WWYD Pre-Park ADR or Park Opening Show at MK?

[Dis703]

I was able to score an 8:15 BoG ADR for our trip next month, but I need opinions from those who have done a pre-park ADR as well as done rope drop to see the opening show.

We aren't exactly morning people. We did rush to make it to rope drop a bunch of times last trip and usually we made it maybe 5 minutes before park opening so too late to see the show at MK. Which btw how early does that actually happen? I think I read 30 minutes prior?

Doing both are very appealing and technically I could try and do both on different days but trying to balance our late nights and early mornings it might be pushing it.

I mainly took the ADR for the early park access. My kids can't eat any of the food offered (tons of allergies) so we'd bring their own and at $20 per person we'd likely split a couple meals among the 3 adults. We have had both lunch and dinner at BoG and have ADRs for both as well this trip because we love it and need choices for 4 MK days.

So, which is more magical/fun? Or should we try our best to experience both? I suppose if we did both we could plan a longer afternoon break one of the days to make up for the longer day.

Please help me decide!

 

[Robo]

I was able to score an 8:15 BoG ADR for our trip next month, but I need opinions from those who have done a pre-park ADR as well as done rope drop to see the opening show.

We aren't exactly morning people. We did rush to make it to rope drop a bunch of times last trip and usually we


made it maybe 5 minutes before park opening so too late to see the show at MK.

1. Which btw how early does that actually happen? I think I read 30 minutes prior?

Doing both are very appealing and technically I could try and do both on different days but trying to balance our late nights and early mornings it might be pushing it.

I mainly took the ADR for the early park access. My kids can't eat any of the food offered (tons of allergies) so we'd bring their own and at $20 per person we'd likely split a couple meals among the 3 adults. We have had both lunch and dinner at BoG and have ADRs for both as well this trip because we love it and need choices for 4 MK days.

2. So, which is more magical/fun? Or should we try our best to experience both? I suppose if we did both we could plan a longer afternoon break one of the days to make up for the longer day.

Please help me decide!

1. 15 minutes before, is a good average. The show length only runs about 6-7 minutes, total.
2. If you can see/have seen BoG otherwise, and not everyone can eat the food there, I'd do the MK Rope Drop.

Plan your arrival at the MK gates at least a half-hour (there's that 30 minute reference) before
the posted opening time.
It's better to arrive far too early than to get there just a minute too late.

 

[Alesia]

I mainly took the ADR for the early park access. My kids can't eat any of the food offered (tons of allergies) so we'd bring their own and at $20 per person we'd likely split a couple meals among the 3 adults.

Since the meal is prix fixe, I'm pretty sure you'll have to pay for each person whether they eat there or not.

 

[jtowntoflorida]

Why are you doing the pre-opening ADR? It will give you an advantage in getting into either 7DMT or A&E over someone who is at RD, but you're only getting a few minutes at most. Here is a good report:
http://www.easywdw.com/uncategorize...gdom-morning-touring-over-spring-break-32715/

For me, that slight advantage just isn't worth it. The kids LOVE the opening show and requested that we see it on our next trip, so we're doing the BOG lunch instead (we're going in June, too). As Robo said, the opening show is 15 minutes before opening; 30 minutes before is when they start letting guests into the MK courtyard.

BTW, it's my understanding that you have to pay for everyone who is at the breakfast regardless of whether or how much they eat since it's a fixed price meal.

 

[Dis703]

Since the meal is prix fixe, I'm pretty sure you'll have to pay for each person whether they eat there or not.

No reports seem to indicate that's not the case. People are sharing meals at least and the orders are put in at a kiosk and no one seems to care how many meals vs. people are at the table so far.

 

[IceSkatingPrincess]

Pre-park crystal palace! IMO, it is the most magical morning.

 

[Dis703]

Why are you doing the pre-opening ADR? It will give you an advantage in getting into either 7DMT or A&E over someone who is at RD, but you're only getting a few minutes at most. Here is a good report:
http://www.easywdw.com/uncategorize...gdom-morning-touring-over-spring-break-32715/

For me, that slight advantage just isn't worth it. The kids LOVE the opening show and requested that we see it on our next trip, so we're doing the BOG lunch instead (we're going in June, too). As Robo said, the opening show is 15 minutes before opening; 30 minutes before is when they start letting guests into the MK courtyard.

BTW, it's my understanding that you have to pay for everyone who is at the breakfast regardless of whether or how much they eat since it's a fixed price meal.

It's not really for a jump start so much as experiencing main street with little crowds. Pics in front of the castle without hundreds of people behind us.

As for the meals my understanding is they don't charge per person but per order. Which you put in yourself at the kiosks. I'll verify that before going but I know people have reported no issues with splitting meals or adults ordering kids meals at the kids meal price, etc. Typical for a Quick Service location.

 

[Dis703]

Pre-park crystal palace! IMO, it is the most magical morning.

I can't justify the cost for the buffet. We are doing lunch there but I feel like it's at least a little better value. My kids would have little to nothing to eat at a breakfast. Maybe the oldest could have safe waffles but my twins who are grain, egg, milk, soy among other things free don't do well at breakfasts. And I know they will charge there if they eat or not. That was part of the appeal of Bog breakfast.

 

[HatboxHaint]

You should see the show if you havn't. That being said....

I think the pre-park BOG res is a game-changer. It's a less expensive meal. Not everyone in your party has to get a meal, they can be shared with no penalty. If you eat quick then you beat everyone else (including CRT and CP folks) to the attractions in fantasyland that are FP+ or die attractions (7DMT and A&E). If you are confident in that plan and don't need a fastpass for those then your options for rides and times open up. My last 7-day trip was practically built around when I got FP+ for those two attractions.