Odds of being seated a little early for ADR?

[tpimental]

We have 7:25 dinner reservations at Crystal Palace but want to see the parade at 8...are we SOL? Any chance they will seat us early? Sadly we are limited in what we can get for ADRs at this point for Oct for 13 of us....

 

[Tricia1972]

It's going to be very hard to get out in time for the parade. Generally speaking 7:25 is pretty close to the time that you want to find a spot to stand for the parade, especially with a group of 13. If you want to stand on Main st, you'll need to line up even earlier than 7:30..

You may be able to sit a little early, but probably not an hour earlier. The best advice I have is to keep trying for an earlier reservation, and if you can't get it just check in at the podium earlier in that day and see if they can get you in earlier. (Maybe even by checking around 2pm to see if they can squeeze you in earlier that night.)

In order to enjoy dinner and see the characters, I'd try for something around 6 - 6:30 (or earlier, which would give you time to kill on the other end of dinner before staking out a parade spot).

 

[PrincessArlena'sDad]

First, follow PP's advice about getting an earlier ADR.

If you aren't able to:

If you want to see/meet the characters, you are probably SOL.

But, if you'd rather catch the parade:
Get to CP AT LEAST 15-20 min early to check in. They won't let you check in earlier than that (usually, though I WOULD suggest trying to check in earlier). This way, you might get seated earlier, but you'e very likely to at least get seated on time.

It's a buffet, so you can start eating right away, just order your drinks and ask for the check when you order your drinks. Pay your check ASAP. So, when you are done eating, you can leave right away.

Because it is a buffet, a half hour should be enough time to eat and have dessert, but you will feel a bit rushed, but it is possible.

If you are done by 8:00, you can head towards Main st. The parade does start at 8, but takes some time to get up towards CP. You won't get the best viewing location, and you won't be able to all stand together, but you will find spots to see it

You could also try to watch the parade from Frontierland. Even if you miss the beginning of the parade at main street, you could possibly beat the parade to Frontierland. After leaving CP, go left towards Adventureland. Get to Fontierland through one of the passthroughs, or around by POC. But, it will be easier to do Main St, I think.

 

[tpimental]

Awesome tips! Hoping I can get an earlier ADR in a few months but these tips are great. Thank you.

 

[purple figment]

Definitely keep trying to get an earlier reservation. I'd recommend no later than 5:30 or 6. Or even try for a lunch ADR and have a counter service dinner instead. Since you're a group of 13 I know you have to call rather than use online reservations, but try frequently.

I've found that with a large group it takes longer to do everything - settle in at your table, eat, see the characters, find a good viewing spot for the parade. Also, many people have said that, unfortunately, CP frequently runs behind schedule so you might have to wait to be seated.

Good luck. I hope it all works out for you.

 

[maxiesmom]

I have good luck getting seated early for meals, except at the Crystal Palace. They always seem to run a bit behind.

Keep checking and see if an earlier time opens up. Good luck!

 

[goofy4tink]

I have been sent away if I show up more than 15 mins early for some ADRs. Drove me nuts. There were a few that were able to seat us a bit early, but most of the CMs told us to return about 15 mins before our ADR time.

 

[DebbieB]

I have good luck getting seated early for meals, except at the Crystal Palace. They always seem to run a bit behind.

Keep checking and see if an earlier time opens up. Good luck!

I agree, Crystal Palace is always jammed.

I have been sent away if I show up more than 15 mins early for some ADRs. Drove me nuts. There were a few that were able to seat us a bit early, but most of the CMs told us to return about 15 mins before our ADR time.

That happened to us last year at CRT. They wouldn't even take our name until 20 minutes before. Probably because they didn't want the waiting area inside overcrowded.

 

[ChristaDeVil]

I've never been seated early at any of the restaurants we have visited, so I lean towards "no".