Park opening questions, please

[momof2n2]

(A) We do NOT have a PPO ADR for HS (we'll be there Monday). My 10 yo DD would like JTA. If we arrive at 7:45 for 9 AM
(1) where should we stand to wait for opening?
(2) do we tell someone WHY we are there early?
(3) where do we head once it opens?
(4) How long should we anticipate this will take DH & DD (rest of us heading for rides).

(B) We have two days at MK with 8:00 AM CP ADRs. We have our own car
(1) Should we get to TTC @ 7:15?
(2) How will we get from TTC to main gates? Will monorail be open? Not the ferries, right?

 

[Accident]

a) never did one for this park but all the other parks there will be someone with a clip board and a line of people (unless your first there) that also have an ADR. It'll be obvious where to go and it'll be after security check. Yes they will check you in and make sure your on the list. There will be a larger mob of people elsewhere, those are rope droppers.

b) you'll get into mk about 7:45ish for your adr so you want to time being on the other side of security by that time. Usually it's the ferry running about then.. there might be monorails or even a bus off to the side..

It's rare but every once in awhile nothing is running. follow the bus to epcot/taxi sign and you can find a bus attendant and their manager to let them know that you have an adr and need to get to MK. They will quickly get a bus to get you over there.

Alternative: I actually prefer to get a taxi or uber from my resort and go to contemporary and then walk over to magic kingdom. It removes all the stress and anxiety of disney transportation being in the way and we can cut the time closer and sleep later.

 

[Revf]

a) We were at Hollywood Studios around 8:30 AM for a 9:00 AM opening and made it to the JTA in time for an afternoon slot. It really depends on when you want to do it. If earlier I would say at 8:00 AM. Follow the crowd and stay to the left just pass the ABC commissary I believe. In the morning, the crowd only goes two places. Those who go left are going to JTA, those who go right are going to TSM.

b) Love PPO at MK. It is a wonderful experience. For 8:00 AM reservations I recommending getting to the TTC at 7:15-7:30 AM. There will be plenty of parking right next to it. (Makes it really easy to leave in the afternoon) Once at the TTC ask any CM if the resort monorail is running (usually the first one running in the mornings) or if you need to take the ferry/bus for a breakfast reservation. They will point you in the right direction.

 

[lynzi2004]

Not sure on your HS question...

We left Ft Wilderness at 7:15, drove to TTC (basically front row parking, had to walk under the tram road) and got there about 7:45 and took monorail (Ferry didn't open till 8 they said) and made it to the park about 8:00 with stops at the Poly and GF. We were thru bag check and walking down mainstreet by 8:10. Waited for a quick picture then booked it to our 8:20 BOG. Felt very rushed and a little stressed, but this was my first time in the park in the park as an adult so it was a little bit of a learning experience.

Our next MK day, we left FW at 7:00, TTC by 7:30, this time took ferry (bc SURPRISE monorail wasn't running till 8:30 this morning!), just missed the ferry so had to wait about 10 min for the next one. Made it to front gates and thru bag check by 7:50 or so and went on to BOG at 8:10.

If your ressies are for 8:00 and you want anytime on Mainstreet before hand, I would leave the campground no later than 6:45. Plan on about a half hour to drive and park and walk to TTC. If neither ferry nor monorail is running, as PP mentioned immediately talk to someone and get them to take you on the bus. It will work out, it can just be a little tense!

If you have able bodied individuals in your group, you could also walk from the campsite down to FW Marina. Takes about 15 min from the meadows pool. The MK boat won't launch until 8:30, but the Contemporary leaves at 6:45. I don't know how long it takes to make the loop. You could then walk from the Contemporary (10 min). It would likely get you there way early than necessary, but I would make sure I was on that first boat since I don't know how long the loop takes. This just wasn't a good option for us with small kids (4,2) and loaded stroller.

 

[momof2n2]

Thank you for the personal reports!

 

[ConnecticutNonna]

http://disboards.com/threads/new-jta-procedure.3486009/
This is a thread by a recent poster who just returned... I think it answers your question...