Leaving park at closing

[bocaj1431]

We will be going to universal on August 20. We booked a dining reservation at 9:55 for California Grille at DW. I will be driving. What time should we leave UV park to make it in time for Dinner. We have never been before and I am unsure of how long it takes to get out of Universal in the evening, in August. TIA

 

[nkereina]

I would probably plan to be walking out of the park around 8-8:15pm so you're not running late. Depending on where you're at in the park, it could take about 20 minutes or so to walk to the exit at CityWalk and then to your car. With no traffic, its a 30 minute drive to the Contemporary, so factor in some time for traffic, as well as time for parking or valet at CR. Disney also requests you check in 15 minutes prior to your ADR time.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

If you leave the park exit about 8:15pm, you should be okay. I'd say it usually takes about 30min to get to WDW property edge, then another 10-15min to drive to CR. Self parking shouldn't take long, but you have to get up to the podium on the 2nd floor, and are supposed to arrive early. So yeah, what the pp said is about right.

If you have a GPS on your phone, you can check traffic from Universal.

 

[bocaj1431]

I would probably plan to be walking out of the park around 8-8:15pm so you're not running late. Depending on where you're at in the park, it could take about 20 minutes or so to walk to the exit at CityWalk and then to your car. With no traffic, its a 30 minute drive to the Contemporary, so factor in some time for traffic, as well as time for parking or valet at CR. Disney also requests you check in 15 minutes prior to your ADR time.

Thanks for the breakdown! I would have forgotten to factor in checking in 15 min prior to ADR.

If you leave the park exit about 8:15pm, you should be okay. I'd say it usually takes about 30min to get to WDW property edge, then another 10-15min to drive to CR. Self parking shouldn't take long, but you have to get up to the podium on the 2nd floor, and are supposed to arrive early. So yeah, what the pp said is about right.

If you have a GPS on your phone, you can check traffic from Universal.

Good points. I also would have neglected to factor in how long it takes to get from parking lot to restaurant.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

Good points. I also would have neglected to factor in how long it takes to get from parking lot to restaurant.

A lesson we learned the hard way, I'm afraid.

I distinctly recall taking the bus to MK for an ADR at CR, and the bus took forever. When we got to MK, I thought still had enough time. We ran all the way to CR. In the summer heat. Alas, we were a few minutes late: not our best arrival.


*******

One other time, we'd packed nice clothes for Cali Grill, but it was VERY cold. All week. Especially that night. (Mind, we HAD studied the forecast; it was WRONG!) Sigh. We couldn't wear what we'd planned.

Of course, the couple checking in ahead of us was dressed to the nines, and the CM at the podium made a BIG deal about HOW nice THEY were dressed. While looking at us out of the corner of her eye, she actually said, "It is nice to see SOME of our guests still dress up for dinner." Ouch!

Luckily, our server was super sweet, and more made up for her. We weren't dressed that badly, just a little casual for CG. When it was time for the fireworks, our server told us to stay at our table, "You'll freeze on the balcony tonight."

Since both of those we have stayed at CR, and helping folks find the restaurants is part of the charm of staying at CR. If you haven't been there, ask for help.

The podium for Cali Grill is on the 2nd floor (access via escalator or elevator, but escalator is easiest and fastest.) The Wave is on the 1st floor past the Check-in/concierge desks. Chef Mickey's is on the 4th floor- access via the elevators.

 

[bocaj1431]

A lesson we learned the hard way, I'm afraid.

I distinctly recall taking the bus to MK for an ADR at CR, and the bus took forever. When we got to MK, I thought still had enough time. We ran all the way to CR. In the summer heat. Alas, we were a few minutes late: not our best arrival.

Running to an ADR in the August heat is something I would definitely like to avoid. Thanks for the directions. That is one less thing I have to worry about.

 

[macraven]

Since both parks close at 9:00 on August 20th, I would leave the park by 8:00
You want to avoid the line of cars leaving the parking garage

 

[disneywithfive]

And see about taking Turkey Lake Road/Drive to DW. We travel that way a lot instead of getting on I-4. Just tooooo much traffic that way.

 

[Monykalyn]

And see about taking Turkey Lake Road/Drive to DW. We travel that way a lot instead of getting on I-4. Just tooooo much traffic that way.

Definitely prefer to go this way as you never know about I4-one fender bender on the way a mile ahead of you means you will instantly be stuck.

 

[bocaj1431]

And see about taking Turkey Lake Road/Drive to DW. We travel that way a lot instead of getting on I-4. Just tooooo much traffic that way.

Thanks for this tip!!