Why hello again Julie and welcome back to planDisney!
Can you believe it's already been well over a decade since
the first time you asked planDisney for advice with two toddlers in tow? They're now likely teens who can take on those early morning rope-drop adventures at the theme parks, and I'm glad to help discuss strategies to make it happen on your upcoming visit in March! I've spent a considerable amount of time testing and researching some of the methods that folks online have shared, and after confirming my findings with some helpful Cast Members at Guest Relations, here's what I can share:
- While it may have been possible in the past for folks to place a mobile order at a Quick Service Location at one of the Resort Hotels close to EPCOT and Magic Kingdom Park, this practice has become increasingly strictly discouraged by the Parking and Security Cast Members who may not permit day guest access without an actual dining reservation. (You might find that the rise in so-called "hacks" proliferating online have contributed to this, but the Disney Resort Hotels adjacent to Magic Kingdom Park and Disney's BoardWalk have been especially strict during the busiest times of the year.)
- On more than one occasion this year I've personally observed as the Cast Member at the security gate at locations like Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa or Disney's Beach Club Resort would not allow guests even just getting dropped off past without a valid stay or a confirmed dining reservation - especially if they indicated that they were heading to the theme parks afterward. (It's important to remember that these folks may just be following orders and doing their job as instructed by leadership without the ability to make decisions of their own, so while it may ultimately be at their discretion I think it's always best to avoid any possible encounters like this and risk disappointment.)
Instead, I recommend that you either opt to be
dropped off at the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC) to take the Walt Disney World Monorail in order to have a quick breakfast before heading directly to Magic Kingdom Park, or scheduling your ride to be dropped off at the
Walt Disney World Swan Hotel before you head to EPCOT or Disney's Hollywood Studios. We also recently took advantage of the complimentary theme park shuttle from Bonnet Creek which comes with
your stay at the Waldorf Astoria Orlando and also has some early departures that began just after 7:00 A.M. on our most recent visit to make the most of your day. Hope this helped Julie, we look forward to seeing you back here at planDisney again for any more of the latest tips or tricks ahead of your next trip!
May you find the best breakfast you seek to start off your day at the theme parks!
Prince