marked ticket booths at EPCOT (main gate). Teh CM looks up your ressie and prints out your badge and dinner coupon. You should give the CM your name, PS and number of people covered by the reservation.

You will get a badge for each person in your party. This serves as your "admission" to the reserved seating for the show, and also as your 15% discount shopping card for the day. The date and time of your show is stamped on the badge. Everyone 3 and older will need a badge to sit in the special section. Last year, you were also given a plastic holder with a clip so that you could attach the badge to your clothing.

You also get a "coupon" for the dinner for each person (3 and older) in your party. This is given to your waiter/waitress to pay for the dinner.

HTH.

 

[PirateFan]

Thanks again, Carol.

 

[erikthewise]

PirateFan,

The dinner price without tax or tip is $21.99 for adults. Adding 15% tip would make it $25.29. The CP package price, which includes tip, is $26.99, or $1.70 more.

Although a beverage is not included in the CP dinner package description, a "fountain beverage" is included with ordinary meals at Garden Grill, so I'm sure that it will be included with CP dinners there too.

 

[PirateFan]

When I called and made the first PS for Christmas day, I was told that the price was $25.99. The CM said that it is more that day because they have a special Christmas dinner and I had to give a CC for deposit. After realizing that we could have the same restaurant and see the CP for just a bit more, I called back and booked the package and changed from lunch to dinner.

Oh well, even if it does cost more, I'll just go to the back yard and pick some money off the tree. At least that's where my kids seem to think it comes from!

By the way, thanks to everyone for answering so promptly. I don't post much, but have read these boards to plan our last 5 vacations. The information has been invaluable. I often think that you guys know more than a lot of the CMs do.

Lesia