My empty Main Street/early entry CP morning is gone...

[NewRVLady]

I too am thinking about canceling, but I guess earlier than the masses even if it's 15minutes is something.


Our ADR is scheduled for 8am, so I'm hoping to to be let in by 745, maybe a CM will understand.

My concern now is the busses to MK will be more busy and I should leave earlier.

.

Last week we were in the MK line at Beach Club and let me tellyou-MANY there were frustrated because the bus kept picking up at Yacht club and NOT going to beach because they were full
Several had early ressies and were going to be late

 

[MakiraMarlena]

I think Disney has the idea that if you book a pre-opening restaurant reservation it's because you want to eat breakfast, not because you want to take photos on Main Street, which the reservation does not give you the absolute right to do (the person described in the previous post tells the story of someone who got extremely upset because there was a TV show taping before park opening and they couldn't even go onto Main Street). You can complain but Disney doesn't have to keep Main Street open for you, just the restaurant.

If you don't really want the breakfast and all you wanted was to be able to get into the park before it opened so you could take photos then I would think you may be right on in deciding to drop the reservation. I think they extend the hours at MK every year for holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas anyway.

Last week we were in the MK line at Beach Club and let me tellyou-MANY there were frustrated because the bus kept picking up at Yacht club and NOT going to beach because they were full
Several had early ressies and were going to be late

Happened before the first Christmas party. the bus was late and pretty full from the stop at the Yacht Club and they couldn't put everyone from the Beach Club on the bus. Arguments broke out as to who was at the bus stop first (since the stop has no queue, those standing nearest the bus boarded first.)

 

[mom2rtk]

That's good to hear that we can get in a little early. We have 8:05 CP thanksgiving week. What time would you suggest that we get to the MK? Is the ADR line still to the left when we arrive at the entrance? Thanks!

The buses should be running early enough. I recommend planning to arrive at the gates no later than 7:30. Last time we were there the line was to the left, but just watch for the sign marking the line for breakfast reservations.

 

[sibesx2]

Am I the only one who did not find Main Street to be nearly empty? In May we had an 8am CP reservation and I was shocked to see how many people were in the park. Sure there wasn't as many people as after park opening but I certainly wouldn't call it nearly empty.

 

[NewRVLady]

The buses should be running early enough. I recommend planning to arrive at the gates no later than 7:30. Last time we were there the line was to the left, but just watch for the sign marking the line for breakfast reservations.

and that means, depending which resort=to be at your bus stop at 7am!

 

[Hopefully]

I appreciate everyone's responses

Yes, I'm glad to know it now rather than later, and yes, I know there's a good thing/bad thing going on, as I was the recipient of the "good thing" last month when they unexpectedly gave us a 2AM closing, which will be a first for us, so I know it cuts both ways, and this time I'm on the bad thing side of it...

Here's my thing: The early entry CP is two-fold. 1) it allows you the empty Main Street experience, which is just about the coolest thing to me, and 2) it allows you to get a jump on the crowds so that you're first on the rides. (We were going to eat quickly and pay for our meal when we first got seated so that we could try to be first riders on Space Mountain, something we have yet to accomplish.)

So, if I keep the reservation as is, I'm told by a dining CM that they should allow us into the park 15 minutes prior (so, 7:45-ish) which will get me the empty Main Street experience (unless something happens like Donald-my hero...that really stinks, but I liked your ending outlook on it), but we miss out on being the first (or close to it) on any ride.

Bottom line: it's not a good thing in any way, shape, or form. But, I can try to figure out a solution that will give me some form of good from it. Right now, the options are not appealing to me at all, but I will sleep on it and perhaps things will look brighter tomorrow

I told my DH that we could just keep the reservation, get into the park and experience the empty Main Street, and then go ride Space Mountain and let our credit card be charged for the $28.95 pp (there's three of us), so that would be one really expensive Space Mountain ride (but I'd miss my French Puff Pastry, too!)

I am sorry you are disappointed, but you shouldn't be upset. You should have anticipated this. This is the normal Holiday week practice for years. It would be the exception if they did not extend the hours.

