Walk Up Chances?

[kristenrice]

Here's my dilemma for my October trip....

After working a 14-hour overnight shift, I will get about 3-4 hours of sleep before hopping a plane to WDW. Our flight is slated to land at about 3:30pm. We're taking DME to BLT and I'm planning on heading directly to DHS after checking in. We want to catch the 8pm showing of Fantasmic since it is the only time it is showing during our stay. We'll grab a quick snack either at the resort or at the park, depending on the time.

We'll be on the DxDDP and I have all of our meals planned except dinner for our arrival night. On one hand, I'd like to eat at a TS place to get the most "bang for the buck", but there are two issues that are impeding my ability to make an ADR....

First, I don't know what time we would get out of Fantasmic and to a restaurant. Second, I have no idea how tired I will be. It will be a LONG day and the excitement will probably keep me going, but I just don't know.

Initially, I was planning on just grabbing dinner at the CS restaurant at the resort. Now, I'm wondering what the chances of a walk up seating would be for a dinner between 9 and 9:30pm. Is it doable for 2 people, or do I really need an ADR?

 

[mayshamp]

I think you should get the ADR just to be sure. If you can't make it, don't worry about it. They don't penalize you if you don't show. I did that last summer at this MK restaurant called Tony's; I even asked the waitress beforehand if I should cancel my dinner and she said just show up if I feel like it.

 

[TDC Nala]

I don't think you'll be able to get TS dining in the park after Fantasmic. The park usually shuts down after that. Try a resort - Boardwalk and the Beach/Yacht Club are a walk or boat ride away. Then, however, you have the issue of how to get back to the Contemporary. Fastest would be a cab or take a bus to MK if it is still open and just walk back from the bus stop.

You should do pretty well getting a late walkup at a resort if it's not an ultrapopular place. Or you could do it at your own resort if the restaurants are still serving by the time you get back - the Wave shouldn't be a problem although Chef Mickey's might be.

 

[Eastern]

Tip for leaving Fantasmic: sit in one of the back rows, near the place where you first enter. You will leave the same way. People from the back rows started leaving about when the boat with all the characters on it came out. We were way ahead of the crowd. It can take forever to get out of there if you wait until it ends completely.

I asked a couple of TS places what would be a good time for walkups and they said 'around 9pm' so if that is your schedule I think it is doable.

Another comment: Fantasmic was crazy busy when we went during Easter (on impulse) we were walking down the street and a man was herding us to the curb side saying "this is the line for Fantasmic"....whaaaat?? We did get in, but this was the 10pm showing!!

My mother was there on a night (non-holiday) with one showing and she could not get in, so make sure you allow plenty of time. I'm thinking 45 min to an hour early to get on line if you really want to see it.

ps it's not that great!

 

[kristenrice]

Thanks for the great input!

I've looked at restaurants with ADR's available and I *might* have several options....

First of all, I know that Fantasmic is a roughly 25-minute show. So, I'm assuming that it will be done by 8:30pm. I'm planning on sitting in the back towards the exit. We should be at the park by 6pm and plan on getting in line immediately. So, if we leave at the end (and not one second before...I get the chills every time I hear "Some imagination, huh?") and beat cheeks for the bus stop, I assume we could be in line for the bus by 9pm. Here's a question...I've never stayed at an MK resort before. How long is it from DHS to the MK area resorts? I assume there are shared buses. Which resort gets dropped off first? Poly? BLT? GF? *IF* I can get back to the MK area by 9:30, I have the following options...

...9:40pm at California Grill
...9:45pm at O'Hana
...9:50pm at Citricos
...9:50pm at Kona Cafe

There is a MNSSHP that night so the MK is open until midnight. As long as we are dining at a monorail resort, returning to BLT won't be a problem. As far as getting to dinner, would I save time just grabbing a cab from DHS?

If I were at AKV, this would be so much easier...not quite as many options!

 

[goofyintoronto]

Here's my dilemma for my October trip....

After working a 14-hour overnight shift, I will get about 3-4 hours of sleep before hopping a plane to WDW. Our flight is slated to land at about 3:30pm. We're taking DME to BLT and I'm planning on heading directly to DHS after checking in. We want to catch the 8pm showing of Fantasmic since it is the only time it is showing during our stay. We'll grab a quick snack either at the resort or at the park, depending on the time.

We'll be on the DxDDP and I have all of our meals planned except dinner for our arrival night. On one hand, I'd like to eat at a TS place to get the most "bang for the buck", but there are two issues that are impeding my ability to make an ADR....

First, I don't know what time we would get out of Fantasmic and to a restaurant. Second, I have no idea how tired I will be. It will be a LONG day and the excitement will probably keep me going, but I just don't know.

Initially, I was planning on just grabbing dinner at the CS restaurant at the resort. Now, I'm wondering what the chances of a walk up seating would be for a dinner between 9 and 9:30pm. Is it doable for 2 people, or do I really need an ADR?

I honestly think you will be fine. Seating two people (especially around that time) will not be a problem at all. But its true that if you CAN get a ressie, its best to be safe than sorry. But i honestly wouldnt worry.