Best things to do before parks open?

[UWSMom]

We are VERY early risers in our family. I guess by the time we get up, get dressed, eat, and get the bus to the MK...there isn't that much else we can do in the early morning?

Anyone have great things they do early with kids there? We have a 2.5 and a 4 year old.

 

[mickeylove2]

I say get in the pool, there isn't anything else that I can think of other than watching tv or hanging out walking around.

 

[DVCLiz]

How early is early?

I'd take advantage of whatever park has an EMH while you are there. I'd also use that time to visit other resorts and see what they have to offer. You could go check out the pools at other resorts (to look at, not to swim in) or shop at another resort's gift shop. And the first seating of a character breakfast would be great for you.

Whatever happens, could you please make sure your children aren't talking loudly while you go down the halls? I had several mornings on my last trip that were started much earlier than I had planned because someone let their kids be loud outside my door. Grr! (I know you personally would never do this - just taking the opportunity for a PSA!)

 

[Kanga1]

Have a character breakfast! We have many of them during our trip and still manage to make rope drop. Get the first seating and you won't have to wait to be seated or see the characters. The first seating at Chef Mickey's is at 7:00am and a few others begin at 7:30am (Cape May Cafe, 'Ohana's are just a couple I know start at 7:30.)

 

[adtillma1]

Those are some great suggestions. I'm watching this thread, as I have a little one that is usually up by 5:30am EVERY morning.

 

[UWSMom]

How I wish I could have booked an early character breakfast! My MIL booked the trip so our Chef Mickey and Princess Breakfasts will end up being lunch for my kids!

I guess we'll just plan to make the rope drop and have a leisurely morning.

 

[PollyannaMom]

I was going to say walks around your resort, depending on where you are staying. (As the parent of an early-riser myself, I can attest to the beauty of sunrise over POR!)

I also like the idea of checking out other resorts, but I'm not sure how early the buses start running.

 

[tanyaandallie]

If I had early risers I'd skip mil's lunches and do character breakfasts. I highly recommend Crystal Palace. We had 8:05 am reservations last May and are doing the same in jan. It's awesome to be in the park before anyone else!!!

I consider mine sort of early risers and it's usually all we can do to all get ready and to the parks by rope drop. Esp. after a few hard days at the parks, they tend to sleep a lot later!

 

[0hmyheck]

If at POR or POFQ I have read to go watch the water or fish if you bring your own pole. Look for hidden mickeys at your resort. Go to the AK safari which is an early event.

 

[Mom2JPL]

Another vote for the early character breakfast! Try to get the first seating (usually an hour before the park opens) and then you can relax, meet some great characters and be psyched for your day in the park! And with kids your age, you'll probably be heading back to the resort for an afternoon nap (at least we did with a 3, 2 and 1 year old) - so it's nice to get the characters in early before they great too cranky.

 

[Aristomommy]

DS would wake up very early and instead of disturbing others, I took him for a walk around AKL. It was so quiet and peaceful there. Those mornings were such a special memory for us as he listened to the animals with such interest.

 

[Princess Roo]

DS was a 5:30AM riser on our first two trips. We just enjoyed leisurely mornings around the resort. We liked not being in a rush at all to get to the parks, and we would still arrive at least 30 minutes before rope drop. Some of the parks have a little show before rope drop time and/or have characters around. If you're driving to the parks you can get there a little early and ride the monorail or boats to the deluxe hotels...one of DS's favorite "rides".