9:50pm 'Ohana reservations

[jonsmom]

So we are travelling to WDW during Thanksgiving week.

I have all of my dining reservations made. The only time we were able to get a dining reservation at 'Ohana was 9:50 pm on a night park closes at 10.

First I thought that was horrible because we wouldn't be able to see the fireworks.

Now...I am wondering if that isn't so bad. Hopefully we will be able to see the fireworks. If I remember correctly they dim the lights and pipe in the music.

So....my seasoned travelers ....should I keep 9:50 or try to find something earlier if possible.:
Thanks.

[magicofdisney]

It's a crapshoot, really. They do dim the lights, however you may not have seats with a viewing. Additionally, you may not be seated by 10. If your seats aren't ideal, you can walk to the windows, but then you're possibly interfering with someone else's view. I'm not trying to discourage, I'm just giving you personal experience.

One more experience I had, we showed up around 8 and were seated well before our almost 9:30 reservation time. Depending on how many are in your party, you could be out in time to see the fireworks from the boat dock (if they still allow that).

[jonsmom]

Thanks for your reply. I did think about viewing from the windows, but don't want to hinder anyone else's viewing area. Maybe they still have the dock and we can go out to see them.

It really is a **** shoot.....I try intermittenly in day to try to change but no luck.

[buzznwoodysmom]

Showing up early is not a bad idea, but may not always work. There have been several times we arrived early only to be told to come back to check in 15 minutes before our scheduled ADR. Being your reservation is Thanksgiving week I expect it will be super busy and I wouldn't count on getting seated early.

We are in the same boat for 4th of July week. The only time available was 9:35. I took it but that's pretty late for us for such a big meal. Another day did pop up at 8:15, but that day doesn't work for us. Like my DH always says "late ohana better than no ohana!"

[BugeyedMuggy]

My DD had a late ressie and happened to be around fireworks time. Due to slow eaters they couldn't even get into eat til well after the fireworks ended. They wound up getting another time later in the week due to this and it was at 7pm. Worked out ok but Ohana's should that that into consideration.

[jonsmom]

You all have great suggestions. I would agree that people would eat slowly to hang around for fireworks. Thankfully we will have another night to watch them.

I will keep trying to change the time though.

Thank you all!

[ibelieveindisneymagic]

Here's a fun thought ... could this work? You could check-in for the ADR, but since no one will be leaving for fireworks, go out and watch them yourself outside, and then come back in and be seated?

[jonsmom]

Exactly what I was thinking.....Is there still somewhere I can watch from outside? The beach area?