Things to do waiting for Wishes-not in MK?

[jennz]

Hi all - we're taking some friends to Chef Mickey's in June - they've never been to WDW, are a family of 5, kids age 7, 11, and 13. We're driving in for the evening from Melbourne and driving back that night. I thought Chef Mickey's would be a blast and they could meet some characters without going into the parks, and they agree.

My question is - is there a good spot to see Wishes from where we can also hear the music? I'm guessing it'll be at 10:00 pm. If we can't get the music I think we'll take the monorail over to the Poly.

Along the same...I was going to get Chef Mickey ps for around 5:30...any suggestions with what to do with these non-Disney folk to get them hooked? Can we take a loop on the mono-rail, for example? Any suggestions are welcome...they've put the planning in my hands!!

 

[WillCAD]

There is an observation deck on the Contemporary's 4th floor. It's not as good a view as the California Grill, but they do pipe the music out there, and it's a short walk from Chef Mickey's.

When you leave Chef Mickey's, simply go to the opposite end of the Grand Canyon Concourse to the exterior doors just past the Sundries shop. The observation deck is just outside.

 

[kalamazoo]

If you've got to kill a few hours after dinner I think your best bet would be to go over to Fort Wilderness for the Chip 'n' Dale campfire and movie. It's not that far from the Contemporary.

 

[ErinInCT]

Definately ride the monorail. Maybe even ride with the pilot!! That really gets you in the spirit & the view is very cool.
Maybe you can go to the Boardwalk to kill some time.

 

[jennz]

WillCad - thanks for the tip, we'll check out the 4th floor -that sounds great!

kalamazoo - what's the Chip and Dale campfire and movie? Is there a fee? It sounds fun!

ErininCT - good idea to ask for the front - we've never done that either! I've been reading in a few posts about the Boardwalk - I had no idea all that stuff was there! After all the times we've been to WDW too. Another reason to go back!

My goal is to get them hooked so they want to take a trip their with us.
Thanks for your help!

 

[kalamazoo]

The campfire is free except if you want to buy food and drink. Here's some info take from the allears site:

When does the campfire program begin and what is it like?

The campfire program is open to all WDW resort guests. It generally begins around 7 p.m. during the fall/winter season and 8 p.m. after the time changes in April through the summer. It is held near the Meadow Trading Post in the campfire area. The program begins with a sing-along led by a Disney CM and a marshmallow roast around two campfire rings. You may bring your own marshmallows or buy them at the Chuckwagon (roasting sticks and marshmallows are $2). You may also buy pizza, hot dogs, candy, nachos, juice, popcorn, sodas, coffee, beer and other refreshments at the Chuckwagon. While this is going on, Chip and Dale make an appearance to visit with guests and sign autographs. The sing-along lasts about 40 minutes. Next, one or two Disney animated features, depending upon the season, are shown on a large outdoor screen. Seating is available in bleachers or on benches. There is also plenty of room to lay out a quilt or blanket. The movie schedule is posted at all comfort stations. In the event of rain, the sing-along is still held on the porch of the Meadow Trading Post. The following schedule from February 2004 gives an idea of the types of movies shown:

Sample Movie Schedule

1 Tarzan
2 The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
3 Pete's Dragon
4 The Fox and the Hound
5 The Apple Dumpling Gang
6 Mulan
7 Monsters, Inc.
8 Sleeping Beauty
9 Mary Poppins
10 Piglet's BIG Movie
11 The Absent Minded Professor
12 Lady and The Tramp
13 Freaky Friday (PG)
14 Mickey & Minnie's Sweetheart Stories
15 The Parent Trap (PG)
16 Beauty and the Beast
17 Robin Hood
18 A Goofy Movie
19 Mighty Joe Young (PG)
20 Lilo and Stitch (PG)
21 Toy Story 2
22 Pinocchio
23 Disney's The Kid (PG)
24 Inspector Gadget (PG)
25 101 Dalmatians
26 The Emperor's New Groove
27 Finding Nemo
28 The Princess Diaries
29 102 Dalmatians

HTH

 

[alloyd1170]

After wishes, head down to the beach (at CR its around 10 pm) to watch the water parade! Also on the 4th floor at CR there are a few shops. As for viewing Wishes there, if I recall you cant really see the castle changing colors and the lower fireworks. Plus being far from it, the sound is delayed.

alison

 

[jennz]

Thanks - I forgot all about the water parade!

The campfire program sounds fun too. Thanks for all the info!