Last Day Dining Timing Question

[Sappermont]

Hi Everyone,

Thank you all SO much for all of your help so far over these last few weeks. It's been so helpful as I plan my first trip back in nearly a decade.

Anyways, I have another question here I was hoping that you all could help me out with.

I'm trying to squeeze in as much as possible. On our last day our flight leaves at 5pm so I'm imagining that we'll have to be back at the Poly for our DME bus around 2pm. I'd like to fit in the Nine Dragons if we can. Right now the only time that they had for a reservation was noon. Is this enough time to get back to the Poly by 2pm?

Thanks!!

Best,
Laurie

 

[stitch34]

It could work.. but I think it's cutting it wayyy too close. Probably wouldn't work. Figure in the time walking all the way back out from WShowcase out to monorail to leave the park, and travel time, possible monorail delays.
If DME is 2:00, I know we would like to be back at resort by 1:30 the latest... time to hit the restroom, time to get carry ons (if stored with bell services), and be waiting for the bus 1:45.

 

[Nadjalu]

Sorry I really think that is cutting it too close. At least too close to have a relaxing meal.

 

[Cafeen]

Way too tight. Remember that if you miss the ME bus it is a big deal. You are not guaranteed a seat on the "next" bus at all and it may leave you scrambling to find your own transportation back to the airport.

You would essentially have between 30-60 minutes to get from the restaurant to the ME stop with all your luggage (even checking it with Bell Services can take a few minutes to retrieve it).

Definitely not worth the risk.

 

[Sappermont]

Thanks everyone! I appreciate the help. I see your points and will heed your warnings.

Now, what do you think about this - if I were to stalk the reservation system and find a reservation at 11AM - would that be enough time? How much time am I off by?

Thanks!!!

I appreciate all of your help!!!

 

[Nadjalu]

Do they start serving lunch at 11am?

If so that is obviously better. It is doable, say the meal taking an hour and a half. that leaves you the same amount of time to get back to the resort, get your luggage and be in line for the bus. (remember you need to be in line for ME 15mins before it arrives.) But there is no time for lingering anywhere.

Depending on where you are staying getting your luggage can take 20mins so make sure you account for that as well.

 

[Traveliz]

I don't think they start serving before 11:30 or 12. I have found that the WS restaurants serve starting later - I know LeCellier starts at 11:30 so I can't imagine Nine Dragons would start before that. Now if you get an 11:30 you would be in the first grouping in and should be out fairly quickly and on your way. You could do that assuming you are fast walkers etc.

Liz

 

[krb2g]

Looks like Nine Dragons opens at noon. Have you considered walking to the Beach Club or the front of the resort (not sure which would be quicker, we always stay in the Epcot resort area) and taking a taxi? Or, if you're set on the lunch, you could plan on foregoing magical express entirely and taking a taxi/arranging other transportation to the airport (I personally don't think you need 3 hours from your hotel door to catch a flight, but I understand I have a higher tolerance for missing a flight out of Disney than Disney has for it being their fault!)

I would recommend instead planning on a World Showcase quick service lunch. You could do the Lotus Blossom Cafe (never tried it, and touringplans.com isn't all that impressed, but it's the same cuisine) or something else or have everyone get what they want from different countries (we've done this before and found it v. enjoyable).

 

[Sappermont]

Thanks to all of you for the ideas and advice. I think that I might try to wiggle ND in earlier in the trip and plan a last morning/afternoon around the MK. Off to the WDW site to see if, by some struck of luck, I can snag CP reservations!

Thanks again - I appreciate all the help.