We're heading to Disney end of the month with my 2 year old triplets and 5 year old daugher. We're staying off site in a rental home in Kissimmee about a 7 minute drive from Magic Kingdom. We have 8:05 a.m reservations at Cinderella's Royal Table. What time do you advise getting to the Parking Lot to get us there on time? What method of transportation do we take once the we park the car? Thank you in advance for your help -- this is our first trip and I'm a complete Disney novice!
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First Time Visit Help!!!
- Thread starter schudzik
- Start date
tiggerlover1971
New Member
first of all calm down breathe j/k ok I would advise getting to the magic kingdom parking lot about a half hour to 45 mins early (remember you will still have to take a monorail or the ferryboats over to Magic kingdom) I would take the monorail that is what I loved to do when I was little I even remember riding up front with the cast members ( I dont know if they still do that) but to this day if I dont ride the monorail then I havent gone to disney in my book
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Dizknee_Phreek
Well-Known Member
tiggerlover's right....AT LEAST 30-45 min. earlier! but 8:05am? how's that? the standard time for MK to open is 9am (eastern time) so i'm a little confused....but regardless, if you want to get to the MK fast, take the monorail...it'll be way faster than the ferry! but the earlier the better...right before MK opens, there's a heck of a line at the front gates...not to mention a mad dash when the park starts letting people in (but don't worry...it's nothing dangerous most of the time...just a big crowd on a mission to get somewhere...just make sure to hang on to ALL possesions...especially your children!) btw, make sure you have a plan just in case anyone gets lost...i'm sure your children know to go to a castmember if they get lost, but just be sure they do!
but as for what time should you get to the parking lot? i'm clueless on that one...it's been 10 years since i've stayed in a hotel other than a Disney hotel. not to mention i was 7 at the time!
anyway, i hope you and your family and a safe and magical vacation! and if you need ANY help or info at all, just ask! we'll do what we can to answer! welcome to the boards! :wave:
but as for what time should you get to the parking lot? i'm clueless on that one...it's been 10 years since i've stayed in a hotel other than a Disney hotel. not to mention i was 7 at the time!
anyway, i hope you and your family and a safe and magical vacation! and if you need ANY help or info at all, just ask! we'll do what we can to answer! welcome to the boards! :wave:
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wannabeBelle
Well-Known Member
absolutely early is the name of the game. As far as the 8:05 seating, I know that Cinderella's Royal Table opens earlier than the parks!! VERY IMPORTANT, have your reservation confirmation number on you as that is the only way that the monorail or ferry will take you over to the MK. Go to a Cast Member at the monorail station and tell them what your plans are. In addition you have to show it to the people at the front gate of the MK once you get there. Definitely bring a camera as you will probably have the majority of Main Street all to yourself!!! Please note This breakfast is an all you care to eat venue but it is served to your table so if you want seconds or anything (or everything) dont hesitate to speak up! That and tell Cindy that I am going to try to come and see her myself in October
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Debbie
Well-Known Member
I would leave my room no later than 7am. You have a job waking and dressing 4 kids! It may take you 20 minutes to get there, a few to wait for a monorail ( it IS the only way to go 
), and some time to walk to the castle. Better to be the early bird in this case. But most of all, enjoy yourself, and enjoy watching your kids enjoy themselves.
Feel free to come visit here and ask any more questions you may have or just to surf this site in preparation to visit the happiest place on Earth!
), and some time to walk to the castle. Better to be the early bird in this case. But most of all, enjoy yourself, and enjoy watching your kids enjoy themselves. Feel free to come visit here and ask any more questions you may have or just to surf this site in preparation to visit the happiest place on Earth!
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Ok I know all you guys love the monorail, But if you are trying to get to Magic Kingdom quicker then my advice is take the ferry. Everyone wants to ride the monorail so it takes a while to finally get on but the ferry boats are much more efficient in my opinion. Just my opinion. If you have time to get to MK before your reservation then by all means take the monorail but if in a hurry, take the ferry.
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That is true, but at that early hour there really should not be too many people there. It has been a long time since I had to use the MK parking lot (we stay on property now and the bus bypasses all that stuff- you will see what I mean when you get there) but as mentioned above I don't think anyone but those with early breakfast reservations will be allowed to board.
As a kid, I loved both the ferry and the monorail! But deffinitely take at least 1 monorail trip while you are there. The one that impressed me most when I was little was the MK Resort monorail, because it passes right through the Contemporary!
Also-- although you have been told it is a 7 minute drive from your hotel to MK-- I agree that you should allow 20 at least!
Your kids are great ages for a first trip to WDW. Have a blast! :wave:
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CAPTAIN HOOK
Well-Known Member
I have to agree - plan to be out of the door of your home by 7 am. This way you're not going to be rushing. The monorail is the ONLY way to travel to MK - the ferry is nice but nothing beats the monorail.
Presumably you have your own pushchair and can save a few minutes on arrival by not renting one.
Have a great time - welcome to the boards.
Presumably you have your own pushchair and can save a few minutes on arrival by not renting one.
Have a great time - welcome to the boards.
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dreamer
New Member
If I had that crew I would've planned bfast at 10am. Sounds like you're going to be attacking the place.
Kids get tired at Disney World. Especially if it's hot, which it will be if you're going this month. Plan lots of breaks, lots of fluids. I think they'll remember the ice cream more than Mickey Mouse. Plan for them not to react the way you think they would in every situation and go with the flow. Be silly. Be laid back. Be willing to miss a ride if they're too tired -- or better yet when you find they're enjoying something you didn't expect. Just give them space to enjoy and adjust the schedule.
