Early entry for dining MVMCP?

[SCDVC2000]

Hello all! I think I know the answer for this, but I would like to pose it here. Thanksgiving week we are bringing my wife’s grandmother who is currently on home hospice for pancreatic cancer. She is doing surprisingly well and we are hoping that she is still with us in November. She has expressed that she wants to come back to Disney one last time before she passes.
All that being said, we are trying to make this as special as possible for her. There will be 11 of us including her and we are staying on property. I have purchased tickets today for. MVMCP. I know that there is a 4 o’clock early entry even though the party starts at seven.
If we were to get a 4 PM dining at “Be our guest” do you think there is any possibility that they will let us enter early to the main gate like at 3:45?
I realize the alternative would be to arrive at the park at around 2:45 or 3 PM and wait in the special ticket entry line for the 4 PM entry (given a 15 min grace period to get to the restaurant) but I don’t know if my grandmother would be able to tolerate waiting in the line. Thank you all.

 

[Willow Ufgood]

Hello all! I think I know the answer for this, but I would like to pose it here. Thanksgiving week we are bringing my wife’s grandmother who is currently on home hospice for pancreatic cancer. She is doing surprisingly well and we are hoping that she is still with us in November. She has expressed that she wants to come back to Disney one last time before she passes.
All that being said, we are trying to make this as special as possible for her. There will be 11 of us including her and we are staying on property. I have purchased tickets today for. MVMCP. I know that there is a 4 o’clock early entry even though the party starts at seven.
If we were to get a 4 PM dining at “Be our guest” do you think there is any possibility that they will let us enter early to the main gate like at 3:45?
I realize the alternative would be to arrive at the park at around 2:45 or 3 PM and wait in the special ticket entry line for the 4 PM entry (given a 15 min grace period to get to the restaurant) but I don’t know if my grandmother would be able to tolerate waiting in the line. Thank you all.

Why not make the reservation for 4:15 or even 4:30 to allow time to enter and walk to the restaurant? That would be less stressful than trying to get to a 4 PM reservation when your park ticket doesn't allow you to enter prior to 4:00.

 

[Nayan]

They are strict with the 4pm entry on party days so try find times like the PP suggested.

 

[gottalovepluto]

No. Your ADR does not override your ticket entitlement. Book your dinner a bit later. Also, if you book much later like 5:30pm you can show up to the gate after the main 4pm rush is through.

 

[Kooks and Bay Bay]

Don't count on them letting you in earlier.
Just make the reservation for later.

Also I'm sorry to hear about the health situation.
Depending on the stage of the cancer I'd consider trying for an earlier trip.
Unfortunately with pancreatic cancer its usually not found early and often times it can cause a rapid decline so if she's not seeking treatment she could decline significantly before late November.

 

[Lewisc]

Will anyone in your group have an AP? They could probably run interference at th restaurant. PP is right, a later reservation makes more sense

 

[SCDVC2000]

Thanks all for the advice! I think making a 4:30pm reservation makes the most sense- she just wanted to see storytime with Belle too and it will be closed at 5, so we’ll just have to skip it

 

[gottalovepluto]

Thanks all for the advice! I think making a 4:30pm reservation makes the most sense- she just wanted to see storytime with Belle too and it will be closed at 5, so we’ll just have to skip it

Why not make the res for 5pm? The party doesn't start until 7pm and the 4pm-7pm time is kinda chaotic with the mix of party and day park goers.

 

[jtopp]

Best wishes for her good health to continue. Not only will they not allow you early entry without a valid park pass for that day, but the entry line for MVMCP at 4pmis long, and may take up to 45 minutes to enter.

 

[DL1WDW2]

I think you need to rethink this .
Sounds like your priority is not necessarily creating one last memory for a Wish to visit the Magic Kingdom with current health issues.
I would consider a trip staying at Contemporary or Bay Like Tower for just her location during Thanksgiving Week with immediate family in adjoining room .
Every thing else is too much for her weakened condition . It might even be impossible to sit comfortably in a wheelchair. The rest of the family can use this location to visit before they try to enjoy their vacation .So you are all together but not for every minute .
I am sorry to be so harsh .
I am sure WDW will refund the tickets and possibly help you find availability for a resort stay .

 

[Lewisc]

A trip 4+ months from now for a grandmother already under hospice care might be optimistic if not unrealistic. Jimmy
Carter was under hospice care for over a year but that's rare.

She might be alive but travel might not be doable.

Maybe try to get her down in a few weeks.

 

[Minnie1222]

Thanks all for the advice! I think making a 4:30pm reservation makes the most sense- she just wanted to see storytime with Belle too and it will be closed at 5, so we’ll just have to skip it.

I don't get it! Why skip something that a dying woman specifically asked for? If the family is serious about Grandma's wishes, someone needs to bring her now...as in the next few days if not tomorrow. Take her to visit Belle, BOG, and wherever she wanted. If, by miracles, she's still well in November then you all can bring her again.

 

[Lewisc]

Buy Grandma a MK ticket the day of your MVMCP. Get a ticket for at least one other family member.

 

[DL1WDW2]

I plan to go to my grave with my Annual Pass in my hand so any dream is possible with just a little faith and a lot of love…
I’m sure Walt has built a Disney Heaven just beyond those pearly gates

 

[Nancyg56]

I am so sorry to hear of your grandmothers health. At first I was just going to answer your question, but I dont feel right doing that.

I believe there is a difference between bringing a healthy older person on a WDW trip and going on a WDW trip with someone whose health is severely compromised. WHat you want to do for your grandmothr and what is realisitic may be two very different things.

Parties can be hectic. Really hectic. And exhausting under the best of circumstances.

If i was plannning this for my Mom (I am 68) I would scrap what you have planned. If you can change your dates, that would be helpful, but if not I would consider going to the Magic Kingdom on a party day. The park is usually less crowded on party days bacause a lot of people do not want to leave early, they simply go to a different park that day. I really would not take Gram to a party.

The park is decorated for the holiday and is lovely. Pick a few must do attractions your grandmother wants to go on one more time. You mentioined Storytime. It is really a sweet attraction. Book a TS lunch (If she wants Be Our Guest book it here) so you know you have a place for Gram to relax. If you want to view the afternoon parade, there is a handicapped area, at least there was.

Then get out of the park. Go back to your resort and let your grandmoter rest.

If she wants to see the special party fireworks, book a late dinner at Narcoossee. on a different night. There is a nice veranda there that allows a lovely view. You miss the castle projections, but the music is piped in. I believe that if you have an early meal you can come back to see the fireworks, but i am not sure this is still true.


I think that while your intentions are good, you seem to have lost the reason for your visit. Personally, if this was my Mom I woud move Heaven and Earth to get her there now. I woudl book a monorail resort and I woudl plan our visit around the Magic Kingdom. She wants Storytime? Done. Meet the Beast? You got it. Lunch iat Be our GUest booked. Waiting for Thanksgiving, a notoriously busy time makes very little sense. Your decision to skip the attraction she asked for, I wont comment on.