Getting to the park for an early am dining reservation?

[jac1976]

It is my understanding that Disney buses do not start running until an hour before the parks open. We have an ADR at Hollywood & Vine at 8am. The park opens that morning at 9am. Is our only option to drive ourselves to the park? (We will have a car, so that is not a problem.) If so, will there be any issues getting into the parking lot before 8am?

Thank you!

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

No you wont have any issues parking. They expect people early for breakfast reservations

 

[seashoreCM]

They ran "character buses" before one hour before park opening, to handle breakfast guests.

Translated into modern terms as: They start running buses to the parks at about 6:30 AM.

The Animal Kingdom parking lot has a reputation for not opening early enough for breakfast reservation. The policy is that the restaurant (Tusker House, Restaurantosaurus, etc.) should still honor your ADR (as an ADR, not as a walkup or priority walkup). The disadvantage is that your finishing breakfast and going for the rides can be delayed. Still, taking the bus is better. Be out there at least 75 minutes in advance in case you just miss a bus or the first bus that comes is too full.

 

[joelkfla]

The Animal Kingdom parking lot has a reputation for not opening early enough for breakfast reservation.

Yes, but Hollywood & Vine is at DHS. The DHS parking entrance on Buena Vista Dr. (opposite the Boardwalk) never closes.

 

[Funfire240]

check with your front desk about the bus schedule and talk with them beforehand. I was concerned last year for our 800 at Tusker and also an early BBB appt. We ended up having no problems - making it to each on time from All Star Sports on the bus.

 

[brockash]

They have buses that start earlier for character breakfast's. I'd check with the front desk the night before to ask for any kind of a specific time (not sure if they can give you that) but you should have no problem getting to an early ADR via Disney transportation.

 

[goofy4tink]

Okay.....again people....the buses start running, every morning, from every resort, at 6:30am. There are times when the buses to MK may start a bit earlier. It is perhaps not a good idea to call them character buses as that could be misleading.
These buses tend to run a bit less frequently than the 'regular' park buses. So...if you just miss one, you could be waiting for longer than 20 mins for the next one..not always, but it can happen. Plan accordingly.
Also....if you need to get to Chef Mickey's or 'Ohana/Kona, you can ask the driver when you board that MK bus what is the fastest way from MK to your resort restaurant. The driver may very well offer to drop you off there after stopping at the MK....no promises, but it does happen.