Dining reservation on Halloween party night

[traci]

Please advise:
We are attending the Halloween party and do not plan on going to the park that day prior.
I know we can enter at 4pm. My question is if we have a dining reservation at 4 can we enter earlier to make it to the ADR?

Thank you

 

[Girimama33]

You will not be allowed into the park until 4pm. I would adjust your reservation by 15-30 minutes.

 

[traci]

You will not be allowed into the park until 4pm. I would adjust your reservation by 15-30 minutes.

thank you!

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Yes, the CMs are strict about not allowing party guests in before the allowed entry time. There will be a line (usually short) at the designated turnstile (usually marked "Special Event"). CMs are prompt about letting guests in as soon as the early party hours start. If you enter at 4pm, you should be at your dining location within 5 (e.g. Carnation Cafe) -15 (e.g Blue Bayou or Cafe Orleans) minutes or so.

 

[figment_jii]

Yes, the CMs are strict about not allowing party guests in before the allowed entry time. There will be a line (usually short) at the designated turnstile (usually marked "Special Event"). CMs are prompt about letting guests in as soon as the early party hours start. If you enter at 4pm, you should be at your dining location within 5 (e.g. Carnation Cafe) -15 (e.g Blue Bayou or Cafe Orleans) minutes or so.

It might depend on which party you go to. I've not been in the line, but last year the line stretched out to the middle of the Esplanade right before 4:00 pm for the Friday party I went to. I would aim for an ADR around 4:30 pm to be safe.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

It doesn't surprise me that a Friday (or probably any sold out party) would have a longer line for entry. Our entry lines have usually been short, but we get there early (about 30 minutes beforehand), so we can be close to the turnstile. The OP can plan to be in line early or make her reservation later. And if her chosen party date is a Friday or is sold out, then she should also allow for some extra time to get through the crowds on Main Street (especially if her entry time coincides with the parade).