I've got 5 kids. Last time we were there we spent 2 unplanned hours at the Lego store at Downtown Disney. I was bored and hot, but enjoyed watching the kids have fun. They enjoyed that as much as any of the rides at the parks. Go figure. So we had to give up some of my plans. I got some good pics.
In my opinion, the most memorable times at Disney World are the unexpected things. The unscheduled parades. Cooling off in the ice cream shop. The afternoon thundershower.
Oh yes, and the monorail. If you don't ride it the first day, be sure to ride it as much as possible. Take one to the Polynesian or one of the other hotels for lunch one day. It'll be a great break from the parks and a good way to cool off.
Kids get tired at Disney World. Especially if it's hot, which it will be if you're going this month. Plan lots of breaks, lots of fluids. I think they'll remember the ice cream more than Mickey Mouse. Plan for them not to react the way you think they would in every situation and go with the flow. Be silly. Be laid back. Be willing to miss a ride if they're too tired -- or better yet when you find they're enjoying something you didn't expect. Just give them space to enjoy and adjust the schedule.
I've got 5 kids. Last time we were there we spent 2 unplanned hours at the Lego store at Downtown Disney. I was bored and hot, but enjoyed watching the kids have fun. They enjoyed that as much as any of the rides at the parks. Go figure. So we had to give up some of my plans. I got some good pics.
In my opinion, the most memorable times at Disney World are the unexpected things. The unscheduled parades. Cooling off in the ice cream shop. The afternoon thundershower.
Oh yes, and the monorail. If you don't ride it the first day, be sure to ride it as much as possible. Take one to the Polynesian or one of the other hotels for lunch one day. It'll be a great break from the parks and a good way to cool off.
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Thanks for the great help!
Thank you all for your advice! I appreciate it. We were hoping to get a later reservation at Cindy's but 8 was all that they had. I was able to get 10:20 reservations for the Princess Breakfast at Epcot. I'll be sure to ask any more questions as they arise!:sohappy:
Thank you all for your advice! I appreciate it. We were hoping to get a later reservation at Cindy's but 8 was all that they had. I was able to get 10:20 reservations for the Princess Breakfast at Epcot. I'll be sure to ask any more questions as they arise!:sohappy:
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foxfire
Active Member
Re: Thanks for the great help!
If I may throw in my 2 cents (I'd throw in more, but being a starving college student... =) ) .
After almost 30 trips to WDW I've learned a few things. A few pointers that haven't been mentioned yet:
- If your kids aren't big on the parades, use that time to see some of the more popular attractions. Keep in mind though, people start gathering for the parades about an hour ahead of schedule, so navigating the park w/ strollers adds to the challenge, so give yourself time.
- If your kids get too tired you can break up the day by going back to the rental home. Crowds usually thin out by early evening.
- Remember the child swap option. One parent can ride the ride while the other watches the children. Then the other parent rides without waiting in line again.
- Use FASTPASS to your advantage. 60 minute wait for Space Mountain? Grab a FASTPASS and come back during the times printed on the ticket; you'll only have to wait 5-10 minutes (or less).
Any of the Birnbaum WDW guides have great tips & planning advice. Be sure to plan ahead---while you can't prepare for every litte thing that may arise you can have a general plan to make your trip smoother!
Have a Zip-A-Dee-Do-Dah Day!
If I may throw in my 2 cents (I'd throw in more, but being a starving college student... =) ) .
After almost 30 trips to WDW I've learned a few things. A few pointers that haven't been mentioned yet:
- If your kids aren't big on the parades, use that time to see some of the more popular attractions. Keep in mind though, people start gathering for the parades about an hour ahead of schedule, so navigating the park w/ strollers adds to the challenge, so give yourself time.
- If your kids get too tired you can break up the day by going back to the rental home. Crowds usually thin out by early evening.
- Remember the child swap option. One parent can ride the ride while the other watches the children. Then the other parent rides without waiting in line again.
- Use FASTPASS to your advantage. 60 minute wait for Space Mountain? Grab a FASTPASS and come back during the times printed on the ticket; you'll only have to wait 5-10 minutes (or less).
Any of the Birnbaum WDW guides have great tips & planning advice. Be sure to plan ahead---while you can't prepare for every litte thing that may arise you can have a general plan to make your trip smoother!
Have a Zip-A-Dee-Do-Dah Day!
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figmentbaby
New Member
First off, I hope you enjoy your first trip! I just want to add to everyone's comment about the early breakfast. I had a reservation at 8am last May and it was no problem at all. Just ignore the huge crowd at the entrance gates and walk to your left. A CM will let you walk right in with your reservation and Main Street will be entirely empty (probably the only time you will ever see it like that). Have fun!!!
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Dwarful
Well-Known Member
I would go for the monorail to get you to MK...but you will have to have your b'fast numbers on you. Thats the ONLY way non resort guests can leave the TTC area before 9am! I would actually suggest getting there at least 45 minutes early..you will have to go through security and all. plus getting from parked car to TTC to MK will take some time as well. You want to be at the Castle at 805am not the front gate! We did the 8am b'fast with our group of five kids over Memorial Day Weekend..of course we found it to be far easier getting there early...not stuck in the rush of the 9am crowds or the straglers coming in at 10am which blocked up security meaning more lines to stand in before going into the parks. Also go to your local DIsney store if you have one and buy the autograph books before you get to the park. Also take a few minutes to get some great photos before the park is opened to the public...you know getting the kids w/castle in the background w/o 30 sweatey rear ends as the background! Either way..stay flexible, load up on sunblock and drink drink drink! you will have a great time I'm sure!
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