[skwak]

We had PS for 11:45 lunch at CP during our recent trip. It was a mob. We walked up and there were 100 people mobbing the porch. You couldn't even tell where to check in.

I was very disappointed. Didn't even check in, just walked away. It was the 1st time that I had ever been disappointed with a PS reservation.

[Willbegone]

I agree they need a new check in system but we LOVE CP! We've been twice and the first time I was a little shocked by the number people on the porch but I got my beeper and we were actually the first family let in for lunch BOTH times we've been.

[Dana]

I have found that if you get a nice morning PS for breakfast, it runs very smoothly. Because it's one of the few places that has characters for lunch, it tends to be crowded then, os I avoid it.

[PrincessJill]

When I went to CP for my birthday, we went for lunch and we had the same problem - crazy amount of people out front! But once we got inside, it really wasn't that bad. The tables were filled, but getting food and seeing the characters was no problem. But yes... the angry mob out front is a little discouraging.

[RBLA-Moss]

Should I be concerned that I have 4PM PS on 12/7--before we go to MVMCP? I'm stressing, I know. We have never done CP before and thought it would be fun for the kids. Also hoping we can enjoy dinner and manage to not have to leave the park before the party starts. Help! Some reassurance--please!

[DisneyTeacher]

I have never been to CP but we always walk by there on our way to the Plaza Restaurant and we have noticed the mob out front. I always wondered about how smooth the PSs go because I don't see a crowd like that at other WDW restaurants. I have thought about trying CP for a change in our usual character meal but I don't know if I want to fight that crowd.

[Dana]

Originally Posted by RBLA-Moss

Should I be concerned that I have 4PM PS on 12/7--before we go to MVMCP? I'm stressing, I know. We have never done CP before and thought it would be fun for the kids. Also hoping we can enjoy dinner and manage to not have to leave the park before the party starts. Help! Some reassurance--please!

At 4pm the lunch crowds is done and it's very early for dinner. I think you have the ideal time actually. It will be fine...no need to stress. Get to your PS 15minuted early to check in and you shouldn't have to wait to long. It will be fine.

[tinkerbell]

there is very often a crowd at CP out front, but what I have noticed ...is often they are their waiting for the parade or fireworks. I have seldom had any problems getting same day PS for CP or even getting a walk up. Often I have had to make my way through to let them know we were there for our PS ..and then given a pager ( this happens at Sci-fi too) that will go off when they have our table ready. I do have to say ..that I have waited less time when we have been "walk-ups" then I have when we had a PS. I dont know why that is though.

[lawwin]

I wouldn't let the crowd at CP throw me off from going there. There was a good size crowd out front when we went there last year with a PS for dinner, but we went up to the podium and gave them our name and were handed a beeper and waited about ten minutes before it went off. Then we were inside while the mob was still waiting outside on the porch.

If I have a PS, I don't think I would let the size of the crowd sway whether or not I stayed. The same situation came up this year at CRT for lunch and all of those people were waiting to get PSes and we already had ours, if we had walked away we would have missed a delicious lunch with a window view and I always love to eat in the castle. I would recommend never letting a crowd daunt you if you have a PS. Simply wait in line or walk up to podium and let them know that you have a PS and you would like to know if you are in the right line and they will help you. Usually they will go ahead and take your name and hand you a beeper, and you are as good as in.

[GrumpyDad]

We went for Thanksgiving dinner this last trip and showed up about 20 minutes early ( I'm one of those people ). Anyhow the porch was mobbed, but we were called in less then 10 minutes after we arrived. Once inside there was plenty of room for everyone and seeing as how Pooh and company are our families favorite we had an absolute blast.

Don't stress - enjoy!
-harry

[VTSFY]

Originally Posted by PrincessJill

When I went to CP for my birthday, we went for lunch and we had the same problem - crazy amount of people out front! But once we got inside, it really wasn't that bad. The tables were filled, but getting food and seeing the characters was no problem. But yes... the angry mob out front is a little discouraging.

Yeah, but be careful if you get a winnow seat. People's faces will be pressed into the windows - children and adults too! - staring at the interior... AND YOUR FOOD!

[tinkerbell]

Originally Posted by VTSFY

Yeah, but be careful if you get a winnow seat. People's faces will be pressed into the windows - children and adults too! - staring at the interior... AND YOUR FOOD!

lol yes .. having people staring at you while your trying to eat is almost as funny as having the waiter sing to your sister, isnt it *grin* but remember that one little boy, that had his face right up againest the window starring at us and our food then his mom started doing it too!!!

[KentB3]

Originally Posted by tinkerbell

lol yes .. having people staring at you while your trying to eat is almost as funny as having the waiter sing to your sister, isnt it *grin* but remember that one little boy, that had his face right up againest the window starring at us and our food then his mom started doing it too!!!

ROTLMFAO LOLOL!!!!! I bet THAT was quite a sight!!!

[KentB3]

Although it has already been established that 11:30-12noon was EXTREMELY crowded on the front porch, what are the best times at various meals for avoiding these crowds at Crystal Palace? Anyone have a clue?

[tinkerbell]

Originally Posted by KentB3

Although it has already been established that 11:30-12noon was EXTREMELY crowded on the front porch, what are the best times at various meals for avoiding these crowds at Crystal Palace? Anyone have a clue?

Breakfast is always a good time..but we have had the best and least crowded dinners there after 8 pm .. and I mean walk up and be seated meals .. no PS.