Hiya Jenna!
Thanks for sending in your planning question, and a warm welcome to planDisney. Breakfast at
Crystal Palace with Pooh and his friends sounds absolutely delightful! This was my 1 year old son's first character dining experience years ago. Something about Winnie the Pooh's gentle nature made the encounter so perfect. I still cherish the photos of my son's huge baby grin during that greeting! Cuddly Eeyore came in a close second on that special day. You and your party are going to love it!
How fun that you'll be kicking your day off bright and early with a breakfast reservation. When you arrive at Magic Kingdom's entrance, you will enter the regular gates with all guests. Cast Members typically allow guests to all tap in at the same time, about 30 minutes before Early Entry begins (so around 8:00AM). I would make sure to arrive a little earlier than that, as there will be an Early Entry crowd. As soon as you pass through the turnstiles, you'll want to head right down the middle of Main Street, USA to Crystal Palace!
My fellow panelist Alison shared that at times Cast Members will direct guests with dining reservations to a separate line. But in her recent experience, guests with dining reservations were held at the turnstiles with everyone else until the park was ready to accept guests.
You will be one of the earliest dining reservations at Crystal Palace that day. Cast Members usually offer a little flexibility to your dining time for these "park opening" reservations, in case you arrive a few minutes late. Enjoy your magical morning, and don't allow stress to interfere with enjoying your arrival at this wonderful park!
Jenna, I hope this helps. I'll be wishing upon a star that you have an amazing time at Walt Disney World! Please feel free to send me any
questions at planDisney if I can assist with anything further.
Magical memories await,
Tami