Evening Magic Hours/Priority Seating/Restaurants

[Wildman113]

Given that some of you have been to WDW since the new evening extra magic hours have been implemented, have the nightime shows/fireworks been adjusted to reflect the extra hours, or are the shows at their “usual times?” We are scheduled to be down there the second week of May (we have gone in May before, so I’m somewhat aware of the schedule).

We are going on the MYW Dining Plan, so we are planning several Priority Seatings. I don't think that they will interfere with the nightime shows anyway, no matter if the schedules are adjusted or not. We may end up playing it by ear on which park stays open late.

Just interested in some input (boy, that’s a lot of “ins”! ) By the way, the places we are pondering for PS are Boma, Liberty Tree, Whispering Canyon, Biergarten, and Hollywood & Vine. Any opinions on these would be greatly welcomed, as we have never been to any of these…

Thanks,
Kyle

 

[Splashman]

I personally have never been to any of these places but I have heard and read nothing but great things about Boma and Whispering Canyon (I would try these two). I have not read that much about the other three so I can not help you there.

 

[vilegirl]

I've been to Boma, Whispering Canyon and Hollywood and Vine.

We just went to Hollywood and Vine for the first time in Dec. I will say that it wasn't my favorite. I've been to a lot of the restaurants at Disney and this ranks as one of my least favorites. That's not to say it isn't a nice restaurant - it just wasn't one that I'm likely to return to. There are so many other buffets throughout the parks and resorts that, to me, are so much nicer! And there are a lot of other restaurants (not buffets though) at MGM that I like much more. Brown Derby, 50s Prime Time etc.

Boma is great if you're interested in trying new things. The breakfast is somewhat standard, but the dinner definitely has a lot of interesting things as well as some things you'll recognize! :lol: Also, another great restaurant at AKL is Jiko. I think I prefer it over Boma, but both are great! They both really capture the mood of the resort.

Whispering Canyon is alot of fun. I've only been for breakfast, but the food was good and the whole atmosphere is great! Be prepared to be picked on. We were lucky and got a waiter who didn't embarrass us too much, but some of the servers were just crazy! :lol:

I'm sure where ever you go, you will have a wonderful time! Enjoy your trip! :wave:

-Linda

 

[johnvree]

Can't help you on the schedules. Last time I was there was last May.

The restaurants, however, I can give you my opinion.

We have been to all except Biergarten. We loved all of them. All four have good food and excellent (albeit quite different) atmospheres.

 

[ClemsonTigger]

Fine choices, especially Boma and Whispering Canyon. I love Liberty Tree, but only do it for lunch. I'm sure the dinner is just as good. If at MGM, I would personally substitute 50's Prime Time Cafe for Hollywood and Vine. As it seems you like buffet style, possibly consider O'hana in the Polynesian, or even the Hoop de do Review (don't know if that is covered in the new plan or not)

You may want to follow up at:
http://www.allearsnet.com/din/dining.htm
for specific information on the menu's

 

[MickeyMark]

Wispering Canyon is a blast ! Try not to miss that one.
Boma is real good too.
Biergarten is another great choice.
I've eaten at all of those and would recommend them.
Have Fun !!!

 

[disneygirlie]

Given that some of you have been to WDW since the new evening extra magic hours have been implemented, have the nightime shows/fireworks been adjusted to reflect the extra hours, or are the shows at their “usual times?”

I was there the first week of January this year and experienced the Extra Magic Hours. Evening shows and fireworks were all at their usual times (obviously these times will be different in May since it will be a different season schedule). It would tend to work out so that for example, if the Magic Kindgom closed at 7 then 'Wishes' would be at 7 and after it was over everyone who was not staying at a Disney Resort would leave and the Extra Magic Hours would begin. We found it was the same for Fantasmic and Illuminations. The process seemed to be working smoothly. Our wristbands were checked at every ride entrance and we saw a few people asked to leave as they were trying to get on rides after the park had closed for regular guests. Lines were great and on most rides we were able to basically walk on. You'll have a great time.

 

[auroraarielella]

Since EPCOT Future World and World Showcase operate on different hours, does anyone know how the Extra Magic Hours apply? For example, while I am there in April FW is 9to7 and WS is 11 to 9. How does an early opening work? 8 for FW and 10 for WS? How about evening extra magic hours?

 

[PurpleDragon]

I haven't been there since the implementation of the extra magic evening hours.

As far as the restaruants, I haven't been to any of them but Biergaten and I must say its my most favorite restaurant at EPCOT. If you like German food the this place is for you, all you can eat buffet and beer stiens the size of your head. :lol:

However I have heard nothing but great things about the other restaruants mentioned, so I would go with your gut and eat what your in the mood for, each place has a different menu of items and a different atmosphere, so pick what fits you best.

 

[Wildman113]

I didn't think the extra hours would impact the fireworks/parades as much (it sounds like it is similar to the former e-ride night program). I also appreciate the recommendations of restaurants... keep' em coming!

I graduate from college on May 7, the day before the trip starts (May 8). So I am hoping to have a great time, as is the usual when you're down at the World But I hope taking advantage of the MYW Dining plan will prove itself to be a great experience.

 

[Wildman113]

Also (kinda senseless question), should I call the earliest I can to make the PS for each restaurant or wait a while?

