How Important is it to Arrive at Parks when doors open??

[ThreeMusketeers]

We want to plan our Character Dining around 8 am, but fear that we won't be at the parks when they open...is it that important as far as making a full day out of things and getting through crowds to go as soon as the park opens??

Our date is the first week of Dec. And we are traveling with 4 adults and one child.

Thanks.

 

[kizmac]

First week in December......we went that time in 2003 and were never there at park opening. We usually made it there by 10 am and had no troubles. I think you should be fine. The crowds at that time really are not that bad. Now during peak season, it is very important to be there early. HTH!

 

[northwds]

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[northwds]

If you plan your character dining as 8:00 am breakfasts, you have to be on site at that time, I recommended being there a little early. The parks open at 9:00 am each day, unless it is an early entry day for Disney resort guests.
So, you should have your breakfast done and wandering around the park before the general public even get through the gates. Personally, we always book 8:00 am character breakfasts at parks on non-early entry days. We love experiencing the parks as they open with so few people. I have some great shots of kids on Main St all by themselves.....looks like they are the only guest in town. They loved it!

Of course, this if you are doing your character breakfast inside the theme parks. If you are going to the resorts for your character breakfast, that is a horse of another color!