Help...thinking about dumping BOG ADR!

[Jeannies5]

Hi! First post here and already looking for a little advice! DH, DS (18) and I are doing a quick 2 days in WDW while in FL next week. I lucked out last week and snagged BOG ADR for dinner Monday 11/2 at 8:35. Here's the issue- we want to be able to see Wishes, which starts at 10pm. It will be our only opportunity, as we will be doing Epcot on Sunday and must check out on Tuesday.
Obviously, the 8:35 ADR is really pushing it timing wise. I am (reluctantly) considering letting it go because the fireworks are something we all definitely want to see. DH and DS really don't care one way or the other about BOG- that's something I really want. I just don't want to give it up if there's at least a reasonable chance we'll make it for Wishes.

Some questions: What are your experiences on seating/service timing at BOG during dinner? Fast, slow, moderate? Is 8:30pm a busier time or not so much? How are they about early check ins...say, 8-8:15, for our table? How long is it to walk from BOG to the castle? Any other helpful suggestions/options are welcome. Thanks!

 

[Hi Pluto]

I haven't eaten there so I can't comment on the speed or timing, but I do know that it is located just a short walk behind the castle. You would see the backside of the fireworks as you walk out the door of BOG. If you wanted to walk around to the front it may take some extra time.

~Cari~

 

[eastendlights]

They have been late seating us for all 5 meals we have eaten there-sometimes by as much as 30 minutes. They will not allow you to check in early-they tell you to come back if you are more than 5 or 10 minutes early. I don't think you would make the fireworks.

 

[mkla2015]

We had an 830 dinner ADR in March- they sat us on time but after dinner, desserts, and meeting the beast we didn't get out until Wishes was already in progress.

If they sit you on time and you skip dessert and meeting the beast, you might make it out in time for Wishes but I wouldn't count on it.

 

[Im_her_Mickey]

You also might keep checking the app or website for earlier ADR times, as you might luck up on a time that would give you plenty of time to get to a good vantage point for Wishes after. That way everyone's happy . Keep trying, even up until the day you leave. At least a suggestion if you really want to have dinner there AND see Wishes.

 

[han22735]

I don't think you'll make it out in time. Dinner at BOG was a disappointment for us. I'd much rather see wishes if I was short on time.

 

[Dug720]

Personally I would not skip Wishes over anything - especially a meal in the cavernous cafeteria...I mean "castle". Granted we did lunch there, but I did not find it relaxing or worth the stress of trying to get in at all.

 

[JennyDrake]

I would skip the ADR for several reasons:
The food is not *that* good (even by WDW standards) and is extremely overpriced
I've eaten there twice with ADRs and we were seated 30 and 40 min past the ADR time
If your DH and DS aren't that into it, it really is a waste of time and $$$$, YMMV
I don't see any way you will make Wishes

 

[purple figment]

Maybe you could have dinner earlier at a CS and just go to BOG for dessert at 8:30. Even if you are seated late it shouldn't take too long so you'll have a chance to look around the rooms and meet the Beast for a photo op.

 

[Nancyg56]

Maybe you could have dinner earlier at a CS and just go to BOG for dessert at 8:30. Even if you are seated late it shouldn't take too long so you'll have a chance to look around the rooms and meet the Beast for a photo op.

This is the only way I would keep this ADR. There is nothing worse than rushing through a meal, knowing you are mssing a show.

Personally, I would try to find a breakfast or lunch ADR at BOG, check out the Castle, have CS dinner, and then after WIshes a nice ice cream sundae while waiting for the park to clear out. If they keep any part of this ADR they will probaly miss the Castle show, which is really pretty cool.

 

[isabellea]

If Wishes is a must for your family I would skip BOG or only go for dessert. Food was okay but not great.

 

[MulanMom]

We've been at BOG twice since it opened. Our 2nd time there, last year during Christmas, was rather disappointing. But one thing I haven't seen mentioned as yet is that the view of Wishes from just outside BOG is pretty awesome. It's uncrowded. Fireworks seem to go off around you throughout Wishes. You don't have to walk far or stake out a spot.

As for being seated, we had a wait first time around. Last year I think we were seated pretty close to our ADR time. What was puzzling is that the room we were in, maybe a quarter of it was used for seating dinner guests. Made me wonder why reservations were so hard to get!

Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

 

[Nancyg56]

We've been at BOG twice since it opened. Our 2nd time there, last year during Christmas, was rather disappointing. But one thing I haven't seen mentioned as yet is that the view of Wishes from just outside BOG is pretty awesome. It's uncrowded. Fireworks seem to go off around you throughout Wishes. You don't have to walk far or stake out a spot.

As for being seated, we had a wait first time around. Last year I think we were seated pretty close to our ADR time. What was puzzling is that the room we were in, maybe a quarter of it was used for seating dinner guests. Made me wonder why reservations were so hard to get!

Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

They only book as many tables as the kitchen can handle. This is a massive restaurant.

 

[Jeannies5]

Thanks a bunch! I appreciate your input. Most of you have validated my concern that a full dinner is too risky...and we wouldn't enjoy it much anyway stressing over getting out on time.

I never thought of having dessert only at BOG. That is a good option, also something to consider. I really just want to be inside and experience the place, and we can certainly do that after coffee and dessert (the gray stuff ). There would still be some time to look around, meet the Beast and take photos.

Hopefully, my guys will be ok with that plan. But if not, then I will be cancelling- because I definitely do NOT want us to miss Wishes. Thanks again, everyone!

 

[Nancyg56]

Thanks a bunch! I appreciate your input. Most of you have validated my concern that a full dinner is too risky...and we wouldn't enjoy it much anyway stressing over getting out on time.

I never thought of having dessert only at BOG. That is a good option, also something to consider. I really just want to be inside and experience the place, and we can certainly do that after coffee and dessert (the gray stuff ). There would still be some time to look around, meet the Beast and take photos.

Hopefully, my guys will be ok with that plan. But if not, then I will be cancelling- because I definitely do NOT want us to miss Wishes. Thanks again, everyone!

Just be sure to check the schedule to make sure you give yourself enough time to get to the front of the Castle if you want to see the Celebrate the Magic Show. I think that it is worth seeing, but I really enjoy all of teh evening shows.