How long should I plan for each TS to take?

[firecracker11976]

If anyone can help me in figuring out timing with my ADR. I am going to post where we have ressies and if someone could please just tell me the approximate times to expect to be out of there after usual wait/dining etc. I have noticed on some of the other threads that you don't always get in when they say (if ADR is at 9 it may be 915) also if it is recommended we get there early PLMK I'd really appreciate it. we are trying to squeeze it all in for adults and kids in the party of 6.

Boma:9:00 ( we will be at AK...how much time should it take us to get there?)

CRT 1205
(we will be celebrating a V.I. Birthday...how much time should we allow to discuss with CM GREAT seats and "party" table?)

Tonys TOwn Square 530

Donalds Safari Breakfast 800

Coral Reef Rest. 750

Cape May Breakfast 730

Sci Fi Dine In 1220

Teppan Edo 645

Storybook Princess 830
(once again...another VIB...please tell me how early I should arrive IYHO)


We plan on using disney transportion for the most part so we don't have to buy passes (or are those included with the resort packages????) We are staying at ASM-if anyone can give me an idea how far from each of the parks or other resort areas this is I'd REALLY appreciate it!

Yes I am obsessive...after all it is DISNEY!!!!

TYIA
Amanda
~~~~~~~~~~
"start and the beginning and when you get to the end...STOP!"

 

[vicki_c]

I just blanketly plan 2 hours for all TS reservations, to be on the safe side. In reality, most usually end up being closer to an 1.5 hours.

As for your great seats question -- I don't know - I've never asked for a special seat anywhere, it's first come, first serve. The more you're asking for the longer you will wait, so I don't do that.

I also allow one hour for any transportation -- overall, that's a pretty good rule of thumb unless you're going somewhere that's very close to where you are.

I don't understand your other comment about Disney transportation and "passes" - what are you referring to?

 

[firecracker11976]

I was talking about using the buses from the resort instead of buying parking passes each day

 

[Hopefully]

I agree with the previous poster I allow 1.5 - 2.0 hours for each sit down meal. Most are close to the 1.5 time frame. You may wait past your ADR time, it depends on the restaurant.
Disney transportation is included in your passes. There is no extra cost.
There is no resort to resort buses, you need to transfer at a theme park or at DTD. I think an hour is a good estimate from place to place.
Since most of your meals are in the Theme parks, I am assuming you are there that day. For early breakfasts, buses usually start around 7. I would be at the bus stop about that time.
Have a great Trip.

 

[ilandrazdsw]

Anyone know WHY the 1.5-2 hours for a ts meal? Is this including wait time to actually be seated (even with ADRs)? Slow kitchens? Slow servers? Taking into consideration character meeting?

 

[vicki_c]

NOT including any wait time. That's just what it takes. 1.5 hours isn't much different than we experience here in our area for a dinner out. 2 hours would be a closer estimate for some of the character meals.

 

[RMulieri]

Budget 1.5-2 hrs. it is just what it takes.I have been out in less than an hour, but during peak travel,dining, or promotional times( like free dining) it is just the amount of time it takes ( esp at character dining venues).As for being seated on time...i have been seated early and late.The worse was 45 mins after my adr time( it is rare but it does happen) I honestly find that Disney moves /serves people the best they can. Long Ts times is one of the reasons a lot of people dislike ts.They feel it cuts down on park touring time.

 

[MickeyNicki]

From beginning to end (time that we check in to the time we pay the bill) I figure on 2 hours unless it is a buffet then I figure on a little over an hour.

Usually DH and I are seated as soon as we check in and spend about 45 minutes on a regular TS place.

 

[kaytieeldr]

I was talking about using the buses from the resort instead of buying parking passes each day

Since you are staying onsite, there IS no charge to park, unless you choose to use valet parking at the resorts that offer it.

But with the exception of Boma, you will already be in a/the correct park prior to your reservation.

As indicated above, allow an hour for transportation - more if you have to change at an intermediary point.

I have noticed on some of the other threads that you don't always get in when they say (if ADR is at 9 it may be 915)

That shouldn't just be something you noticed on other threads; it is information you should have received directly from the reservationist when you made your reservation.

