when to arrive at MK

[dsdisneywish]

We just got back from a wonderful Florida vacation which included a day at MK on Thursday 3/2. I didn't think of this question until after leaving the park, so I thought this would be a good place to ask. On Thursday, the park opened at 9:00, we tried to get their early (driving 2 hrs from my grandmas house) but didn't make it to the parking lot until a little after 9:00. After getting to the ticket lines, on the ferryboat (the monorail was experiencing delays), and through the security check on the park side of the ferry ride, it must have been 10:30. I was just wondering for future trips, do the ferryboat and monorail start right at the official opening time, or do they start earlier so that you can actually get into the park by the opening time. What made me think of this is some web page that said that a lot of the characters get off the train a few minutes before the park opens, and is a good opportunity to see them. But since that would be at the park side of the lagoon, how would you see them unless the ferryboat or monorail started earlier than the opening time? What is the best time to be at the ticket counters to get in as early as possible?

Thanks!​

 

[KarenP99]

We drove, arrived in the parking lot at approx 7:30 am (front row, no need to take the tram ). Got right on the monorail (we actually took the resorts monorail because there was a huge line at the express one). Got to the front gate & entered the park at 8:00. We had a priority seating for 8:10 at crystal palace. But even to avoid the rush it would be worth getting there that early.

So to answer your question, yes the monorail runs early. I don't know what time it officially starts, but we were on it approx 7:45am)

 

[grimley1968]

I believe the ferryboat, monorails, buses, etc. start one hour prior to park opening. However, unless you are a resort guest and the park has early entry that day, you will not be able to enter the park early. So you'd be sort of stuck in an area without much shade for a long time.

 

[PlutosFriend]

I am not sure exactly what time they start running the boats, but I know it is early. We have gone to breakfast at Cyrstal Palace prior to park opening. Say maybe an 8:15 PS.

 

[Tinkfan48]

I'm not exactly sure but from what I've read, i believe about an hour or so before park opening.

Tinkfan48