Is this ps early enough for CG before MVMCP?

[Cinderella]

Tried to get earliest possible ps before MVMCP in December for CG and earliest available was 5.30pm. Will this be early enough for the party - which starts at 7pm? Would i have a chance of getting in earlier if we turned up at 5pm. I have booked most of the ressies so far, but my partner has never been to wdw. He looked at menus for ohana, whispering canyon, artist point and narcoosees also, and he prefers CG with narcoosees a close second. We are a party of 4 - children ages 11 and 8. I really want them all to enjoy this, as my partner has never been to wdw - my children have but are quite young and can't remember a lot, whereas i have been lots of times, and eaten in most restaurants, so don't mind where we go.

 

[BCV23]

California Grill begins serving at 5:30 so you did well. Can't help about the timing with the party but I do think CG is a wonderful choice for your group. Have fun!

 

[Leota]

CG is fantastic. One of our favorites. But, we generally are there for a good 2 hours. We do eat at least a 3 course meal there tho. If you were just going for entrees, then you'll be fine. But if you plan to experience the full dining experience there, you won't get to the Party til closer to 8pm. That'd still give you 4 hours at MVMCP. 4 hours is plenty for me with kids who can stay up late. But everyone has their own opinion of what is a good use of time.

Showing up early can't hurt you. We've shown up 1/2 hour early before without any problem.

 

[BCV23]

Showing up early can't hurt you. We've shown up 1/2 hour early before without any problem.

In this case showing up early will not help as the restaurant doesn't open unitl 5:30.

 

[Leota]

In this case showing up early will not help as the restaurant doesn't open unitl 5:30.

Oops! Missed that, sorry - Never mind showing up early then.

 

[lpizzuro123]

We have never eaten at CG (hope to one day) but I would not suggesting doing so that late on a night when you plan on attending MVMCP. You can enter the park with your MVMCP ticket at 4:00 pm. They start hearding people out at 6:00. If you are in there early you can enjoy the park from 4:00 to 6:00 - from 6:00 to 7:00 they usually keep you in one area of the park and the party start at 7:00. When we were there last year the first showing of Mickey's 'Twas the Night Before Christmas actually started at 6:30. If you were in the park that early you could get this done before the official start of the party. Last year we did this, had our picures taken after the show and then enjoyed the party. We had hot dogs from Caseys while standing on Main Street enjoying the first parade. Then ice cream after from the Main Street Ice Cream Parlor (or hot chocolate if it is too cold). I understand wanting a nice sit down meal but I really think you would miss too much of the party if you do so this night.

Linda