 

[mom2rtk]

Am I the only one who did not find Main Street to be nearly empty? In May we had an 8am CP reservation and I was shocked to see how many people were in the park. Sure there wasn't as many people as after park opening but I certainly wouldn't call it nearly empty.

We always take our time entering, and let that initial rush of breakfast people clear out a bit. Then I have never had trouble getting photos with just a scattering of people in the background, often nobody in the background.

 

[BurleyGirl]

OK, here's my strategy after sleeping on it:
Keep the reservation
Hope to still get in 15 mins early (realize they may not let us)
If they do, hope for an empty Main Street experience (realize there may be extenuating circumstances that don't allow it)
Still eat quickly/pay first thing (we're past the point of being there for the characters)
Head to SM for first ride (not first riders ) of the day and stand in whatever line has formed by then, hoping it will not be too bad as it's still in the first hour (again, assuming CP seats us quickly).
Enjoy the rest of our day!!
Basically, I'm rolling with the punches

Even though I thought I had a good plan and researched well, I guess I missed that this is a very common occurrence. So, maybe my post (and subsequent trip report) will help some other planner for their next Thanksgiving week trip

 

[Suvadoo]

I appreciate everyone's responses

Yes, I'm glad to know it now rather than later, and yes, I know there's a good thing/bad thing going on, as I was the recipient of the "good thing" last month when they unexpectedly gave us a 2AM closing, which will be a first for us, so I know it cuts both ways, and this time I'm on the bad thing side of it...

Here's my thing: The early entry CP is two-fold. 1) it allows you the empty Main Street experience, which is just about the coolest thing to me, and 2) it allows you to get a jump on the crowds so that you're first on the rides. (We were going to eat quickly and pay for our meal when we first got seated so that we could try to be first riders on Space Mountain, something we have yet to accomplish.)

So, if I keep the reservation as is, I'm told by a dining CM that they should allow us into the park 15 minutes prior (so, 7:45-ish) which will get me the empty Main Street experience (unless something happens like Donald-my hero...that really stinks, but I liked your ending outlook on it), but we miss out on being the first (or close to it) on any ride.

Bottom line: it's not a good thing in any way, shape, or form. But, I can try to figure out a solution that will give me some form of good from it. Right now, the options are not appealing to me at all, but I will sleep on it and perhaps things will look brighter tomorrow

I told my DH that we could just keep the reservation, get into the park and experience the empty Main Street, and then go ride Space Mountain and let our credit card be charged for the $28.95 pp (there's three of us), so that would be one really expensive Space Mountain ride (but I'd miss my French Puff Pastry, too!)

Can you get to the park early for an empty main street, ride Space Mountain, and then show up at your 8 am reservation at 8:15am? Don't shoot me for the suggestion, but this is what I'd try. I doubt they'd turn you away and you'd avoid the penalties.

 

[BurleyGirl]

Can you get to the park early for an empty main street, ride Space Mountain, and then show up at your 8 am reservation at 8:15am? Don't shoot me for the suggestion, but this is what I'd try. I doubt they'd turn you away and you'd avoid the penalties.

Oh, my, now that's an intriguing idea! I'll see if any Dis-veterans will weigh in on this...I'd love to know if this could work?

 

[Suvadoo]

Oh, my, now that's an intriguing idea! I'll see if any Dis-veterans will weigh in on this...I'd love to know if this could work?

I'd call the reservation line or look at the site to see if there's a grace period. But I still don't think they'd turn you away or if they did, I doubt you'd be charged the penalty.

 

[SharonLowe]

This thread reminds me of the "throwaway room" thread. Book a throwaway breakfast just so you can take some photos and maybe be the first on a ride. WDW should be reading this thread - maybe they can start selling a package that lets people in a bit early to get photos and rides without WDW having to incur any food or other costs.

 

[maxiesmom]

I don't think you should pin your hopes on eating quickly, and making a fast exit from the Crystal Palace. The Crystal Palace is notorious for seating people late.

It would be better to try and snag a late-ish ADR, for around 10 am or so. That way you can get to the park early, and then get on many rides before breakfast time. It doesn't make sense to scarf down your food when you are paying almost $30 for eggs and waffles. Slow down and eat your fill!

