We got free dining & it's our 1st trip...help

[bamamom]

First I have to say "I'M SO EXCITED ABOUT OUR TRIP" Ok now that I've gotten that out. We just switched out dates and resort so that we could get the free dining. I already had ressies for chef mickeys breakfast and was able to keep that one. We are going to do CP dinner the night we do MNSSHP. And ESPN Club for DS and DH. This is our first family trip and we don't won't to miss out on all the great disney things but want to enjoy the dining plan. Where do you suggest for dinner and time so that we don't miss the fireworks or parades etc... IF only the Oct calendar was out it would help to know where to make ADR's on what day. I know we will at MK the first day no matter what the hours are (we have parkhopper). How much time does it take to go to the other resorts to eat dinner? We are looking at : Whispering Canyon, LeCellier , 1900 Park Fare, Sci-Fi (lunch), all advice will be greatly appreciated!!



ASMu Oct 4-9 2005

 

[tjmouse]

If it's your first trip, I recommend eating in the park that you are planning on staying in. If you want to go to a resort to eat, pick a resort that is closest to the park you are going to after dinner.

Whispering Canyon - do on a night that you are going back to MK for Wishes and Spectromagic. Allow 40 minutes for transportation to the Wilderness Lodge. You will have to take the boat from MK to WL. Allow another 40 minutes to get back. This is to be on the safe side. The boat ride isn't that long, but by the time the boat comes, leaves the dock, arrives at the next dock and you get off, go to the restaurant, etc. that takes some time.

Le Cellier - do on a night when you are going to view Illuminations. Try to get it around 6:30-7:00 and you should be done and able to get a good spot. (Unless you really take your time in restaurants. Average is about an hour and a half I'd say)

Do 1900 Park on an evening you aren't going to a park. You can eat and walk out back to see Wishes from the beach if you time it right. Then, stick around and see the Electrical Water Pagent.

What I suggest NOT doing is trying to travel clear across the resort for a meal. I have known people that make a PS for breakfast at 'Ohana, they are staying at the AllStar resorts and going to AK that day. That means you have to get on a bus to MK, take a monorail to the Poly, eat, then take a bus from the Poly all the way back to AK. That's too much travel time.

Some people may disagree, but I like to eat very close to whatever park I am going to be in. I hate being on busses all the time!

Hope that helps! For your future trips, you can be a little more adventurous since you'll know the transportation system and you'll know how long it takes.