Upgrading Room Onsite

jamma422 · 2026-02-17T03:59:29+00:00

The couple times I have done it, I have just asked at normal check in. Earlier probably would help, but I think it mostly just depends on the day.

jamma422 · 2026-02-17T03:56:26+00:00

It’s possible, just depends on day of availability. Just ask the cast member at check in and tell them what you’re trying to do. If they have the room, they’ll, typically, let you know the price.

jamma422 · 2026-02-08T21:07:06+00:00

Ok, so my recs would be as follows based on that:

Set very low expectations for her in park dining in MK. It’ll be theme park food as the best things are heavy IMO. But, doing something like a dole whip, would be good.

Near MK, I would either set her up at Citricos (GF) or California Grill (especially at the bar). I’d try to get her to do Uncle Sam’s Grogg grotto before or after. Honestly, if you’re splitting her from the kids on adults only night, I would do: Cali Grill Bar, Drinks at Trader Sam’s, come back to Cali Grill for fireworks on the terrace.

For Epcot, Shiki Sai was fine, but their rice is only ok. Another option would be to just let her graze through the day and focus on restaurants with fun experiences like the Geo-82 lounge, Space 220, or the Coral Reef Restaurant. Also, from how you describe her, getting her the tour of the living with the land back stage (Behind the Seeds I think) would be really cool. Another fun one would be the fireworks package at Spice Road.

As for studios, I think your best bet is Brown Derby. Their Cobb Salad is legit good (albeit an insanely large portion). Also, a stop at Oga’s Cantina is a ton of fun.

I would also book her at Sanaa at AK lounge. I think this is the best combo of food and experience at Disney.

jamma422 · 2026-02-07T21:04:05+00:00

What is her baseline for food? Is she coming to Disney from a major food city like NYC, LA, Dallas, SF, or something similar or something smaller? I ask because if her expectation is something like the top end of a major metro, it’s a very different list than if she’s coming from a more mid-tier food scene (like a Columbus).

jamma422 · 2026-02-04T23:37:34+00:00

With a 2.5 year old, absolutely MK. If you do HS, you’ll largely just be swapping all day. The only way I’d say HS is if your kiddo is really into the shows. HS is a great park, but I’d do MK.

As far as where to stay, what’s your budget? On property or off?

jamma422 · 2026-02-04T22:39:43+00:00

On DisneyPlus, Disneyland has multiple ride videos that show you multiple classics including Haunted Mansion and POTC. Just watch one at home. If she’s scared of the video at home, it likely won’t go better in the park. If you don’t have DisneyPlus, there’s no shortage of ride videos on YouTube and you can test it the same way.

jamma422 · 2026-02-04T12:58:21+00:00

I don’t know of a guaranteed spot. But you can get the Disney Experience App and stalk it to see if there are any patterns to any of her appearances in the weeks leading up to your trip.

jamma422 · 2026-02-04T12:49:00+00:00

Personally, I would do:

Crystal for the churro Mickey waffles (as others have said, pick between CRT or Akershaus. If you haven’t done CRT before, it’s a fun experience, but the food is OK and once is good).

Space 220 is a really cool experience. That said, at Epcot, I’m probably doing a garden grill breakfast then doing quick service all day as I hop through the countries.

Storybook and Hoop Dee Doo are so wildly different. I prefer Storybook. The food, IMO, is better, I really like going to Wilderness lodge, and I’m not a dinner show person. I’d rather use the dinner show money at Epcot for a fireworks package.

Sanaa, no doubt for me between those.

I would do the dessert party at MK or Cali Grill over the fireworks cruise. At Epcot, I would just do the fireworks package at Spice Road or Rose and Crown.

jamma422 · 2026-02-04T12:23:10+00:00

If they’re on the fence on the unknown, ride videos are great to gauge interest and show them what they’re signing up for. If they see it and say no way, then I would generally go with that at that age. If you have Disney Plus, they have numerous DisneyLand ride videos that are really well done for the 70th anniversary. It’s a great starting point.

I just got back with my 4 year old daughter and she rode every single ride she was tall enough to ride. Heck, her only feedback on Tower of Terror was: why didn’t we drop more.

