Will I make my reservation?

[tracynicole21]

I'm flying into Orlando on May 22, my plane lands around 5:30 PM. We are taking DME to our resort (CSR) and I've read enough about it to know that I shouldn't expect to get to my resort right away.

However, it's the first night of my honeymoon trip and I wanted to make reservations for a special dinner since we will be at the parks the rest of the days and may not feel like eating fancy meals.

I've made a 9:00 PM reservation for two at The Boathouse, and I just wanted to ask you guys (the experts) if I'll have enough time to get to our resort, check in, and get to Disney Springs by about 8:00 PM.

Thanks for your help!

 

[ncc1701]

If your flight is on time you should make the Boathouse in time. However getting to DS by 8:00 could be tight. Any significant delay in your flight could mess up your plans.

 

[Hopefully]

Getting there by 8 may be cutting it close or it may be fine. Plus you may find you are too tired for a 9 PM ADR. For both of these reasons I would book through Open Tables not WDW Dining. There is no cancellation fee through Open Table if you don't make the ADR like there is with Disney. I would cancel the Disney ADR & book a reservation with Open Table.

 

[tracynicole21]

Thanks for your reply! As long as we get to the restaurant by our reservation time, will we be okay? Or is there a rule of thumb to get there early? I don't need to be there by 8, I just figured it would help to be early.

Edit: Okay, I decided to go ahead and cancel the ADR and I will go through OpenTable when the availability for May opens up. Thanks!

 

[goofy4tink]

Nope, no reason to get there any earlier than 8:45.
You 'should' have enough time. If you find that things aren't going as quickly as you would like, I suggest getting a cab to DS. That will be much quicker than waiting for the bus.

 

[PCFriar80]

I'm flying into Orlando on May 22, my plane lands around 5:30 PM. We are taking DME to our resort (CSR) and I've read enough about it to know that I shouldn't expect to get to my resort right away.

However, it's the first night of my honeymoon trip and I wanted to make reservations for a special dinner since we will be at the parks the rest of the days and may not feel like eating fancy meals.

I've made a 9:00 PM reservation for two at The Boathouse, and I just wanted to ask you guys (the experts) if I'll have enough time to get to our resort, check in, and get to Disney Springs by about 8:00 PM.

Thanks for your help!

Not an expert, but it will be close and possibly stressful. My first concern would be that you actually land on time. Let's assume you do. 5:30 at the gate, 15 - 20 minutes disembark to DME check-in. You might get lucky and get on a bus that's near capacity and ready to pull out or be the first for the next bus. Let's say 30 minutes waiting until the bus departs [so 6:20 - 6:30]. After a 30 - 40 minute general drive, CSR may or may not be the first stop. I'm not familiar with their routes. So we're basically at 7:00/7:10 in an ideal situation. Check-in maybe 10 minutes. CSR is very sprawling so it will take you some time to get to the room and turnaround real quick. Another wait for the DS bus. I think you could make it for 9:00, but don't think you'll be there at 8:00.

Nonetheless, congratulations and have fun!

 

[Woodview]

I think PCFriar80 is the reply to be more aware of & correct .

The point has not be addressed is your luggage arriving at the arrival carousel on time .

It could be an extra 10 to 15 min wait time.

So 5.30 arrival could be late by 5 min . Depending on which gate you arrive at & how far back you are in the plane it might be

another 20 min to the monorail + 5 min wait for next train . You are now at 6pm + .

Another 5 min in train & 5 min walk to carousel + Pit stop say total of 15 min .

Time is now 6.20 pm Then Bus trip & check in ... Could be a Q at the desk ..

You would be better off ... forgetting the dinner on the first night ( Sad ) BUT make the NEXT NIGHT Reservation

And be Relaxed & Stress free to Really enjoy the Special Time.

 

[tracynicole21]

Thank you everyone! I went ahead and cancelled the reservation, but I think I will reschedule to the evening of the day we choose to go to AK, since the park closes earlier than the others. I definitely don't want to get too stressed out and ruin our first night, especially since I haven't been to DW in over ten years. You guys are awesome!

 

[Woodview]

Good choice.

 

[goofy4tink]

I think PCFriar80 is the reply to be more aware of & correct .

The point has not be addressed is your luggage arriving at the arrival carousel on time .

It could be an extra 10 to 15 min wait time.

So 5.30 arrival could be late by 5 min . Depending on which gate you arrive at & how far back you are in the plane it might be

another 20 min to the monorail + 5 min wait for next train . You are now at 6pm + .

Another 5 min in train & 5 min walk to carousel + Pit stop say total of 15 min .

Time is now 6.20 pm Then Bus trip & check in ... Could be a Q at the desk ..

You would be better off ... forgetting the dinner on the first night ( Sad ) BUT make the NEXT NIGHT Reservation

And be Relaxed & Stress free to Really enjoy the Special Time.

I realize the OP has cancelled her ADR, but I have to question some of your times.....just as a general observation.
If they have tagged their bags, why would they have to go to baggage claim? I didn't see that they were claiming bags.
Also...yes, I usually figure on 10 mins to being at the gate after landing. Then, it seldom takes 10 mins to walk from any gate to the tram. Maybe 6-7 if you're at a distant gate..as I was in January!!! Then, the trams arrive every 5 mins or so...and I've never had to wait for a second one to arrive. The time on the tram is under 5 mins. Then it's about 5-10 mins to the DME area...depending on pace. Stick a 5 min potty stop in there if needed. When you get to the DME area, you should be going straight to the bus podium area. And it shouldn't take more than 10 mins there......usually less unless someone has an issue that's in front of you. Then a possible 20 min wait in bus line, but usually shorter. 30 min drive to the first resort and add 15 to that to include another 2 stops.

That puts you in the 7-75 min range. If you hit every single thing wrong, it could go to 90 mins, but seldom more than that.

 

[Woodview]

It is their Honeymoon ...... First Night

 

[Gracie09]

It is their Honeymoon ...... First Night

then they shouldn't need anything...

 

[bumbershoot]

We walked from the bus stop to raglan road (not sure where the boathouse is but you can look at a map) in about 10 minutes. I see no need to arrive at DS 1 hour before your dining time. Fwiw.