Which option for breakfast/semi-relaxed touring at AK?

[KangaFan]

Hi all,

I am trying to plan my ADRs since my window opens on Dec 24 for our late June trip. We are traveling with 3 teens and plan to do the ROL package and are considering 2 options.

Since our trip starts on a Friday and we aren't going to AK until the next Thursday, I'm hopeful that I will be able to get FOP FPs, Navi River Journey should be the only work around.

So for those who have done either or both, what would you recommend of these three options:

PPO Breakfast at 8am, head to Pandora for NRJ when done 8:30-8:40 (our kids won't linger with characters) and then use FPs for FOP, EE & KS

PPO Breakfast at 8am, KS standby, EE standby if short waits and FPs for FOP, EE, KRR, ride NRJ on another night at park closing (we're staying at AKL so will be close)

Rope drop NRJ, EE standby (possibly multiple rides), last breakfast seating at 10:45ish, post breakfast/lunch FPs for KS, FOP, KRR

I was originally planning option 3, but thinking about the fact that it will be June, most likely really hot/humid, and this is toward the end of our trip, I'm wondering if the PPO breakfast in air conditioning might be a more relaxing way to start the day

Thanks for your input!

 

[emsstacey]

I have had an early Tusker House and a later "brunch" Tusker House reservation and while I loved both... I think I prefer the brunch. That lets us enjoy a couple of rides first thing before its miserable hot and then rest and enjoy the meal after we are hot and starting to get a tad tired. I know for us, it's a bit of a letdown to enter the park and not ride one of our favorites right away.

 

[fla4fun]

I have had an early Tusker House and a later "brunch" Tusker House reservation and while I loved both... I think I prefer the brunch. That lets us enjoy a couple of rides first thing before its miserable hot and then rest and enjoy the meal after we are hot and starting to get a tad tired. I know for us, it's a bit of a letdown to enter the park and not ride one of our favorites right away.

I agree. I think the OP should stick with option three. Do as many rides at rope drop as possible, then a cool restful breakfast, the FP, then a couple indoor shows to relax and cool off (while making a fourth FP if needed) and then more rides in the evening, working around the ROL package.

 

[Lesley Wake]

Rope drop NRJ, EE standby (possibly multiple rides), last breakfast seating at 10:45ish, post breakfast/lunch FPs for KS, FOP, KRR

I think this would be the best one too. It will allow you to hit several rides before the heat (and crowds) kicks into full gear. Then a relaxing brunch at Tusker House which you will have access to both breakfast and lunch foods. Shouldn't be too crowded at that time too. You won't also be rushing to finish up and hit more rides before lines get longer.

PPO breakfasts aren't a help for getting onto any Pandora rides since they open the park earlier for people to get to Pandora, so you would be at the back of the pack. I've also heard it's a pain for people trying to get to a PPO breakfast reservation, as there are just so many people packed in there.

If you have hoppers you can also consider doing NRJ one morning when you don't have any super high priority attractions for another park. You can prebook a FP for NRJ, then once you use that, book same-day passes for 2 rides at the other park you are going to.

 

[cyclonemama]

We just got back on December 2nd. We toured like your 3rd option. Started out rope dropping NRJ, meet and greet for Russell and Pocohontas, rode Dinosaur, FP Expedition Everest and then rode again, and had dining reservations for Tusker House at 10:30. We had small children do we did wait to meet all characters. Then went to Lion King, FP KS, and FP FoP. It worked out well. Good luck.

 

[KangaFan]

Thanks all!

I guess I'll go ahead and book the brunch since it makes the most sense and I like the idea that it covers lunch so I don't have to fork out more $$ to feed 3 hungry teens.

It's so hard to plan this far out, but I know that the ROL package will be next to impossible to book for a party of 5 once we have FPs, etc lined up.

I love the idea of a FP for Navi on a non-priority day and it would be idea for someone with more park days. Unfortunately, since we're using the military tickets, we only have 5 and with a guest who's never been, 2 of those mornings are dedicated to MK, leaving 1 for each of the other parks.