Should I keep trying?

[kaybee1476]

We currently have an 8:15 ADR for Crystal Palace for our very first trip to WDW. I'm ridiculously excited about seeing the castle for the first time without thousands of people around us! However, I'd love to be finished with our breakfast and seeing characters by 9am when the park opens so we can head straight to Fantasyland with our kids (5 and almost 3) for the inevitable Dumbo ride. I have been trying many times a day for the past couple of weeks to snag an 8:05 ADR, but after reading some of the posts on the DIS, I'm wondering if I'm wasting my time. Should we just show up before 8am (we plan to anyway), check in immediately, and hope we are among the first to be seated? (From different posts I've read, it looks like it could go either way.) Or should I keep trying like a crazy person for the earlier ADR?

 

[Havana]

Keep trying. But also I would get there a little early. Some people probably won't show up and they might seat you.

 

[neodymm]

Personally, I wouldn't drive myself nuts over an ADR that is only 10 minutes earlier. I would just show up at restaurant opening and be one of the first to check in. With a completely empty restaurant, I bet you will be one of the first ones seated. I think I've read that the no-show rate at CP is pretty high, especially during early mornings and peak times. Good luck, the MK is even more magical when it feels like you have the park to yourself!

 

[mom2ee]

don't stress. just show up early. enjoy!

 

[kaybee1476]

I am going to attempt to not stress over it... although I'm sure I will continue to check back occasionally for an 8:05 ADR. I appreciate your responses. I'm so excited about our trip!

 

[djblu883]

you will be fine unless your family are slow eaters! It's buffet style....but If you want to enjoy the characters at CP then that takes time! You are on vacation and its all little stuff, so don't sweat it! Your kids will be much less stressed out if Mommy isn't!!! Enjoy your trip!

 

[mom2ee]

the other thing, ask for your "ticket" when you sit down. let the server know you are trying to make it to Dumbo. They should be able to get your bill done at the beginning since it's a buffet and there aren't any "added" costs.

 

[kaybee1476]

the other thing, ask for your "ticket" when you sit down. let the server know you are trying to make it to Dumbo. They should be able to get your bill done at the beginning since it's a buffet and there aren't any "added" costs.

Thanks! I have read this tip on the disboards and made a note on our itinerary to do this.

 

[kaybee1476]

you will be fine unless your family are slow eaters! It's buffet style....but If you want to enjoy the characters at CP then that takes time! You are on vacation and its all little stuff, so don't sweat it! Your kids will be much less stressed out if Mommy isn't!!! Enjoy your trip!

I know... you're absolutely right! I have always been a planner when looking forward to a trip. Planning is half the fun for me! But with Disney being completely new, and so huge, and with only 4 days to try to do everything we want to do, I can't help but stress over it! It's actually a good stress for me because it's taking my mind off the fact that work is really stressful and my husband will be having major surgery the week after we get back from WDW. I really think I'll do all the stressing over the planning and be able to enjoy it once we're there!

 

[Claire&TheBoys]

We had an 8:10 ADR at CP for our trip this past May. We were held at the front of the park until about 8:00 with everyone else. We were first in line to get into the park, and there were so many people with ADRs between 8:05-8:30 that there were quite a few people waiting to check in by the time we got to CP. We didn't run up Main Street, stopped to take photos, etc. After I checked in, it was still several minutes before the first family was called and we were seated around 8:30. We didn't make it out before 9:00, but it was OK. As long as you get to Dumbo relatively early, you won't have to wait too long. Take the time to enjoy your breakfast (it's really good!) and the characters and let your kids do the parade around the restaurant with them. Have a magical vacation!