When to dine at Be Our Guest: Help!

[Dreamin of Dole Whip]

I am so excited! I am only 9 days away from Christmas at Disney World and am finalizing my plans. I could really use the input of the DIS community. I have managed to score 2(!!!!) BOG reservations, both at less than ideal times, and cannot decide which scenario would be better. If anyone has any suggestions on what you might do in the same situation, please let me know. I can't afford to eat there twice, so I have to narrow it down to one day. On my arrival day I am attending the last Mickey's Very Merry of the season on the night of Dec 18th. I have a BOG ressie for 6pm. I plan to arrive at MK at 4pm and do a few rides, then see if I can get seated to eat at 5:15 or 5:30pm, I want to eat before the party starts at 7. I love the idea of eating at BOG first thing to start my vacation out right! But I hate the idea of missing getting in line for 7 dwarfs MandG or something else party related. I feel like I might be taking away from my enjoyment of the party.

The second dining option is on Monday, Dec 21st at 9:35pm. That day I am doing DHS, including Fantasmic Dining Lunch at 1pm with the 1st showing of Fantasmic. I would then head over to MK and have a late dinner at BOG. I love the idea of doing BOG in the middle of my vacation, something to look forward to, but I hate the idea of tacking it on to an already really long day in the middle of my vacation; what if I am totally exhausted and just want to be out of the parks?

As you can see, I have a darned if you do, darned if you don't situation. Neither dining time is ideal, but it is a wonderful problem to have!! Please weigh in on what you would do if it were you. I really value everyone's expertise and could use the help. Thanks!!

 

[BrianL]

If party activities like the 7 Dwarfs matter a lot to you then you would be missing prime queue time and that will cut into the party time that you could use as something else. I'd go with he later dinner, but I would also keep checking for a possibly different time that will work better for you. People cancel and change all the time so you might be able to find something. Most importantly, don't let the little details stress you out too much. At least you have an ADR for BOG, and it will be fantastic whenever you go. Good luck.

 

[rwdavis2]

They probably will not seat you early. I would do the dinner later in the week.

 

[plutolovr]

I am so excited! I am only 9 days away from Christmas at Disney World and am finalizing my plans. I could really use the input of the DIS community. I have managed to score 2(!!!!) BOG reservations, both at less than ideal times, and cannot decide which scenario would be better. If anyone has any suggestions on what you might do in the same situation, please let me know. I can't afford to eat there twice, so I have to narrow it down to one day. On my arrival day I am attending the last Mickey's Very Merry of the season on the night of Dec 18th. I have a BOG ressie for 6pm. I plan to arrive at MK at 4pm and do a few rides, then see if I can get seated to eat at 5:15 or 5:30pm, I want to eat before the party starts at 7. I love the idea of eating at BOG first thing to start my vacation out right! But I hate the idea of missing getting in line for 7 dwarfs MandG or something else party related. I feel like I might be taking away from my enjoyment of the party.

The second dining option is on Monday, Dec 21st at 9:35pm. That day I am doing DHS, including Fantasmic Dining Lunch at 1pm with the 1st showing of Fantasmic. I would then head over to MK and have a late dinner at BOG. I love the idea of doing BOG in the middle of my vacation, something to look forward to, but I hate the idea of tacking it on to an already really long day in the middle of my vacation; what if I am totally exhausted and just want to be out of the parks?

As you can see, I have a darned if you do, darned if you don't situation. Neither dining time is ideal, but it is a wonderful problem to have!! Please weigh in on what you would do if it were you. I really value everyone's expertise and could use the help. Thanks!!

Quite honestly, the restaurant is overrated. Skip it and enjoy the party.

 

[AngiTN]

Do not eat during the party. Huge waste of what you paid extra for.
Go on the 21st for certain.
And keep looking for other times. How many are in your party?

 

[Magpie]

To be honest, I'd opt for the party night, but only because of how I like to party.

6pm on a party night - only workable if you don't care about the characters and plan to spend most of your time stalking the street entertainment and riding rides and plan to stay for the late parade/castle show/etc. It's a terrible plan if you're into characters and/or want to leave early.

After a Fantasmic Dining Lunch - this wouldn't work for us at all, mainly because those lunches are a LOT of food. We just wouldn't be up for another sit down meal that evening. Also, Fantasmic is at 7pm, correct? Once you shuffle out of the theatre, it'll be 8pm. By the time you get to the front of the park, it could be 8:30. Wait to get loaded on a bus... 9pm. If you're travelling by car, you'll have to navigate the MK parking lots and transportation. In other words, you could get there in plenty of time or you could be enjoying the stress of "will we make it in time?"

One of the things I've discovered over many visits is that while sometimes the stars (and transportation) align perfectly, more often than not getting anywhere in WDW is far more time consuming than you expect.

 

[HopperFan]

They probably will not seat you early. I would do the dinner later in the week.

This. Odds are they won't even check you in until closer to 10-15 minutes ahead. Been turned away as have others. This would totally put you in a long 7D line. I would not waste any minute of a party to eat there. I would go with your second reservation.

But keep trying and you never know. Decided just last night to go down on Friday to see the Osborne Lights (8 hrs away). Started to look at dining and a BOG for 2 came up for 5 pm Friday but passed on it because was able to get California Grill at 9 to see Holiday Wishes Two days out! So never give up!!!

 

[Minniesgal]

BOG is much more likely to seat you late than early especially on a party night when everyone will want to be seated early.

BOG is an ok experience but not worth missing the party for. We did it once and won't be back.

