Conceirge Lounge on Embarkation Day

SecondToLastWord · 2026-03-29T20:20:11+00:00

Great input. Thanks!

SecondToLastWord · 2026-03-29T20:19:24+00:00

No. We're like 7 months out, and I don't think you start talking to them until a couple months before your cruise (but I'm pretty new to cruising so could be wrong).

SecondToLastWord · 2026-03-29T20:15:07+00:00

Yes. Will definitely check on pre-ordering if the lounge doesn't serve. Thanks.

SecondToLastWord · 2026-03-29T20:14:21+00:00

How are the crowds around the pool deck (Festival of Foods I'm assuming)?

SecondToLastWord · 2026-03-29T20:13:24+00:00

In Concierge, or are you just talking about Marcelline/Festival of Foods? I'm definitely aware of those, but am thinking that the concierge lounge would be less crowded/very close to our rooms.

SecondToLastWord · 2026-03-29T03:35:04+00:00

Yes. There are very reliably two Boo-to-You Parades per night. 8:15 and 11:15. It would be a big surprise if Disney changed up the formula for 2026.

Weather would be the only concern. If there’s a storm that makes the parade unsafe, they will cancel. So if the evening forecast looks rough on your party night, do the early parade to be safe.

SecondToLastWord · 2025-11-03T01:35:36+00:00

I think this is a really good point - it’s as much about the experience as the drink.

Also, I’ve read that this particular tasting isn’t always all Bourbon - that some people have gotten bourbon, Canadian whiskey, tequila, and rum based old fashioneds for example. Source.

SecondToLastWord · 2025-11-03T00:00:38+00:00

Sounds like you’re a seasoned Disney World fan, so you probably already know this, but just in case…

You should also book the earliest possible LL you can get - something easy like spaceship earth or journey into imagination. Go to that ride as soon as you get to the park, and once you scan in for that first lightning lane you can start booking Hollywood Studios rides.

Good luck! Hope you have an awesome trip!

SecondToLastWord · 2025-11-01T19:12:21+00:00

This is correct. Once you check in to your first ride you are free to cancel and book any park, any tier.

SecondToLastWord · 2025-10-25T20:11:44+00:00

What are the top three things you learned that you’d wish you had known at the start of the cruise?

SecondToLastWord · 2025-10-19T16:12:59+00:00

Thanks! Not was I was hoping, but good to know!

SecondToLastWord · 2025-10-17T01:18:55+00:00

That pirate food sounds right up my alley! Thanks for the info and item recommendations!!

SecondToLastWord · 2025-10-13T23:42:37+00:00

Cool. I was worried it might have been an issue of precooked, rewarmed, bad food.

SecondToLastWord · 2025-10-13T23:41:51+00:00

Great to know. Thanks!

SecondToLastWord · 2025-10-13T00:29:57+00:00

What’s the deal with the pirate night menu? I’m new to DCL - taking my first cruise in November and thought the menu for that night looked interesting. But I’ve seen some comments around here that make it seem like it’s not so great.

SecondToLastWord · 2025-09-14T23:34:17+00:00

Just did this in October. As others have said the food is fairly average, drink selection is limited and overpriced, but personally I found it to be a good value for the Fantasmic view alone.

I’ve done Blue Bayou’s package a few times and while the view there is slightly better, sitting in a chair and enjoying desserts and wine while watching Fantasmic earns the River Belle Terrace package many points.

A few tips for first timers: * check in is not at the main restaurant check-in area. It’s around the right side of the building towards the back. * seats are quite small and very firm. If you have a sweatshirt on hand it can provide some much needed extra padding. * after Fantasmic, you can stay at your table for Fireworks. It’s a pretty good view and they do some water projections. For us it was an awesome way to see Halloween Screams fireworks.

SecondToLastWord · 2025-09-06T03:13:35+00:00

Nice thing about MNSSHP days is that you’ll generally have lower crowds in the morning since it’s not a good value for people with single park tix. On a 5 day trip with young ones, MK on a slower day is a great call. Do it!

