Hi Jenny! You brought a great question to planDisney! Character Dining is one of my favorite experiences at the Walt Disney World Resort! The opportunity to enjoy a delicious meal, and then meet some favorite Disney characters without waiting in a line is reason enough to enjoy any Character Dining experience!
I always plan on Character Dining experiences lasting at least 60 minutes. In fact,
The Crystal Palace recommends 90 minutes. So, your 6:05 dinner reservation to see “Pooh” and his Hundred-Acre Wood pals at The Crystal Palace will conclude at approximately 7:30. That leaves thirty minutes before the
Happily Ever After fireworks show scheduled for 8:00 that evening. Given that Guests do begin to “take position” well in advance of the fireworks show, it is likely that some of the highly sought viewing spots around Cinderella Castle and Main Street, U.S.A. will be occupied. That being said, there will be viewing spots available, they just might not be the most popular viewing spots.
Jenny, I recommend keeping your reservation, but check frequently to see if you can modify your reservation to an earlier time. Guests will often change their plans which results in reservations, that once weren’t available, suddenly being available for others to secure! If you check frequently enough you may very well find an earlier dining reservation! I do this all the time, including for some of the most popular Disney Dining locations such as Be Our Guest Restaurant and Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White! I'm usually successful in being able to modify reservations to a preferable time.
Dreams do come true!
Jonathan