HDDR 5:00 or 7:15 show?

[Coconuts]

We're doing HDDR @ 7:15pm. Our DS 6 and DD 4, and our parents, who can't walk well, are going with us. If we choose 5pm show, we can only get category 3 with the DDP, which means steps for our parents. If we go at 7:15, we can get category 2 but do you think it's too late for the kids? I was also hoping to do the campfire when we were there, but we can't do that if we're at the 7:15 show. Any comments or suggestions?

 

[FourBoysMom]

I've done the 7:15 show with little ones.....when older two were 6 & 4 the 4 year old fell asleep (yes throughout the banging on the washboards) but luckily stayed asleep and had to be carried throughout the shuttle bus to the car.....not too bad....however....


Last time we went my 3yr old son fell asleep also during the banging on the washboards....but woke up enough and was tired enough to sob and cry that he wanted to go to bed at the top of his lungs....nothing I did would quiet him down....and I felt terrible for all of the people on the shuttle bus with us on the way back to the parking lot.....they were all dead silent just listening to him. I felt awful because I knew no one else wanted to hear that...

I won't ever do a 7:15 show again with the little two now....but that's because I know their personalities....they're not happy when tired. I haven't had to worry about the older parents/steps issue, so I can't comment on that.

Just wanted to share my experience....

Trixie

ps: I just realized we're neighbors!

 

[Ariel'07]

We went to the 5:00 show with my 4 yr old and 2 1/2 yr old, I don't think they ever would have made the 7:15 show after a long day at WDW. If your kids tend to get cranky when tired, go with the 5:00 show. Also, we had reservations 180 days out for that time slot w/ the dining plan which is Cat 2 or 3 and still ended up on the upper level. So I think even though you have Cat 2, you could still end up up top. I don't remember the steps being that bad either, but I wasn't in your situation, so I really didn't take notice.

PS - neighbors here too! Cherry Hill

 

[KSG'sDisneyMem]

I will have to agree with the 5:00 show. I am doing this with DGS (3 1/2) and DGD(1 1/2) and my DS & Daughter-in-law, next month. This way, after the show, if the kids have had a decent nap in the room that day, we will try to do the Mickey's campfire sing-along at Fort Wilderness, since we will be right there. It is free and they show a Disney movie (or two) afterwards, weather permitting. If they are tired, we head back to the hotel. It will all depend on the quality of their afternoon nap. Enjoy!

 

[Coconuts]

Thanks for all the great input, especially from my fellow NJ'ers. I think I will switch to the 5:00 show; my parents said they could handle the steps. Can't wait till November!!!!

 

[eebadeeba]

Several years ago we went to the 5:00pm show. My mom was in an ECV (which I didn't even think about mentioning when I made the reservation), but could walk up steps if needed. Our reservation was for upstairs. I didn't ask for a change and said she could go up the stairs, but we ended up being on the first floor next to the stage. So you could have luck if you ask when you check in. There maybe cancellations.

Hope you have a great trip.