Hollywood & Vine Character Meal

[jcross74]

We are planning to do this since my daughter loves the idea of seeing Osso, Einsteins, etc. I heard that HS opens early about 8:30 even on regular days. I was wondering if I should do a breakfast at 8am or lunch. I don't want to feel rushed and we want to get to Toy Story Mania early. Should we stick to lunch since we may get in earlier than 9 to the park? Has anyone done this meal - is it worth it?

 

[PrincessArlena'sDad]

I haven't done this breakfast since they started opening before 9 am, but we are eating here for breakfast for our current trip.

First, their breakfast is very good (fresh, tasty). However, while they have all the "basics," they don't really have any specialty items (like at Tusker or 1900 Park Fare, for instance). The lunch/dinner buffet is also very basic, but we didn't care for the food as much.

So, I think breakfast is better than lunch, and cheaper (if paying OOP).

As for the opening situation: here are the options. If you want to be the first into the park when they open at 8:30 or 8:45 (it apparently varies), you have to be there at 8:00 or so. If you get there at 8:30, you will be fairly back in the crowd to get it.

If you have an 8:00 adr, you'll be finished eating (and have seen the characters) by 8:45 or so. Then you can leave the restaurant and join the line to TSM or JTA. You won't be first in line, but you will still get a fairly early return time (and the time will be earlier than if you arrived at the entrance to HS at 8:30)

So, we're doing the breakfast (kids love Disney Jr). Also, as long as one adult is finished eating by 8:30 (very possible), they can go out and get at or very near the front of the line for TSM fastpasses, and meet the rest of your family outside of H&V, while the rest of the family does finish more leisurely.

Another tip: ask for your check as soon as you are seated and pay right away. This way, you won't have to wait for them to process your card while you are anxious go get going (everyone wants to leave around 8:45, and the wait to get your card processed and be a bit long, as so many are trying to pay at once). Once you get the card back, you can still wait to sign it until right before you leave (so you can adjust the tip based on quality of service).

 

[jcross74]

Thanks so much for the reply. Great advice and today was the first day I could reserve and so I was able to get a 8:00am ADR at Hollywood and Vine. My daughter is a big fan of the characters there and so I think, as you said, we will have plenty of time to eat and see them before making a mad dash to Toy Story Mania. I am also thinking that with the new FastPass+ that might be out when we arrive in January I may be able to request a FastPass there even before we get to Orlando. Thanks and hope you have a great trip!

 

[Dotsie]

This is what we do - we get the earliest ressie possible for a restaurant in the park we're visiting. Right as the park opens for the day, my hubby takes our tix and races to the ride that we deem the most important and most likely to get really busy. We finish eating (he eats super fast) while he's getting the fast passes. Works like a dream every time

 

[disney631]

This is what we do - we get the earliest ressie possible for a restaurant in the park we're visiting. Right as the park opens for the day, my hubby takes our tix and races to the ride that we deem the most important and most likely to get really busy. We finish eating (he eats super fast) while he's getting the fast passes. Works like a dream every time

This is a great idea. Thanks so sharing.

 

[LB1122]

Thanks for the tips all. I have never used a Fast Pass (I know shock and awe from many) We just did not try our first trip and on the one day adventure we had we just did not need them.

Good to know I can send hubby to get those when we eat at Hollywood & Vine!! We are dong the breakfast...had booked for lunch but someone said food was better in AM.

I was also told...if you are staying on property and have an ADR before the park opens you need to talk to the concierge about making sure you have a ride. It is easy to do, but you need to make sure I guess???