G'Day, Ceri, and welcome to planDisney! You are probably on your way to
Walt Disney World Resort for your upcoming visit, so safe travels from Down Under. And since breakfast is the most magical way to start your day AND your vacation, let's talk about how you'll gain access to
Magic Kingdom Park.
According to the
theme park calendar, Magic Kingdom opens at 8:30 AM most days this week for guests staying at Disney Resort Hotels, and at 9:00 AM for other guests. But any guest with a valid dining reservation can typically enter before the gates open. Be sure to have your dining confirmation number and reservation details handy, as Cast Members may ask to see them.
I chatted with a regal Cast Member who said you can head to any entrance scanner upon arrival. They'll either direct you to a dedicated entrance or take care of you there.
He recommended you arrive by 8:30 AM so you'll have plenty of time to go through security. Since resort guests will be arriving around that time, it could be a bit crowded. But that should give you plenty of time to enter the park and snap some photos at
Cinderella Castle before your breakfast.
If you've downloaded the
My Disney Experience mobile app, you can check in for breakfast on your phone once you're in proximity to The Crystal Palace. You'll get a confirmation text, and when it's time to be seated, you'll get a notification. Seeing "Your table is ready!" is one of my favorite texts.
The Crystal Palace was the very first restaurant my husband and I tried at Magic Kingdom, many years ago. I'd brought along a guidebook titled "Disney for Adults." When Tigger came bouncing by our table, he spied the title, immediately covered his eyes, and made a shocked gesture. I've never laughed so hard, and I fell in love with character dining in that very moment. You're going to have a blast! And tell that rascal Tigger I miss him.
Ceri, I'm wishing on the stars, the Southern Cross to be exact, that you make magical memories on this trip. Please
stop by planDisney anytime!
Magic awaits,
Elaine