New here and need help!

[familyvacay]

Hi,
I am new and just planned a what is seeming like more and more of a last minute trip in September(can't get reservations anywhere because of the free dining promotion that I had no idea about)
I have been to Disney several times before, but I have a almost three year old and am trying to plan some good stuff.

Any advice you experts have would be beyond amazing.

So far, I have finagled
Ojana-breakfast with characters
Hollywood and Vine Fantasmic package (is this worth it?)
Princess lunch at Epcot
Late dinner at California Grill (9:45pm, will this work in see the Wishes fireworks?)

Where can I go on Epcot to see Illuminations.

THANK YOU so much in advance!

 

[Tikitoi]

Rose & Crown outdoor seating is good for Illuminations. But Coral Reef at Epcot is good for 3 year old as well.

 

[familyvacay]

thanks so much. Is there a specific time I should make a reservation? Our 3 year old is pretty good and will sit and watch. I know she will freak (in a good way) if we had good seats!

 

[daisy112878]

Just a word of warning for Cali Grill. Most of the people with earlier reservations will linger over their meal to watch the fireworks so there is a big possibilty you'll be waiting and not seated for the fireworks. You still get to go up to the restaurant but if you're not seated you have to go outside to the lookout to see the fireworks.

 

[Lady_Sarah]

Hi,
I am new and just planned a what is seeming like more and more of a last minute trip in September(can't get reservations anywhere because of the free dining promotion that I had no idea about)
I have been to Disney several times before, but I have a almost three year old and am trying to plan some good stuff.

Any advice you experts have would be beyond amazing.

So far, I have finagled
Ojana-breakfast with characters
Hollywood and Vine Fantasmic package (is this worth it?)
Princess lunch at Epcot
Late dinner at California Grill (9:45pm, will this work in see the Wishes fireworks?)

Where can I go on Epcot to see Illuminations.

THANK YOU so much in advance!

The fantasmic package at Hollywood and Vine doesn't include characters, but if you want guaranteed seating for Fantasmic (with less wait time in line) it is a good option. I have heard that the Fantasmic show can be scary for young ones also (I had a client with 4-6yr olds say her kids were scared there dreams would be taken away after seeing this show), so maybe take into consideration your daughters personality too on that one.

 

[pta-mom]

I think your three year old will love breakfast at O'Hana & the Princess lunch (who wouldn't love a princess lunch?) but I doubt most three year olds would do well at a ten o'clock dinner, especially a fancy one like CG!

Personally, I'ld skip the CG as I doubt you'll have much luck seeing the fireworks at that time with all the people who extend their dinner to see it. I'ld try for something a little earlier in the park & than stay to watch it.

I've never dined at Hollywood & Vine but I don't usually hear much good about it either. I don't think you need the package to see Fantasmic as we were in September last year & it really wasnt' that busy that you could not get a reasonable seat without the package.

And Illuminations can not really be seen from any restaurant per se at Epcot but can be seen well from almost any location around the lake!

Have a wonderful trip!

 

[kaytieeldr]

And while you can request an outside table when you check in at Rose & Crown, you cannot offer to wait for one - you have to take the table they offer you, or you will be politely invited to dine elsewhere. Another option would be Chefs de France, where you can ask to be seated in the glassed-in area.

 

[familyvacay]

Thanks everyone. Just trying to plan an enjoyable experience with my 3 year old I appreciate all of the opinions. I am rethinking CG, but am not sure as the CM I talked to said we could go to the top and watch from the observation deck. PLus, my 3 year old is quite adaptable and with a late nap, I am sure she would be OK for a 10 pm dinner....but then again I could be eating my words after this

 

[familyvacay]

.

 

[daisy112878]

Thanks everyone. Just trying to plan an enjoyable experience with my 3 year old I appreciate all of the opinions. I am rethinking CG, but am not sure as the CM I talked to said we could go to the top and watch from the observation deck. PLus, my 3 year old is quite adaptable and with a late nap, I am sure she would be OK for a 10 pm dinner....but then again I could be eating my words after this

You can go to the observation deck to watch the firworks but it will be packed. Anyone who eats at CG that night can go back up to the observation deck for the fireworks if they show their receipt. Also there are quite a few tables on the other side of the restaurant that do not have views of the castle.

By the way your dd will love Ohana and the Princess Breakfast. Both are really good for kids and adults. We always go to Ohana every trip.

 

[ROEDISNEY]

Hi,
I am new and just planned a what is seeming like more and more of a last minute trip in September(can't get reservations anywhere because of the free dining promotion that I had no idea about)
I have been to Disney several times before, but I have a almost three year old and am trying to plan some good stuff.

Any advice you experts have would be beyond amazing.

So far, I have finagled
Ojana-breakfast with characters
Hollywood and Vine Fantasmic package (is this worth it?)
Princess lunch at Epcot
Late dinner at California Grill (9:45pm, will this work in see the Wishes fireworks?)

Where can I go on Epcot to see Illuminations.

THANK YOU so much in advance!

In my opinion I would get rid of Hollywood & Vine and go to Prime Time or Mama Melrose.
California Grill. Is that the time you wanted or is that what they had left? That's really late at least for us it is.
Hace a wonderful trip!