taking my family for the first time

[Zazu]

Keep an eye out for Streetmosphere and acts that pop up around WDW. You never know unless you know where to get the infor where you might end up chatting with a princess or watching an ethnic dance group.

And for those who don't know where to get the info, it's online at Steve Soares' Walt Disney World Entertainment web site. It's so good we use it behind the counter at City Hall and the Concierge desks. More data is listed there than in the four best official sources, don't know how he does it.

[Big Wallaby]

The 30 minute quote is what we use at the Big Toaster because it includes the worst-case wait time. This certainly understates the normal speed of the operation, but we're concerned that guests with a dining reservation not miss it, thus the worst-case time is used.

If you honestly think the worst-case time is really shorter than that, let me know and I'll see if I can get our spiel adjusted.

Worst case, including a break down and towing could literally be an hour or three. It should never be half an hour, but then it is the morning crew. :p:

Interesting change. When trained as a park greeter, we were told they weren't allowed. Glad to see some rationality has crept into the system.

Every once in a while. For a while they were allowing 5 in the front cab based on driver's discretion. Finally, someone complained because it didn't happen for them and they then watched someone else get it. I say... FINALLY! Sorry, but some rules are there for a GOOD reason.

No beating is called for.

Dammit.

Do please continue to let me know whenever my pontifications are in error.

Absolutely!

[hobie16]

I'll second that "break".

The first time we took all three kids to DL my wife and I were going to take an afternoon break too. The kids wouldn't hear of it. They went a solid 16 hours and were ready for more.

It was lucky for me we flew down from the Bay Area because, after three days, I was in no shape to drive home.

[jerlove]

Delsdad,

Thanks for the afternoon break tip. I was wondering when we would find time to enjoy the actual resort. Our first day at MK starts with a 7am character breakfast and ends with an ADR at 8pm..... Very long day even for mom and dad, let alone the kids.

There was one place we wanted to eat at over at the poly resort but have not been able to get an ADR before 9pm what are the odds of just showing up and being able to get in? Do they have tables for walk ups?

[BRWombat]

No beating is called for.

Dammit.

Once again, please leave your personal life out of it. :D:

[Zazu]

There was one place we wanted to eat at over at the poly resort but have not been able to get an ADR before 9pm what are the odds of just showing up and being able to get in? Do they have tables for walk ups?

Depends which place you mean.

Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show? Not a chance.
Kona Cafe? Very likely; low key staff there will feed anybody they can.
Ohana? Not too likely, but if you're willing to stick around for an hour or two you might catch a table from some no-show.

Advice: Most hotels keep a few tables set aside for hotel guests. If you go to the Lobby Concierge of the Polynesian and ask, you may be able to grab one of these tables. But go on day 1, as those tables can sell out, and the all fall back into the general pool the day of.

[jerlove]

Ohana thats the one..... Looks like a great fun place put obviously everyone else agrees as it was the only ADR I could not get at a resonable time.

But hey I can't complain I was able to get ADR's for all of the character meals and I have to say the people I spoke to on the phone at reservations where exceptonal. I work in the service industry and experience many of the same types of "guests" as you folks at disney but I wish even just half of my employees had the same passion for customers or in Disney speak "show" as all of the wonderfull CM's I have talked to on the phone and here on this board.

Sure there are a few bad ones here and there as I have read on this board but so far Disney CM's are batting 100 in my books. Hats off to all of the CM's I have dealt with so far. Thanks

Also can not forget the wonderful regular guests who have also provided tips for me on this site.