Crystal Palace at 8:15??

[Carrie772]

What's it like getting to CP before the park opens? How does this work and is it really all the fun I hope it is?

 

[4 DZNY NUTZ]

I am wondering too. We have been wanting to do this for our past couple of trips and we are definetly doing it on our next visit (on a morning that doesnt have morning extra magic hours) I would love to stroll down main street while it is empty.....

 

[pat fan]

We haven't done CP that way (yet) but have done it at AK for the Breakfastaurous and it works great! We have 8:15 ressies this summer at CP and are hoping it works out just as well as it did at AK.

Pretty much they have the names and ressies in a book and you have to check in at the gate before they let you in. I can't remember if you are escorted to the restaurant or if the path is roped off, but I know you can't just wander about (more of an issue at AK than it would be at MK I would think). After we ate we just went to our first ride (Kali) but I think it was a couple minutes after the park had opened so we had no problems.

 

[sarahsar]

We have done this for CRT, and I think it's great fun to be at the park bright and early with very few other people around. You don't often get to see Main Street nearly empty like that. I also like having an 8ish ADR and then being ready to go at the moment the park opens, already past the turnstiles, security, etc. It gives you a bit of an early start on the day.

 

[Louiepipbgeeco]

Just got an ADR yesterday for 8:05 at Crystal Palace. They told DH to bring a printout of the ressie with us for entry --But, I am sure just the confirm # will also be sufficient. Cannot wait-never been to this Character Breakfast before.

 

[rubato]

I love Crystal Palace. And, I think walking through an empty Main St. would be amazing. Enjoy!

 

[kathie859]

And it was so neat! We took some great pictures and had a relaxing "look around" before reporting for our 8:10 ADR.

CP is one of my favorite venues, too.

Have a great time

 

[jpeka65844]

This is an AWESOME thing to do! Pics of empty Main Street, no crowds in front of the castle, AND if your ADR is early enough and you're a fast eater, you can be done in time for rope drop!

We do it every trip!!!

 

[chocolateMinnie]

We have done this twice at CP and twice at CRT.

Get to the park for approx 7.40am as they will let you in for your meal at 7.45am. You get to go in at the right hand side entrances (as they face you) for character breakfasts.

Now you have three choices, make a mad dash for your restaurant to get seated first, take the bus up main street (try and sit on the top deck for the views) or walk up Main street stopping to take photos of an 'empty' park and get the photopass photographers to do the same.

You get some lovely photos near the photopoint at the side of CP, sitting next to Walt Disney in front of the castle and also next to the displays/decorations for special events.

 

[RachaelA]

We have done this twice at CP and twice at CRT.

Get to the park for approx 7.40am as they will let you in for your meal at 7.45am. You get to go in at the right hand side entrances (as they face you) for character breakfasts.

Now you have three choices, make a mad dash for your restaurant to get seated first, take the bus up main street (try and sit on the top deck for the views) or walk up Main street stopping to take photos of an 'empty' park and get the photopass photographers to do the same.

You get some lovely photos near the photopoint at the side of CP, sitting next to Walt Disney in front of the castle and also next to the displays/decorations for special events.

Are the monorails running at that time? We usually drive, but if we have to take a bus for our 8:05 CP ressie we will.

I just booked a 8:05am CP reservation a few days ago. Almost 2 months past our 180 day mark.

 

[chocolateMinnie]

Yes the monorails run from about 7.15am I think. Also the boat from the ttc runs from about 7.30am too.

 

[Carrie772]

We have done this twice at CP and twice at CRT.

Get to the park for approx 7.40am as they will let you in for your meal at 7.45am. You get to go in at the right hand side entrances (as they face you) for character breakfasts.

Now you have three choices, make a mad dash for your restaurant to get seated first, take the bus up main street (try and sit on the top deck for the views) or walk up Main street stopping to take photos of an 'empty' park and get the photopass photographers to do the same.

You get some lovely photos near the photopoint at the side of CP, sitting next to Walt Disney in front of the castle and also next to the displays/decorations for special events.

Thanks for the advice! 7:40 huh Even if our reservation is at 8:15? I like that idea alot.

Are the monorails running at that time? We usually drive, but if we have to take a bus for our 8:05 CP ressie we will.

I just booked a 8:05am CP reservation a few days ago. Almost 2 months past our 180 day mark.

Since we are staying at WL, I hope the boats are floating at 7:30. Boy, I hope I can get my sister up in time!

 

[SunniKC]

We had 8:30 ADR's on Christmas morning but wasn't close to being 'empty'. Even though all the park hours I'd seen up until we left said 9 (EMH morning) but brochures we picked up at the hotel listed 8 as the opening.

 

[sarahsar]

We had 8:30 ADR's on Christmas morning but wasn't close to being 'empty'. Even though all the park hours I'd seen up until we left said 9 (EMH morning) but brochures we picked up at the hotel listed 8 as the opening.

My guess is Christmas is a little different, since it's so incredibly crowded and they often extend the hours.

 

[Haley/Hayden Mom]

Last year on May 31st we had 8:25 ADR for Crystal Palace on DD's 5th birthday and loved the time. We were able to walk around a little and take pics coming up Main Street with it pretty much deserted, also lots of pics at the castle too with her in her Minnie costume. We finished eating right when the park was opening and it was nice to just walk into a land with no crowd at all. The early ADR's at MK are the way to go in my opinion.

 

[Carrie772]

Last year on May 31st we had 8:25 ADR for Crystal Palace on DD's 5th birthday and loved the time. We were able to walk around a little and take pics coming up Main Street with it pretty much deserted, also lots of pics at the castle too with her in her Minnie costume. We finished eating right when the park was opening and it was nice to just walk into a land with no crowd at all. The early ADR's at MK are the way to go in my opinion.

Now that's what I am hoping for. Calm, peaceful, and being able to hear the music from the park as we travel down Main Street.