Timing Kona Dinner with Happy HalloWishes

[ThreeBoyMama]

Hi all! From the MNSSHP maps from recent years it looks like Happy HalloWishes took place at 9:30 p.m. in 2013 and 2014, and at 10:00 p.m. in 2015. We arrive on Sunday 10/16 and have a 7:50 p.m. ADR at Kona Café, with the plan being to go down to the beach after dinner and watch the fireworks. Do you think I'm OK as far as timing, without knowing whether the fireworks will be at 9:30 p.m. or 10:00 p.m. for this year's Halloween party? We've never eaten at Kona before, so not sure what to expect as far as pace of service/timing of the meal. I'm assuming 1.5 hours should be more than enough if the fireworks are earlier, but curious to hear your thoughts. Thanks!

 

[DisBuckMan]

I would say no. Happy HalloWishes is showing up as being at 8:35 on all nights.

 

[NicoleLarson]

Are you just ordering entrees? Or app, entree, dessert. The later I would allow at least 2 hours and then Kona is usually running behind. However if Hallowishes is at 835 as above then no way.

 

[ThreeBoyMama]

I would say no. Happy HalloWishes is showing up as being at 8:35 on all nights.

Really? Where did you see that? This is what WDW Info has on their site for this year's

"Happy HalloWishes Fireworks - 10:00pm

This party in the sky is one of the best fireworks shows that Disney offers throughout the year. The Haunted Mansion's Ghost Host welcomes guests to the show where the Disney Villains fill the sky with fireworks and remixes of their theme songs. It's definitely a do-not-miss attraction!"

Here's the link: http://www.wdwinfo.com/holidays/halloween.htm#fireworks

Granted, I take all of this with a grain of salt since nothing seems to be "official" yet, but I assumed it would be 9:30/10:00 p.m. as in past years.

 

[ThreeBoyMama]

Are you just ordering entrees? Or app, entree, dessert. The later I would allow at least 2 hours and then Kona is usually running behind. However if Hallowishes is at 835 as above then no way.

Probably just drinks and entrees. Good to know that they usually aren't running on time. Thanks!

 

[DisBuckMan]

I saw it on Disney's reservations page on their website. If you're familiar with making reservations on Disney's website, go there and look at the dates it's available. It's right there in black and white.

 

[ThreeBoyMama]

I saw it on Disney's reservations page on their website. If you're familiar with making reservations on Disney's website, go there and look at the dates it's available. It's right there in black and white.

Yes I'm familiar, thanks. When I tried to search from the link off the MNSSHP page the dates are all greyed out for 2016. Maybe I'm not looking in the right place?

 

[DisBuckMan]

Ah...after further investigation, the 8:35 time includes the parade (which you'll get special seating for). If you choose to just do the fireworks, they're at 10:00. Here's a snippet from the Disney website.....

Check-In Times and Locations

• Guests who have purchased the Happy HalloWishes Dessert Premium Package may check in from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Will Call booth outside the Magic Kingdom park Main Entrance, where they will receive a credential for identification.
• Starting at 7:30 PM, Guests will meet at the parade viewing area located by the flag pole in Town Square (inside the park after you pass under the train station) to see Mickey’s “Boo-to-You” Halloween Parade, which will start at 8:35 PM.
• After the parade, Guests will be escorted to Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant, the location for both the dessert party and the Happy HalloWishes fireworks viewing at 10:00 PM. Guests who miss the parade viewing can check in directly at Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant at 9:30 PM.

/QUOTE]

 

[DisBuckMan]

Yes I'm familiar, thanks. When I tried to search from the link off the MNSSHP page the dates are all greyed out for 2016. Maybe I'm not looking in the right place?

Go here:

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/magic-kingdom/happy-hallowishes-dessert-package/

 

[ThreeBoyMama]

Ah...after further investigation, the 8:35 time includes the parade (which you'll get special seating for). If you choose to just do the fireworks, they're at 10:00. Here's a snippet from the Disney website.....

Ahhh. Excellent, thank you!!! So assuming a 10:00 show time, think we're solid with the 7:50 ADR at Kona?

 

[DisBuckMan]

Hard to say. Since that's a party night, regular crowds will be pushed out into the resorts and other parks for dinner. It's really just dependent on how far behind Kona is.

 

[ThreeBoyMama]

Hard to say. Since that's a party night, regular crowds will be pushed out into the resorts and other parks for dinner. It's really just dependent on how far behind Kona is.

 

[ThreeBoyMama]

Good point. Maybe I should grab the 7:15 that's available...I was just trying to get a sense of whether Kona usually runs on time or not, and how long dinner usually takes, not having ever been there. I realize there are a lot of variables that will affect this on any given night, though! I suppose worst case scenario we finish dinner early and have time to stake out a good spot on the beach (and have another drink)

 

[Hopefully]

Good point. Maybe I should grab the 7:15 that's available...I was just trying to get a sense of whether Kona usually runs on time or not, and how long dinner usually takes, not having ever been there. I realize there are a lot of variables that will affect this on any given night, though! I suppose worst case scenario we finish dinner early and have time to stake out a good spot on the beach (and have another drink)

I would think that for drinks, entree and dessert about 90 minutes should be adequate. But the wild card is how far behind are they.
I think, if you are okay potentially have extra time after dinner and before the fireworks, I would go with the 7:15. I personally hate rushing dinner

 

[Nancyg56]

I would think that for drinks, entree and dessert about 90 minutes should be adequate. But the wild card is how far behind are they.
I think, if you are okay potentially have extra time after dinner and before the fireworks, I would go with the 7:15. I personally hate rushing dinner

This is what I would do. You never know how the monorail restaurants are running on party nights. Between folks eating before the party starts and folks eating close to park close, timing can be a gamble.

 

[minnie mum]

Has Disney changed their policy of only allowing Poly guests on the beach to watch Wishes? For a while they had CM's out there, checking, and turning away non resort guests.

 

[ThreeBoyMama]

Has Disney changed their policy of only allowing Poly guests on the beach to watch Wishes? For a while they had CM's out there, checking, and turning away non resort guests.

Oh really?? In all my blog reading and research I'd never heard this. Curious to know what others have experienced recently?

 

[Hopefully]

Has Disney changed their policy of only allowing Poly guests on the beach to watch Wishes? For a while they had CM's out there, checking, and turning away non resort guests.

Oh really?? In all my blog reading and research I'd never heard this. Curious to know what others have experienced recently?

I too have read this, particularly around Holidays. There is less space one & they periodically restrict it to Poly guests.