Crystal Palace ADR...which time to keep?

[The Mooresketeers]

I have reserved two times for breakfast on the day my family will be in the MK. I have an 8:05 (park opens at 9:00 that day), which is what I REALLY want to keep. However, I am travelling with some non-morning people, one of them being my 3.5 year old son. We are staying at AoA and I am figuring we will need to be out of the room around 7:00 a.m. to make the early reservation. Just in case, I also booked a 9:40 a.m. slot.

Originally, I was going to shoot for the early and go ahead and pay the penalty if we didn't make it and use the later reservation. Then I learned that the penalty was $10 EACH. As a party of 6, I really don't want to shell out another $60 for breakfast! I have to cancel one, but am sooo torn! What would you do?

 

[marchingstar]

Hmm. What time of year are you travelling? I ask because it might be more valuable to get into the MK early during peak periods, especially because it'll be harder to get FP+ for headlining attractions. I think the earlier time is generally ideal, and it's what's would pick. But my group is adult-only. With a kiddo who isn't fond of mornings, I would worry about throwing off the day.

 

[The Mooresketeers]

We will be there on May 15th. I already booked our Fastpass+ based on the later breakfast reservation time, just in case. I would like to hope that the excitement of the day would be enough to get my little one going, but he can be unpredictable...

 

[marchingstar]

is it the first day of your trip? If not, you could always see how the first ones go. My guess is even if he's upset before you get there, the characters will bring some smiles. You could make sure to build in extra relaxing time in the afternoon that day too.

 

[The Mooresketeers]

We are only there for one day before leaving on a Disney Cruise. I do have a nap planned for that afternoon. I am trying to keep the day pretty low-key. We live a 5 hour drive from Disneyland, so I am only focusing on things that are unique to MK and anything else we accomplish will be gravy. I also have a day at the pool and early bed-time planned for the day before.

We fly in Wednesday, low-key pool day/early bedtime Thursday, MK Friday and cruise Saturday. As I'm writing all this out, I'm realizing that there is a lot of down time planned... maybe an early morning would be OK after all

 

[marchingstar]

Sometimes you know the answer, you just need to talk it out

With lots of down time and it being your only park day, I'd say stick with your gut. Have a great trip!

 

[The Mooresketeers]

Thanks so much for the help! I'm going to keep the early time I can't wait to see a nearly empty main street!

I hope your trip is magical!