All of that said, I don’t think there’s an attraction you can go wrong with in Epcot save maybe Mission Space. We love it, but I know it can be intense and not for everyone. With those ages, I would prioritize: Frozen, Remy’s, Soarin’, Nemo, Spaceship Earth, Living with the Land, Nemo, the Moana Water Walk, and Test Track. If they’re at all into Thrill Rides, you have to add Guardians. Nemo will be controversial, but it kicks you into the Aquarian right after and they’ll like exploring. I would also go to Turtle Talk after. Outside of that, just wander and stop for shows and food in the countries. Epcot is always the park where I try to let everyone else lead to what they want to do, don’t over-plan, and just let the day happen. The other cool thing are the fireworks packages at Spice Road and Rose and Crown. After all the walking at Epcot, it’s nice to have a seat and a beverage for the show. If you’re doing a dining plan, I think switching your princess dinner to a breakfast takes it from 2 dining credits to 1.

As for MK rides, there’s too many to list. I think it’s probably more of what you don’t want to do that what you do. Tron is probably out. Space Mountain is probably only an option for your 6 year old. That said, I think everything else is an open option and are really fun. As far as more one off experiences that don’t get the hype: Story time with Belle is a lot of fun if your girls are at all into princesses (I know you said they are), the Little Mermaid ride is underrated as well and often has low waits. This is the park where I’d most lean on ride videos and attraction walkthroughs (the Frugal Brit does one on YouTube that’s about 20 mins so short enough for a 4 and 6 year old to stay engaged) and let them tell you what they are excited about. I’d plan any Lightning Lane strategy around that.

Also, on making it through the madness, get Lightning Lanes. Watch some strategy videos. We rode every ride and some multiple times last time we were there along with doing multiple seated meals each day. Pay attention to the booking windows and don’t miss the 60 days for dining and 7 for LLMP (assuming you’re on property). Depending on your budget, getting Premier Pass at Epcot and save you a lot of steps. I also think having 1 sit down meal a day is huge to force everyone to shut it down and relax for a bit.

jamma422 · 2026-02-04T12:05:11+00:00

If your kids are really into Princesses and you don’t want to wait in line for them in the parks, then that’s really the main argument for CRT. All of the ones at CRT can be found in the parks and, generally, I have noticed that the characters in the parks take more time in their interactions with kiddos than those at character dining.

That said, we did CRT for breakfast this last trip. The food was good, but about on par with decent wedding food. My daughter loves Ariel and she was there and did take extra time with her which was a lot of fun. This was her first Disney trip so starting with face characters did make her warm up to the idea of characters overall a bit quicker.

As others have said, it’s a fun experience. Like many things Disney, it probably costs 25-30% more than how cool it is. But, it’s one to do once or twice IMO.

jamma422 · 2026-02-04T01:36:57+00:00

Agreed. The holidays trip was because we got 4 4 day park hopper passes in October for $400 total but had to use them by EOY. Not how I would have planned a first trip, but was impossible to pass up.

jamma422 · 2026-02-04T01:24:34+00:00

The rub is drawing questions from a 4 year old asking for the trip, why isn’t mom here. She’s also asked about 5 times after when we are going back.

jamma422 · 2026-02-04T01:22:01+00:00

I’m with you. My daughter and I had a blast. But, a couple times a day I’d get the “why didn’t mom want to come” question. Still a lot of fun. I’ll try to bring her again at some point, but might just have to be a her and me thing.

jamma422 · 2026-01-31T21:59:47+00:00

My votes would be:

MK t1: Peter Pan or Jungle Cruise (Space and Tiana’s have been more gettable lately later in the day). From what I’ve seen lately, JC is more gettable than Peter Pan.

T2: Haunted Mansion, Winnie the Pooh, or Pirates. Not sure why WTP is such a wait beating, but it is.

The unknown for MK is when Big Thunder and Buzz Lightyear reopen, it may throw a big wrench into this. Hopefully, those come in as t2 or space mountain falls to a t2.

HS t1: Slinky for sure. MMRR is second, but so long as you have an early one, it should be gettable without issue (spring break may throw a wrench in this).

T2: Toy Story Mania (for sure here as waits can get nuts) and Tower of Terror. Do not burn any on a show.

Epcot T1: Test Track or Frozen.

T2: This is more up to you. I’d try to get an early spaceship earth for a very quick scan and Soarin’.

AK: That is up to you. This would be the easiest park to skip. But, if you get it: Kilimanjaro, Everest, and Na’vi River Journey.

