Hi Dana!
Thanks for stopping by the Disney Parks Moms Panel. One of my favorite ways to start a day in the
Walt Disney World Resort theme parks is to enjoy breakfast before the park opens at one of the restaurants in the theme park. I love being able to enter the theme park early and walk to our restaurant with very low crowd levels. Plus, after your breakfast everyone in your group is ready to enjoy a big and exciting day after having a good meal (and for me, a big cup of coffee)!
Each theme park will have a special entry area set up for Guests with reservations at restaurants inside of the theme park that occur before that theme park opens. Generally, that area is set up to the side of the entrance area. You will find a Cast Member with a sign indicating the entrance for Guests with early dining reservations. Since you must have valid theme park admission for the day in order to get to your reservation, the Cast Members will access your ticket via your admission card or MagicBand and allow you entry into the theme park prior to the standard opening time.
Generally, there are Cast Members directing Guests through the theme park to restaurant locations. Even though the rest of the park will not yet be open, I recommend that you plan on arriving at the theme park entrance 20-30 minutes prior to your reservation time to allow plenty of time to get to the restaurant. Also, plan on taking a few pictures on your way into the theme park. I have gotten some incredible photos on Main Street, U.S.A. with no other people in the background blocking the view to Cinderella Castle as we made our way to breakfast at Be Our Guest Restaurant!
Please let us know if you have additional questions. T-T-F-N, ta ta for now!
~Crystal