Question about eating at the Castle the first morning of our stay

[Zanzibar]

We're currently in the planning stages of a trip (nothing booked yet, and aren't even sure when we're going to go).

When we do go, we'll be doing a few things in Orlando before switching to on-site (probably the Polynesian).

My question is, I know that the concierge desk is staffed starting at 7 am. If we check into the Poly concierge at 7 am, will we be cutting it close to have a priority seating for breakfast (either the castle or Crystal Palace) in the Magic Kingdom at 8? We'd love to start our first day with breakfast in the Magic Kingdom, but if we're better off not rushing our first morning like that, we'll change our plans.

 

[pamole]

Bump...

 

[denman007]

I'd say that would be hard to pull off. Things always take longer then expected.

I would go to breakfast first then check-in afterwards. Or at the very least maybe drop your bags off at poly and take the monorail over.

 

[Belle1962]

Also keep in mind that these are very hard to get---90 days out is when they "sell out". Most people just take the time they are given if "their" time is not available--so you may have to adjust your plans to what is avialable when you call for the priority seating.

 

[Kaycee]

First of all, welcome to the DIS Boards Zanzibar!

I think it would be cutting it too close trying to get to an 8am breakfast when you're checking in at 7am. You might be able to make it, but I wouldn't want to take the chance. Especially not for your first morning at WDW. I vote for taking it easy, enjoying the fact that you're at WDW and saving the early character meal for another day.

If you do decide to try it, I would go with Crystal Palace rather than the castle. If you can't make the meal, you'll still have a charge on your credit card for the castle and that would just add to your stress in trying to get there on time.

 

[ahutton]

We checked in very late at night into Concierge, after the desk was closed. We were easily checked in at the regular front desk.

You might do that, leave your stuff luggage with bell services and then head into MK. You can come back later and go to the Concierge desk, meet them, pick up anything you need, get your room number and have your luggage delivered. At least then you'll have your ID cards, which if you are on a package or buying admissions, will mean you'll have your park tickets.

 

[Zanzibar]

Thanks for the input. I know about calling 90 days in advance and all that (I used the advice in the stickied thread the last time we went to WDW in 2003). We'll probably not try to do the castle on our first morning just so we don't cut it close.

Another question: Am I better off having the concierge try to make the reservation for us, or doing it myself? We've never stayed at the concierge level before, so that aspect is all brand new to us.

 

[denman007]

I would let them make all PS's.

 

[turnlisa]

What I do is make sure that the concierage staff gets the information for the places that I know are hard to get (CRT, Chef Mickey's, etc.) After they make the PSs for you, check them! The first year I had them make them they screwed up PSs. This normally wouldn't have been a problem but it was for my DS's birthday-- big bummer! This year they were spectacular getting us CRT, Chef Mickey's, and the Tea Party at GF.