 

[purple figment]

Of the 2 I would choose the second reservation. Based on the pros and cons of the 2 reservations, it sounds like you would regret spending lots of party time in the M&G line knowing that you could have lined up before the party started. If you choose the 6PM reservation on a party night you could potentially be seated late and not be finished until after 7 PM. I would not count on trying to check in at 5:15 or 5:30. It is unlikely given that BOG is fully booked, especially on party nights when party goers arriving at 4 want early reservations and those without party tickets need to make reservations before 7:00. Usually BOG won't let anyone check in until 5-15 minutes before their reservation time. Keep checking online to see if an earlier reservation opens up because many wait until almost the last minute to cancel when their plans change.

As far as getting to the MK after Fantasmic, you will have 2 hours after Fantasmic ends. Fantasmic is approx 25 minutes long so if you sit near the top of the amphitheater near an exit you will be among the first to leave. Head straight out and either take the bus to the MK or drive to the TTC and take the ferry or monorail to the park. You could also valet park at one of the MK resorts for $25 + tip and either walk or take the monorail or boat to the park. Or you could take a taxi from the DHS parking lot to the CR and walk to the MK.

If you think you might possibly being too tired after Fantasmic, could you sleep in that morning and have a late start to the day? Or plan the day before to be a relaxing day or an early night.

 

[North of Mouse]

Neither of your resses are ideal (as you stated). For us, personally, we would have to skip those two choices. Would not miss first part of party night, nor could we dine that late.

 

[powellrj]

I would skip both of them. It was a one and done for us

 

[xlsm]

Are you dead set on the dinner there? If not, search for a lunch or breakfast if you just want the experience of eating there in Beast's castle. We've had two dinners there, the first incredible, and the second good. Our lunch was fine, and our breakfast was very good.

I would definitely not eat there on the party night and miss out on character lines, but it really depends on what you want out of your party experience.

Good luck making your decision, but most importantly, HAVE FUN!!

 

[ariane37]

BOG is one of our favorite TS restaurants for dinner - we've been there 6x. Unfortunately they will not check you in any earlier than 15 min. before your reservation time, so for your 6pm on a party night they won't even check you in until 5:45. I definitely wouldn't do that night - it isn't worth it to miss party time, even for one of our faves Your 2nd reservation isn't the greatest either but at this point I'd so what pp's have suggested and keep it while looking for another day/time. ADR's really do pop up as time gets closer. Good luck and enjoy your trip!

 

[maryj11]

I have been told that dinner at BOG takes about an hour and a half, and I know they will not seat you as early as you wished for. I would try for an earlier reservation if your lucky one might pop up. But that would have to come by stalking the reservations everyday . If you think you and everyone will want to eat at 9:35 pm I would choose that one.

 

[missangelalexis]

I agree with those who say not to do it on your party night. You're paying good money for the party, so you should try and get your money's worth! I also agree that they won't be seating you early. I say go for option 2 and keep your eye out for a better time that may open up!

 

[karm12]

Can you do BOG lunch on the day you arrive? I love doing the QS lunch there. Dinner is good, but would not want to miss the party for it.

 

[GPC0321]

The second reservation seems better so you don't waste precious party time. And if you're paying out of pocket (you mentioned not being able to afford to eat there twice), then if you're not that hungry after the Fantasmic! lunch earlier in the day, you can just get a bowl of French Onion Soup and a dessert or something, and still get to enjoy the experience of the venue and meeting the Beast!

Or try to get a lunch or breakfast ADR if meeting the Beast isn't that important.

I've never been, so I understand the need to do BOG at least once. It's one of the things I'm really looking forward to.

 

[maxiesmom]

I'd go with the later meal time. No way would I waste precious party time on a sit down meal.

 

[ChristophersMom2]

From personal experience, I've eaten at BOG last year at 6pm for MVMCP and this year around 5:45 for MNSSHP, it worked great for us, we rode a few rides in Tomorrow land before dinner, then after dinner we worked our way to Fantasyland, Frontierland, and Adventureland. Then got great seats early for the late parades for both parties. We always use this night to get in as many rides as possible and see parade, we don't do the castle shows unless it's the very last one. Leaving BOG at around 7 means you have 5 hours left to pack in as much as possible, and at some point you gotta eat, so I say why not!

My opinion on the other night is travel time from DHS to MK may take a while with the crowds at this time of year. I wouldn't try it.

 

[Dreamin of Dole Whip]

Thanks everyone! I totally agree with you all, and really am grateful to have the confirmation that missing out on party time is not worth the dinner experience. The party is so amazing and I am arriving on that Friday just so I can do the last party of the year. Last year I went and it was the highlight of my vacation. This year I am really dead set to meet the 7 dwarves, so I would be super disappointed if it took up 2 hours of party time waiting in line. Sooner I can get in line the better!!

Do not eat during the party. Huge waste of what you paid extra for.
Go on the 21st for certain.
And keep looking for other times. How many are in your party?

There's just me in my party, I am a solo vacationer, so I have found that Disney is a little more flexible with me because I am alone. I have actually never had a request denied, because it is just me they are accommodating. Of course, I have never really asked for anything too big and certainly not at the level of Be Our Guest, where I am sure they get lots of requests and cannot accommodate everyone. So, I don't think I wanna bank my whole day on whether Disney will sprinkle some magic on me, when I am sure they will be getting a lot of people with the same request.

I am going to just do the Monday dinner. I don't mind eating late, and I might revise my Monday plans to make that a sleep in day so I am not too tired. Then it will be a nice late dinner, and 2 hours in the MK before it closes for the night! Thanks again for all the input! And if anyone needs a 12/18 6pm ressie for BOG, I'll be releasing it probably later today.