Plaza Inn Character Dining Questions

[minnieralyks]

We're planning a Friday Plaza Inn reservation. They do not have park hours up for the day we need. Does Disney allow before opening reservations on non-EMH days?
I had some additional questions:
-Is there a special turnstile to go through if our time ends up being close to park opening?
-We think 9 am would be the best time, if they aren't open before park opening. Thoughts?
-Also, our group is mostly late teens/adults. Will we still have good character interactions?

 

[V.I.N.CENT.]

1) I think the first available time will be right at park opening. I've never witnessed people entering the park early on non-EMH days.
2) 10:30 is the best time IMO. You get an hour or more of rope drop crowd levels, go on a bunch of rides, then take a break fro brunch. It's our preferred time.
3) The characters are a total hoot no matter who they are interacting with! When we have visited with just adults, they sometimes sit down next to us as if taking a break