My first trip and need a little help please....

[christyewhite]

HI everyone! My DH and I are planning a Disney Christmas getaway for 7 nights at the Wilderness Lodge in Dec of 2006. I am 29 (will be 30) and this will be my FIRST trip to Disney, and I am so excited about experiencing the magic and becoming a kid again!! I am planning like a mad woman and having a blast! We have allocated 2 days each for MK and Epcot, 1 day for MGM, and 1 day for AK (morning)/DTD (evening). We don't want to rush around like mad trying to do EVERYTHING (we don't want the trip to be a blur when it's all over), so we plan to take a break after lunch and go back to the resort for some R&R before heading back out each evening. My main question is - What are the best times to do ADRs for Dinner in order to make the most of our time in the parks and as to not miss any of the Fireworks/Parades/Fantasmic, etc. Would you recommend early (around 5:30) or later (right before park closes)? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Sorry for the long post, but one more question:
If we do the Candlelight Processional at the time that's around 6:00(?), and we want to eat after the show, when is a good time to make the ADR? Thank you!

 

[Manon]

I'd say it depends if you have children or not with you. But I think that 6h00 is a good time to eat. It gives you a break before you start the evening!!

 

[dizhoni]

We are planning the Candlelight Processional this year at 8:30 so it will be very dark and also will end as Illuminations will begin. So we made ADR's at LeCellier for 5:30---unrushed dinner and beautiful evening---we hope! Honi

 

[CoolDisneyCat]

When you call to make an ADR for the CP package, the CM will offer you times for the package. Last year we went to the 6:45 show and had dinner at Le Cellier at 8. I wish we had taken the 8:15 time.. CP got out late and the crowds were huge outside the theatre. The walk over to Canada took longer than we expected.

We like eating dinner a bit late .. around 8. The restaurants are less crowded and quieter. Now, if you have kids with you this may not work.

Have fun!!

 

[thelobstershanty]

Your first trip to WDW, how special!
Since you will have 2 days at Epcot & MK; I would plan to have dinner in the park one night during the parade, fireworks, Illuninations and then see those shows the other night in the park. It is usually easier to get ADRs during fireworks/parade times and it is usually less crowded and much more relaxing. Most people want to be in and out of the restaurants before the nighttime shows begin. On the day that you see the nighttime shows, have a late lunch in that park at one of their nice sit down restaurants. End the day by staking out a good viewing spot for the nighttime show and grabbing some Disney treats to enjoy during the show.

Definitely plan dinner for after the CP and allow ample walking time, bathroom time, etc., to get to the restaurant. Eating early during CP is usually very crowded and hectic. We do the CP first and book the latest ADR we can.

Don't forget to take time and just experience the magic. It is there and it is wonderful. Have a magical trip filled with pixie dust and happy memories.

 

[Pixiedust2758]

The First Time at Disney is always so exciting -- especially if you are obsessed with it as much I was at the time.
It really depends on where you're eating as to when you should dine. If you've got a perfect spot for the fireworks (i.e. California Grill on top of Contemporary) then you should check the time for when the fireworks will be, and choose a time about an hour before they're supposed to start. This allows to get in, and through most of your meal before they start.
Depending on when your lunch is, it might be good to eat around 5, then head to a park that doesn't close until 9. Or, if you want to the make the most of your time, don't eat until about an hour or two before the parks close.
Also, if you're thinking about watching Illuminations, then the Pub in the United Kingdom pavilion at the World Showcase is a prime spot. If you try to get in about an hour before the show starts, and request to be seated outside, then you will be able to stay at your table and view the show from there.
Have fun and good luck in your planning!

 

[christyewhite]

Thank you all for the tips! It will be just me and DH - no kids, so it sounds like we have several options. I appreciate you all!

 

[bigcrit]

I always like an earlier dinner. We usually eat around 5PM. The buffets are usually well stocked and fresher. We also get a better table at that time. When you are done eating at 6pm everyone is heading to dinner leaving the rides nearly empty (well kinda). have fun. You still have a whole year before you go. Careful you may start planning what you will be dreaming at night during your trip.