Timing for reservation at Crystal Palace before MVMCP?

[maryj11]

I can either get a 5:05 or 5:20 reservation at Crystal Palace on a night we only have tickets for MVMCP. We are staying at Wilderness Lodge and check in that day. Should I book 5:05 or 5:20? Worried our room won’t be ready before we have to get on the boat to the party. Also worried it will take a long time to get through the gate. Hoping we can leave Wilderness Lodge by 4:00, also would like to enjoy a little bit of time from 6:00-7:00 after day guest leave. What time should I choose 5:05 or 5:20? I would choose another day for Crystal Palace but that is not an option and I have a little girl who really wants to go to Crystal Palace.

 

[Kooks and Bay Bay]

I'd go with 5:05pm.
If your room isn't ready (which is should be by 3pm) you could get ready in the bathroom and leave your luggage with bell services. Not ideal but an option.

As long as you're not trying to tap into the park AT 4pm there will be like no wait.

If you want ANY chance of doing an attraction prior to official party time you'll need to go with the earliest ADR.

 

[Marthasor]

I agree with PP. I would do 5:05 pm. It will give you enough time to enjoy the buffet, meet the characters and still be out in time to enjoy some of the 6-7 pm time. I would do online check-in and, if you don't get a room assignment by the time you arrive, stop by the front desk and see if they have a room available. If you aren't terribly picky about your room, chances are you will have a room by 3 pm, possibly earlier. Worst comes to worst, PPs advice is great - leave your luggage at bell services and get ready in the bathroom. We once had to switch rooms at WL on a party night and simply picked up our stored luggage at bell services when we returned post-party. It wasn't ideal as I would have liked to settle in earlier, but it all worked out.