When did PS become a necessity?

[triplefigs]

I loved using the phones at Epcot in the 80's and early 90's to make dinner reservations the same day. When we disneymooned in April 95 (Happy 10 years to me, yes me!) we only had a PS for the luau at the Poly.

We are now making our first trip back since our honeymoon with our kids and I'm amazed at needing to make PS 90 days out at 6:58 am! When did that really become necessary? And how do you choose so far in advance when the EMH aren't out and park hours aren't available? We like the flexibility of not having to eat at a certain time or place on a specific day, but I realize that will not work now. So, how do I choose?

Thanks!

 

[OurDogCisco]

I blame it on the internet!!! Smarter consumers are out there nowerdays...

 

[Scottwdw]

PS are only really needed when you either need a character meal (and Cinderella Royal Table and Princess Storybook charactor meals are the only ones needing such an early morning call OR a major holiday) or are going at a very busy time of year like traditional school breaks, summer, Easter, Thanksgiving or Christmas.

I just came back from WDW during the week before Easter and any park PS restaurants were turning people away who didn't have priority seatings.

Now, how to plan. The DIS has traditional park hours even if they have not been announced yet for each month. EMH are scheduled on the same days each week. So, chances are, using those two bits of information you'll have park hours within an hour or two.

Ah, yes, when to know when your party will be hungry or want to eat. That's something you will have to guess at based on your own experience. What I do, is find out where everyone wants to eat at each park and/or resort. Say, I want to eat at the Crystal Palace in MK, I plan the day we'll be at MK based on the day, historical operating times and if an EMH is likely to be scheduled. Depending on which meal (breakfast, lunch or dinner), I'll try to get the time I want within an hour of when we ususally eat our meals.

Sometimes, you might want to eat at "off" times as well. Especially, for character meals, the less crowded the restaurant, the more time the characters can spend at your table.

 

[triplefigs]

PS are only really needed when you either need a character meal (and Cinderella Royal Table and Princess Storybook charactor meals are the only ones needing such an early morning call OR a major holiday) or are going at a very busy time of year like traditional school breaks, summer, Easter, Thanksgiving or Christmas.

Well, with three kids who are HUGE fans of all the Princesses and characters, going for their first time, and during the holidays... guess I better be making those PS!!! Thanks for the other tips. We will be eating at lots of character meals hopefully (CM, PSB, CRT, LTT, CP), so I definitely will try for those.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

PSs became sort of a necessity once they opened the concept up to everyone. Originally it was an advantage given to people staying at a Disney Resort.

A lot depends on the meal, the restaurant, and the time of year.

 

[MAKMOM41]

PS are like an epidural. If your having a baby tell the your Doctor you want an epidural even if you WANT to have natural Child Birth. That way its there if you want it. If you decide not to use it no harm.

We know our favorite places to eat. I make our dinner ps using the late & early park information. Our first trip we did not know this & it was horrible.

 

[SnoWhiteRabbit]

I loved using the phones at Epcot in the 80's and early 90's to make dinner reservations the same day. When we disneymooned in April 95 (Happy 10 years to me, yes me!) we only had a PS for the luau at the Poly.

We are now making our first trip back since our honeymoon with our kids and I'm amazed at needing to make PS 90 days out at 6:58 am! When did that really become necessary? And how do you choose so far in advance when the EMH aren't out and park hours aren't available? We like the flexibility of not having to eat at a certain time or place on a specific day, but I realize that will not work now. So, how do I choose?

Thanks!

"When did that really become necessary?"
When you had three kids
I'm a mom of three (6,4,3) and sure we used to love the flexibility of not having to eat at a certain time or place....but with the kids we *have to* plan differently. Sorry, I know you mean things are different in the parks, which I am sure they are, but having young kids definitely makes a difference! I feel the same way you do.
Good luck making your PS's and enjoy!!

 

[triplefigs]

"When did that really become necessary?"
When you had three kids

Amen! Amen! Amen!

When DH and I were at Disney on our honeymoon we joked that we wouldn't be back until we had kids (never believing we'd wait that long). Well, it's true, but even we never imagined we'd be bringing triplets!!! Life is one fun, crazy, and WILD ride!!!