Plaza Inn Dining Package MSEP reviews?

Did the dining package last night which was a Saturday. Food was good. We always eat at Plaza Inn so new what to expect. Too much food for sure and we couldn’t finish. When we paid they gave us our ticket for the viewing area and a souvenir lanyard that they had us wear while in the viewing area. The viewing area was across from the train station. At the restaurant they told us it would open at 8. However when we walked by at 7:30 it was already open. I can’t say for sure what time it open exactly but when we went in at about 730 the curb seating first row was already taken but the second row was entirely available. Since we had an hour wait I put down a towel and sat on the ground and then stood up when the parade started and since the people in front of us were sitting it was like having a front row seat. There was only one “row” Of people behind me and it’s not like it was a full row. I had room. At least 20 minutes before the parade started, over the speakers they made an announcement that parade viewing for this performance was full. Which isn’t surprising on a Saturday night. We were still in the park for the 2nd viewing and though it looked packed, a cast member asked us if we needed a spot, which we did not as we were heading to a ride but I thanked him and was grateful!

So technically we still waited in our spot an hour before parade time. But the non reserved spots were staked out probably an hour earlier. And by that time I was good with sitting for an hour! The CMs let you in and out of the area to buy food or use the bathroom. Everyone was really friendly and we had a great time.
 

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Did the dining package last night which was a Saturday. Food was good. We always eat at Plaza Inn so new what to expect. Too much food for sure and we couldn’t finish. When we paid they gave us our ticket for the viewing area and a souvenir lanyard that they had us wear while in the viewing area. The viewing area was across from the train station. At the restaurant they told us it would open at 8. However when we walked by at 7:30 it was already open. I can’t say for sure what time it open exactly but when we went in at about 730 the curb seating first row was already taken but the second row was entirely available. Since we had an hour wait I put down a towel and sat on the ground and then stood up when the parade started and since the people in front of us were sitting it was like having a front row seat. There was only one “row” Of people behind me and it’s not like it was a full row. I had room. At least 20 minutes before the parade started, over the speakers they made an announcement that parade viewing for this performance was full. Which isn’t surprising on a Saturday night. We were still in the park for the 2nd viewing and though it looked packed, a cast member asked us if we needed a spot, which we did not as we were heading to a ride but I thanked him and was grateful!

So technically we still waited in our spot an hour before parade time. But the non reserved spots were staked out probably an hour earlier. And by that time I was good with sitting for an hour! The CMs let you in and out of the area to buy food or use the bathroom. Everyone was really friendly and we had a great time.
I was worried it would be too much food. We usually split 2 chicken dinners between 3 people. I also saw on the website that the sides are mac and cheese and carrots. Not a fan of either. Can we sub for the traditional mashed potatoes and green beans?

So do you think, based on your experience, 7pm would be a good time to show up for curb seating?
 
Did the dining package last night which was a Saturday. Food was good. We always eat at Plaza Inn so new what to expect. Too much food for sure and we couldn’t finish. When we paid they gave us our ticket for the viewing area and a souvenir lanyard that they had us wear while in the viewing area. The viewing area was across from the train station. At the restaurant they told us it would open at 8. However when we walked by at 7:30 it was already open. I can’t say for sure what time it open exactly but when we went in at about 730 the curb seating first row was already taken but the second row was entirely available. Since we had an hour wait I put down a towel and sat on the ground and then stood up when the parade started and since the people in front of us were sitting it was like having a front row seat. There was only one “row” Of people behind me and it’s not like it was a full row. I had room. At least 20 minutes before the parade started, over the speakers they made an announcement that parade viewing for this performance was full. Which isn’t surprising on a Saturday night. We were still in the park for the 2nd viewing and though it looked packed, a cast member asked us if we needed a spot, which we did not as we were heading to a ride but I thanked him and was grateful!

So technically we still waited in our spot an hour before parade time. But the non reserved spots were staked out probably an hour earlier. And by that time I was good with sitting for an hour! The CMs let you in and out of the area to buy food or use the bathroom. Everyone was really friendly and we had a great time.
Do you think it would be possible to get a decent spot showing up 30 minutes or less from the start of the parade? Part of why I like the idea of reserved parade viewing is so we don't have to wait so long. With my back issues I can't sit on the sidewalk to wait and standing would be pretty uncomfortable, too.
 
Do you think it would be possible to get a decent spot showing up 30 minutes or less from the start of the parade? Part of why I like the idea of reserved parade viewing is so we don't have to wait so long. With my back issues I can't sit on the sidewalk to wait and standing would be pretty uncomfortable, too.
I agree with this. What's the point of the reservation and the stated return time if they are going to let people in at 7:30.
 
I agree with this. What's the point of the reservation and the stated return time if they are going to let people in at 7:30.
Seriously. They should not open the area more than 15 minutes before the parade time to be honest. The 8:30 parade starts at Small World anyway. It doesn't get to Town Square until close to 8:50. The perk of the dining package should be show up at the last minute and get a great spot, not sit on the concrete for almost 90 minutes. You can do that for free.
 

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