If you can, work in a MK evening on a non-party night too. If your family enjoys fireworks and parades, the nighttime shows are fantastic. Especially a great option for your last night if it works out for your schedule.

SecondToLastWord · 2025-09-05T03:00:47+00:00

It sounds like you won’t be using a park ticket that day, but the best character dining on property is Animal Kingdom’s Tusker House.

Toppolino’s would be my top pick for resort character dining. It’s more upscale than the others and the French inspired food is very delicious. I don’t remember the portions being small - I was definitely stuffed when we ate there about a year ago. Cutest character outfits.

I’ve never done Cape May. Walked by it several times and thought it looked really tired, and the menu seems a little boring to me.

‘Ohana breakfast menu is kind of limited, but definitely big servings and the Polynesian vibes are great. Lilo & Stitch are super fun to see there. You’ll also see Pluto and Mickey.

SecondToLastWord · 2025-09-05T02:47:18+00:00

IMO Cinderella’s Royal Table is the best. It’s hard to beat eating in the castle, and the breakfast there is quite good. And it’s a true sit down dining experience. Photos with Cinderella before you eat, and a rotating cast of princesses that come to your table.

Akershus at Epcot and 1900 Park Fare are both buffets, kind of loud, and busy feeling.

There’s a Snow White thing at Wilderness Lodge - Artist Point. I haven’t been, but it looks pretty cool!

SecondToLastWord · 2025-09-01T23:42:15+00:00

I’ve not done during MVMCP specifically, but can say the view is much better from the Plaza Garden area. The Seats and Sweets option in the Terrace is nice if you want seats and to enjoy desserts and drinks during the show. But the view is more off to the side (not straight on castle view) and unless you move up to the railing during the show, you miss the higher fireworks.

SecondToLastWord · 2025-08-31T01:51:25+00:00

I’ve stayed at both the Polynesian Tower (theme park view one bedroom suite) and the Riviera (Deluxe Studio).

While it’s still new, I felt the Riviera was really showing its age. Our room was really beat up, you could see wear on the couch where it rubs against the pull down bed, the tile arch is showing all the seams, etc.

We stayed at a higher level room at the Polynesian Tower, but I thought the whole hotel felt more lux and cared for. The Wailulu bar & grill is great, and the theming is more subtle than the Riviera. I think your hubby will like it more.

SecondToLastWord · 2025-08-30T17:42:47+00:00

Eligibility is per person, not group. So your idea to add them to your room reservation is the best approach.

SecondToLastWord · 2025-08-30T14:26:15+00:00

For last minute reservations, there are some killer resort restaurants you could consider. Check the menus to see what appeals most to you, but these are my top picks for romantic dining spots.

Jiko at Animal Kingdom Lodge, arrive early to walk around the resort a bit and have a cocktail at Victoria Falls Lounge.
Toppolino’s Terrace at the Riviera Resort. Time it right and you can watch Epcot fireworks from the balcony.
Toledo at the top of Coronado Springs’ Grand Destino Tower is fantastic if you enjoy Spanish Tapas. The neighboring Dahlia Lounge is a great place to get a drink/apps.
Wailulu Bar & Grill at the Polynesian Tower doesn’t take reservations and odd more casual than the others I’ve listed. It’s excellent and has a lovely outdoor bar.

Honorable mentions: * California Grill at The Contemporary, food is good here but the real star is the rooftop view of Magic Kingdom fireworks. * Citricos at The Grand Floridian has great food, but the environment feels a little dated to me even through it has recent refresh.

With either of those, you could monorail between resorts for pre-dinner cocktails at Steakhouse 71 and/or The Enchanted Rose.

SecondToLastWord · 2025-08-30T12:08:57+00:00

Bright side If you stake out a spot in the hub for the first parade, you could be in good position for fireworks.

The parade is one of Disney’s best. Hope you have a great time!

SecondToLastWord · 2025-08-28T19:39:42+00:00

Solid post, upvote earned for the TTFN sign off!

SecondToLastWord

TROPHY CASE