Advice: opening show or ADR pre-rope drop?

[Jennunc]

We have not been to WDW with kids (or in 17yrs). My ds5 loves trains. I'm torn on whether to do the opening show or an ADR pre-rope drop. I'd love to get in the park early but I think DS5 would love the show. We have two MK days but one of the days we have Chef Mickeys at 7:45 so I think we'll miss the show. Which would you pick as first timers on a short trip?

 

[ErinCat]

Pre rope drop ADR. You can still ride the train and the monorail for a nice rest in the afternoon.

 

[tmj212]

ADR. The show, while extremely cute, is brief. He will probably enjoy Chef Mickey's much more since it's an extended experience/interaction vs. standing watching the show at a distance.

 

[lahobbs4]

When are you going? The train will be down for refurbishment for a bit, so that may help make your decision.

That being said, we are going next week (while the train is down) and are STILL opting to watch the show instead of pre park ADR. The show is one of my husband's favorite things about WDW and I don't want him to miss it! We did an 8:05 Crystal Palace last year and while it was neat to get in before everyone else, I really didn't feel like it's a must-do every trip for us.

 

[Jennunc]

Going in January. I don't think the train is down.

We are keeping Chef Mickeys. For the date in question of our early ADR is BOG. I also have lunch reservations for BOG so I'll cancel one.

I just watched the opening show on YouTube. I think that might seal the deal to cancel the BOG breakfast. The opening show is very cute & would be a great welcome to the park for the kids instead of me getting cute photos lol.

 

[jwolfpack]

The pre-opening show always gives me chills, but it has never impressed my kids very much! I say go for the ADR. It will be nice to enter the park and take in Main Street and the castle without the rope drop crowds, plus you can hopefully eat quickly and beat the rope drop crowds to your first attraction.

 

[SmallWorld71]

I seem to be in the minority, but I say opening show. Best way to start an MK day, IMO. I don't like filling up on food that early in the morning and far prefer ADR's at lunch time. The exception would be if you want to do Anna/Elsa or 7DMT and are unable to get a FP+.

 

[nkereina]

For the date in question of our early ADR is BOG. I also have lunch reservations for BOG so I'll cancel one.

With this information, I would watch the opening show and cancel BOG breakfast. We prefer BOG lunch and find it to be a better value. If on the date in question you had a pre-park opening ADR a CRT or Crystal Palace, I would choose the breakfast instead.

 

[GigiDisneyfreak]

My family loves to do both, usually our first morning we do the opening show and the last morning an early ADR, so I understand being torn. I personally would choose the opening show and do the BOG lunch. My 17 year old daughter would choose the early ADR but only to get her picture of the castle without any crowds. I think it is personal choice and you have to choose what is the best fit for your family. I also have a 4 year old granddaughter and I think for her she would enjoy the welcome show.

 

[nherbert]

I would be a vote for the BOG lunch, you should see the opening show at least once.

 

[agavegirl1]

Pre-opening ADR for sure. Nothing beats the main street walk to your restaurant with a nearly empty park. Nothing like it. If you have Memory Maker, you wil get your best photos there. The show is cute and short but my best memory from last fall was our 8:15 breakfast ADR at Crystal Palace. Plus...DH loves the Winnie the Pooh Characters and he is 46.

 

[tmj212]

For the date in question of our early ADR is BOG. I also have lunch reservations for BOG so I'll cancel one. I just watched the opening show on YouTube. I think that might seal the deal to cancel the BOG breakfast. The opening show is very cute & would be a great welcome to the park for the kids instead of me getting cute photos lol.

OK--that changes things a bit. Do the opening show. While BOG is beautiful, it is a bit overrated and you'll still have your lunch ADR.