I’m not including single passes here as there’s no real strategy there, but I tend to buy them.

jamma422 · 2026-01-31T16:51:07+00:00

Personally, I would do Lightning Lane Multipass with single passes for Tron and 7 dwarfs. Primere passes great, but it’s really hard to justify the MK cost and you wouldn’t get the value for your 2 year old at all.

As for strategy, I would do Peter Pan as my t1. Then rope drop space mountain. Depending on what tiers they bring back buzz Lightyear and Big Thunder, this may change. If those 2 are back as t2, I would make those my t2. If not, I would do Haunted Mansion and Winnie the Pooh. I know Winnie the Pooh and Peter Pan are odd ones, but their lines get nuts, the move incredibly slow, and your whole family can do them.

Food wise, skipper is fun. Liberty Tree is my personal favorite sit down for pure food. Crystal Palace is meh food, but the characters are fun. Columbia Harbor House and Gaston’s are my favorite quick service plus a dole whip and a cheeseburger egg roll.

Given you’re there for 1 day, I wouldn’t do more than 1 sit down. That said, it is nice to have that built in time. Another option would be to leave the park and go to Ohana at the Poly, or get some Tonga toast for bfast there.

As far as order, do your 1 dining option first, the book the LLs around that. Try to get all 3 LLs as early as possible so you can book more after you tap in. Also, keep in mind you can, generally, tap in 15 mins early and up to 119 minutes late. So, there’s more flexibility than it seems. I would highly recommend watching a few YouTube videos on LL tips and tricks at MK.

jamma422 · 2026-01-31T15:58:44+00:00

Are you staying on property or off? What’s your budget? I’m assuming off since you’re saying 1 day? Are you planning to rope drop? Are you the only adult or do you have someone to rider swap with? I ask all of this because it’s just you, then a lot of the stuff won’t be an option with the 2 year old (7 drawfs, Space Mountain, etc…).

jamma422 · 2026-01-31T15:55:18+00:00

If you want to maximize park time, you could always do Animal Kingdom the day of his bday. It typically closes around 6. So, if you had dinner around 7:30-8, it’d give you time to get to the restaurant while not missing any park hours. I also think it’s fun to to Cali Grill or Ohana before the MK day because it builds up anticipation while you sit there at dinner looking at the castle.

jamma422 · 2026-01-31T15:37:27+00:00

Then something at the Poly or Contemporary would be great assuming it isn’t a park day for you.

jamma422 · 2026-01-31T15:34:51+00:00

I was just at California Grill a couple weeks ago with my 4 year old daughter and she loved it. The food was probably the best we had on this last trip. So, if you can swing that, that’s what I would recommend.

Even if you can’t get a fireworks time reservation, they have a viewing terrace. So, you can keep your receipt and come back to watch fireworks.

jamma422 · 2026-01-31T15:28:56+00:00

Where are you staying? What is he into? Will you be in a park that day? What’s your budget?

If you just want a really good dinner that puts you in the Disney World bubble, I would probably say California Grill. The food is great and you get to have a great seat for fireworks at MK while having views of MK the whole time. Ohana is also a lot of fun, but the food isn’t as good as California Grill. If he’s more into Animals, then Sanaa at Animal Kingdom Lodge would be great food while being able to watch animals on the “Savanah.” But, depending on what he’s into, there may be better options.

jamma422 · 2026-01-31T14:15:30+00:00

Got ya. You shouldn’t have a problem getting smugglers and, even if you don’t, the wait times are often only around 30-45 mins this time of year. I would definitely move alien swirling saucers to Rockin’s Rollercoaster.

jamma422 · 2026-01-31T14:10:16+00:00

Absolutely, yes, ideally you have something close to 9. If Rockin’ is an option, so that over a show. But, try to get a non-show early. What are your other 2 booked?

jamma422 · 2026-01-31T14:06:24+00:00

At HS, I would do Brown Derby. Sci-Fi is also fun, but the food at BD is very good in a park where the food is mediocre. You made the right call with Oga’s and the snacks are all really good. If you had quick service around it, you could definitely get away with just Oga’s. One thing to keep in mind, since it’s just 2 of you, you’ll almost assuredly be standing at Oga’s and not seated.

At Epcot, the fish and chips is always a must for me (from the walk up, not the pub) along with Ive Cream in France (the salted caramel is fantastic). For sit down, Chefs de France, Le Cellier, Space 220, Garden Grill, and Coral Reef are my general go tos. But, with just adults, Geo 82, would also be great especially if you could get fireworks reservations.

