Helpful hints needed on dining before park opens

[1GR8DISNEYFAN]

This will be our first time with an 8 a.m. reservation at Crystal Palace on a day in which MK does not open until 9. Is there anything special, or any secrets I should know about early morning reservations before the park opens?

 

[DisneyHardin]

There will be a sign to the far left as you face MK to enter that is for early morning reservations, you just enter there.

 

[cmorris303]

If you are interested in having a photopass photographer take pics in front of the castle, have one take your pic about halfway through Main St or closer. The last few times we had a pre park ADR the lines were shorter the closer we got to the castle. Most people tend to stop at the first ones they see.

 

[PoohsHunnyBee]

If you can be the first family to check in, they announce you specially...It's not something I would speed-walk/run for but some would. Also, there are two different check-in locations; one in front of the main entrance and one to the left. They both work the same, so use whichever is less crowded which in my experience has been the one to the left.

Your server will probably give you the typical spiel about the meal taking 1 hour and 15 minutes...ignore that; it's probably true later in the day, but both times I've been for an 8 am pre-opening breakfast we've been out of there before rope drop. We were seated, got the spiel and gave our drink orders last Saturday and Pooh was just one table away so we waited to meet him then went to the buffet for our first plates. Then we met the other three characters in fairly close succession before returning to the buffet for our second plates.

 

[cmorris303]

You can also ask for the check when you are seated if you are trying to make it out before the park officially opens. This may save you a few minutes if you happen to catch the characters before you are finished eating and then won't have to wait for the check.