Park closing times/ Dreams/ meal bookings

[ejm24]

hi we are going to the magic in 3 weeks time. I am in organising mode and I think its time to book our meals. The park closes at 8pm (I think), is this also the time dreams starts? If it is what time do you recommend booking a table for in the village? we plan to stay in the park to the end of dreams then make our way for a meal. Any help appreciated. many thanks.

 

[DLPdaft]

if the main park closes at 8pm, Dreams will start just after 8pm, and will be over before 8.30pm. So an 8.45pm reservation at one of the Village restaurants would be fine.

 

[tinks_1989]

It took us quiet a while to walk out of the park to get to World of Disney and we were off to the side where it was quieter. Yes even at closing they only had to exits?!?!

Could you not to do your main meal for Lunch and eat smaller after Dreams? Or do you not want to miss out on Park hours?

 

[ejm24]

Thanks for your replies. Something to think about now, not sure what to do, dont know if the kids would last to 8.45 then have a sit down meal.

If we only watch dreams 2 nights and eat at 8.45 with the characters (might liven them up a bit), and 2 nights miss dreams, eat earlier and have a walk around the shops in the village if they are not to tired.

Now where to eat!!

 

[tinks_1989]

Last week we ate at cafe mickey at 6.15pm
And inventions at 6pm was plenty of time to get to the park. Dreams was on at 8.30 but we took our time looking through shops on the way we managed to get there for 8 so if you were to head straight there I'm sure you would get there in plenty of time to get a good spot and to see dreams!

X

 

[ejm24]

thanks, never thought of eating then going back in the park for dreams. That might work for us to. Was it quiet in inventions and cafe mickey at that time and were there many characters?

 

[DLPDreams]

I'm starting to wonder about this too. My two girls managed fantastically well in June when the park closed at 11 pm but we all had a nap every afternoon for an hour or so which helped (benefit of longer hours!).

When the park closes at 7pm (when we go in Nov), I'm not too keen to have a nap in the day as I want to make the most of the park while open! But, if we then decide to eat after Dreams (say 7.45 pm), I'm not sure how tired they'll be - my youngest is only 4...

I also don't really want to eat (sit down) during the day as don't want to waste any park time - we only have 2.75 days really - shortest trip we've ever done so it will be a challenge (but we had to keep to that to make sure the girls didn't miss any school - we have worked around their inset days!).

I'd be interested to know what you decide... I think the fact the parks then close means the restaurants will be busy - which means you probably won't have much luck changing times if you decide when there that a time doesn't suit!

 

[DLPdaft]

I'm starting to wonder about this too. My two girls managed fantastically well in June when the park closed at 11 pm but we all had a nap every afternoon for an hour or so which helped (benefit of longer hours!).

When the park closes at 7pm (when we go in Nov), I'm not too keen to have a nap in the day as I want to make the most of the park while open! But, if we then decide to eat after Dreams (say 7.45 pm), I'm not sure how tired they'll be - my youngest is only 4...

I also don't really want to eat (sit down) during the day as don't want to waste any park time - we only have 2.75 days really - shortest trip we've ever done so it will be a challenge (but we had to keep to that to make sure the girls didn't miss any school - we have worked around their inset days!).

I'd be interested to know what you decide... I think the fact the parks then close means the restaurants will be busy - which means you probably won't have much luck changing times if you decide when there that a time doesn't suit!

in that case, I would definitely book your tables for 7.45pm, as that will be the busiest times of the evening to eat. Then, if you decide it really doesn't suit you and you want to eat earlier, you can change your reservations once you are there (this should be no problem because the restaurants will be quieter before the parks close).

My DD was 5 the first time we went to DLP, park closed at 7pm, and we always had our main meal after this. It makes the best use of the park time, and for us it worked fine for eating, then back to the hotel and a leisurely half hour or so getting ready for bed .

 

[DLPDreams]

in that case, I would definitely book your tables for 7.45pm, as that will be the busiest times of the evening to eat. Then, if you decide it really doesn't suit you and you want to eat earlier, you can change your reservations once you are there (this should be no problem because the restaurants will be quieter before the parks close).

My DD was 5 the first time we went to DLP, park closed at 7pm, and we always had our main meal after this. It makes the best use of the park time, and for us it worked fine for eating, then back to the hotel and a leisurely half hour or so getting ready for bed .

Thanks Elaine. Yes, I think you are right - but is 15 mins enough time for us all to get through the Park after Dreams to say, Cafe Mickey? I suppose some of the adults could go on ahead (there will be 4 adults) and get the table - saves battling with the children and I'll also probably need to drop pushchair back off at hire place etc on way out.

Did you do EMH too when your DD was 5? I just don't think DD2 in particular would manage all that - but then I suppose it is only 2 nights. On the Saturday it's not much of a problem as we can have an afternoon nap due to longer park hours (although I am still waiting for time tbc as it's 1st Dec).

Honestly, it's easier when the park is open longer - I didn't think I'd ever say that as I was worried how we'd manage June, but it went really well .

 

[DLPdaft]

Thanks Elaine. Yes, I think you are right - but is 15 mins enough time for us all to get through the Park after Dreams to say, Cafe Mickey? I suppose some of the adults could go on ahead (there will be 4 adults) and get the table - saves battling with the children and I'll also probably need to drop pushchair back off at hire place etc on way out.

yes, thats a good idea - and you do get 15 minutes grace at all your reserved table bookings, so really a 7.45pm reservation gives you until almost 8pm to turn up.


Did you do EMH too when your DD was 5? I just don't think DD2 in particular would manage all that - but then I suppose it is only 2 nights. On the Saturday it's not much of a problem as we can have an afternoon nap due to longer park hours (although I am still waiting for time tbc as it's 1st Dec).

yes, we did EMH at that age every day we could, because I think it was the only time we managed to ride Dumbo .


Honestly, it's easier when the park is open longer - I didn't think I'd ever say that as I was worried how we'd manage June, but it went really well .

June was a real departure for me, going back to our hotel for a break etc - I had to force myself to do it though, thinking of all that lovely lost park time .

 

[DLPDreams]

June was a real departure for me, going back to our hotel for a break etc - I had to force myself to do it though, thinking of all that lovely lost park time .

Thanks again - I had forgotten about the 15 mins grace time .

Yes, I know what you mean about forcing yourself to have a break, but it worked perfectly for us. It's just a shame we didn't enjoy the park so much at that time of year (mainly down to lack of characters I think), as the longer hours were great!

 

[Mum to Belle]

Last Christmas we stayed in the park for Fantillusion and ate afterwards and YES it was too late for DD after a day in the park. On the nights we do Dreams this year I am planning on a main meal at lunch and then a cs meal or snack befofe Dreams.