Getting to MK early

[briternik]

What time would I need to be at the boat dock in order to make the first boat to MK? Thanks!

 

[PaHunter]

Very Early. We went in October and the park opened at 9, boats started to run about 820. But with social distancing the boat only carries half the people. We were at the dock about 715 to be the first ones in line. If you are not the first ten groups you will not be on the first boat. You can always take a bus over to MK. They leave from the Settlement by Hoop Dee Doo.

 

[bama_ed]

I will piggyback on the above answer.

We were at FW the same time as PaHunter and got to the dock at 8am for the boat and there were about 20 people already in line. We walked to the Settlement Bus Depot (up past the Hoop Dee Doo Review) and there was only one other group of 4 waiting (it was running at 50% capacity and had seats for 30 so only allowed 15). It came for us about 825am.

We ended up taking the bus both going to and coming back from MK. They will both get you to MK approximately at the same time (845-850am). The bus was low stress and since it was less well known, it worked for us.

Bama Ed

 

[briternik]

Yikes. I was really hoping to be at MK by 815 for a 9 am opening. Doesn't sound like that will happen. Also, we will have a golf cart. Is there parking at the settlement if we go that route? Would it be faster to just drive to the TTC?

 

[bama_ed]

Yikes. I was really hoping to be at MK by 815 for a 9 am opening. Doesn't sound like that will happen. Also, we will have a golf cart. Is there parking at the settlement if we go that route? Would it be faster to just drive to the TTC?

All kinds of parking for a golf cart at Settlement area.

TTC no faster. They don't allow cars through the MK Toll Booth area till about 820am. They have no trams running in the TTC lots so once you park you have to walk it in to the monorail/ferry area.

My bus driver (take that FWIW) said that the bus/boat/monorail/ferry schedules are timed to get people to the MK drop after 830am. That's why they don't come any earlier-they don't want guests there any earlier than 830am.

We used to take the small boat (CR-WL-FW) from the right side of the dock early in the morning to the Contemp and walk to MK but that option is gone. So Main Street is open and the turnstiles accept guests before 9am but off the bus/boat you have to go through a temperature screening and the usual bag check.

So no you won't be at MK by 815am. We were there about 845am on the first bus. And the ferry was coming in. The Fort boat was a few minutes behind us.

Don't forget you're still paying full price for a park ticket. (That part made me unhappy). Loss of live shows, closed rides, shortened hours, dumbed down restaurant menus, and closed quick service locations, but still full price.

Don't get me started..... Thank goodness we only had one MK day on our trip (and none to the other parks).

Bama Ed

PS - about the only way to get to MK at 815am is to stay at the Contemp or BLT.

 

[Ds4angels]

[QUOTE="bama_ed, post: 62466062, member:

We used to take the small boat (CR-WL-FW) from the right side of the dock early in the morning to the Contemp and walk to MK but that option is gone. So Main Street is open and the turnstiles accept guests before 9am but off the bus/boat you have to go through a temperature screening and the usual bag check.

I wonder if that other boat will be gone for good, or just for the next 6, months?

We love to get at the turnstile early and be in front of the crowd, 1) because DH hates to be in the middle of the crowd and 2) it's interesting to watch people walk up and see if you can pick out who's there for the first time. But no way am I paying Contemporary prices

 

[bama_ed]

I wonder if that other boat will be gone for good, or just for the next 6, months?

My understanding was that the small boat started running early (like 630am) to facilitate guests at those three resorts being able to get to the expensive character breakfasts and meals that have taken place over the years at WL and CR and in general. With so many restaurants closed and character meals/buffets shut down, there were no real destinations for the small boat passengers that couldn't be satisfied with the big boat and bus system.

If that was indeed the reason for the small boat running early, you would think it would resume when those expensive meals/events do. At least I hope so and soon.

Bama Ed

 

[PaHunter]

Crystal Palace is set to open shortly so maybe if they are serving breakfast the small boats will start running again.

 

[jsmla]

We are here now and went to the MK this morning. We went down to the marina at 7:30, the first boat came at 7:53. The attendant told me that transportation can begin arriving at the MK at 8:00 when the park officially opens at 9:00.

 

[bama_ed]

We are here now and went to the MK this morning. We went down to the marina at 7:30, the first boat came at 7:53. The attendant told me that transportation can begin arriving at the MK at 8:00 when the park officially opens at 9:00.

Glad to hear of the change, jsmla. I wonder if it was made because we are fast upon the holiday season (Thanksgiving and Christmas)? That will be good news for guests.

Bama Ed

 

[briternik]

We are here now and went to the MK this morning. We went down to the marina at 7:30, the first boat came at 7:53. The attendant told me that transportation can begin arriving at the MK at 8:00 when the park officially opens at 9:00.

How many people were there at 7:30?

 

[jsmla]

We were first but the only there maybe five minutes before others began arriving.

 

[Sjm9911]

Well " If your not first your last". Ricky Bobby. Lol. I said that to my 8 yo daughter going to the boats last year. She took it literally and plowed through the 3 person crowd to be first on. She then sat in the front of the boat , so we were off last. She did like that she was first though. Looking back , im not a great advise giver.........

 

[elephant98]

Staying at the Cabins December 9-13. Rented a golf cart. Magic Kingdom opening was 8 am every day. We went to the Magic Kingdom twice. The first boat arrived promptly at 7 am. Got the dock at 6:45 am both days and we were the second family in line. The boat will hold only 40 people tops, according to the staff. And that’s only if there are large parties. Small groups of travelers will result in less people. (We caught a smaller boat on a return trip and they could only accommodate 12 people). The boat left by 7:05 am. Made it to the Magic Kingdom and waiting at tapstyles by 7:30 am. we made it before people arriving from hotels on buses. That’s a first for us. The Magic Kingdom opened not much past 7:30 am and Snow Whites Mine Ride and Peter Pan were both open. Rushed to Mine Ride and got on after only a 5 minute wait. When we got off the wait had ballooned to 55 minutes. Not surprising since there were only two rides open at the time.