Crystal Palace 8:20am ADR early enough?

[JennLynn]

First let me say thank you for all the wonderful information I have been getting from the discussion forum, as a first timer (well I went 20 years ago so I consider it my first time as I don't remember much!) this board has been an invaluable resource.

My question, we have a 8:20am ADR on July 7th at Crystal Palace. Just me and my DD8. I wanted one at 8am but couldn't get it. I'll keep looking for cancelations for an earlier time but is 8:20am early enough to be finished eating when MK offically opens and the crowds start pouring in? We're not that interested in the characters but wanted to be away from the crowd at rope drop and enjoy the park just when it just opens (and of course get some nice pictures in an empty park on our walk to CP).

Many thanks

 

[Kimberle]

Character meals generally take about an hour. You can eat faster to finish by 9. It is a buffet, so you're serving yourself. Sometimes the characters come around when you're first seated, and sometimes towards the end of your meal. We're not "big" on the Pooh characters, but love Crystal Palace. It's so charming.

I'd be at the gate by 8am, or a little earlier. You can then walk down a nearly empty main st & get wonderful pictures. I'd try and arrive at the CP shortly after 8 with hopes they may be able to seat you earlier.

 

[JennLynn]

Great, thanks for the help

 

[eyor44]

Yes, definitely be there before 8:00am. Great pictures and if others are running late they may very well go ahead and seat you early. DD9 and I often do early breakfasts and are always done before the park opens.

Last May we had an 8:00am at Hollywood & Vine and were done and out by 8:30am. I was able to take pictures of DD on an empty street. It was perfect.