Keep PTN package or no?

[Artygal90]

I am feeling genuinely torn about whether or not to keep our Paint the Night dining package reservations for our trip at the end of June. Our party is me (I will be 5 months pregnant), my mom, sister, and 2 year old toddler. The parade is a high priority for us.

Pros of the package: no need for us to stake out a spot hours ahead of time

Cons: cost, don’t love the menu, package times overlap with toddler nap (which is a must do!) or are at an awkward time to eat, viewing area is at the end of the parade route, and also isn’t ideal for fireworks.

I wouldn’t necessarily hate camping out for a couple hours, although I don’t know if I am allowed to save 4 spots by myself. On the other hand, park tickets are expensive, so thinking of spending X number of those expensive “park time” hours sitting on a curb isn’t ideal either.

What to do? Tell me your thoughts!

 

[LKing]

I don't know if this matters, but they didn't check reservation times when we entered. We got there early so we could find a table to (somewhat) watch the cavalcade.

 

[Artygal90]

I don't know if this matters, but they didn't check reservation times when we entered. We got there early so we could find a table to (somewhat) watch the cavalcade.

Hm, we ideally would be eating around 11:30 or so - probably that would pushing it with the dining packages officially starting at 1 pm. But we could maybe sneak in right at 3:55 and that’s not quite so ridiculous to be eating dinner (since our bodies will feel like it’s 6 pm anyway coming from central time.)

How was your view of the cavalcade?

 

[LKing]

Hm, we ideally would be eating around 11:30 or so - probably that would pushing it with the dining packages officially starting at 1 pm. But we could maybe sneak in right at 3:55 and that’s not quite so ridiculous to be eating dinner (since our bodies will feel like it’s 6 pm anyway coming from central time.)

How was your view of the cavalcade?

Regular diners could enter earlier, but dining package had a separate line that didn't enter until 1.

Cavalcade wasn't the best view, especially if you have kids. You can't see the dancers or the characters who are walking. We knew that, but figured it was better than not seeing anything. There are lots of hedges around Plaza Inn so not too many tables with a view of Main Street.

 

[disneychrista]

You will be unlikely to be able to keep 4 spots with just you saving the spots. Even with the dining package you will likely need to dedicate 2+ hours to waiting for the parade. If I had to pick I would dedicate the 2+ hours to sitting on a curb spot mid-Main Street vs paying for a dining package and still having to dedicate the 2 hours and having to sit on the flat ground.

 

[Artygal90]

You will be unlikely to be able to keep 4 spots with just you saving the spots. Even with the dining package you will likely need to dedicate 2+ hours to waiting for the parade. If I had to pick I would dedicate the 2+ hours to sitting on a curb spot mid-Main Street vs paying for a dining package and still having to dedicate the 2 hours and having to sit on the flat ground.

I think 2+ hours of camping anywhere won’t work for us. I definitely don’t want to pay $55 each for the privilege. My husband also brought up the very good point that I would hate 2-3 hours of defending our “turf” from other people wanting to squeeze in. And my toddler can barely sit in one spot for 20 minutes when we go out to eat at a restaurant.

We may try for the later parade on our last day when we’ll be able to sleep in the next morning and our bodies have adjusted to the time difference. That’s the only solution I can think of that is semi-feasible.