WOC- dining package or not

[czmom]

I cannot make up my mind regarding the dining package for WOC. We are planning to eat at both Carthay Circle and WCT during our trip. However, we do not eat a lot and typically only order entrees. We would never get an appetizer, entrée, dessert, and beverage. So the cost is much higher for the dining package than if we ordered a la carte.

Our kids are small and being at the rail to see is important. It seems like even if you have a FP for the reserved dining section, you still need to be there early to grab the spot at the rail. I believe it is recommended 90 minutes early for the rail spot for both reserved dining and regular FP, correct?

I am leaning towards saving the money and just doing a regular FP.

Am I missing something important??

 

[RnbwSktles]

I can only speak about my experience. I went over Labor Day weekend 2014 (also the weekend of the Disneyland Half Marathon) so pretty crowded! I did the Wine Country dining package on that Sunday. I think I arrived about 1 hour before hand and the line wasn't too long. I don't know if this changes, but Wine Country had one of the best reserved viewing spots out of the 3 restaurants. It was basically the whole middle section. I was able to grab a spot right at the top of the stairs so I could sit while I waited for the show to start. During the show, there was no one in front me (since I was at the top of stairs) and I had a clear view of everything except the very far right, but that didn't matter. The FP areas were PACKED. I would never go that route.

This was my view

 

[calilou]

I have done both the CC and WCT WOC dining packages - CC last week and WCT last year this time (both very busy times). You're looking at what $5-10 more for the CC meal per person and a SIGNIFICANTLY better meal and atmosphere. Carthay Circle is not to be missed if you can swing it. Yes you may be paying for more food than you would normally order, but consider that monetary difference the price for easy WOC viewing. And the opportunity to try some yummy dishes - it's not like you have to finish everything plus the portions are relatively small. My girls and I loved our meal, everything was delicious. So if you're planning to eat there anyway, do the package!

As for the viewing areas: our CC area was elevated a little front and center (I'm guessing this is the only CC viewing area but I don't know for sure - it's where they led us). I actually prefer it here because you're not right on the water and don't get wet and don't feel squished in. You're elevated and can even sit/stand on the stairs making it very easy for kids to see. We did the later show and our area wasn't at all crowded, maybe half full. This is why I prefer later dinners and shows if you can make it work (we take an afternoon nap) - much less crowded. We arrived less than 5 minutes before show start time. The viewing are for the WCT package is also a great location right along the water in the middle. However you do need to arrive earlier for this area because it's much larger and you can still get stuck in the back and not be able to see. I don't like to get wet at night though so I don't want to be right in front. Plus it's MUCH harder to exit from this area and you certainly feel like a sardine. The CC area is near the back (but elevated remember) so it's also easy to get out.

 

[calilou]

P.S. The service at Carthay Circle is so so much better too! We loved our waiter. It's just a really wonderful experience overall.

 

[Liberator]

Did WOC Package Cathay Circle on May 26, I think it was Memorial Day. We had asked for FPs for the second show. Arrived 2 minutes before the show started and had a perfect viewing spot. Center, but not front, so nobody gets wet. There were some children and all of them had a great view!

The food (lunch) was very good, the atmosphere at CC is very WaltDisney'ish, the service was outstanding. For the prix-fixe with FP it is also very cheap! If you do not eat a lot, you should skip the starters and just try entrees and desserts.

There was also a bench inside the viewing area, so early birds may have luck to sit on a bench. We stood directly behind it and had an excellent view

 

[czmom]

So for my family of 4 to eat at CC with the WOC package, it will be $50 more than if we ate there a la carte. It would be about the same if we chose WCT.

I guess the debate is whether or not the reserved area is worth an additional $50.

 

[RnbwSktles]

So for my family of 4 to eat at CC with the WOC package, it will be $50 more than if we ate there a la carte. I guess the debate is whether or not the reserved area is worth an additional $50.

If you go for FP only and end up in a terrible spot with cranky children, you will wish you paid an extra $50!

 

[czmom]

If you go for FP only and end up in a terrible spot with cranky children, you will wish you paid an extra $50!

Ha! So true. We have only seen WOC one other time and did FP only, but got there super early to grab a rail spot. From what I gather, you still need to get there early for a rail spot in the reserved section. But it appears the reserved section will be less crowded overall.

