Breakfast in the Parks for Rope Drop/Early Entry

[CSPAGHETTI]

I'm new to all of this, and I'm wondering if we arrive for rope drop at MK, Epcot, or DHS, are there places we can grab a bite to eat while we wait for them to allow us on to rides? I'm talking carts/kiosks/quick service, not a table service. I think I saw that in MK, you can access the shops on Main Street, but what about DHS and Epcot? And is there somewhere on Main Street to buy coffee/breakfast type food?

 

[GBRforWDW]

Each of the parks has a coffee shop near the entrance, though these places are generally packed early for the same reason you want to go.

Magic Kingdom has Main Street Baker
Hollywood Studios has The Trolley car cafe
Epcot has Joffreys by the front gate and between the France and Canada pavilions
Animal Kingdom also has a Joffreys by the front gate.

Each place has coffee and pastries. However, other than Magic Kingdom, I'm not sure which parks let you in before the official early entry time. Also, if you're driving, there's a McDonald's at the exit ramp to the all star resorts that's on the way to Animal Kingdom.

I would recommend grabbing something at your hotel before heading to the parks because stopping for food allows many other people to get lined up in front of you for when they open up the rides.

 

[CSPAGHETTI]

Thank you - that's really helpful! We're staying on property and will have a rental car so we'll just plan to grab food at the hotel first.

 

[Ensusieasm]

Lines to get coffee and a breakfast pastry in the parks are very long. Likewise the resort quick service can be very busy. Best to make coffee in your room. Have juice, milk in your fridge. Have some granola bars, bananas etc. in your room, and don’t rope drop with the notion you’re going to get fueled up once in the park.

 

[gregskellington]

I agree with PP - if you're really dedicated to maximizing rope drop eat in your room or at your hotel, the only thing to really do that early in the parks is get coffee or stand by the roos so the shops do stay crowded early.

 

[GBRforWDW]

Likewise the resort quick service can be very busy. Best to make coffee in your room. Have juice, milk in your fridge. Have some granola bars, bananas etc.

This probably doesn't work for everyone, but I like to get to the resort dining as soon as they open at 7. I usually wake up first and get ready, so then I'll pick up the food and bring back to the room while the others get ready. Lines aren't as long that early.

Also if mobile ordering, put the order in while in the room and click I'm here when you leave the room. It'll typically be ready by the time you arrive.

 

[Aela]

Last year we mobile ordered for pickup in the park, and ate after our first couple rides once the park got busy. I ordered first thing that morning when we woke up, so we could be sure and have a spot.

 

[Anna131517]

There are some places to pick up breakfast outside the world showcase entrance to Epcot, like Boardwalk Bakery, but I dont know how you would get there if you’re staying offsite. That would work for someone staying at Boardwalk / Beach Club / Yacht Club or coming by Skyliner.

 

[snikki]

To maximize time and money we eat in our room for breakfast. Cereal, bagels, fruit, yogurt, smoothies (bring a small portable blender) We may do 1-2 breakfast ADRs a trip (hoping for toppolinos next trip) and do Starbucks some mornings for DD but that’s it. We don’t do Starbuck mornings in the real world so it’s a vacation treat.

I do have a list of breakfast stops for AK because for some reason that park is always a disaster for us. I think it’s the heat but the kids always got crabby and needed food very early. Those days I make sure everyone is well feed and hydrated before we leave.

 

[Kerr84]

We have groceries delivered to our hotel room and then eat breakfast in the room or on the way to the parks. (like waiting for the bus, etc.) We usually just do yogurt, bananas, protein shakes, etc.

 

[digidojo]

Staying at the Swan next month and wondering exactly this. Based on replies it seems getting coffee beforehand and going to the park is ideal. Anyone know if the Swan has a coffee shop that opens up super early? Aiming to do Early Entry to HS and EPCOT during our stay, but i know HS is the more challenging one. Maybe walking there is better?

 

[DJFan88]

Having small items to eat early or take with us for those that wake up late like granola bars is great.
Coffee is non negotiable early and I use our mugs to fill up first thing while the rest are rising .

