How do early ADRs work in MK

[katytrott]

I'm so gutted - we got an 8am ADR at BOG partly because we wanted to but mostly to get into the park before RD. Just found out today that they have extended the MK hours from 9am open to 8am open. Josh on easywdw advises cancelling 8am ADRs as now pointless - sooooo sad! Our plans for the whole day are based on it being a 9am open arghhh!

So, just wondering how the breakfast ADRs work? What time are you allowed in the park before an ADR and how much earlier before the ADR can you show up?

Also, how does BOG breakfast work? I know you can pre book your food choices - is the food ready and waiting for you when you arrive or do you still have to wait for it?

Do you pay at the start of the meal like a quick service, or at the end like a table service meal? I'm just wondering how quick we can make the meal, which is a massive shame as I was looking forward to having 50 mins ish to enjoy and take our time.

Thanks

 

[Rosebud123]

That's a bummer!

I can't answer your specific questions, but have you thought of changing the breakfast to 10:30? That would give you 2.5 hours of prime touring and then a nice, relaxing break.

To me, it's not worth it to spend all that $ to rush through breakfast and be missing out on the best hour of the day.

eta - I remember reading a post here from someone who said they were let in a few minutes early (while the opening show was going on) for an 8:00 ADR with an 8:00 park open time. Also, I think you do still wait for your food even when you preorder, but only for a few minutes. You pay before you eat.

 

[minnie mum]

Pre opening ADRs are generally let in about 7:45. So only a few minutes utes earlier than an 8:00 RD.

You pay for your breakfast when you arrive. You then collect drinks, silverware and napkins and find a table to sit at. Your food will arrive in a few minutes after being seated.

I agree with Rosebud. Instead of losing that first 30-45 minutes in the park, perhaps switch to a late morning breakfast

 

[mom2mickeyfan]

This happened to us on one of our MK days in June. We had 2 MK days planned with pre-park RD ADRs. We ended up cancelling the one that had the opening time changed. I am so glad we did because even though I missed being in front of the crowds at RD, I loved having that extra hour before crowds started to build. We got more done before 11 on the morning the time changed to 8 a.m. with no ADR than we did with the 9 a.m RD with a 8:05 ADR. I agree with trying to move the ADR for a late breakfast or an early lunch. That is about the time the crowds will start flowing in and you guys will have already hit a lot of rides and the break will be nice.

 

[katytrott]

Thanks everyone,
With an 8am opening, is the RD the same stampede as it is at 9am? I think that was why we wanted an ADR an hour before opening - the reports/pics from easywdw look horrific and I know would be a bad start to the day for us

 

[Robo]

Have a great trip!

 

[katytrott]

How fewer? How much earlier than RD do you need to arrive when opening at 8am? I guess I'm wanting to know if it is a stampede or not!!

 

[quakechicago]

In summer it'll be like a 9 am RD which you can see on youtube videos. Remember there's like 25-30 THOUSAND guests who feel that EMH means they all are being told they NEED to go to that park THEN to have an advantage over everyone else. When you look at those numbers, there's not much advantage. We tend to avoid EMH. Even with ride max, you CAN get things done, but I hate that initial RUSH and CRUSH at MK where people try to push and run. Yes, fewer people get up earlier, but still many many will. It also depends on the day. Later in the week, the resort guests don't hit as many EMH (because they are tired and want to sleep in). If it's early in the week when people are newly arrived, they're gunning!

Getting in 15 minutes early isn't going to make a big difference, but going to a different park and switching days around might. Have fun!

 

[mom2mickeyfan]

Thanks everyone,
With an 8am opening, is the RD the same stampede as it is at 9am? I think that was why we wanted an ADR an hour before opening - the reports/pics from easywdw look horrific and I know would be a bad start to the day for us

How fewer? How much earlier than RD do you need to arrive when opening at 8am? I guess I'm wanting to know if it is a stampede or not!!

Hi, I'm the one that mentioned that we had both kinds of MK days just this June. One that we had an 8:10 a.m. ADR that got changed to an 8 a.m. opening and an early ADR with a 9 a.m. opening. As I mentioned, we cancelled the ADR for the day the RD time changed. We arrived at the gate around 7:15. I'm not going to lie and tell you it was a nice quiet walk back to the mine train. It was a bit of a stampede. But nothing compared to trying to leave MK after the fireworks!! It is crowd that is walking briskly towards either the mine train or A&E. If you aren't headed to one of those 2 things, you could even walk slower and let the crowds go around you. Me, DH and 9 year old DS did it. We were headed to the mine train and we were not ever pushed. Others that walked faster than us passed us and cut in front of you but again, no worst than leaving MK after the fireworks. It really looks much worst than what it is. It isn't something I enjoy but is not something I would do different if the same situation came up for our next trip. And mind you, our crowd level was an 8 for the day.