Keep seeing posts U can't drive to early am AK breakfast?

[jenjersnap]

I've seen it posted repeated that AK doesn't let cars into the parking lot in time to make pre-opening character breakfasts at AK. This worries me since we like the flexibility of driving. When I made the PS last week, the dining CM was quite adamant that this was NOT true and, in fact, invited me to call them when I returned if we had any problem. She said that, as long as we presented the PS number, no big deal. Well ... I know CMs are not always informed of what is actually happening out in the parks and, it would still ruin my family's day to miss that breakfast, even if I was able to report back the problem.

Can anyone confirm if officially they do not allow cars into the parking lot before getting ready for opening. Or unofficially can you tell me your recent experience? Why wouldn't we be able to talk to someone at the parking lot entrance and give them our PS number as she said? Because of other cars backed up waiting? I guess the reasons behind it mystifies me.

I really need to know what to do about this. Is the bus just an absolute necessity? Thanks so much!

 

[Mickey_Maniac]

In our experiences, it is true, and I for one hate it. On our last trip, we had a PS for Donalds for 8:00. We headed over to AK at about 7:30 figuring we could park, get to the entrance and get checked in within 30 mins.

By the time we got to the parking toll booth, all lanes were blocked with at least 6-10 cars each. There was no way for us to get in even if we wanted to. I tried talking to one of the CMs and was told that we could not enter the parking lot until 30 mins before park opening. I even showed the PS, but no good.

Next time, we take the bus...

 

[kkmauch]

Does this mean that if I have an early PS for Donald's that I WILL be able to take the bus? The CM on the phone when I made the PS said that I would NOT be able to take the bus. So which is it? Maybe we need help from Tyler???

 

[seashoreCM]

This calls for a long talk with Guest Relations.

Did they graciously seat you when you did arrive at the restaurant?

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

Does this mean that if I have an early PS for Donald's that I WILL be able to take the bus? The CM on the phone when I made the PS said that I would NOT be able to take the bus. So which is it? Maybe we need help from Tyler???

I don't know why, but the AK toll plaza does not open early enough to get to the first few seatings at Donald's Breakfastasaurus. Makes no sense to me.

However, the good news is that YES, the buses *WILL* be running. Just be out at the bus stop 45 minutes prior to your seating time, and you will be all set. The 45 minutes takes into consideration 15 minutes wait time for if you just missed the bus, 15 minutes travel time, and 15 minutes walk time to the restaurant. Chances are though, you will get there early.

 

[jenjersnap]

I don't know why, but the AK toll plaza does not open early enough to get to the first few seatings at Donald's Breakfastasaurus. Makes no sense to me.

However, the good news is that YES, the buses *WILL* be running. Just be out at the bus stop 45 minutes prior to your seating time, and you will be all set. The 45 minutes takes into consideration 15 minutes wait time for if you just missed the bus, 15 minutes travel time, and 15 minutes walk time to the restaurant. Chances are though, you will get there early.

Tyler, does this schedule - showing up 45 minutes early - work for the Epcot area resorts too? Just wondering cos (it seems) they have so many more stops than most other buses. We're staying at the Yacht Club ... Thanks!

DH is going to very unhappy about this news. We have two small kids ... a car just works better for us right now so we can leave when we feel like it (and not subject other bus riders to our strong-willed baby's unhappiness when he gets tired. LOL). I will probably just cancel the breakfast.

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

Tyler, does this schedule - showing up 45 minutes early - work for the Epcot area resorts too? Just wondering cos (it seems) they have so many more stops than most other buses. We're staying at the Yacht Club ... Thanks!

Yes, it does. At early times of the morning, when demand is minimal, the bus may make all 5 stops. Since you're at the Yacht Club, you just have two stops to sit through... not bad by any means. It's not as if the bus will start at the Yacht Club, then stop at every other resort.

During more busy times, buses will be routed to stop at only 2, maybe 3 of the resorts.

 

[Donnask8pro]

Tyler, I am staying off site. My PS is on Thursday. Where should I park and ride from? I also have a son in a wheelchair. Thanks

 

[seashoreCM]

Tyler, I am staying off site. My PS is on Thursday. Where should I park and ride from? I also have a son in a wheelchair. Thanks

I would try Animal Kingdom Lodge saying you have the PS at Anmal Kingdom Lodge. They, like most resorts, will give you a 3 hour parking pass (or maybe just let you in if parking demand is not likely to be high). You do have to be there early enough to catch the bus to AK. Also, when proceeding tto AKL you have a chance to observe the AK toll booth area and see if they are letting people in early that day. If the booth is not open the guard shall let you cut through to the lot exit or back up out of there.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm
______________________________________________

Women are superior to men. Here's why. You see, God created a man first. Then, as He was creating a woman He had learned from His mistakes! (B. Meltzer a talk show host, among others)

 

[NewEnglandDisney]

I've heard so many conflicting things about the early busses. I hear that there is only one, and it is either a) at 7:00 or b) at 7:15, yet others say they "start" running at 7:30.

Normally, I'd just call Disney and ask, but it seems like much of the conflicting information is actually coming from them.

I have a PS at 8:10 at Donalds, so I guess I'm just going out to the bus stop at 7 and hoping for the best.

N.E.D.

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

I've heard so many conflicting things about the early busses. I hear that there is only one, and it is either a) at 7:00 or b) at 7:15, yet others say they "start" running at 7:30.

Normally, I'd just call Disney and ask, but it seems like much of the conflicting information is actually coming from them.

I have a PS at 8:10 at Donalds, so I guess I'm just going out to the bus stop at 7 and hoping for the best.

N.E.D.

Just be out at your bus stop 45 minutes prior to seating time. Buses run continuously.

 

[deltachi8]

We made PS for 8:20 for Donalds on 4/28. We are staying off site and I am just going to cancel it. Its not worth it trying to figure this all out.