CP reservation & rope drop

[scrapgal123]

We are making reservations for the CP at 8:10am. Would we make the rope drop? If we are there earlier, may we be seated before our time? Or is this too close?

 

[SimplyGoofy]

If your reservation is on a regular day (9am opening) you are actually let into the park BEFORE rope drop. Depending on the size of your party (and how important it is to see every character) you have a shot finishing breakfast before the rope drops at the front of the park at 9.

One tip is to pay your check near the beginning of your meal (such as when you get your beverages). Then you're able to leave whenever you'd like, and don't have to wait for your server!

CP breakfast is excellent! Make sure you go early enough to spend some time on a (nearly) empty Main Street - it's pretty fun!

 

[rapunzel3]

Even better than rope drop. We did this 3 years ago and doing it again. Breakfast in castle at 8.... they let you in early. We got out of breakfast either a few minutes before 9 or right at 9, and started riding the rides. NO LINES for the first 5 rides we went on. It worked out so well we are doing it again. Crystal Palace also has a Pooh breakfast at 8 I believe FYI for those that aren't into princesses.

 

[MikeRx]

To add to what the previous posters stated...

We’ve done the CP pre-rope drop breakfast three times this year and have it scheduled again in April. We typically get the 8:05am reservation. We are seated right at our stated time and complete the meal as the park is opening. We see all 4 characters and get great pictures! You may feel a bit rushed at the end so please do pay early and have the family use the bathroom (our rate limiting step most mornings) after the last character. I usually finish early and head to a holding point on the Adventure Land bridge to get a FP for Splash or BTMR while the family heads straight to Peter Pan. They ride and as I walk up with the FP they are exiting and I ride with our son…it’s worked perfectly the last two times (July and December). He’s not into Space M at this point nor Belle so we still do the traditional Fantasyland stuff at rope drop. We can ride all of FL including the Barnstormer multiple times in a row before 11am. I’d suggest getting to the park around 7:45am so that you can get onto Main Street as soon as they let the breakfast crowd in. It will afford you the best pictures of the Castle and Main Street with almost no photo bombers (unintended humans)! Our December trip was foggy; however I have some of the best pictures I’ve ever taken (anywhere) from our July trip. The sun was rising and the light was “magical” (not to be too corny).

In summary:
1. Get there around 7:45am
2. Have someone in your party sign in at the CP
3. Take magical pictures (there are photopass photographers available too)
4. Pay early
5. Think about the restroom before the gates open at 9am
6. Send a FP runner and meet at the first attraction (this may change if FastPass+ is active)
7. Have a great day knowing you saw the gang from Winnie the Pooh before many were even awake
8. Utilize the golden 2-3 hours before the “sleep-ins” arrive to see most of the park and then slow down and enjoy the magic

Mike DW DS (5 ) DMIL

First visit 1976, Pre-2010 too many off sites to remember, WDW 2/2010 BC CL, Disneyland GC 12/2010, WDW 4/2012 POLY TPV, WDW 7/2012 (off site), WDW 12/12 POP and 4/2013 POLY with Disney Dream cruise!

 

[mmccutche]

Which is better to start the day?

 

[tinkerbella16]

Which is better to start the day?

I would think Crystal Palace would be better since you will already be in the park. We are doing both CP and Chef Mickey's on our upcoming trip so we won't miss either one. They are my favorites for breakfast!