Going from Citrico's Dinner to Pirates and Pals

[DebbieG3]

I am planning my first-time trip to WDW in October. My travel agent made me dinner reservations for 6:45 pm at Citrico's at the Grand Floridian. Because my hubby and I aren't big on crowds, but want to see the fireworks, we booked a Pirates & Pals Fireworks cruise (even though it's geared for kids). We're to meet in the main lobby of the Contemporary Hotel @ 8:30 pm for the fireworks cruise. Is this a realistic time line? I have no idea how long it would take to get from one resort to another.

 

[MichWolv]

Travelling from one resort to the other will be quick, as they are both on the monorail. Whether this timeline is doable or not will depend on how smoothly dinner goes. If everything drags out (takes 10 minutes to get your table ready, somebody orders something that take a little longer to cook, you want dessert and coffee, etc.), you'll have trouble making your 8:30 cruise. But otherwise, you should be OK.

If it were me, I'd make dinner a bit earlier (6:30, for example), just to give a little more breathing room, although it's probably not necessary. Worst thing that would happen is you have a bit of time to look around the Contemporary before meeting for your fireworks cruise.

Enjoy your first trip!

 

[wdwmagic]

I am planning my first-time trip to WDW in October. My travel agent made me dinner reservations for 6:45 pm at Citrico's at the Grand Floridian. Because my hubby and I aren't big on crowds, but want to see the fireworks, we booked a Pirates & Pals Fireworks cruise (even though it's geared for kids). We're to meet in the main lobby of the Contemporary Hotel @ 8:30 pm for the fireworks cruise. Is this a realistic time line? I have no idea how long it would take to get from one resort to another.

I would say it is tight.

Assuming a 6:45pm reservation, you might not be actually seated until 7pm (give or take). Signature dining typically takes close to 2 hours, depending on your pace. Then allow 15 minutes at least, to get to Contemporary, more likely 30 mins, including potential for waiting for the monorail, and walking to and from.

 

[DebbieG3]

Travelling from one resort to the other will be quick, as they are both on the monorail. Whether this timeline is doable or not will depend on how smoothly dinner goes. If everything drags out (takes 10 minutes to get your table ready, somebody orders something that take a little longer to cook, you want dessert and coffee, etc.), you'll have trouble making your 8:30 cruise. But otherwise, you should be OK.

If it were me, I'd make dinner a bit earlier (6:30, for example), just to give a little more breathing room, although it's probably not necessary. Worst thing that would happen is you have a bit of time to look around the Contemporary before meeting for your fireworks cruise.

Enjoy your first trip!

Thanks!

I would say it is tight.

Assuming a 6:45pm reservation, you might not be actually seated until 7pm (give or take). Signature dining typically takes close to 2 hours, depending on your pace. Then allow 15 minutes at least, to get to Contemporary, more likely 30 mins, including potential for waiting for the monorail, and walking to and from.

Hmm. I'll see if I can book Citrico's a bit earlier. Thanks.

 

[DebbieG3]

I was able to reserve 5:35 pm, a bit earlier than I had hoped, but it will likely allow for more relaxation. Thanks!

 

[DisneyDaver]

A 5:35 res at Citrico's should work for your plan.

That said, after reading this post and your other post about an AK morning tour followed shortly thereafter by a fast pass at Spaceship Earth, I would caution you that WDW is a very big place with lots to do and a person can spend a lot of time traveling between locations. It's ok to have a couple of these "rushing between location" things planned, but don't plan too many of them or you will add unnecessary stress to your trip. You will never be able to do everything in 4 days, but it is plenty of time to enjoy many of the amazing attractions, tours, restaurants and shows at WDW.

When my wife and I want a fireworks night away from the crowds, we have dinner at the California Grill at the Contemporary and watch the fireworks from the California Grill outdoor observation deck. That way we can have a very relaxing dinner and still catch the fireworks with a smaller crowd.

 

[DebbieG3]

A 5:35 res at Citrico's should work for your plan.

That said, after reading this post and your other post about an AK morning tour followed shortly thereafter by a fast pass at Spaceship Earth, I would caution you that WDW is a very big place with lots to do and a person can spend a lot of time traveling between locations. It's ok to have a couple of these "rushing between location" things planned, but don't plan too many of them or you will add unnecessary stress to your trip. You will never be able to do everything in 4 days, but it is plenty of time to enjoy many of the amazing attractions, tours, restaurants and shows at WDW.

When my wife and I want a fireworks night away from the crowds, we have dinner at the California Grill at the Contemporary and watch the fireworks from the California Grill outdoor observation deck. That way we can have a very relaxing dinner and still catch the fireworks with a smaller crowd.

Thanks! I will take a good look at my plans and maximize the time between locations, as well as minimize the number of transitions. My job is very stressful, WDW is supposed to be time away from that!

I had read about the California Grill, but by the time I found out I would be in Orlando for work and that my husband could also get the time off to join me, I was unable to make the California Grill ADR at a desirable time.

 

[wdwmagic]

I was able to reserve 5:35 pm, a bit earlier than I had hoped, but it will likely allow for more relaxation. Thanks!

That should work great!

 

[danyoung56]

I had read about the California Grill, but by the time I found out I would be in Orlando for work and that my husband could also get the time off to join me, I was unable to make the California Grill ADR at a desirable time.

You might want to consider something I discovered a couple years ago. Head up to the California Grill WITHOUT an ADR about 2 hours before fireworks time, and sit at the bar. You can enjoy a drink, and then order from the full menu. That way you can enjoy the CG and the fireworks without having to book it 6 months in advance. Works every time!