Reservation Time

[Just*the*ten*of*us]

I couldn't find anywhere this had been discussed before, but I'm curious to know what others experiences have been having a late ADR for a character meal. Unfortunately, we had a twist of strange events at my husbands job that led us to have to cancel our original reservation. We found out a few weeks later, after we canceled our reservations, i might add, that it was in fact still possible for us to go, so we re-booked for nearly the same time we had the first time. Because I am now only 95 days out, I've only been able to get reservations very late, like 9pm. I am curious to know if anyone found the food/characters interaction to be sub-par because of the timing. I'm sure, like anyone at work, when the end of the day/night rolls around, they want to get outta there!! Also concerned with them being buffets that the food will be "end of the night" food. lol I know it sounds crazy, but I just want to truly make sure its worth dragging my kids to that late. We have 1900 PF, CRT, and Chef Mickeys....I know they dont get stellar reviews to begin with, just hoping it doesnt go downhill as the clock ticks down!!! Thank you

 

[JustCallMeMommy]

I had done late meals at CRT and Akershus. Neither felt rushed at all. In general though, I think there is a little "boost" right before quitting time.

 

[Just*the*ten*of*us]

Oh, great!! Thats good to know...thank you!!

 

[JimmyV]

Also concerned with them being buffets that the food will be "end of the night" food. lol I know it sounds crazy, but I just want to truly make sure its worth dragging my kids to that late.

I don't think that this is a crazy concern at all. While I have never been to a Disney buffet at or near closing time, I have been to my share of other Sunday brunch buffets elsewhere to guard against going too late. No question about it. The shrimp platters do not get refilled. The meat carving stations are bare except for the well done end pieces. The chocolate chip cookies are a distant memory, reflected in the sorrow of the lonely oatmeal raisin cookies left lonely on the platter. I can only imagine what the "make your own sundae" station at CM looks like at 9:30 p.m.. I know that WDW is on the cutting edge when it comes to cleanliness and mess control in general, but I am not sure how they fare when it comes to buffets made for, and populated largely by tiny tots. Personally, I would be careful about relying too much on a whole roster of late buffets. Try one. But don't be ashamed or timid about cancelling the rest of the first one is not up to culinary or monetary expectations.

 

[minnie mum]

With all due respect to Jimmy V, Disney buffet restaurants are not your average "Sunday brunch buffets"

My DH and I actually prefer later ADRs (since we're travelling kid free) and have often dined at buffets. We have never been disappointed by the amount or quality of the food available. In our experience the foods are kept replenished on a regular basis and we have not been faced with wilted/melted/dried out/soggy offerings. Quite the contrary, everything was as it should be.

As for characters: we have not noticed any slacking off or lack of enthusiasm and would be shocked if we saw this. These are professionals who are doing a job; and they do it darned well.