Rope drop at AK ~ What to do while waiting?

[MomtothreeEs]

I'm one of those that hasn't been able to get a FP for FOP, so I'm looking at my other options. If by some miracle I can get my crew to the front of AK by 7:30am, what is there to do while waiting? Is there a place to grab coffee? Snacks? Any tips for entertaining kids for that long? I'd rather not carry an ipad around AK the whole day.

And OF COURSE I will continue checking for FOP FPs. I will not give up hope until the night before when I have to set an alarm.

 

[DisneyOma]

I'm one of those that hasn't been able to get a FP for FOP, so I'm looking at my other options. If by some miracle I can get my crew to the front of AK by 7:30am, what is there to do while waiting? Is there a place to grab coffee? Snacks? Any tips for entertaining kids for that long? I'd rather not carry an ipad around AK the whole day.

And OF COURSE I will continue checking for FOP FPs. I will not give up hope until the night before when I have to set an alarm.

If you can't get into the parks, there's pretty much nothing outside. I don't think rainforest cafe does breakfast? Why not bring snacks and coffee with you?

 

[Darbie]

If you can't get into the parks, there's pretty much nothing outside. I don't think rainforest cafe does breakfast? Why not bring snacks and coffee with you?

There is a coffee stand off to the right of the bag check before the turnstiles. They have pastries and cookies, as well as drinks.

 

[CAS239]

There is a coffee stand off to the right of the bag check before the turnstiles. They have pastries and cookies, as well as drinks.

This. That would be it.

If you're driving yourself then I'd stop by somewhere prior to the park to grab coffee, breakfast, or snacks

 

[MomtothreeEs]

If you can't get into the parks, there's pretty much nothing outside. I don't think rainforest cafe does breakfast? Why not bring snacks and coffee with you?

I guess we will have to bring snacks and coffee with us. Darn. Just another step to add to the morning chaos. I mapped from our resort to AK, hoping for a Starbucks, but unfortunately that looks like more hassle than it's worth. I'm adding quick breakfast items and iced coffee to my grocery shopping list now...

I thought we bought coffee at a cart outside with entrance last time we were there, but maybe not? Or maybe it closed?

Thanks!

 

[DisneyOma]

I guess we will have to bring snacks and coffee with us. Darn. Just another step to add to the morning chaos. I mapped from our resort to AK, hoping for a Starbucks, but unfortunately that looks like more hassle than it's worth. I'm adding quick breakfast items and iced coffee to my grocery shopping list now...

I thought we bought coffee at a cart outside with entrance last time we were there, but maybe not? Or maybe it closed?

Thanks!

They might now - with crowds there it would be a good money maker.

 

[Alesia]

I guess we will have to bring snacks and coffee with us. Darn. Just another step to add to the morning chaos. I mapped from our resort to AK, hoping for a Starbucks, but unfortunately that looks like more hassle than it's worth. I'm adding quick breakfast items and iced coffee to my grocery shopping list now...

I thought we bought coffee at a cart outside with entrance last time we were there, but maybe not? Or maybe it closed?

Thanks!

It's still there

 

[Babe the Blue Ox]

If you're interested in an alternate strategy, you can always wait until later in the evening when the lines are the shortest. This may be a more efficient use of time than being there really early in the morning, having to wait outside of a locked gate then fighting through a huge crowd.

Per Touring Plans a few weeks ago:

At 9:30 am, the posted wait was 210 minutes with an actual wait of 240.

At 9:30 pm, the posted wait was 60 minutes with an actual wait of 30.

 

[Robo]

There's a McDonald's very near DAK.

 

[CAS239]

There's a McDonald's very near DAK.

Just beware they don't have a dollar menu and their items are priced a little higher than regular McDonald's from what I recall. Still way cheaper than a Disney meal. But darn that mouse

 

[HandsofReiki]

If you're interested in an alternate strategy, you can always wait until later in the evening when the lines are the shortest. This may be a more efficient use of time than being there really early in the morning, having to wait outside of a locked gate then fighting through a huge crowd.

Per Touring Plans a few weeks ago:

At 9:30 am, the posted wait was 210 minutes with an actual wait of 240.

At 9:30 pm, the posted wait was 60 minutes with an actual wait of 30.

this cracks me up mainly because I've read it verbatim on several different threads... like copied and pasted.

 

[mousestruck]

Consider "old school" entertainment for the kiddos. When mine were little, they loved playing with silly putty and mini etch-a-sketch boards while on line. Easy to throw in the backpack, and kept them busy a long time!

 

[Robo]

this cracks me up mainly because I've read it verbatim on several different threads... like copied and pasted.

That’s how many answers are posted.
Questions get asked over and over, and the answers don’t change, so...

 

[Babe the Blue Ox]

this cracks me up mainly because I've read it verbatim on several different threads... like copied and pasted.

Glad I could give you a chuckle. Waiting for FOP is probably the most asked question on this board these days.

To me, waiting 30 minutes or so at closing time is more efficient than waiting for two hours outside of the locked gate in the morning.

Fortunately, not many guests take my advice which keeps the line short for when I show up.

 

[PrincessP]

Any tips for entertaining kids for that long? I'd rather not carry an ipad around AK the whole day.

And OF COURSE I will continue checking for FOP FPs. I will not give up hope until the night before when I have to set an alarm.

"Heads up" app on your phone. You can purchase the Disney editions card deck. It's fun for family game night as well.

 

[twodogs]

Glad I could give you a chuckle. Waiting for FOP is probably the most asked question on this board these days.

To me, waiting 30 minutes or so at closing time is more efficient than waiting for two hours outside of the locked gate in the morning.

Fortunately, not many guests take my advice which keeps the line short for when I show up.

I definitely agree with your idea. My only concern for our upcoming very short trip is that we only have one 1/2 day at AK. If we wait until near closing and the ride is down... So, I guess we will be running with the bulls at park opening!

 

[Babe the Blue Ox]

I definitely agree with your idea. My only concern for our upcoming very short trip is that we only have one 1/2 day at AK. If we wait until near closing and the ride is down... So, I guess we will be running with the bulls at park opening!

My strategies aren't for everyone, but they do save us a ton of time. Have a good trip.