Plaza Inn Paint the Night Dining Package reviews and info

[LKing]

Aren't there benches up there? I think last time I watched Electrical parade from that area I sat on the stairs but it wasn't super comfortable. I imagine if there ARE benches they're taken really early.

Yes, there are benches. They are usually taken early.

 

[OlliePop27]

No benches in the reserved area.

@katyringo we walked from the dining package seating down Main Street with plenty of time to watch fireworks. We stopped near the cinema because that is where I wanted to watch the 2nd PTN from. We had time to walk farther down Main Street if we wanted.

Both nights fireworks were slightly delayed. The first night I was by Small World and they started about 5 min late. The second night we were on Main Street and it was closer to 8 min late. We heard some booms and smelled fireworks but the show hadn't started. Someone mentioned that the booms might be from the end of Fantasmic. Maybe Fantasmic started late which pushed fireworks back by a few minutes.

LOL, I took this photo for reference when the end of PTN passed the train station.

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@LKing I noticed on the official DL calendar that the start time of Fantasmic has shifted to 9:05 all summer. This must mean the fireworks will be starting closer to 9:35.

 

[LKing]

@LKing I noticed on the official DL calendar that the start time of Fantasmic has shifted to 9:05 all summer. This must mean the fireworks will be starting closer to 9:35.

Ohhh, that makes sense. Thank you!

It was a bit windy on both Friday and Saturday and we were wondering if maybe the fireworks were being canceled.

 

[OlliePop27]

Ohhh, that makes sense. Thank you!

It was a bit windy on both Friday and Saturday and we were wondering if maybe the fireworks were being canceled.

It is interesting, they quietly did it. The FW time has not moved though, so maybe a crowd control maneuver? If Fantasmic starts at 9:05 I think this puts it ending at about 9:32, so about a 9:35 start time. We'll have to keep monitoring for reports of when FW actually start.

 

[LKing]

A minute before fireworks and Tapestry of Happiness started, my MB vibrated and glowed yellow. I don't remember that happening at previous shows.

 

[OlliePop27]

A minute before fireworks and Tapestry of Happiness started, my MB vibrated and glowed yellow. I don't remember that happening at previous shows.

Out of curiosity, did you notice if they were using the overflow corridors on both sides of Main Street? I'm wondering if they used both sides (in and out) during the first PTN and fireworks. Also, wondering if you could cut through the hub or if people were being forced into Tomorrowland (when entering the park) and then all the way around through Fantasyland (past Matterhorn).

In the past, I know DL has been loathe to use the overflow corridors because it cuts off people's access to store entrances (and merch sales) so they really try to limit use of them to the most crowded moments.

 

[LKing]

Out of curiosity, did you notice if they were using the overflow corridors on both sides of Main Street? I'm wondering if they used both sides (in and out) during the first PTN and fireworks. Also, wondering if you could cut through the hub or if people were being forced into Tomorrowland (when entering the park) and then all the way around through Fantasyland (past Matterhorn).

In the past, I know DL has been loathe to use the overflow corridors because it cuts off people's access to store entrances (and merch sales) so they really try to limit use of them to the most crowded moments.

I didn't see, but my guess is that they did. We watched fireworks on Main Street and people were standing with their heels against the curb. As soon as fireworks ended, they sat on the curb to claim a seat for the second PTN show. DCA had just closed so people were walking into Disneyland as masses were leaving. CM were trying to move those walking into the park to the sidewalks and leave the street open for guests who were exiting.

Merchandise sales were brisk this weekend. A huge percentage of people were wearing 70th merch. I don't know if it is because it was so readily available or because people were having such a good time and wanted a momento. I think it was a bit of both.

 

[OlliePop27]

I didn't see, but my guess is that they did. We watched fireworks on Main Street and people were standing with their heels against the curb. As soon as fireworks ended, they sat on the curb to claim a seat for the second PTN show. DCA had just closed so people were walking into Disneyland as masses were leaving. CM were trying to move those walking into the park to the sidewalks and leave the street open for guests who were exiting.

