CP early b-fast or lunch?

[kjs1976]

Need my fellow Dis-er's reviews and advice. I have an ADR for 8:05AM at CP one day and for lunch at 11:45AM and I need your help to decide which one to keep. We will be on the DDP. We have never eaten at CP because we have never been fans of the Pooh characters. With the new movie coming out in July, I can foresee DD loving them.

The cast is me, DH, and DD 3.5. Not worried about DD at either meal. She will be very excited and eat a minimal amount due to that. She is not a picky eater and as long as she gets to chose from the buffet, we are good. I would prefer the lunch for all the choices, as I'm not a big b-fast eater and am just good with coffee and something small and high protein for b-fast. DH loves b-fast buffets and will be like a snake, eating as much as he can and not needing to eat much the rest of the day.

We have never gone to a sit-down meal before park opening. That is why the early time interests me. When we are finished do we get to go into the park ahead of time? How does that work? Also, if we do the early b-fast, how early should we get to the entrance of MK to check in and maybe get some pics??? Would need a good plan of action if we go this route!

Only thing that slightly concerns me with this ADR at 8:05 is DD's tired level. I like being at the parks for the 9AM opening because that seems to fit her schedule. If she gets up too early, we have a little girl slightly on the edge all day. This is a full MK day for us, with an afternoon break/swim/nap at POFQ, and then Ohana at 5:25 with our good friends, and probably MK at night with them. This alone makes me not want to do the b-fast because I want to do a later night on this date. We are going back to MK the next day, but I couldn't get any CP ADRs this day, although I keep trying and will continue until we leave.

Hope I haven't rambled too much! Thanks for your advice and help!

 

[minnie mum]

Despite your reservations (pardon the pun) I would still recommend the b'fast. Your husband will love the buffet and DD will hopefully enjoy the character interaction. Perhaps leaving the park a little bit earlier for your afternoon nap will offset her having to get up early.

You need to arrive at the park gate about 15 minutes before your ADR. One gate will be reserved for ADR guests.

Given the time of your ADR and the time it takes to eat and meet all the characters, you probably won't be finished dining until the park opens (assuming a 9a.m. opening).

ETA: As regards lunch at CP: if you have lunch here (remember, its a huge buffet), will you be hungry enough at 5:25 for a big meal at Ohanas?

 

[kjs1976]

ETA: As regards lunch at CP: if you have lunch here (remember, its a huge buffet), will you be hungry enough at 5:25 for a big meal at Ohanas?

I did think about that. However, even though it's a buffet, DD will eat her normal amount, DH will eat a normal amount because he'll want to save up for Ohana, which is his fav. I follow weight watchers and will not pig out. I lost 26 lbs and it's staying off! Plus, I lost a pound last time we were at WDW and still enjoyed small portions of my favs.

But with that said, it still leans towards the b-fast to spread out the meals.

 

[Catie.Hiltz]

I personally can't say enough good things about the breakfast at CP...the food is always delicious and fresh...and Mickey Waffles...enough said ha!

I have done lunch there too and its good, but an early breakfast there is more magical to me...getting to see the park before its even open and that view down Main Street is very special to me

Plus who doesn't love a breakfast buffet....there is always something for everyone!!!

 

[Carrie in AZ]

If your ressie is for a day when MK opens at 9am, then definitely breakfast! Being able to enter the MK and walk down Main Street before the park opens may well be one the highlights of your entire trip! Truly! You can take family pictures in front of the castle probably without anyone else in your pictures. Priceless!

Do not waiver on this, trust me!

If you finish your meal prior to 9am, you can hurry over to the rope of whatever land you plan to visit first, and be "right there" when the rope drops and before the thousands of other guests decend onto the lands. If this is how it works out for you, make sure you turnn around and take a look at the throngs of people....you and DH will look at each other, give a high five and realize you just made one of the best decisions of your entire vacation!

 

[dislover8943]

I Would say breakfast. We don't Telly enjoy the lunch there and it is cool to get in before the park opens

 

[lmillercrew]

Well, I'm going to go against others here. I would do the early lunch. If DD gets cranky if she's up too early, why set yourself up for a possible whiny day. If you eat an early lunch, you can go back to the hotel for a little nap/rest break which might make for an easier late nighter. You can still get to MK at rope drop and ride lots of rides before your lunch ressie. Just my humble opinion.