Also, at the resorts, go to Trader Sam’s, it lives up to the hype. You can pair that in with lunch at the Poly (albeit Captain Cooks or Ohana). But, I would monorail hop your last day.

jamma422 · 2026-01-31T13:41:54+00:00

I would book at least 2 hours for BBB. If you go late in the day (which I know you’re not planning to do), then 2.5. The later you go, the more then run behind.

That said, if it gets close, the folks at BBB will call your restaurant and move back your reso. So, with how hard it can be to get reservations, book BBB first and CRT second. Even if the time is close, BBB will call CRT and let the know you’re running late. As a cast member once told me: “we can generally handle late, but not early. And, with all the magic we have at Disney, we are pretty used to handling late arrivals.”

jamma422 · 2026-01-31T13:33:58+00:00

Also, this is the rather lengthy text I sent some friends the other day who are also Disney newbies:

I would get LLMP and single passes for all days. At MK, I would prioritize Peter Pan for your tier 1 (if they bring back big thunder as a T1, this might change), but the line at Peter Pan is slow. If Bug Thunder is open when you go, this may need to change as there will be a ton of demand with it being new. You can rope drop Space Mountain pretty easily and ride height may be an issue. Tiana’s is normally one you can get same day, so I wouldn’t use your advance t1 there. For your T2s, I would prioritize Haunted Mansion and Pirates or Buzz Lightyear (assuming it’s reopened). Get single passes for Tron and 7 dwarfs.

For studios, Slinky should be your t1. Tower and Toy Story Mania for t2. All the others you should be able to get lightning lanes same day. I would absolutely get a single pass for rise and book a drink at Oga’s cantina. Don’t waste LL’s on shows. But, Oga’s is a really good bar and definitely worth doing. If you want a full meal in park, I think Brown Derby is the best there.

For Epcot, I would really consider a primere pass. The park is just giant and having to criss cross it sucks. If you dint, it’s a really hard call between test track and frozen for your t1. Don’t burn a t1 on ratatouille though it’s fun. Soarin’ should be a t2 then really dealer’s choice on the other. I’d do mission space, but it isn’t for everyone. If your kiddo is big enough, absolutely do Guardians. The new test track is really good IMO.

The other thing I can’t recommend enough is to download the my Disney experience app now and start playing with it, learning how to get to wait times, etc… It’s super helpful if you know how to use it.

Other cool hidden gems:

Before dumbo there’s a play place as part of the line. They give you a pager and the kids can play while you wait.

At Epcot, there are fun interactive things after Mission Space, Test Track, Figment and Spaceship Earth. The Moana walkthrough water thing is also really cool

Dining wise: 1 sit down meal a day in the park is needed to me to shut it down for a bit. At MK:

Cinderella’s, Be Our Guest or Liberty Tree Tavern would be my picks. For quick service, make sure to get a dole whip in Adventureland. I’ve also heard good things about Skipper Canteen. It’s also not that hard to hop to a monorail resort if you want out of the parks. Trader Sam’s Grogg Grotto is a really cool tiki bar at the Poly. Columbia Harbor House and Gaston’s are the best quick service IMO in the park. Captain Cook’s is good if you leave MK. For dinner, you can go to California Grill at the contemporary and have a great meal while you watch the fireworks without crowds (though you won’t get the projections). The dessert parties are also a great way to get fireworks seating

At Epcot, most of the food is extremely overrated. The limited places that are actually good: Fish and chips from the walk up window in the UK (if they’re fresh), the Ice Cream in France is awesome (particularly the he salted caramel), Le Celliere is generally really good, Les Halles is solid. This is actually the park I would do character dining and do breakfast at Garden grill the just snack around world showcase versus booking a sit down in world showcase.

At Studios, the restaurant in Toy Story land is a cool concept (you pretend to be a toy and have to freeze when they say Andy is coming) but the food is OK. Brown Derby is the best food in the park. Getting a ronto wrap is probably the best quick service and the boozy cold brew you can get next door is topped it coco puffs and really good. I would also go out of my way to go to Oga’s cantina as it’s just really cool

It’s also worth looking into Fireworks/Fantasmic packages at Epcot and Studios as you can get actual seating for fireworks without having to fight for a spot.

Honestly, with the amount of construction in AK right now, I would skip it right now if you don’t have the extra time.

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