Merchandise sales were brisk this weekend. A huge percentage of people were wearing 70th merch. I don't know if it is because it was so readily available or because people were having such a good time and wanted a momento. I think it was a bit of both.

One successful tactic we employed during the 60th was to shop in the Emporium during the first PTN, then quickly head onto Main Street when it passed. We'd watch the fireworks and projections (Disneyland Forever back then), then grab a spot for the second PTN.

This is a good trick to use for people who are able to stay up for the late parade. It was very easy to get good spots this way, but it was also 10 years ago and YMMV.

 

[KPeterso]

Out of curiosity, did you notice if they were using the overflow corridors on both sides of Main Street? I'm wondering if they used both sides (in and out) during the first PTN and fireworks. Also, wondering if you could cut through the hub or if people were being forced into Tomorrowland (when entering the park) and then all the way around through Fantasyland (past Matterhorn).

In the past, I know DL has been loathe to use the overflow corridors because it cuts off people's access to store entrances (and merch sales) so they really try to limit use of them to the most crowded moments.

I was around town square on Saturday for the parade. Kind of in front of the hat shop location I guess. They had the overflow open on my side of the street probably close to an hour before the parade. No clue about the other side of the street since I could not see over there at all. So that side would dump into Tomorrowland.

 

[KPeterso]

Merchandise sales were brisk this weekend. A huge percentage of people were wearing 70th merch. I don't know if it is because it was so readily available or because people were having such a good time and wanted a momento. I think it was a bit of both.

They were selling out of sizes though. I wanted the black 70th hoodie, but the sizes I found were XS or S or M. I want an XL. I did find one L, but it was just not quite right and a little tight when zipped. I am sure it will be restocked and will look at it next time.

Funny story, I took my hoodie off during the day and my Mom was cold and took it and added it over her other hoodie and was not giving it back when the sun went down and it started to cool off. So I ended up buying a new hoodie. It was one that has been out awhile and I have looked at before, but I was really not planning on it.

 

[LKing]

They were selling out of sizes though. I wanted the black 70th hoodie, but the sizes I found were XS or S or M. I want an XL. I did find one L, but it was just not quite right and a little tight when zipped. I am sure it will be restocked and will look at it next time.

Which black hoodie? The one with Walt's quote on the back?

The beige jacket was selling out of certain sizes as well. Fortunately they restocked and I was able to find my size.

 

[KPeterso]

Which black hoodie? The one with Walt's quote on the back?

The beige jacket was selling out of certain sizes as well. Fortunately they restocked and I was able to find my size.

No, I am looking for the one with the characters on the back. It just makes me happy when I see it. I am sure I will be able to get it soon. Going to try to make it over again this Saturday!

 

[ClaraOswald]

Is there ANY way to watch Paint the Night without having to find a spot and wait super early OR buy a dining/tour package? My son is autistic and there's no way he'd wait around for a parade (or fireworks or anything)...which is why we haven't really seen any since before he was born. I'd love to see PTN but not sure if there's any place to watch where we could walk up right before it starts.

 

[LKing]

Is there ANY way to watch Paint the Night without having to find a spot and wait super early OR buy a dining/tour package? My son is autistic and there's no way he'd wait around for a parade (or fireworks or anything)...which is why we haven't really seen any since before he was born. I'd love to see PTN but not sure if there's any place to watch where we could walk up right before it starts.

When are you going?

Remember, this was opening weekend. Ride times were low because those in the park prioritized watching the entertainment.

 

[ClaraOswald]

We aren't going until December so I don't even know if PTN will be going on then or if it's just for summertime.

 

[Pluto468]

Is there ANY way to watch Paint the Night without having to find a spot and wait super early OR buy a dining/tour package? My son is autistic and there's no way he'd wait around for a parade (or fireworks or anything)...which is why we haven't really seen any since before he was born. I'd love to see PTN but not sure if there's any place to watch where we could walk up right before it starts.

