Restaurant Times Decision & Fantasmic Night

[mommytominnie]

Hello Everyone. If this is not the correct forum, please feel free to move me

I am trying to decide on a time to eat at Garden Grill. There is a 5:45 and an 8:00 available on the day we want. We are torn because on one hand, the 8 pm can be a nice relaxing end to our long day, and we can take our time eating and seeing the charactors because we really do not have to worry about rushing to do something. However, I have heard some people say that the food may not be fresh or enough put out since they will be closing at 8:30 (ex: 1900 Park Fare. Some people said some food items were not restocked because their ADR was close to closing time).

If it was you, which time would you book and why? 5:45 or 8:00

2nd Question: On the night of Fantasmic, we booked the dinner package w/ Mama Melrose. Our "dinner" is at 3 pm. We are using this as a late lunch. DHS is also an EMH this night. Fantasmic starts at 6:30. I can imagine after Fantasmic and being in DHS for a little while, we will be hungry.

Do you think it would make sense to go to DTD and eat there, then head back to DHS for EMH that begins at 9 pm? Or would you rather just snack on something for dinner at DHS and stay all the way though? ps... we have ADRs for the next day for 50 PTs.

FYI: It will be my DH, DD (8) and myself. Thanks for any feedback

 

[OllieDannyandMe]

I would take the 8:00 at Garden Grill, because they bring the food to your table (family style) and it is not a buffet.

As for the night at Disney Studios, I don't think Downtown Disney has direct bus service to the four theme parks. If I am correct, and that is the case, then it would be a hassle. First, you would need to ride a bus to a resort and then transfer to another bus to get to Downtown Disney, only to repeat the whole thing coming back to the park.

How about eating at the Boardwalk instead? You could take a boat or walk over to that area from the Studios. Truthfully, if it were me, I would probably grab a quick service meal and stay at the Studios the entire time. But if you want a break from the park, then I would try the Boardwalk area for a late dinner.

Edited to add: I love Cape May Cafe's Clam Bake at the Beach Club. It's probably about 20 minutes from the Studios, either by boat or on foot. Also, if you decide to go to Downtown Disney, we really like Wolfgang Puck's Cafe (or for quickservice, Wolfgang Puck Express). Will you have a car? It might be quicker to get to Downtown Disney with a car. And even if you do decide to take a bus and transfer, it probably wouldn't take that long. I would go for it, if there is a special place you want to dine at Downtown Disney.

 

[Hootch]

imagine you might want something to eat later in the night after Fantasmic but I'm not sure it will be a full meal. The Fantasmic package includes appetizer, entree and dessert. That's quite a bit of food.

We had a 4:45 ADR this past trip for a 9:00 Fantasmic. The MK was having PM EMH starting at 11:00. We headed over about 10:30 and had ice cream around midnight. I really didn't want anything before that.