 

[RnbwSktles]

Ha! So true. We have only seen WOC one other time and did FP only, but got there super early to grab a rail spot. From what I gather, you still need to get there early for a rail spot in the reserved section. But it appears the reserved section will be less crowded overall.

From what I am hearing from others, you don't need to be there that early for dining, even for the rail. I think the dining package gives you the most decent viewing options compared to FP, so you are not out of luck if you end up delayed.

Before I saw the show last year, I jumped on the single rider line for RSR because it said it was only about 30 minutes. It ended up taking close to an hour and I kept debating whether or not I needed to get out of line and run over to WOC. It turned out to be fine!

 

[calilou]

So for my family of 4 to eat at CC with the WOC package, it will be $50 more than if we ate there a la carte. It would be about the same if we chose WCT.

I guess the debate is whether or not the reserved area is worth an additional $50.

Yes for me it is absolutely worth paying $50 for the preferred viewing area. Plus you're getting something else for that $50 (starters and dessert). I would happily cut that $50 out of my food budget somewhere else. I sure wish the parade and fireworks had somewhere I could pay $50 for preferred viewing!

 

[Mimi2Cam]

czmom-- I'm SO glad you asked this question! I have been debating the same thing myself and have now been convinced that Carthay Circle is the way to go!

In the meantime, could someone please tell me when the WOC shows are during the summer? We will be there in late July.

Thanks!

 

[HopLow1968]

I'm in the same boat. I keep hearing people say with dining you don't have to wait as long and can still get a decent spot. Others say 90 minutes to get a good spot, even with dining reservations. I'm thinking that I'm going to do the dining reservation, but if my budget is looking weak, it'll be the first thing I cut out.

 

[JeriLee]

Please forgive me if this is answered elsewhere - I was unable to find it.

Have the viewing areas for the respective restaurants changed with the new show? We will be doing the Ariel package later this month and last year we very much liked the spot we were in. We are hoping it will be the same this year.

 

[calilou]

czmom-- I'm SO glad you asked this question! I have been debating the same thing myself and have now been convinced that Carthay Circle is the way to go!

In the meantime, could someone please tell me when the WOC shows are during the summer? We will be there in late July.

Thanks!

Think they were 9:00 and 10:15 last week and this is pretty consistent but you should check the calendar on disneyland.com to be certain. Not sure if it's out for July yet but it will be soon.

Please forgive me if this is answered elsewhere - I was unable to find it.

Have the viewing areas for the respective restaurants changed with the new show? We will be doing the Ariel package later this month and last year we very much liked the spot we were in. We are hoping it will be the same this year.

I can't say for sure about Ariel or WCT but the CC area was center and elevated for the show last week which I'm sure will stay consistent through the summer

 

[cgh]

If you want to go to the first show, do you need to do lunch? Or can you do dinner?

 

[czmom]

I'm in the same boat. I keep hearing people say with dining you don't have to wait as long and can still get a decent spot. Others say 90 minutes to get a good spot, even with dining reservations. I'm thinking that I'm going to do the dining reservation, but if my budget is looking weak, it'll be the first thing I cut out.

This is exactly why I am unsure what to do.

 

[5 Disney Fans]

I booked WOC Ariel's Grotto dinner and have been considering changing for lunch at Wine Country. Any thoughts? we are all considered adults but my 10 year old DD is a picky eater.

 

[JeriLee]

There is a lot to consider when choosing – is the food most important? What about night time hours for touring?

IMO, the dinner at Ariel’s is FAR superior to the lunch at WCT in every way - the atmosphere, the food, and the service were all lacking at WCT. We enjoy the food at Ariels and eating outside on the lake is beautiful – something we really enjoy.

Is Carthay Circle being considered? I have never had a bad experience there and they offer a lunch WOC package as well.

The advantage of lunch is that you can still tour in the evening - rides are different at night and the lights are magical, but so is having dinner on the lake enjoying a warm evening.

Also, we are quite happy with the place we stand to watch WOC when eating at Ariels and I am trying to find out if this is the same with the new show. Anyone know???

 

[Chernabog#1fan]

I know this will sound stupid, but do you get to choose from any of the appetizers, meals, and deserts, or is it preselected? Is there any way to see the menus if it is preselected?

 

[backinoz]

Also please be aware that from what I've read about the new WOC, if you are on the rail in front you will get WET, as in soaked, so elevated and back a bit is probably a good idea.