Procedure for pre-opening CP ADR

[keishashadow]

Sorry, new to this type of ADR - lots of questions.

How early does CP book for breakfast when the park opens @ 9:00 a.m.?

I've gathered that you go to a dedicated turnstile with your ADR #, how early do they let you in before your res. I hate the thought of a jog down Main Street.

Does a CM really escort you to CP? I'd like to snap a picture or two of the Castle before we eat & the crowds arrive.

When you're done eating are you escorted back out of the park or do you wait (somewhere) for the "rope drop" to Space Mt?

Last question: my DH is not a breakfast eater, but will eat bacon, ham, toast & fresh fruit - is the meal a buffet set-up?

Thanks in advance for all your help.

 

[mommystieg]

The first seating at CP is usually 8:05 am. There will be one turnstile open and that is where you check in. You won't be alone -- there are quite a few people there so don't be surprised if there is a small crowd waiting. We were not escorted by a CM so we were able to take some pictures on the way down Main Street. The other areas of the park will be roped off until right before park opening time so once you finish breakfast you will be allowed to remain in the park--we always use this as opportunity to get a head start in Fantasyland.

 

[mommystieg]

Last question: my DH is not a breakfast eater, but will eat bacon, ham, toast & fresh fruit - is the meal a buffet set-up?

Thanks in advance for all your help.

It is a buffet

 

[andrabell]

It is a beautiful buffet with excellent character interaction.

 

[keishashadow]

If I'm able to obtain an ADR for 8:05 a.m., how early do the CM's let you in @ the gate, I'm slow ?

 

[Tracey1974]

I just got one for 8:20am on 10/1 and am interested in this thread too!
Also- don't forget to bring your conf # and a photo ID. The CM I spoke to this morning reiterated it to me at least 3 times!

 

[RachelTori]

If I'm able to obtain an ADR for 8:05 a.m., how early do the CM's let you in @ the gate, I'm slow ?

We had an 8:05 in June and that's about the time they let us through the turnstiles. I know you will not be let in prior to 8 a.m. for sure. Lots of us standing in line (CP & CRT), but it went really quickly; very smoothly and we had a wonderful breakfast. Got some great pics of the castle and our family; looks like we had the whole place to ourselves!!

 

[daisy_77]

Hi, everyone!!

What time do the buses start picking up guests going to the early morning breakfasts in the parks?

TIA!!!

 

[keishashadow]

We had an 8:05 in June and that's about the time they let us through the turnstiles. I know you will not be let in prior to 8 a.m. for sure. Lots of us standing in line (CP & CRT), but it went really quickly; very smoothly and we had a wonderful breakfast. Got some great pics of the castle and our family; looks like we had the whole place to ourselves!!

Can I assume it took you about 10 min to get to CP? Obviously, this interfers with being 10 min early for your ADR. Assume you didn't receive any flack from the CM @ CP. Since I'm pokey (only will rush for Space Mt. & TOT), really hate the idea of hurrying so early in the morning if I don't have to - try to pace myself.

 

[RachelTori]

Can I assume it took you about 10 min to get to CP? Obviously, this interfers with being 10 min early for your ADR. Assume you didn't receive any flack from the CM @ CP. Since I'm pokey (only will rush for Space Mt. & TOT), really hate the idea of hurrying so early in the morning if I don't have to - try to pace myself.

Yes - with stopping for pictures, we probably spent close to 10 minutes getting there. Don't rush unless you're so fast you can be 1st!!! Lots of families will have the 8:05 time and so it takes a few minutes at the podium. Get a few pictures first and by the time you get to the podium, it should only take a minute or 2 to give your name; they'll call you and seat you. They do this every day so they're quite efficient!! The hard part of the whole experience is timing trips to the buffet so you don't miss a character - they'll come back, but it can take awhile!

 

[cigar95]

Just to add a couple observations to what others have already noted -

First, that during those first 20 minutes or so that the restaurants are open, the hostesses don't worry too much about exactly what time your PS is for. They all realize that the gates have just opened, so don't worry too much if you aren't there right on time. And if your seating isn't until 8:20, you might still get in at 8:05, especially at Crystal Palace.

Second, in the last two years, when I entered the park early for breakfast, I haven't been asked for my confirmation number to enter - the CMs have just tried to get people through the turnstiles without delay. So in theory, you could enter early just to take photos of the Main Street and Town Square areas, or even try for a walkup seating at the restaurants.

Nonethless, I'd still recommend taking your number with you just in case.

 

[keishashadow]

Thanks for all the info. Two more questions have come to mind:

1. Once we're seated for dinner @ Chef Mickey's, it usually takes us an hour to finish our meal, should I plan on the same @ CP?

2. Can I assume that CP is alot easier to get into than CRT for breakfast?

 

[scorpad99]

2 years ago we were there the 2nd week of Oct. and only booked one ADR for Chef Mickeys and one ADR for storybook princesses. Well my husband enjoyed the breakfast so much at Chef Mickeys , when we woke up our next morning he asked me where we were having breakfast, and I replied we have no others planned besides the one with just my DD and I for the princesses.
I quickly called guest services and got right into CP for that morning, so I`m guessing it is easier to get ADR`s for CP
HTH!

mom of 1 princess and 1 prince