One week out! Random questions

[singingpixie]

We're a week out from our day-trip to Disneyland (me and my best friend from college- both 30), and I think I'm mostly together. We've got some dining reservations and a hotel (Best Western Plus Pavilions) booked, and some touring plans drafted (from which we will likely deviate). We'll both be flying in on Saturday around lunchtime, and going to the park on Sunday. We plan to get checked into the hotel and then head over to Downtown Disney for the late afternoon and evening (and we'll most likely stop at Trader Sam's). I've just got a couple random questions:

1) I assume we can get our tickets either in DTD or on the Esplanade on Saturday so we don't have to spend time getting them Sunday morning?

2) We have 7:40 breakfast reservations for Carnation Cafe on a day the park opens at 8. I think I read we bring our confirmation number to the far left gate- is that right? How early can we expect to get in? I'm hoping to get seated ASAP so we can get on with our day as early as we can.

3) If we're able to get a FP for the first showing of Fantasmic, would we be able to see Fantasy in the Sky reasonably well from the Rivers of America area? or should we plan on booking it toward Main Street or Fantasyland as soon as the show ends? It doesn't have to be perfect view but we'd like to see most of the fireworks.

4) We've only got a day, but we plan to be there from open till close, so we'll have time to check out a little bit of live entertainment. Besides the Dapper Dans, who else should we be looking out for? Are most performances listed i the Times Guide?

Thanks!

 

[figment_jii]

1) Yes, you can purchase tickets at the ticket booths on Saturday. At least one ticket booth is usually open as long as the parks are open.
2) I don't know for sure, but I would guess not much before 7:30 am (10 minutes).
3) Folks have generally reported that you can see the fireworks from the F! viewing area. There are no castle projections or castle effects with the current show, so it should be fine to watch from the RoA area.
4) Not everything is listed in the Times Guide, but a fair amount will be. I scanned the guide from my list trip and it listed times for the Disneyland Band, Dapper Dans, Jambalaya Jazz, Royal Street Bachelors, Boostrappers, Laughing Stock Co, Royal Theatre, Royal Swing Band, Tomorrowland Terrace Bands, Red Car Trolley News Boys, Five & Dime, and DJ's Dance Party. Along with the Dapper Dans, I like the Red Car Trolley News Boys and Five & Dime (both in DCA).

 

[letsgoreds]

We ate/drank at Trader Sam's last week twice (home now)...and I loved it! I don't know of a resort restaurant/bar in WDW that is it's equal. If you want the intimate crazy bar scene, stand in the line. It pretty much guarantees a table, especially if you are a duo. Trickier for large groups. The outdoor seating with drink/appetizer service and live music is first come/first serve. You basically just have to hang out by the edges (we stood by the rope) and stalk people, hoping that they get up. Some cushy comfy seating there. Third option is on the other side of the ropes, away from the live music, and that is basic quick service (food inside). We were hungry one night, and grabbed food and sat under a heater/closer to the live music (with kids).

Each night was fun with the Hawaiian live music, people of varying abilities stood up and hula danced to the music...one authentic, and I'm guessing the second time, inebriated ; ) I miss the Tiki torches!

 

[Nonsuch]

...going to the park on Sunday...

Next Sunday is Dapper Day.

 

[singingpixie]

Next Sunday is Dapper Day.

Yep, I know. We briefly considered dressing up, but realized that it wouldn't be the most comfortable decision for a long, packed day. It will be fun to see what everyone comes up with though!

 

[Nonsuch]

...It will be fun to see what everyone comes up with though!

People watching is a big part of Dapper Day.
You can still take advantage of discounted park tickets, offer expires tomorrow.

Buy your tickets in advance (Dapper discounted or regular), there is no reason to wait in line at a ticket booth. Print-at-home tickets are accepted at the entrance turnstiles, and replaced by a Disney-printed ticket.

 

[GatorChris]

The Bootstrappers are a lot of fun to interact with. It's more than worth the time to sit, listen and chat with them and not worry about the people getting in line ahead of you at Pirates. I always say if there's live entertainment, it's always better than what you're headed to, so stop and give a listen.

 

[silence]

Its also cheer comp weekend, so be prepared to see lots of screaming cheerleaders running around as well.

 

[figment_jii]

I've been there on the weekend in the past, and there was an uptick in cheerleaders (they were generally still wearing their uniforms so they were easy to spot), but for the most part, I didn't think they were all that bad or badly behaved.

 

[singingpixie]

Yeah, it's a balancing act I think regarding live entertainment- lots of it is great, but I do still want a nostalgic ride on the attractions that I used to do as a kid- but haven't since the 90s! So I think we'll probably hit the ground running for the rides in the morning, slow down for the afternoon, and then go back to rides (hopefully repeats and a FP or two) in the evening.

 

[singingpixie]

So here's a question-

At Trader Sam's, are there drink prices on the menu? Or is it a surprise when the bill comes? We know we'll probably spend a good bit on booze one or both nights, but it's always nice to know as you go along, lol.

 

[letsgoreds]

The prices were not included for outdoor seating. I was amused that the drink (Tiki tiki tiki tiki rum) was more than the apps : ) It wasn't awesome, and needed more pineapple juice, so I asked for some more pineapple juice, added it and it was super yummy. I think it was $11, so guessing all alcoholic drinks are over $10.

 

[Malcon10t]

I've been there on the weekend in the past, and there was an uptick in cheerleaders (they were generally still wearing their uniforms so they were easy to spot), but for the most part, I didn't think they were all that bad or badly behaved.

I think our biggest issue was within the hotel itself. Kids running down halls playing "doorbell ditch" (only knocking.) Ended up with security being called out. Offsite isn't as bad I would think.

 

[singingpixie]

The prices were not included for outdoor seating. I was amused that the drink (Tiki tiki tiki tiki rum) was more than the apps : ) It wasn't awesome, and needed more pineapple juice, so I asked for some more pineapple juice, added it and it was super yummy. I think it was $11, so guessing all alcoholic drinks are over $10.

Yeah, the low 10s don't really bother me- I just didn't want to be shocked with a couple $15 drinks. I'd also heard varying things about the Uh-Oa. If we're sharing it and it's in the low 20s, that's fine- it's basically 2 drinks. But at one point I heard it was closer to $40, which would be insane. Unless maybe it's sized and priced based on the size of the group ordering it?