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Mom And Kids Animal Kingdom
  • On Oct 12, 2009
    Basia from IL Asked Note: This answer was provided prior to the change to planDisney and may still contain references to Disney Parks Moms Panel.

    Experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    On January 2 we have a lunch at the Cinderella Royal Table at 11:55. Any tips suggestions on when to arrive at park? Where to park? How long before do we need to arrive. This will be our first day. 2 adults and 3 kids (5, 3, 1)

    Basia:

    If you're planning to drive to the Magic Kingdom, you've only got one choice for parking: the Transportation & Ticket Center.  From there, you can take a ferry or the monorail over to the park.  In my book, I always give myself at least 20 minutes from the parking lot to the park gates and then you'll want to give yourself at least 10 minutes to the castle with three kids in tow.  Because all restaurants ask you to be at the podium 15 minutes before your reservation, I'd plan on giving yourself a good 45 minutes to an hour before from the time you park your car to give yourself enough time to get there...

    With that said, though, I wouldn't just plan on arriving at 10:55 in the parking lot and heading to lunch.  If I were in your shoes, I'd plan on arriving as early at 7:30 a.m. if you're staying at a Disney resort because the Magic Kingdom is having Early Magic Hours on January 2.  If you're not staying on Disney property, I'd recommend getting to the parking lot by 8:30 so you could get in the park at 9:00 a.m. 

    Our family has found that we enjoy the parks so much more in the morning when the crowds are low and the lines are short--plus, there's a better camera shot of us in front of the castle with the blue morning sky!  After a stroll down Main Street taking in the smell of the bakery, head straight to Fantasyland and ride all its famous rides: Peter Pan, Winnie-the-Pooh, Snow White, Dumbo, and the Tea cups--yes, the Teacups BEFORE you eat....not after!  You'll have worked up a good appetite and gotten in the spirit that will make your first day memorable!

    Wishing y'all a magical vacation!
    Whitney
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Meet the Panelist: Whitney, Mississippi

My family of 6 appreciates Disney's value! Although Ft. Wilderness is our second home, we've enjoyed the resorts for business, reunions and romantic getaways. For me, Disney also means dining: last count, I'd eaten at 55 restaurants around the World! Learn More About Whitney

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