 

[Nansafan]

Given that some of you have been to WDW since the new evening extra magic hours have been implemented, have the nightime shows/fireworks been adjusted to reflect the extra hours, or are the shows at their “usual times?” We are scheduled to be down there the second week of May (we have gone in May before, so I’m somewhat aware of the schedule).

We are going on the MYW Dining Plan, so we are planning several Priority Seatings. I don't think that they will interfere with the nightime shows anyway, no matter if the schedules are adjusted or not. We may end up playing it by ear on which park stays open late.

Just interested in some input (boy, that’s a lot of “ins”! ) By the way, the places we are pondering for PS are Boma, Liberty Tree, Whispering Canyon, Biergarten, and Hollywood & Vine. Any opinions on these would be greatly welcomed, as we have never been to any of these…

Thanks,
Kyle

The Biergarten is fun with the Oktoberfest atmosphere and the food is an all you can eat buffet of German delights. We loved Liberty Tree Character dinner, another all you can eat family style meal. Have only done Hollywood & Vine for breakfast when they used to have Minnie Starlet character breakfast. We sure miss that breakfast, great character time, good food and not overly crowded.

 

[ClemsonTigger]

Also (kinda senseless question), should I call the earliest I can to make the PS for each restaurant or wait a while?

IMHO you should be fine at those even a week before (or even first thing the morning of). For you piece of mind, go ahead and make them when you have your schedule set, then you don't have to worry about it!

Occasionally, if you are making reservations real early, they may tell you it's booked, as it seems they release "blocks" over time. If that happens, just call back later.

 

[New2WDW]

Congratulations!

Hey Wildman113, congratulations on the college breakout! So were is it that they are kicking you out?

As for restaurants the only one I have been to is the Liberty Tree for Lunch. I believe it opens at 11:30 am and I would definitely get priority seating. Dinner is in fact a character dinner buffet style.

My family eats at Liberty Tree every time we go down to Disney! Have fun!

 

[Wildman113]

Hey, I'm graduating May 7 from University of Montevallo (cue "Hallelujah Chorus") in Montevallo, Alabama. It's a small liberal arts school outside of Birmingham. I'll graduate with a BBA in Management.

*NOTE: As of right now I don't know of my plans immediately following (as far as a job). If you would like to assist in that endeavor, I would be more than glad to let you.

We have definitely made plans to eat at Liberty Tree; dinner is sounding good, as it is their only "all-you-can-eat" meal. I'm also considering Crystal Palace to add to the aforementioned list.

 

[tigsmom]

I've been to the Whispering Canyon Cafe in the WL for all three meals. IMHO breakfast is the best. Get the all you care to eat skillet and you'll be full for the rest of the day. Lunch and dinner are good, but not my favorites. The only time we have ever needed PS was when we were a large group of 9.

We did the Liberty Tree Tavern's Character dinner last July... the food was excellent and it was nice to see the characters in Colonial garb, just something different. We enjoyed the beef brisket so much I now make it at home. :slurp: Again we didn't have PS, but just had to wait 10 minutes.
We usually make our PS the evening before.

I haven't been to the other restaurants, but if you are near Moracco around lunch time I would give Restaurant Marrakesh a try. They usually have a Chef's special at lunch and the food is very good. Not to mention the belly dancer. :lookaroun

 

[shoppingnut]

I graduate from college on May 7, the day before the trip starts (May 8).


If you plan on eating anywhere on Sunday, May 8 in disney, I think you should make your PS as soon as possible. May 8 is Mother's Day!! I've been to the Whispering Canyon, Crystal Palace and Boma's for breakfast and enjoyed all of them very much. You can't go wrong with any one of those. I don't know if anyone else has this problem, but everytime we go down to Disney there are so many good restaurants to eat in, that it becomes a tough choice in sometimes picking one over the other.

 

[wdwfan22]

Since EPCOT Future World and World Showcase operate on different hours, does anyone know how the Extra Magic Hours apply? For example, while I am there in April FW is 9to7 and WS is 11 to 9. How does an early opening work? 8 for FW and 10 for WS? How about evening extra magic hours?

From my understanding on nights when the evening Extra Magic Hours are offered, those attractions in Future World that are included in the offerings will operate for all guests until 9pm. After 9pm they will remain open the additional three hours for resort guests. Hope that helps.

 

[Disneytripper]

Congrats on the college graduation!! My wife and I have eaten at Liberty Tree twice in the last eight months. We absolutely love the place and will eat there every time we go back (March for me). We took our 4 yr. old son to the character dinner at Crystal Palace in October. Now, I believe it is a nice place but I, personally, wasn't impressed with the buffet and that place is crowded. We had priority seats but still had to wait almost an hour to be seated. I actually had to take my son outside to see the fireworks before we even finished our meals because of the time. He loved it so I'll go back for him but the place probably will not be high on my personal list of WDW restaurants.

As for the extra hour, my wife and I got to try it in June (when you had to pay extra) and loved it. Less crowds, cooler temps; we rode several rides 2 or even 3 times. I'm going to use it again when I go in March so I can tell you more when I get back.

Good luck on your last semester!

Disneytripper

 

[Wildman113]

Thanks for the congrats! Those have been some of my concerns (crowding, etc) concerning the Crystal Palace, as it is one of their more popular places.