Hi Rachel,
Welcome to planDisney! Starting your day in the heart of the Magic Kingdom with a character breakfast at
The Crystal Palace sounds like the perfect way to experience the wonder of
Walt Disney World, especially with little ones in tow. Sharing a plate of pancakes and a pot of honey with Winnie the Pooh and friends from the Hundred Acre Wood? That’s the kind of morning that’s sure to bring smiles before you even step foot on your first attraction.
I love logistics, and you’re absolutely right to consider timing carefully, especially since you're staying off property. Parking at the Transportation and Ticket Center (the main parking hub for Magic Kingdom) typically opens one hour before the earliest park opening time, which includes
Early Entry for Disney Resort hotel Guests. So, if Early Entry is scheduled for 8:00 AM on the day of your visit, parking should begin at 7:00 AM. That gives you a full hour to park, go through security, and ride either the monorail or ferryboat across Seven Seas Lagoon to reach the gates of Magic Kingdom.
I always recommend arriving a bit earlier than that. If you can, plan to line up at the entrance to the Transportation and Ticket Center about 90 minutes before Early Entry begins, so around 6:30 AM if Early Entry starts at 8:00 AM. Being among the first cars in line often means securing a spot near the front of the lot, where you can walk to the monorail or ferry without needing to take the parking tram. Plus, you’ll be on that very first monorail gliding toward Cinderella Castle with plenty of time to check in for your breakfast reservation.
I hope this helps, Rachel. If you have any other questions, whether it's helping fine-tune your post-breakfast itinerary, finding the best parade spots, or navigating the
Lightning Lane Multi Pass, I’d be glad to help you map out an unforgettable day at Magic Kingdom.
TTFN,
Brent