Early ADR vs. Rope drop?

[smampate]

This is my FIRST thread...I hope this is in the correct placeMy DS's 8th birthday is the day we will be in MK. Should we do an EARLY ADR or he be there for RD on his birthday? I'm hoping when we check in we will get "BIRTHDAY BUTTON". Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[mom2ee]

I am going to give you a "noncommittal" response. We always have an early ADR (Crystal Palace at 800 or 805). We have NEVER seen the opening show at the train station. We are usually finished eating before 900. I have 2 teenagers who don't really care about Dumbo. That being said, if your son is little and would really like to be in Fantasyland "at rope drop" I would probably plan on doing rope drop and a later ADR (around 1000)

just went back and read that your son is 8 and this is your first post. so is it your first trip? if it is, I would probably do rope drop and do fantasyland or tomorrowland (whichever your son wants) while someone collects fastpasses for things to return to. then break for a late breakfast/early lunch ADR.

 

[smampate]

Thanks for the response It's our his 3rd trip...but I didn't know if something "Magical" happened at rope drop on your birthday. I didn't want him to miss out on anything.

 

[cassie58]

You will be able to get a birthday button when you check in, and he can wear it all week if he likes and will get lots of birthday wishes! You can also note it on your ADRs and he may get a special dessert, card or confetti on the table - some places do, some don't - my daughter had a lot of fun little surprises last trip for her bday.

Also, if you do get an early ADR, you can enjoy the empty main st. for castle pics and get photopass to take magic shot w/ Tink, and if you order prints/CD you can put in birthday borders/wording I believe. (don't know if you've done this before) Plus you'll have a head start on the park when you're done. Enjoy!

cassie58
11/08-ASMo & Timeshare
8/09-CSR
11/11-CSR

 

[mom2ee]

i "see" what you were asking re: birthday at rope drop and to my knowledge nothing "special" happens per se for those wearing the birthday buttons at rope drop. you are more likely to have things occur at the restaurants you have ADRs or by the CM in the lines. so for that reason, if you don't necessarily want to see the opening show, I'd do the early ADR to get people free pictures of MSUSA and castle and get somewhat of a head start on the crowds. jmho