Picnic in the Park at AK...Thoughts? Worth it?

[AuroraMeansDawn]

Seems like it gives you a nice amount of food with healthy options for a CS credit. Does anyone have some experience they'd be willing to share? How easy is it to find a picnic spot?

Would it just be nicer and easier to go to Flame Tree or Pizzafari?

You guys are such a great resource with so much knowledge.

We are grateful that you choose to share it with us.

 

[TDC Nala]

Well, first thing you should know is that the pre-ordered picnic with sandwiches or chicken was changed to a "seasonal" offering, which means there's no way to know if they have it until you arrive.

There is still an area where you can grab and go with sandwiches (no rotisserie chicken there), but for the pre-ordered picnic you're going to probably won't know ahead of time if it's available on your trip. I'm not even sure you can use the dining plan on the grab and go, or if you can, what you are entitled to.

 

[Ladysunflr]

I had done it in September and it was EXCELLENT - I would totally do it again if they were offering it.. YUMMMYYYYY and no wait!

 

[TinkerChelle]

I was just going to post this exact question. We are interested in doing picnic in the park, too but want to make sure the food is good. I don't want bad food but I do love the picnic idea. Any more thoughts?

 

[TDC Nala]

If you can get the picnic, the chicken was good.

The biggest downside to it was that the only included beverage is a very small bottle of Dasani water per person.

 

[FireDancer]

I haven't done it but have only heard good things about it. Check out this blog by Kathy.

 

[TillyMarigold]

It was awesome, we did it in September, there's a review in my signature. It's also cheaper than other QS meals if you're paying OOP. I hope it's back when we're there in May.

 

[Eponine1]

We did this twice in November and loved, loved, loved it!!!! Many healthy choices and we got to sit where we wanted to. We found a quiet space and enjoyed it very much.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed they offer it again in November. If you get a chance to do it, please do!!!

 

[ccgirl]

Can someone that is there now please post as to if this has been started again? I really hope so; we wanted to try it and am going in a few days. If not, we will have to come up with an alternate. Thanks!

 

[DisneyFirstTimer10]

If we are on the DP, do they have a children's option for our DS? Can we order a meal for three using 2 adult credits and 1 child credit?

Thanks!

 

[TillyMarigold]

If we are on the DP, do they have a children's option for our DS? Can we order a meal for three using 2 adult credits and 1 child credit?

Thanks!

No. Adult credits only.

Frankly I don't think it's worth it on the DDP if you get the sandwiches. It costs per person between half and two-thirds what you'd pay at most QS places. Like a meal for two is $19, but at most QS places it comes out to $13-16 *each*. So if you're trying to find a place to pay OOP and save credits, definitely pay OOP for the picnic.

 

[Eponine1]

I remember when I was there in November that this counted as a counter service meal, not a sit down.

I did not have the dining plan but I remember commenting on what a great value for a counter service meal.

 

[TinkerChelle]

If I order the picnic as we enter the park, do I have to pick it up 2 hours later or can I pick it up when we want to eat at around 1:00pm? I have read conflicting things....

 

[TillyMarigold]

You can pick it up whenever you want but there is a minimum wait time that is usually 2 hours (but can be less if it's not busy). They'll say, "You can pick it up any time after X" and you tell them when you want to do so and they put it in the computer.

For example, we ordered at 11:00 and were told "You can pick it up any time after 12:15" (it wasn't busy at all that day) and we said "Can we do it at 1:30?" and they put that on our receipt.

I think the pickups can only be between certain hours (maybe 11 am to 3 pm?) but I'm not sure.

 

[safetymom]

Picnic in the Park has gone seasonal.http://www.disunplugged.com/2009/04/14/picnic-in-the-park-at-animal-kingdom/