Pre-Park Opening ADR Question

[crazybetty00]

Thanks to endless stalking, I finally scored an 8:00 am ADR for Crystal Palace on a day that doesn't have EMH.

Weird thing is, I thought the earliest was 8:05. Mine is DEFINITELY 8:00.

I've read on various older threads that some people check-in to CP FIRST and then take pictures in front of the castle, while some people take pictures first and THEN check in.

What do you think is the best course of action? I don't want to be late for my ressie, but I want those gorgeous uncrowded pics too!

(Not SUPER concerned about getting out in time for RD, but it would be nice.)

 

[supersnoop]

Thanks to endless stalking, I finally scored an 8:00 am ADR for Crystal Palace on a day that doesn't have EMH.

Weird thing is, I thought the earliest was 8:05. Mine is DEFINITELY 8:00.

I've read on various older threads that some people check-in to CP FIRST and then take pictures in front of the castle, while some people take pictures first and THEN check in.

What do you think is the best course of action? I don't want to be late for my ressie, but I want those gorgeous uncrowded pics too!

(Not SUPER concerned about getting out in time for RD, but it would be nice.)

We had an 8:00 ADR, too, so that's certainly possible. We were a little late getting to the right (left) gate, and a gentleman driving one of those old cars offered us a ride back to Crystal Palace. So, I recommend getting your pictures first, even moreso than arriving on time. We were probably 12 minutes late to the podium, but didn't have any problems.

 

[OurLaughingPlace]

This is our absolute favourite reservation and it's a must do every trip! We've had 8:05 in the past, but last trip we got an 8:00 ADR. We are there by 7:30 and usually get in around 7:45. That gives us lots of time (but we do try to keep moving quickly) to get pictures on Main Street and check in to CP by 7:55. As soon as we sit down in the restaurant, we ask our server for the bill. We get paid right away and then as soon as we are finished eating (and hopefully have seen all of the characters) we get going! We usually are out the door by 9:00. It can be rushed, but it's doable. Have fun!

 

[crazybetty00]

This is our absolute favourite reservation and it's a must do every trip! We've had 8:05 in the past, but last trip we got an 8:00 ADR. We are there by 7:30 and usually get in around 7:45.

Do you drive or take Disney transportation? I'm currently debating whether it'd be easier to take the resort bus (since they drop you right at the gates) or drive and park at the TTC.

We're staying at All-Star Sports, but we'll have a car.

 

[OurLaughingPlace]

Do you drive or take Disney transportation? I'm currently debating whether it'd be easier to take the resort bus (since they drop you right at the gates) or drive and park at the TTC.

We're staying at All-Star Sports, but we'll have a car.

We fly into MCO so we have always relied on Disney transportation. We usually stay at POFQ and try to get to the bus stop just before 7:00am (I just feel better if we are there around 6:55am just in case ). We are usually there in lots of time. Even if it takes 20 minutes for a bus to come we will still be at the MK by 7:30/7:40.
Since we only ever take the bus, I can't compare it to driving. Maybe someone else will chime in with their experience

 

[shelbyf31]

We always use the bus too. Everyday we have a reservation for 8:00am. As long as we are at the bus stop at 7am, we are good.

 

[theburkes]

We had an early morning ADR at CP and had pictures taken 1st. From what I remember, they start letting people into the park at either 7:30 or 7:45 (and the line to get in moves quickly). There's nothing more awesome then having pictures taken in front of the castle and the park nearly empty!