Should we skip our char. bkfst? Park hours?

[JJsmama]

We are going in March and have PS for Chef Mickey's for 8AM. MK is listed as opening at 9AM. That's where we'll be heading with our 4 boys. Last time we went, we walked up when the gates opened and were fine. Now I am reading that we should be there at least 30 minutes before the park opens and that sometimes they open early. WHat do you think? Keeping in mind that our plan is to do as much as possible in the mornings and return to the pool when the crowds before terrible. Should we skip the breakfast and be in the park early? Or will it not make that much difference?

 

[Kaitysmom]

You'll be OK, but you won't make it to park opening if you want to enjoy your breakfast. I haven't ever been allowed in a half hour early. Sometimes they open the park in pcs. You get in to Main Street but then they stop you at the hub, etc. We never got on any rides before the official opening. We did have a head start to them though. If it worries you, I'd either change the PS time to a bit earlier or cancel it. CM is a lot of fun!

 

[Kaycee]

On the days when our plan is to get as much done in the parks as possible and then take an afternoon break, we try to get to the park between a half-hour and 15 minutes before opening. Even if the park doesn't open earlier than the stated time, you'll still get through the gate and into the park right at opening. That first little bit of time can really make a difference at busy times of the year.

If you keep your current PS then you won't make it to the park at opening time. I would either try to get an earlier PS time for the same day or switch the PS to another day.

 

[CamColt]

If you cant get an earlier PS at this point, I would arrive at Chef Mickeys and check in well in advance of your 8:00am PS. This could get you seated a little early, but its not a guarantee. I think in your previous post you mentioned walking to MK instead of taking the monorail? I think you are on the right track with that as that should avoid some wait time, and avoid having to make the whole monorail loop.
While Im not a big fan of doing a lot of character meals(usually only 1 per trip), I do think going to Chef Mickeys is worth it. If its your only character meal of the trip Id stick with it.

Something Ive found works well for us is we usually go to Chef Mickeys on our MGM Day. Even though its not in the same area, since MGM has a lot of shows at certain times that dont usually start right at park opening, getting to MGM at 9:30 as opposed to 9:00, doesnt really affect us much. We still have no problem riding the thrill rides as we get FPs while we are at the shows.

 

[JJsmama]

I think in your previous post you mentioned walking to MK instead of taking the monorail? QUOTE]

Wow! Good memory!

Thanks for your help everyone.

 

[3for Me]

Slightly off topic - but thanks CamColt for unknowingly reassuring me that I had made the right decision. Scheduling a character breakfast with my children for our MGM day is what I just decided to do for our upcoming trip!!

Back on topic - I would like to add that I think most of the other posters are correct. I would see if I could change my time. I just think that as a rule you get so much more done in the MK in the AM hours - and the earlier the better! Those few minutes to a 1/2 hour could get you a couple more rides.

Also, you may want to think about whether or not you would want to walk to the MK after a big breakfast at Chef Mickey's. That would put a damper on my morning - not to mention my stomach.

Just food for thought - No pun intended!

Good Luck with your decision.

 

[Traveliz]

I would keep it and just check in a few minutes earlier than usual. You should be fine. You most likely won't be at MK at the exact opening but you won't be super late either.

I would definitely walk from Contemporary to the MK...its so close and that monorail ride can be long having to go all the way around the lagoon.

Liz