PS - to do or not to do

[kkana]

we will be at WDW from July 3 late afternoon until we board the Wonder on July 7 --- my question is - is it really necessary to make PS for all meals --- is there any chance of getting a character meal without a PS. The reason for the question is that DH really does not want to be stuck to any kind of timetable. but I don't want my DGD to miss out on a character meal - I was especially interested in the Epcot Norway character breakfast. Can you tell the closer my trip comes the more my confusion gets.

 

[NCombs]

That will be a busy week-it's summertime and a holiday. I would make PS's for any sit-down meals you want. You will especially need them for a character meal although I have never done one of those so I'm making an assumption.

 

[DAWGPOUNDAJ]

I think that really depends upon what time of year you are going. Recently, over spring break, it seems that there were a few days where it was so busy that no one without a PS could be seated at the parks. Obviously that is not the norm for Disney though. My family has been going to Disney for years and has never done PS's before. Honestly none of us knew we could do these until the disboards which I just discovered a few months back. That being said, my parents were able to take me to quite a few character breakfast's at Ohana and the Crystal Palace, all without PS.

However, the trend is that more and more people are doing PS. Because of that, the chances of getting seated now are a lot more slim for character meals unless you have a PS. My DH and I are a lot like your DH. We HATE being on timetables. Truthfully timetables don't work for us, they just get ignored. For our honeymoon trip this May we did schedule 4 PS ressies, 1 at a popular restaurant there and 3 for character meals, because we wnated to be sure to be seated at these. So basically, for the more busy restaurants like Le Celier, Cinderella's Royal Table (90 days out you HAVE to have a ressie for this), Coral Reef, etc. and for the character meals, you should have a PS to make sure you are seated. If you can't make it to the ressie or decide not to go don't sweat it, simply cancel it while at WDW. Have a blast!

 

[Hippychickali]

Definitely make PSs! It doesn't commit you to a time table. You don't have to show up for a PS and it doesn't affect their seating at all because they just don't put you in the cue. That's one of the differences between a PS and a reservation.

Ali

 

[4greatboys]

If there is a special place you want to eat I would definately make a a few ps. Our last trip we made 1 day because we wanted to be sure we had atleast 1 nice sit down meal a day. We just made the ps for whatever park we would be at that day. It really didnt make us work around a sch.

 

[NewCrew42]

I would recommend that you make a PS for the PSB Epcot Norway. I think they are also doing PSB for lunch and dinner. You should ask to be sure when you make your PS.

Have fun!

 

[kkana]

that is another part of the problem we can't figure out what park to do on which day. We arrive at Orlando about 12:30 so don't anticipate getting to a park till sometime after 4 and don't know which one - Monday is July 4 and no idea which would be the best park for that day either. The only thing DH wants to do is the Richard Petty Ride Along Experience which I believe only runs on Sun (in too late) Mon and Wed, and we head to the ship on Thurs.

My DGD isn't that interested in to many rides, she is very shy - and I'm totally lost on what to plan for when - I think tomorrow is my 90 day mark and I have to make some decisions tonight -- what about Ohana's for July 4 to see the fireworks.

 

[newholidayx2]

Ive read on here that especially in the summer its best to have a PS especially for those most important meals - character meals, shows, etc
During our 14day stay this Aug Im planning on about 20 PSs - may not make it to them all.

 

[Hippychickali]

kkana, actually the 90 day mark for July 3rd is today. I made my PS this morning.

Ali

 

[kkana]

I tried to book a PS today and they told me I couldn't do it until tomorrow.

 

[Kaycee]

I tried to book a PS today and they told me I couldn't do it until tomorrow.

You should have been able to make your PS's for July 3 today. If they told you it wasn't time yet, I'd call back and try with another cast member because this is the 90 day mark for July 3.

As for anything you want for July 4, especially something as popular as 'Ohana, I would suggest calling as early as you can in the morning. They open at 7am.

That entire week will be busy, so if you want a character meal I think you'll definitely need a PS.

I've never been on July 4, so I can't recommend a park for that day but hopefully someone else may be able to offer an opinion. If you don't get a response here, maybe you could try that question on the theme parks forum.

Good luck to you, and happy planning.

 

[Hippychickali]

I tried to book a PS today and they told me I couldn't do it until tomorrow.

Did you try to book it for the 3rd?

As far the the fourth, we have decided to go to AK. We figure it will have the least crowds of the four parks (although I'm sure it will still be plenty crowded). If you are really into celebrating the holiday, you might want to choose MK or Epcot but we're not.

Ali

 

[jenr812]

As far the the fourth, we have decided to go to AK. We figure it will have the least crowds of the four parks (although I'm sure it will still be plenty crowded). If you are really into celebrating the holiday, you might want to choose MK or Epcot but we're not.

Ali

This is EXACTLY what we're doing We're doing Breakfastosaurus for breaky and BOMA for dinner, then we'll decide where we want to go for the fireworks. See you there Ali

 

[Hippychickali]

This is EXACTLY what we're doing We're doing Breakfastosaurus for breaky and BOMA for dinner, then we'll decide where we want to go for the fireworks. See you there Ali

Wow. Great minds think alike. I've already said this on another thread, Jen, but this is very cool. If you see two people with minnie/mickey bride/groom ears it might be us. Here's hoping we both get our PSs.

Ali

 

[jenr812]

Wow. Great minds think alike. I've already said this on another thread, Jen, but this is very cool. If you see two people with minnie/mickey bride/groom ears it might be us. Here's hoping we both get our PSs.

Ali

Hopefully it'll go off without a hitch

 

[Hippychickali]

Hopefully it'll go off without a hitch

I got an 8AM seating! Did you?

Ali

 

[jenr812]

I got an 8AM seating! Did you?

Ali

Yes!!!!

 

[java]

My son made us go to AK on july 4th last year because he wanted the special pin for the 4th. It was great in the AM and then by noon it was a disaster. This park is not built for crowds at all. There are many places for log jams. So I don't want to discourage you but go with an alternate plan if you need to leave. This year we are hitting epcot in the AM then going back to the pool. Good luck.
And kkana I would definately make a ressie for that princess breakfast. They will make you confirm that one with a credit card- so if your plans change you have to cancel 48 hours in advance or you'll pay for it anyway.

 

[jenr812]

My son made us go to AK on july 4th last year because he wanted the special pin for the 4th. It was great in the AM and then by noon it was a disaster. This park is not built for crowds at all. There are many places for log jams. So I don't want to discourage you but go with an alternate plan if you need to leave. This year we are hitting epcot in the AM then going back to the pool. Good luck.
And kkana I would definately make a ressie for that princess breakfast. They will make you confirm that one with a credit card- so if your plans change you have to cancel 48 hours in advance or you'll pay for it anyway.

I am not up on the pin craze (yet ). So there's a special pin in AK on the 4th? Where can you get it? Thanks for the advice