PPO - no more advantage?

[Shellbells]

I was able to get 8:05 PPO for Tusker House and Garden Grill. Opening time is 9 for both.
After reading some posts, I see they let people in about 30 minutes before park opening now.

I was excited to get them for a couple of reasons. 1. Pics without a lot of people in them.
2. Getting to the popular ride before the crowds do so I can save the FP's for another popular ride.

What are your thoughts on PPO ADRs?

side note- I was able to a score a Cali Grille Brunch at 11am for the same morning of the Garden Grille ADR. So, one of them has to go.

 

[Roxyfire]

The Garden Grill one would be good for Soarin' (we do this often). Being one of the first groups down there makes it easier to get top row if you want that. Tusker House it used to be ideal for Safari but that's probably not necessary with the herd of people heading toward Pandora attractions. I would say 10:30 is better for Tusker because it makes a nice brunch.

 

[Michelle James]

We had an 8:15 ADR for Garden Grill this past March. Park opened at 9:00. They do let people through the gates, but they are held at Spaceship Earth. So we finished, booked it down the back stairs to Soarin'! It was awesome. We got in straight away, less than a 5 minute wait.

 

[JPM4]

Had a ppo for bog last week. While there was a little line for 7dmt we were literally the first people on pan that day. And my first time thru the queue without fp. The queue is awesome!

 

[mamaofsix]

There is an advantage at certain restaurants / parks. As has been mentioned, no real advantage at Tusker house. Garden Grill (for Soarin') and Akershus (for Frozen), ARE an advantage. As is Be Our Guest for Fantasyland.

The KEY is to get to the restaurant well before your ADR (they often let you in the park by 7:45 for a PPO breakfast). As soon as you are seated, ask for the bill. Ensure that you are out of the restaurant by 8:35. Go straight for the ride you want. At Epcot they don't let people on the rides until about 15 minutes before 'official opening' (usually 8:45). At Magic Kingdom they wait right until 9:00. And check that it's not an Extra Magic Hours morning, otherwise your reservation would be no advantage at all...

 

[LandonDunes]

There is an advantage at certain restaurants / parks. As has been mentioned, no real advantage at Tusker house. Garden Grill (for Soarin') and Akershus (for Frozen), ARE an advantage. As is Be Our Guest for Fantasyland.

The KEY is to get to the restaurant well before your ADR (they often let you in the park by 7:45 for a PPO breakfast). As soon as you are seated, ask for the bill. Ensure that you are out of the restaurant by 8:35. Go straight for the ride you want. At Epcot they don't let people on the rides until about 15 minutes before 'official opening' (usually 8:45). At Magic Kingdom they wait right until 9:00. And check that it's not an Extra Magic Hours morning, otherwise you're reservation would be no advantage at all...

I would think Tusker House helps with being first in line to Safari, no?

 

[mamaofsix]

I would think Tusker House helps with being first in line to Safari, no?

I suppose, but with everyone making a bee-line for Pandora, I don't think Safari really has long lines first thing in the morning any more. So not a huge advantage.

 

[Buzzsgramma]

A senior moment...What is PPO ?

 

[GADisneyDad14]

A senior moment...What is PPO ?

Pre Park Opening

 

[CAS239]

Garden Grill is good for Soarin. Tusker house won't give you any benefit to Pandora. You can get a jump on the crowd to the safari if you'd like, but most are heading to Pandora.

 

[Shellbells]

Well shoot. It was Pandora I was hoping it would help. I guess I'll have to rethink my plans.
I did make sure it wasn't an EMH at the parks before I booked them.
I'm still torn on keeping the Garden Grill PPO ADR or the Cali Brunch.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Being one of the first groups down there makes it easier to get top row if you want that.

Keep in mind, that if you are willing to wait for one, maximum two loads, you can ask for any row and/or seat to sit in. Just ask the CM and tell what you want.

 

[Roxyfire]

Keep in mind, that if you are willing to wait for one, maximum two loads, you can ask for any row and/or seat to sit in. Just ask the CM and tell what you want.

I have read that before. Being in the perfect section isn't a must have for me personally, it's just a nice part of being there early which can be seen as a perk to others who really want that spot. For me, I do enjoy having breakfast in the park that early and getting the ride done, two birds with one stone. Then I can save my tier 1 for Test Track which I think my son prefers a bit more.

 

[SaintsManiac]

Garden Grill is a great PPO value. They let us ride Soarin before the park opened on Monday. It was awesome. Most of the time they do let you.

Food is good and best character interaction of any of the meals IMO. Triple win for us.