Need great advice on my PS's

[sydprincess]

Upon reading the message boards on Character Dining/PS's, I'm a little concerned about a few things I've read in terms of getting seated and getting into the paks on time. The 4 PS's I'm most concerned about and need advice on are the following:

1900 Park Fare 8:15 am PS for the Character meal
Cindy's 8:15 am for the Character meal
Donald's Breakfastosarus 8:00 am for the Character meal
Crystal Palace 5:15 pm for the Character meal

The advice I am looking for all 4 is first, what do I need to know about arriving there in our rental car? Do we go to a different parking lot and then proceed to the entrance? If those people who have an 8:30 PS are there before we are, will they be seated first? What are approximate wait times? What time should I plan on leaving POR for these PS's in order to ensure we are there on time? We will be there from June 4-12.

Most of the complaints I have read have involved Disney transportation, so we will not have to deal with that issue, but anything I would need to know would be greatly appreciated! I'm all ears! I am not as concerned with food and staff quality as I am with the time factor.

 

[mrsltg]

Hi Syd-

Let's see...

For everything but Donald's, just drive to the TTC and hop on the monorail. Get off at GF for Park Faire, or continue to MK for the others. For Donald's, you just park in the AK parking lot.

If those people who have an 8:30 PS are there before we are, will they be seated first?

Generally no, not if you are on time. If they have available space that they are not expecting anyone for than they may seat someone, but it is all at their discretion.

What are approximate wait times?

I can't remember ever waiting beyond about ten minutes or so.

What time should I plan on leaving POR for these PS's in order to ensure we are there on time?

I'm an early bird, so I'd be out of the hotel by 7:15 for the 8:15's and, in the case of Donald's only, 7:15 as well because they don't let you walk to the restaurant alone. Meaning, you'll check in at the front gates and be escorted. Try to be there by 7:45. A leisurely stroll down Main Street is really nice which is why I recommend getting to MK so early (plus, you never know what the monorail wait time might be). Your evening PS is much different. Unless you're coming from someplace else, you shouldn't have much trouble with getting to the restaurant on time.

Have a great trip!

Erin

 

[patsal]

For Breakfastasaurus, if you have it booked for an EE day plan to get there about 45 minutes rather than 15 minutes ahead of time. The last time I made the mistake of having an 8:10 on an EE day and it was well after 11 by the time we got through the gate, seated, ate and saw the characers--Never again for me on an EE day.

 

[sydprincess]

Patsal, quick question for you. We do have the Breakfastosaurus on an EE day at AK. Isn't there a specific area that those with PR's go to in order to get in? Can you let me know what happened to make you get in so late? I would imagine most people with an early PR would not be there by 7:15, but if that's what you think I need to do, I will. Just tell me more about your experience. Thanks!

Mrsltg, why do I need to take the monorail? Can't I park at the park itself? That is one of the main reasons we got a rental- to avoid the crowds/wait time on the monorail and be able to park in the park parking lot. Thanks to you as well!

 

[bethbuchall]

The TTC is the parking lot for MK. You still need to take the monorail to get from the TTC to the MK if you are parking. Resort buses go straight to the park, but there is no parking there.

Beth

 

[sydprincess]

Wouldn't it make more sense to park at the GF and take the monorail? Do they have a time limit of parking there? I know the Poly. does but never heard anything about the GF.

 

[kandmwedding]

I know you've got the rental car, but I jus thought I'd let you know about our experience with getting to MK from POR early in the morning. We had a tour that began at 8:15am, so we took the first bus of the day at 7:15am over to MK. We were there within about 10 minutes and didn't have any problems at all. With POFQ being open now it might take a bit longer, but I wouldn't be too concerned about the transportation system.

 

[bethbuchall]

Sydprincess--all of the resorts have limits to parking so that their guests are able to park. You cannot park at the GF to go to the MK.

Beth

 

[sydprincess]

That's what I thought, but I wasn't positive. Just out of curiosity, what happens if you exceed that 3 hour limit?

We will just have to leave early and do the tram/monorail thing to the MK. Thanks for the advice.