Will I have time to make Spectro?

[Woodoggies]

Trying to plan our first trip to Disney. Quick question, If I have dinner reservations at Boma for 7pm will I be able to make Spectro @ 9pm, or should I try for a 6:30 res.? Also, this will be for 12/11/10 if that makes a difference in timming due to crowd level. -Thanks

 

[guitarob]

That's cutting it pretty close. You have to figure in waiting to be seated (which is, for the most part NOT at the time of your ADR, no matter when your ADR is for, you'll usually wait a little bit), time to eat, time to get from Boma to the bus, waiting time for the bus, time to get from AKL to the MK, time to walk from the bus stop at MK, through security and find a spot to watch the parade.

I would personally look for a 6:00 or so reservation at Boma to give myself plenty of time.

 

[maddiesmom0116]

You should be fine, I have never noticed it taking more the hour I usually plan for eating even in the busy season. It may take you 15 minutes to be seated, so if anything make sure you show up a few minutes early for the ADR. You should try and be in the park a 1/2 hour early to get a good viewing place. I didn't realize the spectro return date had been announced. I love spectro.

 

[Woodoggies]

Thanks. I appreciate the advice as never having been to Disney it is hard to understand distance and travel times from location to location.

 

[guitarob]

The reason I stress travel time so much, is that you can never be sure when you'll get a bus. They are scheduled to run about every 20 minutes, and MK is a 10-15 minute ride from AKL.

But, if you show up at the bus stop, and just miss a MK bus, you're stuck for another 20 minutes waiting, and this is all assuming that the buses are on schedule (they usually are, but you just never know).

DW and I just find it easier, and less stressful to plan like we're going to miss a bus. If you get to the MK early, you'll have time to walk around and check some things out, or scope out a great seat for Spectro. We also like taking our time at meals and don't like to feel like we have to rush through to get to the next thing.

 

[TDC Nala]

It's possible you might have problems even with a 6:30 reservation. It all depends on how long it takes you to be seated, eat and pay, and then how long you have to wait for a bus to MK, then get inside the park and find a place to watch the parade.

 

[robinb]

It's possible you might have problems even with a 6:30 reservation. It all depends on how long it takes you to be seated, eat and pay, and then how long you have to wait for a bus to MK.

I agree. You should allow a good 20 minute wait for the bus plus a good 15-20 minute ride from AKL to the MK plus another 10-15 minutes from the bus, through security and the ticket gates into the MK. Once there if you have cut it TOO close Main Street will be packed with no where to stand. I would probably go for a 6:00 pm reservation so you don't have to rush. If you have any extra time you can check out the animal viewing areas.

 

[Nadjalu]

I agree you need more time.

It has been our experiences that AKL buses are slow to arrive to pick you up.
So if you wait that 20mins (in our case it was 40 mins) the 20 min drive to MK and getting thru and finding a good spot. Not gonna be enough time.

And you don't want to be watching the clock while enjoying your dinner. That is another thing. Cutting it that close will you be able to enjoy your meal knowing you have to be out of there in under 45 mins???

 

[purple figment]

I would recommend a reservation no later than 6:00. Of all our reservations we had the longest wait at Boma's one evening - about 30 minutes after our reservation time. Boma is a buffet so you can pace yourself, but it's no fun having to continually watch the clock and /or rush through your meal.

Travel time in WDW is very deceptive. While the actual bus ride time might not be very long, Disney usually recommends allowing 90 minutes for travel between places. Most likely 1 hour will be enough between AKL and MK, but I would recommend giving yourself the added 30 minute cushion.

If time is short, you can always take a taxi. To save time ask to go the the Contemporary because there is a walkway to the MK. Since our driver knew we were actually going to the MK he let us off just inside the parking lot so that reduced the walk by about half. If you say the MK, they will take you to the TTC and then you'll have to take the ferry or monorail to the park.

Also, I don't think you will be seeing Spectro, but rather the Main Street Electrical Parade.

 

[TDC Nala]

Above poster is correct - the currently scheduled parade is Main Street Electrical, not Spectro.