[LURK]

Tell me what’s wrong with this picture. I know it’s commando, but we really want to do all this on our arrival day. We’ll slow down after the 1st day.

And I realize if we fall behind schedule, we can take a taxi from POP to Poly (what, 15 minutes maybe? $15 or $20?), but would like to have a “PLAN A” without a taxi.

Main goal here is to determine a time to set ADR for ‘Ohana. Currently I’m thinking 7:45. Is there a better time to change to and still get it all in? Tell me specifically where I’m cutting myself short on time and being unrealistic.

I understand this is a tight squeeze, and more commando than most of you would recommend. But IF I’m set on doing it, I could sure use the help of everyone’s experience here.

And don’t feel bad raining on my “parade”. I’d like to think I’m tough-skinned, and don’t hold grudges. If your experience tells you part of this is unrealistic, I need to hear it. I know I have lots of issues and questions, but even if you can answer just one, it’ll help! All facts and opinions are welcome.

TIA

(all times are P.M. unless otherwise noted)
4:35 Arrive @ MCO(1). Magic Express to POP.
6:00 Check-in @ POP.
6:30 BUS to MK(2). Monorail to Poly(3).
7:45 ‘Ohana(4)(5)(6).
9:00 View Water Parade from Poly Beach(7).
9:30 View MVMCP fireworks from Poly Beach(8).
9:45 Boat to MK(2)(9)(10). BUS to POP.
11:00 Get to sleep(11).

(1) Direct flight. No connection.
(2) Taxi is an option if running late (Plan B).
(3) Would Boat from MK get us to Poly faster than Monorail?
(4) If the prior times on my schedule are achievable, we could arrive at 7:30 for the 7:45 ADR. From what I experienced in ’04, and what I’ve read about ‘Ohana recently, it’s possible we wouldn’t get seated for at least 30 minutes after arrival, which puts us being seated at 8:00. Does that give us time to eat and get down to the beach for the water parade? If not, how much less is the experience if we watch the parade from ‘Ohana?
(5) Should we make the ADR at 7:30, to be sure we see the water parade from the beach? Or even earlier than 7:30, and just commit up front to needing a taxi? (Is it even worth taxi fare in order to ensure seeing the water parade from the beach? Am I obsessing? It’s just that we had to change plans and missed it last trip, and were hoping we could work it in this time, since next trip is 9 years away.)
(6) What if we are delayed and don’t arrive at ‘Ohana until 8:00 (15 minutes late)? Would they still seat us?
(7) If MVMCP fireworks are at 9:30, can I assume the water parade would be at 9:00? If it’s not until after fireworks, we could make our ‘Ohana ADR 30 minutes later, giving us more time and less rush to get there.
(8) I’ve read on here that MVMCP fireworks start at 9:30 (SG being the most vocal). Has anyone’s experience been different?
(9) Rather than boat to MK AFTER fireworks, should we consider DURING? Is the view better or worse? Do they even run boats during fireworks?
(10) Is monorail a better option than boat from Poly to MK in this case?
(11) Breakfast at POP foodcourt at 7:00 a.m. next morning in order to make MK rope drop at 9:00 a.m. (I know, short night for DD’s 12 & 9 They’re used to 9 hours sleep. We’ll do better as the week goes on).

[tonyksl]

Is this during the between Christmas and New Years? If not, the schedule looks doable. O'hana's will not be so packed that you wouldn't get a seat if you were 15 minutes late. The time should be about the same whether you take the boat or the monorail back to the MK for the buses. The benefit of taking the boats is that it will require less walking. MVMCP will be in full swing by that time and neither mode of transportation will be an issue. If you are going during the Christmas to New Years break, you don't want to be late for your ADR.

[LURK]

Originally Posted by tonyksl

Is this during the between Christmas and New Years?

Friday before Thanksgiving.

[chappell333]

That looks perfect to me. If that is what you want to do, go for it, we have kept schedules like that before, the only problem I see is you are assuming that every thing will go smooth with check in.

[emamasa]

ok, to continue with this thought - we have adr's at ohanna for 6:35 - is that too early to see the waterparade and wishes (park closes at 8 that night)? (in september)

I am so glad you asked about this LURK - it's been on my mind as well!

[LURK]

Originally Posted by emamasa

ok, to continue with this thought - we have adr's at ohanna for 6:35 - is that too early to see the waterparade and wishes (park closes at 8 that night)? (in september)

I am so glad you asked about this LURK - it's been on my mind as well!

I know from the blurb allearsnet has, and from posts here, that the water parade usually begins at 9:00 p.m year-round, except when fireworks are at 9:00, and then it begins immediately after fireworks.

You can check the Disney calendar for September and see the fireworks time. My guess is it would be at park close, since it's 8:00.

[bali]

Never hurts to try. I've definitely pulled stuff like this off before. Just remember, it's only a few fireworks and some parade floats. If something goes awry and you end up kicking back with your family somewhere else for the night, that can be just as fulfilling! :)

[tonyksl]

If you have to give up anything, the water parade is the thing to give up.

[cinderbella]

I have always had to wait at least 10-30 minutes for my table at Ohana's.
The good thing is if you do have to wait go ahead and ask if you can wait for a table by the window (since you are waiting anyway) and then you will be able to see the water parade and Wishes from the restaurant. Usually they pipe the Wishes music into the restaurant.

[Erin]

I think the time you have is fine, and even if you aren't done eating, you can still see it from inside 'Ohana.

I think it's faster to take the monorail to the Poly. The cab cost us no more than 20, but I think it was 16.

[LURK]

Wow! You guys are easing my mind a little. Thanks for the advice and encouragement!

[tinkerbelle24]

WOW! Thats alot to take in. I hope that it all pans out for ya!

[Soundgod]

Pssst, don't spread this around too much but, most nights they have the Christmas party, Wishes is also performed at regular park closing at 6:30-7 PM depending on how early the sun sets. Holiday Wishes is at 9:30, or a bit later, depending on how the early parade ran, though they could change the performance time to 9:45 like the Pirate and Princess Party fireworks show. You should be able to do everything on schedule, just be prepared to drop and go after check-in and if things look dicey, strongly consider the taxi from Pop to Poly. Pop doesn't share buses, and there could well be enhanced service to MK at that time just because MK is closing and reopening for the party. Again, the choice of boat over mono is going to be yours on the spot. It's not direct, it stops at the Grand Floridian first. The boat back to MK is probably faster than the monorail as it's non-stop. The water parade is independent of anything inside the park, probably because it is for the resort guests as much as anything else and it's just cute, not a MUST SEE kind of thing, but pretty much runs on the same schedule night to night. They'll automatically hold your reservation for 15 minutes, but depending on your situation and the CM, they can be more leinient if the inspiration strikes them.

[bribren]

You asked for all opinions, right? Personally, I think this is too much. You will end up ruining your O'Hana dinner, growing more nervous as the time stretches out.

It took me about an hour to check into POP (although it was an odd hour). I did take a taxi to WL from POP though.

Also, your kids will want to enjoy the resort, not zoom away cause the Parent has an agenda. Who's trip is this for? Id go another night so you can stop and smell the roses at each step. Its taken me alot of trips to realize (for myself at least) that Id rather do 10 things well than 20 rushed.

[Dana]

The only possible snag in this plan is the arrival time at POP via ME. I still think you should make it just fine....take the taxi from pop...yes, it's about $15 and will take you about 15minutes...no biggie. I use cabs all the time to go to another resort for a meal. It will be a tiring day, but so magical. GO for it!