Ohana Reservation On Arrival Day

[StilAPrincessAtHeart]

I know that it's probably not the safest idea to have booked a Credit Card Gauranteed Restaurant on Arrival Day, but because of scheduling and the fact that I don't want to take time away from the Parks, I did anyway. So I'm just looking for some opinions on whether or not we will be cutting it too close. This is our first time on site, using ME, check-in, etc.. so I have no idea how long that will take.

Our fight arrives at MCO @ 1:00 p.m. and we have a 5:00 p.m. reservation @ Ohana. We only have a 2 hr. non-stop flight, but I guess there is always a possibility for major flight delays too.

I also have a n 8:00 p.m. ressie that I booked before we knew our flight info. Obviously, I need to cancel one soon so that someone else can get it. I'd prefer that 5:00 ressie as I've heard that later ressies tend to not have a good of service etc... I just can't decide which one to keep.

Is 5:00 p.m. cutting it close for a 1:00 p.m. flight arrival? Opinions or experiences appreciated! Thanks!!

 

[rachel09985]

You probably could make it but it would be cutting it close. I would think you would get to your hotel about 2:30 and then get to room around 3:00 and get settled in by 4 and then leave.

I would do the 8pm personally, but I think you could make the 5pm. We ate last year about 8 and didn't have any issues with service.

By the way, I just looked at your photography blog! Amazing!!!!

I am a beginner with DSLR photography and am looking to buy another lens for Disney. What lenses did you bring and use there??

 

[StilAPrincessAtHeart]

Thank You rachel09985!! Both for the advice and for the compliments on my photography!

I think I took 3 lenses to WDW on our last trip (which was our first.) I mainly shoot with prime lenses (no zoom.) So, I took my 85 1.8 for when I needed a bit of distance (parades, etc...) and portraits of my girls, my 50 1.4 for a little more width and for anything lowlight (nighttime parades) and my Fisheye Lens for extreme width (like on a few rides and some inside of Castle shots.) My camera is the 5D mark II, which helps to get great nighttime shots.

As far as ADRs, I think I may end up keeping the 8:00 p.m. I would be so sad if we ended up missing an Ohana ressie (not so much for the fee, but cause I've never been and I'm looking forward to it!)

 

[rachel09985]

Thank You rachel09985!! Both for the advice and for the compliments on my photography!

I think I took 3 lenses to WDW on our last trip (which was our first.) I mainly shoot with prime lenses (no zoom.) So, I took my 85 1.8 for when I needed a bit of distance (parades, etc...) and portraits of my girls, my 50 1.4 for a little more width and for anything lowlight (nighttime parades) and my Fisheye Lens for extreme width (like on a few rides and some inside of Castle shots.) My camera is the 5D mark II, which helps to get great nighttime shots.

As far as ADRs, I think I may end up keeping the 8:00 p.m. I would be so sad if we ended up missing an Ohana ressie (not so much for the fee, but cause I've never been and I'm looking forward to it!)

Thanks for the info! I would be sad if you missed it too because it is delicious! I have heard that they have waived the fees when a plane delayed you, but I am not sure if that is a given!

 

[Jjplantgeek]

On our last trip in February of this year, maybe the 10th(?) we had a same day ohana reservation. We arrived about noon from a connection in Atlanta, and had plenty of time. We were staying at POFQ, and had time to do a boat trip to DTD beforehand.

Now, if your reservation is on 12/12, go ahead and cancel the 5p, because we can't seem to get one on that date...

Cheers

 

[Cafeen]

I try to avoid anything within ~6hrs of landing. Chances are, you'll be fine, but you ARE flying out of WI in late November, and storms can happen (yes, listen to this guy who lives in Alabama talk about the possibility of winter weather in WI ). On another side of that, later flights are more likely to be impacted by aggregated smaller delays, adding up to more sizable ones. And remember, if you push off from the gate on time, then sit on the tarmac for an hour and a half, your flight is technically leaving "on time" .

 

[StilAPrincessAtHeart]

I try to avoid anything within ~6hrs of landing. Chances are, you'll be fine, but you ARE flying out of WI in late November, and storms can happen (yes, listen to this guy who lives in Alabama talk about the possibility of winter weather in WI ). On another side of that, later flights are more likely to be impacted by aggregated smaller delays, adding up to more sizable ones. And remember, if you push off from the gate on time, then sit on the tarmac for an hour and a half, your flight is technically leaving "on time" .

Yep. That's the kind of scenario that's been running through my head. Was trying to figure out with ME, check-in and say a 2 hr. delay if I'd still be able to make it. I think it's too much of a risk for me. So, I think 8:00 it is!!

Thanks so much for the responses!!! It really helped.