A dining 'reservation' at Disney is similar to call-ahead seating at your local chain. Disney knows you are coming, what time, and how many of you there will be.

You are told to arrive five to ten minutes before your assigned time and check in at the podium. You will be seated at the next available table for your party size at or after your time, ahead of any later arrivals and any walk-ups, if the latter is even being accepted.

Anyone know WHY the 1.5-2 hours for a ts meal? Is this including wait time to actually be seated (even with ADRs)? Slow kitchens? Slow servers? Taking into consideration character meeting?

Well, no. Taking into consideration the typical restaurant dining experience. Now, if you know exactly what you want for each course and order everything at once or you inform your server that you would like to be out in X time, it can take a lot less time. Ditto for if you order one course vs. three.

 

[Disnsyncey]

Anyone know WHY the 1.5-2 hours for a ts meal? Is this including wait time to actually be seated (even with ADRs)? Slow kitchens? Slow servers? Taking into consideration character meeting?

in general, WDW budgets 45 for a fam of 2, 1 hr-1 hr 15 min for a fam of 4, and then 1.5-2 hrs for a fam of 6 as in sitting down at the table.....its just mostly more people to decide on choices, more plates to coordinate kitchen-wise, more people to distract you from eating.....etc....

 

[scrappindad]

We're a family of 4 and TS usually runs 1.5 hours for us from the time we're getting seated until we pay. We usually plan on 2 hours, just in case there is a wait.

Debbie

 

[cabanafrau]

IMO, you should be prepared for a goodly wait to be seated as a party of 6 -- I'd guess 20 min. +. In my experience at any restaurant anywhere, bigger parties also take longer in the whole meal experience.

I have never done CRT, but from what I have heard, don't set your hopes sky high for seating, etc. for a V. I. birthday celebration in regards to being particular about your table, etc. I'd imagine the CM's have been there, done that w/ nearly every guest who comes in front of them. I'm sure they'll do their best, but I'd recommend scaling back your expectations to enjoy the experience however it plays out & leave it at that. Remember many guests would love to do it, but can't even get the ADR or can't afford it. So enjoy it for what it is IMO.

 

[ADisneyQueen]

We had a b-day at CRT and our seats weren't anything special. Maybe you'll get lucky.
Remember that buffets will get you out faster than a TS where you order off the menu. That is why we do almost all buffets. Plus, we know our kids will have a lot to choose from and won't get stuck with the yucky kids meal a lot of restaurants are offering.

 

[Disnsyncey]

CRT 1205
(we will be celebrating a V.I. Birthday...how much time should we allow to discuss with CM GREAT seats and "party" table?)

well, since you're at the beginning of lunch, at 12:05, the whole restaurant will be clear.....or mostly......so if you get there early, maybe 11:55 or so, make sure your ressie says birthday, it should not be a problem to get all together....

 

[RMulieri]

As for special seats because of a BDay...Cms try to accomodate people, but even then (esp true at CRT) Many people are celebrating bdays ,anniversarys and honeymoons , and everyone thinks that their occasion is very important and special ( and to them it is) and they want what you want .Go early ask politely, maybe they will accomodate you.Try not to get your expectations too high, and just enjoy yourself.

 

[Mr. & Mrs. Smith]

Anyone know WHY the 1.5-2 hours for a ts meal? Is this including wait time to actually be seated (even with ADRs)? Slow kitchens? Slow servers? Taking into consideration character meeting?

We didn't eat at any character meals and there were 2 of us at a slow time of year and the average meal still took 1.5 - 2 hours. Of course, we weren't in a hurry. If we were, we wouldn't be doing TS.

OP, I'm really confused on what you mean by V.I.P. birthdays. Have you paid extra for these ADRs or something? I don't know what they are. Could you explain?

 

[firecracker11976]

NO...nothing preordained about VIP birthday. Just VIP to our family We are going on a VERY limited budget as I just lost my job (of course) and all the "play" money, as well as Christmas (of course), was budgeted out of my check. I refuse to cancel the trip and told my DH that his entire check for Jan will just have to pay off remainder...sure wish we had just gone ahead and paid full balance. Hindsight 20/20 right? Anyhow we are just looking for as many tips as possible on how to make this a magical trip for everyone. so....the VIP birthday thing....yeah its just me being a momma