Our family did the BB PTN package last Sunday (22nd). I was hesitant because of the new location, but I am really glad I didn't cancel it. I have wanted to eat at BB since I was little and went with my family--so this has been on my bucket list forever. Our reservation was for 5:50 and we got there a little after 5:30. We requested waterside and were told it would be 20-30 minutes. We asked for a buzzer and explored New Orleans. There were two adorable (high school?) couples getting their portraits done and it was really fun checking on the progress between shopping. It was close to 30 minutes when the buzzer went off, but it was worth it when we were led to a table waterside in the left middle area. It was the perfect table and my girls were so happy to just quietly color and sip lemonade. My husband and I ordered the Surf and Turf, while my girls (5 and 8) got the mac and cheese and the pasta with chicken. The meal was really good (and I'm picky about quality) though it did seem like too much food and the dessert was mediocre. But the atmosphere can't be beat, we will definitely dine there again. I was surprised to hear my husband say that even if the parade seating isn't good, it was still worth it for the enjoyable meal.
After we left, I rode BTMRR with my oldest (using a baby swap we got in the morning) before heading to the Main Street Cinema—love that place—before lining up at 8:07 for the parade seating. There was already a line (we were told to come back at 8:10-8:15) but luckily there was still curbside available. We set up a blanket with girls in front of us to wait for the parade. I actually really liked the location. There were very few people walking by in front of us so it was kind of mellow. It was easy to get to the bathroom. Also the ground felt really clean there, like it had been powerwashed and swept right before we sat down. Weird observation I know, but it was nice since we were sitting there so long. The parade got to us at 9:00. Not every character waved at us but one dancer came over and interacted with the girls and all the princesses blew kisses. The best was Olaf. My daughter loves him and was waving frantically at him. He pointed his hands right at her and then hugged himself. She was over the moon at her hug from Olaf. When the parade was done, we turned around and walked toward main street. We ducked under the ropes that rope off the walkway the separates the bottom of the wedge from the rest of the square(where the big Christmas tree is during the holidays). It was perfect for me and the kids. We had the planter in front of us so we could easily see over the heads of people. We had the castle centered in front of us. We could see the projections, but they didn't distract from the fireworks which I think is the best part anyway. At the end it was so easy to turn around and head back to the hotel--no fighting the crowds.
So basically it was the perfect evening. And it was so worth it not to stress about finding a good seat. If anyone has any questions, I am happy to answer them.
