Early park hopping for an ADR

[ellataylor]

Hi there,

We we’re able to snag a 1.55pm Biergarten ADR for the Candlelight Processional in December. However our plan was to go to MK that morning and park hop to Epcot for the CP dining package. There is no availability for a later time. I called WDW dining line to ask if they could put a note on the reservation and the CM said that we could ask to enter Epcot at say 1.45 in order to make it to Biergarten within the 15 minute grace period. I feel a bit dubious to rely on this method as it seems odd that they would let people park hop prior to the 2pm deadline.

Has anyone had experience of being let into a park before 2pm when park hopping?

 

[DaniPoppins]

I've never tried this, but my guess is since it's only 15 minutes that they would let you, especially since you have an ADR.

 

[Neurodude84]

Enter at International Gateway (take a bus to Beach Club or Boardwalk) so it’s only a 5 minute walk.

 

[bluedolphin32]

Maybe you could also call the restaurant around check in time to let them know you are hopping in right at 2? You can check in on the app also, so either way you can let them know you plan to be there so they don't give away your table.

 

[Disneydawg74]

Like most things Disney, you’re at the mercy of the Cast Member at your entry point. We’ve been able to enter maybe 5 minutes early on a few occasions without having to ask.

 

[Mousetopia]

Maybe you could also call the restaurant around check in time to let them know you are hopping in right at 2? You can check in on the app also, so either way you can let them know you plan to be there so they don't give away your table.

We dont have access to call restaurants directly at Disney.

 

[SkyGuy]

I have no experience trying to get in early, but I’m dubious like you. Do you know how many people would try to skirt the 2:00 park hopping rule with an earlier ADR if word got out you’re allowed to enter earlier just by booking an earlier ADR? (BTW, my ADR is coming up soon, so let me know how this works out for you .)

 

[Marthasor]

I would keep looking for a later time or enter at IG, as PP noted, and hightail it over to Biergarten as soon as you are let in.

 

[Anthony1971]

The bigger problem you have is the buses do not star running between parks until I believe it was 1:30 and it will not show up until then….. The best you can do is take a bus to an EPCOT resort to get there earlier. I am fairly certain I walked in through the IG a few minutes before 2 it was not intentional I remember thinking about the time as we got closer but walked through no issue. It could have also been exactly 2 But I believe it was earlier.

 

[ellataylor]

Thanks all for your really helpful responses! I will definitely keep checking for a later time but if not get the bus to Beach club and enter through IG.
Does anyone know if it’s acceptable to mobile check in when you are not physically there? Say if I did it at 2 when I had just entered the park?

Sorry I like to explore all eventualities to avoid last minute panics!

 

[CarolMN]

Isn't there a "grace period" of 15 minutes or so for ADRs? If you can't enter early, you should be able to make it to Germany from the IG in less than 15 minutes. Good luck!

 

[Neurodude84]

Thanks all for your really helpful responses! I will definitely keep checking for a later time but if not get the bus to Beach club and enter through IG.
Does anyone know if it’s acceptable to mobile check in when you are not physically there? Say if I did it at 2 when I had just entered the park?

Sorry I like to explore all eventualities to avoid last minute panics!

You can’t check in if you’re too far away, but at some point as you are walking in, it will let you.

 

[supersnoop]

There's no way they let you through the gate early. The tapstile won't allow it, and I doubt the CM can override that.

There's no "grace period" defined for reservations. It's entirely up to the discretion of the restaurant. Arriving late could move you to the walkup waitlist.

If you want to risk it, then enter from the International Gateway right at 2pm (which means leaving MK between 12:30 - 1pm) and check in as soon as the app allows, if it allows. Otherwise, keep checking for a later time.

 

[Mrs.AMC]

Maybe you could also call the restaurant around check in time to let them know you are hopping in right at 2? You can check in on the app also, so either way you can let them know you plan to be there so they don't give away your table.

Sadly, neither option work that way at Disney. It's not like real world and using Open Table, where you can do both things

 

[Mrs.AMC]

Enter at International Gateway (take a bus to Beach Club or Boardwalk) so it’s only a 5 minute walk.

This.
If you enter at 2:00 on the nose from the IG, walk directly to Germany, you will be ok. They aren't going to turn you away for being a few minutes late.
Don't be a minute late going in IG, don't tarry getting to Germany, no stopping for a grey goose martini in France or any of that.
Speed walk, so to speak, to Germany.

I'd even try to enter just a few minute early, no more than 5. Watches can be off, so you can plead for forgiveness by saying my watch must be off a bit. Unless it's an Apple watch, then that excuse is sort of gone, LOL

 

[Ensusieasm]

Hi there,

We we’re able to snag a 1.55pm Biergarten ADR for the Candlelight Processional in December. However our plan was to go to MK that morning and park hop to Epcot for the CP dining package. There is no availability for a later time. I called WDW dining line to ask if they could put a note on the reservation and the CM said that we could ask to enter Epcot at say 1.45 in order to make it to Biergarten within the 15 minute grace period. I feel a bit dubious to rely on this method as it seems odd that they would let people park hop prior to the 2pm deadline.

Has anyone had experience of being let into a park before 2pm when park hopping?

Leave MK and be in the bus line for beach club by no later than 12:45pm. Buses can sometimes be later than you expect and you do have to walk from Beach club to the IG. I entered a park gate 5 minutes early without any trouble. Power walk to your ADR… you’ll be fine.

 

[ltalley1]

We had a space 220 reservation in September at 2:05 and were at the International Gate by 1:40. A line had formed along the fence near the boat dock. They started letting us in at 1:45 and we made it no problem. Not sure if that is an everyday occurrence, but it seemed like it might be. Good luck!

 

[Allison]

The turnstiles actually allow you to enter at 1:47 pm. You will be fine.

 

[gharter]

There's no way they let you through the gate early. The tapstile won't allow it, and I doubt the CM can override that.

There's no "grace period" defined for reservations. It's entirely up to the discretion of the restaurant. Arriving late could move you to the walkup waitlist.

If you want to risk it, then enter from the International Gateway right at 2pm (which means leaving MK between 12:30 - 1pm) and check in as soon as the app allows, if it allows. Otherwise, keep checking for a later time.

Agree. I doubt the tapstile will let you in early.
I would take the bus to Boardwalk and enter in the IG. That will be a much shorter walk than from the front.

 

[bluedolphin32]

Sadly, neither option work that way at Disney. It's not like real world and using Open Table, where you can do both things

I don't have a ton of experience with this. Does mobile check in only work close by the restaurant, similar to the walkup waitlist?