 

[MakiraMarlena]

The throwaway breakfast is not a new thing. When Anna and Elsa were at Epcot the level of throwaway breakfasts at Akershus soared because all people wanted was to be first in line for the meet and greet and were blowing off the breakfast (and sucking up the no-show fee). I don't think WDW cares so much now that they charge guests for not showing up at restaurants.

If anything WDW would probably love to charge something like $50 each for a limited number of guests to have early access just to Main Street, people would pay it.

 

[BurleyGirl]

This thread reminds me of the "throwaway room" thread. Book a throwaway breakfast just so you can take some photos and maybe be the first on a ride. WDW should be reading this thread - maybe they can start selling a package that lets people in a bit early to get photos and rides without WDW having to incur any food or other costs.

I see your point. Good perspective.

I think hindsight would benefit me in this way: Thanksgiving week breakfast ADR should be tried for at 8:30a. That might still get you in early and still make one ride prior to showing up for your ressie.

Thanks everyone for your help/advice/perspective/encouragement/and just plain good 'ol "we're in this boat together"

 

[BurleyGirl]

P.S. I'm still going to stalk the Dining Reservations for a little later ressie...you never know when some pixie dust might come your way, but if it doesn't, I'm good.

 

[maxiesmom]

This thread reminds me of the "throwaway room" thread. Book a throwaway breakfast just so you can take some photos and maybe be the first on a ride. WDW should be reading this thread - maybe they can start selling a package that lets people in a bit early to get photos and rides without WDW having to incur any food or other costs.

That throwaway ADR would cost $10 a person. Not sure who would think pics of a mostly Main Street is worth it, but to each their own I guess. I wouldn't do it, as I would feel bad for the people who wanted the ADR I had, but couldn't get it as I was just tossing it away.

 

[tim123]

Thanksgiving week morning hours changed...I know it's not the end of the world, and there are many more worse things that could happen, but here in the "World" this was the very tip top of my most important things list: pre-opening breakfast in the MK! When my ADR time opened up, I had secured my coveted 8:00a for the 25th (our last day in Disney). I have been checking (and hoping) that the hours would not change, and thought I was in the clear when they went through their big changes last month. But, this morning I see that my date now opens at 8:00a, so my much anticipated and must-do empty Main Street is no longer going to happen. (I've tried to secure other morning CP reservations to no avail.)

I'm so disappointed...can't even begin to convey just how disappointed I am. (If there was a deflated balloon emoticon, I would place it here).

Do not give up. Be aware that the CP ressies get dropped because people cancel to avoid double booking or never even go to the park…I have seen CP open up for reservations 24 to 36 hours before like clock work…check about two days before and check at odd hours about 30 to 40 hours before…they open up all the time…thanksgiving week may be a tough one but think positive and it will happen for you….also book for a table of 5 if you can't find it for 3 etc..they are flexible once you get to the guy with the clipboard and then at the CP window. Good luck!

 

[Suvadoo]

This thread reminds me of the "throwaway room" thread. Book a throwaway breakfast just so you can take some photos and maybe be the first on a ride. WDW should be reading this thread - maybe they can start selling a package that lets people in a bit early to get photos and rides without WDW having to incur any food or other costs.

I don't think it's fair to the OP to compare her dilemma with the throw away room situation:
OP made the ADR ahead of time. She thought she would be able to get pictures of an empty main street, eat breakfast, and be in the park early to ride Space Mountain. I don't see that she was planning to "game " the system. DISNEY changed the opening times on her and her plans became null and void. Now she's trying to work around it.
We, as guests, are expected to make all of our plans way in advance, but Disney can change everything at the last minute. Personally, I think Disney cheats it's guests by playing these games. They knew the parks would be crowded and I'll bet they knew what the park hours would be 6 months ago. they just decided to wait until the last minute to post changes. It's a crummy trick!

 

[MakiraMarlena]

Because Disney isn't really anticipating that you'll make these reservations just to get into the park with the breakfast being secondary. After all even with the time change you are not being precluded from having your breakfast.

I also think they should start having early entrance packages and then they'd have to stick to allowing early access.