Help! Are we going to make it on time for dinner with the Princesses?

[xeni72]

Flippin' time difference!

Here's the situation - we have a Shuttle crossing booked for 1250 on the day we go on holiday. At the other end of the journey we have dinner at Auberge du Cendrillon booked at 1830 - didn't want it this day, but it's only on at weekends and this is the only weekend day we're there. I thought we'd be okay, but someone else reminded me there is a time difference (doh!) The crossing is 35 minutes, so that's 1325 just to get to the other side, then presumably it's not instantaneous getting off the train and onto the road ... then about 3:15 hours to get to DLRP, so that would be 1740. I assume then we have to check into the hotel to get our park passes at the very least, before we can go for dinner.

It's not going to work, is it?

So, I beg of you ...

1. sympathise (I have a 4yo Sleeping Beauty fan, oh woe)
2. tell me if we can get on an earlier Shuttle (I know we can get on a later one if we miss our slot, but can't figure out if we can get on earlier under any circumstances)
3. what our chances will be of getting a lunch at the Auberge instead once we're there (we're there Sunday to Friday)
4. think of anything else life-saving I may have missed

 

[A Small World]

We have often got on an early shuttle. When you check in if theres space available you will be offered an earlier one at no extra cost so it will be worth getting there extra early if possible.

When are you going?

I thought the lunch was on everday so you might be better phoning to change the booking to a lunchtime instead

 

[ema74]

it's lunch with the Princesses at Auberge...

 

[chrismoo]

I have always managed to get a much earlier EuroTunnel crossing with no charge.

I have even in the past booked a cheaper later crossing and ignored it and went earlier.

At the self checkin at Folkestone, you just enter your booking ref, then it asks you if you would like to go earlier and shows the next possible one.

 

[DLPdaft]

If you're in any doubt about being able to get an earlier crossing, I'd change you Princess meal booking to a lunch during the week. Its the same meal, and the same character interaction.

Elaine

 

[xeni72]

Thanks - good to know we should be able to get on an earlier Shuttle, I can't see a thing about being early on the website, it assumes you'll be late!

I've mentioned booking lunch instead to DH, he is not 'biting' (I, erm, don't DO phonecalls, so it's up to him to do it )

 

[jillrobinson]

It's ever so easy to make or cancel reservations when you're there. If you're pushed for time just cancel and rearrange a lunch booking during your stay.

 

[Cyrano]

I can confirm as have others that we have been giving an early crossing on Euro Tunnel from our booked slot

 

[Danauk]

We too have had luck getting an earlier crossing by checking in early. Plus several times we have had luck getting on the shuttle before the one we were booked on by driving through to the boarding area as soon as our letter was called. If you are quick enough you are often there before the previous shuttle has finished loading and if there is room they send you straight on.

 

[xeni72]

Finally made it back - I forgot my password AGAIN!

I've been assuming that for all the bookings we've made (bar the rodeo, which is paid for) if we don't turn up it doesn't matter? But now I'm wondering about the Auberge, are we going to get charged anything if we miss this Sunday evening booking? Anyone know?

Twelve days to go! Time for a dancing banana I think!

 

[jillrobinson]

Reservations are held for 15 minutes only after the requested time so you won't get charged if you miss the time.
However, I am intrigued how you got an evening booking at Auberge de Cendrillon in 12 days time. My understanding from the official Disneyland brochure, which I was reading the other night, (I know I need to get a life) is that Dinner is available only when the park is open until 11.00 pm, is it possible that there's been a misunderstanding with the Reservation desk ? As far as I'm aware the park isn't open that late until the Summer season starts in July.

 

[xeni72]

Hm, it does say that, doesn't it?! The park's open till 9pm that night, not 11. Well, DH *thinks* we've got a booking for 6.30, but a misunderstanding is entirely possible. Oh dear. I wish all this stuff could be booked online!

 

[britchic4]

We were there a few days ago and Auberge was definitely only available for lunch. I think this means DH will have to phone up, seems likely there's been a mistake. If you do go for lunch, I advise an early sitting at 12 (and get there at least 5 mins early, the restaurant doors don't open until 12 and there will be a queue, then quite a wait if you're not near the front since everyone has their photo taken with Cinderella.

 

[xeni72]

Oh, crumbs ... well, DH swears we have a reservation, but he's duly warned.

 

[karenmoloney]

When we were there a few weeks ago, friends of ours were there at the same time & they had dinner at Auberge on the Friday night. I had never heard of it before, but they had done it. The park was open until 9pm that night, so maybe that's why it was open. I think the reservation should be OK - just hope you make it!

 

[xeni72]

Will we, won't we - such a rollercoaster ride and we're not even there yet!

I'm going to have to report back, aren't I?

In the meantime, I am not breathing a *word* to DD about dinner with princesses, just in case.

 

[jillrobinson]

That sounds promising though, fingers crossed you'll get there on time and it'll be on and your DD will love it.
It will be a great start to your trip.

 

[A Small World]

Word of advice - take or buy a Princess dress for your DD before you go. they cost a fortune there and shes bound to want to wear one. You can get them so much cheaper in Asda etc

 

[britchic4]

Yes that's good advice about the princess dress. When we were there a little girl was crying because she wasn't wearing one and just about every other little girl was

 

[Ware Bears]

Poor little thing, what a shame.