Hey there, Jana! Welcome back to planDisney! It's so great to see you here with another fantastic planning question, friend.
I know you must be getting
so excited, Jana. Your trip is booked, your dining reservations are made, and your magical adventure at The Most Magical Place on Earth is fast approaching. Woohoo! I can't imagine a better way to begin the best Disney day than with a magical breakfast at
Cinderella's Royal Table. The dining room is stunning (I get chills every time I walk in), the food is fit for royalty, and the Princesses are as regal and charming as can be. Now, let's make sure you get there right as the clock strikes twelve ... I mean, nine o'clock!
If you plan on taking the complimentary
bus transportation from Disney's Art of Animation Resort to Magic Kingdom Park, I recommend getting to the bus stop at least 90 minutes before your dining reservation. Since
Early Theme Park Entry for Disney Resort Hotel Guests begins at 8:30 a.m. that day, you will likely have a lot of other Guests heading to the park around that time, but Hakuna Matata! It means "no worries." In my experience, getting to the bus stop at least an hour before Early Entry begins gives me enough time to catch the bus, get to the park and tap into the turnstiles by rope drop. Don't forget that you can see when the bus will arrive at your Resort by tapping "See Bus Times" under the "Resort Hotel" tile on the My Disney Experience app!
If you end up running late that morning, I recommend using the
Minnie Van Service via the Lyft app. The Minnie Van will pick you up right in front of your Resort and drop you off near the closest bus stop at Magic Kingdom Park, so it's a quick and easy way to get whisked off to Magic Kingdom before the clock strikes twelve ... eh, I mean, nine. This is my new favorite way to get around Walt Disney World Resort. It's fast, easy, affordable, comfortable, and you arrive in polka dot style. If you use a Minnie Van, I recommend getting one to pick you up an hour before your dining reservation.
As an early bird, I always choose to err on the side of being early instead of late. I recommend leaving early, taking your time, enjoying your morning, and if you're early for your reservation, take pictures in front of Cinderella Castle, take in the sights and sounds, or ride an attraction before your morning feast with Cinderella. Enjoy, Jana!
I hope this helps, Jana, and I hope you have the most magical and memorable time. I just know you will! Please feel free to stop by any time with any other questions you may have. You've got a friend in me.
A dream is a wish your heart makes,
Mandy