New CP Early Seating Question

[Eander3]

We have an 8:05 am reservation at CP. MK opens at 9. I know we can get in early, but I am wondering how the "down time" period works. For instance, I assume we will be done eating by 8:45 or 8:50. Where are we allowed to go during that time period before the park opens? Will we be able to go right to Fantasyland or tomorrowland before 9 or will they hold us up somewhere? Also, when we go in before 8, will we have "free reign" to walk down an empty Main Street, or will someone be directing us directly to CP.

Also, we are staying offsite, so I am wondering what time do the parking lots open?
Thanks!

 

[kyirish25]

The gate for early diners will open at 8am. You will then be allowed to walk to your breakfast at your pace along Main Street. None of the shops are open and the photographers are also not present to take PhotoPass pictures.

Waiting for all the characters to come to our table took longer than 45 minutes. Plus they really have the 8:05 and 8:10 seatings full and we actually didn't get seated until about 8:20. So our meal was rushed to get out of there by 9:00 and over to Fantasyland.

However, if you are lucky to get out before 9:00 you will only have free regin of Main Street as each of the lands will have a rope up with cast memebers until 9:00 opening.

I'm not sure on the parking lot question.

 

[lovesdumbo]

I've had early breakfast at three times. The first time was last Aug and I don't remember if the photo pass photographers were there or not. We got seated right away and saw the characters quickly and because the parks were so empty there was never a line at the buffet. We were done just about 9:00 went to Fantasy and did everything there in less than an hour. I have photos of my DS on the carosel with noone on the streets in the background.

The 2nd time I went was in Oct and the parks were busier. We did have our photo taken by photopass BEFORE breakfast. We had to wait to be seated and we waited over an hour for Piglet and finally asked to see him. We also had to wait in line more often at the buffet. We were NOT done at 9:00.

We went for a 3rd time on that same Oct trip and again had to wait for Piglet and were done after 9 again. We didn't do photos but I think the photographers were there.

I LOVE CP for breakfast. I can't wait to go again!