MK ride plan for ADR at 8:35 am

[CarlaLovesDisney]

In May I have a breakfast reservation at the Crystal Palace at 8:35 am. I was hoping I could get to the rides by 9 am, but I'm realizing that it might not happen. I've never made rope drop so I don't know how the crowds work that early. If I get to the rides at 9:30 am or so, will I still benefit from being there early?

 

[redsbe]

yes, depends somewhat on whether it is a EMH day and when in May, and what attractions are a must for your party, but 930a arrive in park is always still better then 1130a or later

 

[xie]

In May I have a breakfast reservation at the Crystal Palace at 8:35 am. I was hoping I could get to the rides by 9 am, but I'm realizing that it might not happen. I've never made rope drop so I don't know how the crowds work that early. If I get to the rides at 9:30 am or so, will I still benefit from being there early?

We go to a CP bkfst every trip. You won't get out by 9, for sure. We almost always get seated ~5 minutes late (sometimes as much as 10 or 15 minutes late), and you just won't be able to enjoy the buffet in 10 minutes. Also takes about 30-45 minutes for all the characters to get by your table, if you want to see them. CP has always been a very nice experience for us so we spend the hour it takes to enjoy it. (The omelet station is great. )

In the past, I would have said that yes, definitely, you will still benefit from rolling into the rides at 9:30-9:45. However, the last few months have been super weird. So just pick ahead where you want to run to after breakfast, smile, hold hands, and enjoy the day. Don't kill yourself second-guessing.

 

[CarlaLovesDisney]

yes, depends somewhat on whether it is a EMH day and when in May, and what attractions are a must for your party, but 930a arrive in park is always still better then 1130a or later

Honestly we just wanted to get as many rides in as possible before noon. There were no EMH for MK that day in mid-May. But yes, that is so true. I know I'll definitely be beating most people.

 

[leebee]

Honestly we just wanted to get as many rides in as possible before noon. There were no EMH for MK that day in mid-May. But yes, that is so true. I know I'll definitely be beating most people.

What about giving your kids a breakfast bar or yogurt first thing, go do as many rides as possible, and then do CP for an early lunch (like 11:30)? That would still get you to CP for the Pooh guys but you'll be able to do a bunch of morning riding first.

 

[CarlaLovesDisney]

We go to a CP bkfst every trip. You won't get out by 9, for sure. We almost always get seated ~5 minutes late (sometimes as much as 10 or 15 minutes late), and you just won't be able to enjoy the buffet in 10 minutes. Also takes about 30-45 minutes for all the characters to get by your table, if you want to see them. CP has always been a very nice experience for us so we spend the hour it takes to enjoy it. (The omelet station is great. )

In the past, I would have said that yes, definitely, you will still benefit from rolling into the rides at 9:30-9:45. However, the last few months have been super weird. So just pick ahead where you want to run to after breakfast, smile, hold hands, and enjoy the day. Don't kill yourself second-guessing.

How lenient are they with early arrivals? Should I arrive ~15 before the ADR in case they have space for me earlier? Or will that most likely not happen?

 

[CarlaLovesDisney]

What about giving your kids a breakfast bar or yogurt first thing, go do as many rides as possible, and then do CP for an early lunch (like 11:30)? That would still get you to CP for the Pooh guys but you'll be able to do a bunch of morning riding first.

Well, I actually don't have kids yet. Yes, we will be just a party of two adults going to meet Pooh I'm sorry I should have mentioned that. I admit that I booked the early breakfast mostly to see the park while it's relatively empty and get pictures without people in the background. Do you think that a 10 minute breakfast is more feasible feat for two adults?

 

[goofy4tink]

Sure, you could do breakfast in a very short time. BUT.....you probably won't be seated on time. And if you arrive more than 10-15 mins early, they will tell you to return closer to your ADR time. They seldom take anyone early anymore. Then, once you are seated, you might get lucky and have Pooh arrive at your table within a minute or two. But, it takes a full hour, at least, to get all the characters at your table. You can also shorten your time in the restaurant by paying the bill almost as soon as you sit down. But, you have then tipped on service you haven't had yet. Not always a good thing. And if you wait until you're ready to leave, it could take 20 mins to get the check and pay it!
I think you are going to have to decide what's most important....riding a lot of rides early on, or seeing Pooh and getting shots of an almost empty park. You're paying a substantial amount of money to eat at the CP...I certainly wouldn't rush thru just to get out and into the park. I would plan on being there for at least 45 mins.

 

[mom2rtk]

Be at the gates no later than 7:30. That early in the day, they generally seat e everyone coming in that first batch the same, and will seat you in the order in which you check in. So be near the front of the pack and you will increase your odds. They're not going to ask you to step aside while they wait for all the 8:15's to arrive. And it's not like you need to wait for someone already seated to finish up and leave.

Also, ask for your check when you first see the server. It's a buffet so no need to wait and see what you order.

That won't guarantee that the characters will be at your table before 9, but if they are, it gives you the best chance of being out near rope drop.