Got LTT before MNSSHP, but have a question!!

[carmie3377]

I had planned on doing CS before MNSSHP, but after reading so many posts of how fun it is to go to LTT before the party, I thought I'd give it a try. I really didn't think I'd be able to get anything, as it's been past 180 days for about 3 weeks now. Our first date for MNSSHP was booked, but they had one opening left for our second date - at 4:00.

We do not plan on visiting any park that day prior to MNSSHP but we know that they will let us in at 4:00 with party ticket only. If I have the ressie # in hand, will they let me in about 5 mins. early so I can be on time? The CM said, "if you have tickets to Mickey's not so SPOOKY halloween party, just make sure you have your ressie number and they will let you in early" Considering that she had the name of the party wrong, I wonder if she really knew that or if that was just an assumption. Anyone have any experience getting in a few minutes early? If not, will they mind if we are a few minutes late? I do not have an extra day on my ticket as I've already maxed out on 10 days. My DH could add an extra day if needed to at least get in to check us in on time. What do y'all suggest?

TIA

 

[wildirishrose]

I would probably try it, Although I would get to the park 15-20 mins early because there will be a flood of people getting ready to come in at 4:00 and you want to get through the security clearance with ample time. You might want to send your fastest person ahead just to check in. I think they do allot some time for being late, I know that varies by location. Good Luck!!!!

 

[labattblue]

We had a reservation for 4:30 at LTT before a recent P&PP party, but I didn't want to lose the ride time, so I canceled it when we got to the park. I regretted it later, because the park was so crowded between 4 and 7, we only made it on to 3 or 4 attractions during that time. Bad decision on my part.

 

[beattyfamily]

They will not let you in any earlier than 4:00p, which is already 3 hours before the party starts. It's a matter of changing over a few turnstyles to accept the party tickets instead of the regular tickets and having CMs on hand to put the wristbands on you after you enter and they do all of that right at 4:00p.

Just run like crazy and you'll be about 10 minutes late. I think they'll understand.

 

[jamaunt]

I was told by a CM that you couldn't get into the park before 4pm. I asked the same question because I have a 3:55 at CP. I'm just going to keep trying to back it up.

 

[carmie3377]

Thanks for the replies. I think what we'll do is:

• Get to MK around 3:30 so we can hopefully be close to front in line
• Send DH through regular entrance prior to 4:00 just by adding a day to his ticket for only $2.00 more (of course, we'll do this ahead of time!) That way, he can get us checked in on time.
• As soon as we can get through the gates, meet up with DH at LTT
• After we eat, send DH to get his wristband
• ENJOY the PARTY

I think it will work. Of course, the rest of us will be a few minutes late, but DH will be able to get our drinks ordered if they seat him before we get there.

 

[dgaston]

My experience is that restaurants won't seat the party until everyone is there. Specifically at LLT I made the error of going upstairs to the Ladies Room (very long wait -- only two stalls are there) and we had to wait longer to be seated. That said, your DH can tell them you'll be there shortly, and I'm sure you'll be seated quickly.

 

[beattyfamily]

My experience is that restaurants won't seat the party until everyone is there. Specifically at LLT I made the error of going upstairs to the Ladies Room (very long wait -- only two stalls are there) and we had to wait longer to be seated. That said, your DH can tell them you'll be there shortly, and I'm sure you'll be seated quickly.

I agree but I think it also depends on the restaurant or maybe on the waitress/hostess on duty that day.

I tried to check us in at Le Cellier before my DH got there and they said we all had to be there before they could check us in.

But then on another day, I checked us in at CP before DH got there and they even seated us but I could just tell they were doing me a favor. It seemed like she didn't want to have to tell me we had to wait for DH.

 

[carmie3377]

Okay, thanks. The only experience I have had with it was in Dec. 06. I was in the baby center nursing our son and it was time for our ressies. My DH and the rest of our party went ahead and headed to Coral Reef. By the time I arrived at Coral Reef, they were all seated with drinks ordered.

Well, as long as he can get over there to let them know we aren't a no show, I don't mind if we have to wait to be checked in or seated, I just don't want them to think we are a no show. Had it not been the ONLY available spot, I would have chosen a bit later.

Thanks again for all the input

 

[HopperFan]

When we booked ours they told me we could not get in until 4 pm, and it would take me at least 10-15 minutes to get there because of end of parade (we went through the stores) so they suggested I book for 4:20 and later. Both ours were at 4:30.

Good thing, because it took us a while and we got to LTT at 4:30 on the nose.

 

[carmie3377]

When we booked ours they told me we could not get in until 4 pm, and it would take me at least 10-15 minutes to get there because of end of parade (we went through the stores) so they suggested I book for 4:20 and later. Both ours were at 4:30.

Good thing, because it took us a while and we got to LTT at 4:30 on the nose.

Maybe I should just cancel or keep calling trying to get something a bit later. I've been thinking the whole time that LTT was where Tony's is. Then, when you mentioned going through all the stores, it hit me: LTT is not near the park entrance like I was thinking, it's in Liberty Square! I knew that as I had noticed it on our last trip. For some reason, I just kept thinking it was where Tony's is.

 

[jcemom]

I don't think they'll let you in prior to 4:00 with the party tickets. *I* would just get in at 4:00 and be ten minutes late for the ADR. I've never had a problem showing up just a little late before. We've even checked in over 30 minutes last once when members of our party had some transportation troubles, no problem. But if it's really bothering you then just add the extra day to everyone's ticket and go in early. It's only a couple of dollars each and may be worth it for peace of mind. I wouldn't cancel the reservation though. Worst case scenario is you'll show up at 4:10 and they'll say they can't seat you, then you'll eat at CS like you otherwise would have anyway. I really really doubt that will happen.

 

[carmie3377]

But if it's really bothering you then just add the extra day to everyone's ticket and go in early. It's only a couple of dollars each and may be worth it for peace of mind. I wouldn't cancel the reservation though. Worst case scenario is you'll show up at 4:10 and they'll say they can't seat you, then you'll eat at CS like you otherwise would have anyway. I really really doubt that will happen.

I would add to everyone's ticket, but DD and I are already maxed out at 10 days on our tickets since we are arriving a few days prior than DH and MIL. We won't be going back within a year so it's not worth the upgrade to APs. As far as canceling, you're right, maybe we'll just risk it and hopefully get seated!

 

[jcemom]

Ah okay. I really don't think you'll have any problem at all arriving just a little late. Maybe you'll even get pixie dusted and be allowed in a little early, you never know. I'm betting that they don't even bat an eye when you check in at 4:10.

 

[Philagoofy]

A bit ot but could you tell me if something special goes on at LTT (which I guess is Liberty Tree Tavern) that makes it fun to go to before the party? Is it mainly for children or would two adults like it. I missed the posts you were talking about and I was going to make reservations at the Plaza Restaurant for the day we go to the Halloween party. Thanks

 

[jcemom]

It's really not much... the characters wear 'costumes' which really only consist of masks and/or Halloween themed aprons. We like to do LTT prior to MNSSHP just because we have to eat somewhere, we like the food there, and it's the only restaurant that does anything at all special for the party. Usually some/most of the CMs working there are done up in Haunted Mansion style makeup and hairdos also, at least for the past few years that we've been going on party nights.