Which crystal palace time is better?

[martinmont]

Should we try to get the 8 05 breakfast or the last breakfast seating at 10 30? I'm afraid we might not finish by rope drop if we do the 8 05 but would 10 30 be wasting important morning touring time since lines are shorter in the morning ?

 

[ABCastillo]

I vote 8:05! It is so special getting into the park early. It's pretty fast too.

I would do the later time if you think it could work for you as a brunch. If you were planning on stopping for lunch and breakfast, then you can combine them and save some time there too.

 

[NicholeB630]

I am going to shoot for a 8am ADR when I can book them in June. I really hope we can be done by 9 for RD or earlier so we have a head start to get to rides but even if we dont finish right at 9 or a little after I really really want to see main street with no crowds. Just to have a few minutes to soak it all in and get pics will be worth it I think. I can't wait.

 

[DWillowBay]

If it was me, I'd go for the 8:05, but I wouldn't worry about being done by the rope drop. Rope drop doesn't get you anything, except a view of the thundering herds! I see so many people missing a great time by rushing off to the next thing. Crystal Palace is a beautiful venue with great character interaction and good food. Just enjoy. The rides will be there when you're done. And the PP's comments about seeing the park without the herds is a very nice perk as well. Have a great time!!

 

[Nancyg56]

If it was me, I'd go for the 8:05, but I wouldn't worry about being done by the rope drop. Rope drop doesn't get you anything, except a view of the thundering herds! I see so many people missing a great time by rushing off to the next thing. Crystal Palace is a beautiful venue with great character interaction and good food. Just enjoy. The rides will be there when you're done. And the PP's comments about seeing the park without the herds is a very nice perk as well. Have a great time!!

I agree! We always shoot for that 8 Am time frame. It is wonderful walking down Main Street and enjoying a quiet Magic Kingdom.

 

[PrincessP]

We always do the 8:05. Be there ahead of time so you're one of the first seated. You will likely be done by rope drop. Ask for your check before you are done with your meal.

The only time one of our three 8:05 Crystal Palace adrs ran past rope drop was the time the monorail broke down and we didn't get to our ADR until 8:30. Even then, we were barely past rope drop.

You will miss the Magic Kingdom opening train show, but the walk down nearly empty Main Street is wonderful!

I would only do a 10:30 ADR if it is a 7am or 8am EMH day.

Have a magical meal at CP! It's my personal fave!

 

[martinmont]

If we can't get the 8 05 one, what's the latest time we should get? 8 20?

 

[magrudersmakes3]

We have always done the first seatings for CP and CRT. We have the best pictures with an almost empty main street. We are usually done by park opening as well.

 

[Deanie1]

Definately 8:05!

 

[Bullseye]

8:05... chow down for an hour and then head for the rides. I know, nothing like hitting a buffet and then rides directly thereafter but most WDW rides are tame so no big deal

 

[cavepig]

We've done both times.

The 8:00 is great getting in early and being done by 9. One time however they had a system glitch and everyone was late getting seated so we weren't done till like 9:15, which kind of defeated the purpose of the early ADR. But that was a glitch and our other 8:00 ADRs we were done right before 9:00. We do always feel a little rushed at the early time. We have been skipped by characters too in all the rush.

The later time is slower paced we think. Enjoy the park for a good hour then you can sit and have a late breakfast/early lunch. Sometimes characters visit twice since the place is clearing out and less tables. You can get a lot of rides in during that first 1:00/1:20 before your ADR.

Food is always stocked and fresh no matter the time. So, if you don't mind feeling a little rushed do the 8:00 which gets you the empty Main Street, but if you want to relax and not worry about rope drop then do the 10:30 which means seeing an empty Main Street isn't a must see.

 

[disneybliss2]

Without hesitation...8:05. You'll lose less park time eating at this time, plus it's so magical being in the park prior to park opening. You'll get great pictures without hoards of people in them. Arrive early to your ADR. Since it's a buffet with a fixed price, you can pay before your through to save time. Ask for your check midway through the meal and get that taken care of.