I love to get a few rides in early, say at MK, and then go grab a Gaston’s cinnamon bun

 

[AUDramaQueen]

Staying at the Swan next month and wondering exactly this. Based on replies it seems getting coffee beforehand and going to the park is ideal. Anyone know if the Swan has a coffee shop that opens up super early? Aiming to do Early Entry to HS and EPCOT during our stay, but i know HS is the more challenging one. Maybe walking there is better?

They do. It's called Java. I actually like their breakfast sandwiches better than what you find in the parks. And they open at 6am which is better for an early rope drop since the Disney resorts' counter service don't open til 7am.

The Swan and Dolphin has its own app (separate from the Marriott Bonvoy app) you should download that has restaurant times, mobile order, transpiration info, option to text the front desk and more.

 

[digidojo]

They do. It's called Java. I actually like their breakfast sandwiches better than what you find in the parks. And they open at 6am which is better for an early rope drop since the Disney resorts' counter service don't open til 7am.

The Swan and Dolphin has its own app (separate from the Marriott Bonvoy app) you should download that has restaurant times, mobile order, transpiration info, option to text the front desk and more.

Thanks for the info! And I’ll have to download that app for sure!

 

[MakiraMarlena]

eating before you get to the park, this is the way.

Works best if you don't want a full, hot breakfast. The time it takes for that will definitely harsh your rope drop.

 

[JBelle19]

Sorry to hijack the thread, but we are planning on rope dropping everything except maybe AK. My initial plan is to hit a few rides during the early entry before it gets crazy, then grab a "breakfast". At MK the cinnamon rolls at Gastons, at HS poptarts at Woodys. Does that seem doable? My family doesn't typically have to have a big breakfast to get going, so I think we will be fine for a bit before a food break.

 

[snikki]

Sorry to hijack the thread, but we are planning on rope dropping everything except maybe AK. My initial plan is to hit a few rides during the early entry before it gets crazy, then grab a "breakfast". At MK the cinnamon rolls at Gastons, at HS poptarts at Woodys. Does that seem doable? My family doesn't typically have to have a big breakfast to get going, so I think we will be fine for a bit before a food break.

If you’re sure your family can go without breakfast go for it. Some of us aren’t big breakfast people but I’ve noticed that while at Disney we all need to eat something. All that movement, heat and excitement isn’t the same as getting up and going to school or work without breakfast. I would have something light with me just in case. There’s nothing worse than hangry kids in the park.

 

[JBelle19]

If you’re sure your family can go without breakfast go for it. Some of us aren’t big breakfast people but I’ve noticed that while at Disney we all need to eat something. All that movement, heat and excitement isn’t the same as getting up and going to school or work without breakfast. I would have something light with me just in case. There’s nothing worse than hangry kids in the park.

We're driving, so I'm positive we will bring snacks for our room, like granola bars, mini muffin pouches, etc. If anyone feels like they can't hang for a couple of hours, they can stash something in their park bags. My girls are 13 and 14, so it's a little easier than having little ones, which will hopefully help.

 

[digidojo]

If you’re sure your family can go without breakfast go for it. Some of us aren’t big breakfast people but I’ve noticed that while at Disney we all need to eat something. All that movement, heat and excitement isn’t the same as getting up and going to school or work without breakfast. I would have something light with me just in case. There’s nothing worse than hangry kids in the park.

Do the parks let you bring in your own food? Now I’m thinking if it makes more sense cost-wise to have some bars, muffins, fruit etc bought at grocery store or Instacart delivered to hotel for the whole stay? A light breakfast as soon as we wake up, get a coffee at the hotel, then head to parks and do rides. Not eat til late morning/noon for lunch.

 

[DisneyDillyDally]

Do the parks let you bring in your own food? Now I’m thinking if it makes more sense cost-wise to have some bars, muffins, fruit etc bought at grocery store or Instacart delivered to hotel for the whole stay? A light breakfast as soon as we wake up, get a coffee at the hotel, then head to parks and do rides. Not eat til late morning/noon for lunch.

Yes you can bring in your own food. No glass.