What to do in MK for 8am Crystal Palace?

[kevjencal]

If you have had an 8am Crystal Palace reservation at MK, what can you do before actually getting to the breakfast table?
What time can you get into the MK if it opens at 9am for crowds?
Is there anything to take advantage of photo wise or to see early other than the obvious empty park and castle shots?

I am waiting for my 180 days and hope to get an early ADR for breakfast. I see many folks talk about the Crystal Palace early breakfast in MK, but just wonder how much time there really is to do anything without getting in trouble for being a wanderer.

Kevin

 

[GailT]

I had 8am ressies a few years ago for CP and we got there at 8 am, then did the park after we ate. ou can get in the park early for your reservations. Hope this answered your question, I am not good at ansering questions on here. The one thing I can tell you it is nice and peaceful that time in the morning

 

[PoohsFan1]

In September we have an 8:05am ADR for Crystal Palace. I know that there is a line specifically for Crystal Palace and CRT patrons and before you could get into the park, there is someone standing there with a clip board with your name and conf # on it (at least this is what is done for the Akershus breakfast over at Epcot). After our meal there (guessing it will take about 45 minutes) we will plan on taking as many pictures as possible before the crowds start coming in. This will be our first time eating at Crystal Palace for breakfast and before the park opens, so if someone else with better insight comes along, I would be very happy to hear their answer. We have done Akershus breakfast before the park opens many times (a family tradition) and the way I explained it before, is how it is done there, MK may be different however.

 

[X and G's mom]

1 word: Magical!
It's a must do from now on! There is a line for the early ADR's to the right as you look at the station. They waited until 7:55 to let us in. We were really early, so we were the 3rd group in line. There isn't anything to 'do' like rides, but it is amazing for photos!
Here's my DS walking ALONE down Main Street (It's really foggy this morning) Plus, he's hungry

 

[ncc1701]

DH and I had 8:30 reservations last year at CP. We came with our reservation number and had no trouble getting in MK. Got some good shots of MS and CC without the crowds. We had Photopass and got some pictures of the 2 us taken together by CM. I don't think any of the shops were open tho.

 

[PictureJumpr]

PP is correct in that you will have to enter the 'early entry' podium, and give your information to identify yourself as having an ADR or a tour booked for pre-opening.

There really isn't anything to do, except wander up Main Street and snap some pictures.

There is usually a photopass photographer there for taking family/group shots with the castle.

You can climb the stairs and have a seat on the terrace at the Main Street railroad station (station itself will be closed).

You can sit on the bench with Goofy (the statue of, not actually living/breathing Goofy).

You can check out the store windows along Main Street.

You can sit in the hub or walk through the Rose garden and snap photos.

You cannot enter the other lands or wander at will through the rest of the park. Just through the castle to the check-in area for CRT/BBB on the Fantasyland side, that's about as far as you get. No checking out Toontown or Tomorrowland or Adventureland until after the park opens. No fastpass gathering in Frontierland.

 

[Swimalie]

We had a 8:05 reservation for Crystal Palace 2 weeks ago. We got to the Magic Kingdom around 7:40 and had to wait in line. They didn't open up for everyone until 8:05. So... it was a mad dash for everyone to get to their reservations, and some were late. So we didn't get to do anything ahead of time. Our meal took over an hour and we didn't get to do anything in the park before it opened. Keep this in mind when you are making your reservations. We did get some great pictures with only a few people in the shot but didn't have time to stop for Photopass people.

 

[LadyLuc361]

We took lots of pictures of an empty main street before checking in at the podium. It was awesome...they are some of my favorite pictures we have. It was like a little kid skipping down main street only sharing main street with a few other people. Now I make DH go to CP breakfast every time we visit. Then he gets cranky and needs a nap mid day

 

[scanne]

I just added this to our upcoming trip after I realized I only had us scheduled in the MK one morning. That simply wouldn't do! So I thought, what's the best early MK morning I can think of? Breakfast at CP before the park opens! And for the reasons pp's have cited.

Photo opportunities!!!
The feeling of having the park to yourself!
Strolling down Main Street and into the hub and in front of the castle without any crowds!

Plus, once we're done eating, we'll already be in the park ready to go!

Can't wait for this one!

 

[KAB1]

Having an 8 am ADR is great. You can be out by 8:45 am and be the first one at the rope before the crowds come in. They usually let the crowds in about 8:50 am. Were going in June and we book 8:00 am adrs for breakfest at all the parks. sometimes we don't use them, but it gives us the opportunity to be the first ones in line at the rope. Last year in June, we went to the MK three times and booked the Crystal palace each morning. All three mornings we walked right onto Dumbo when the rope dropped.

 

[LadyGracey]

I have done early ressies there JUST for the photo opportunities
The nice thing is, you're not rushed down the street to actually get to the restaurant; last time I had an 8:30 and they let us in just after 8, so I took my time and got lots of awesome shots around Main Street!