I wonder what if would be like to watch from the Fantasyland Theater area. It wouldn't be close, but you'd probably be able to see over other people's heads and have a decent view since alot of the floats are so tall. And if the crowds weren't bad you could move in closer. (I only mention this spot because once one of my kids needed the restroom over there right in the middle of the parade and I was able to see it ok.)

Is there anywhere on the parade route that has an attraction or restaurant he likes? Maybe you could be somewhere close by and pop over just before the parade starts.

 

[OlliePop27]

Is there ANY way to watch Paint the Night without having to find a spot and wait super early OR buy a dining/tour package? My son is autistic and there's no way he'd wait around for a parade (or fireworks or anything)...which is why we haven't really seen any since before he was born. I'd love to see PTN but not sure if there's any place to watch where we could walk up right before it starts.

Back during the initial run in DL during 2015-2016 it was NOT difficult to walk up and grab a spot last minute for the SECOND (late) showing. I imagine we'll get there during this run too, but it might take a few weeks for the initial excitement to wear off. By December, I suspect the late showing will be a good choice for you - if you can make it that late.

 

[mattpeto]

This was opening weekend. The vast majority of guests were local and have the ability to visit frequently. Their focus for this visit was to enjoy the entertainment and they didn't mind lining up early. Just like for Fantasmic, everyone has a different priority. Some people don't mind arriving early to get a front row seat. Others want to show up just before the show starts and don't mind sitting several rows back.

We were told to meet at the flagpole at 8 pm. The YouTube video that @disneychrista posted said that, similar to Fantasmic, they started walking people down 15 min before the time they were told to arrive. Around 6 pm, I saw people sitting on benches around the flagpole with dining packages lanyards on. There were many guests sitting in the area who did not have their lanyards on but were also waiting for the dining package queue to begin. When the queue started, they put their lanyards on and I realized how people were waiting in the area. Just after 6 pm, CM started putting up ropes. Daisy was still taking pictures in the area so there was a queue for her. The popcorn cart was selling Mickey buckets, so there was a queue for that. When the ropes went up, it was not clear (there was no sign) where the dining package queue would be. There was no CM to direct guests. I got in line behind other people with neon lanyards. By 7 pm, the line wrapped down and around the flagpole then out to the street. At 8 pm exactly, they walked us down and let us sit anywhere we wanted within the roped off area. The second row could sit down, but were asked to stand a few minutes before the parade.

You know I'm a visual person. Below is a map.
Purple shows the parade route
Red is the dining package seating
Teal is the tour seating
The blue line with the arrow is where the dining package queue started

The tour area can hold up to 80 people. There were 61 popcorn boxes on the cart the day we went.
The dining package area can hold up to 170 people

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Tour seating. Photo taken around 8:15 pm. For this parade, the better seats are as far away from City Hall as possible so that you can see the parade coming towards you.

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Dining package area starts where the popcorn box is on the ground. You can see that the man with the grey spirit jersey and shorts has a yellow lanyard on. Those are dining package lanyards. The rope extends straight from the light pole with the 70th banner. For the dining package, you want to sit facing the train station. If you are around the corner, you really don't get to see much of the parade.

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The corner.

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The dining package section ends just before the white reserved sign that you can see hanging from the ropes. I believe the lady in the FB post was in this area.

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This is very helpful!

Any idea how hard it is to get into a good position for Wondrous Journeys after the parade passes by?

 

[LKing]

This is very helpful!

Any idea how hard it is to get into a good position for Wondrous Journeys after the parade passes by?

Are you thinking of watching the parade from the dining package or tour location? Or are you planning on watching somewhere else?

 

[mattpeto]

Are you thinking of watching the parade from the dining package or tour location? Or are you planning on watching somewhere else?

The tour. Then pivot to watch WJ.