AK opening ceremony?

[sleepyone]

I think I read some where that AK has an opening ceremony. Does anyone know what it is or what happens? Also, what time does it start? Does the ceremony start when the park is open or does it start before people are allowed through the turnstiles? I hope this makes sense.

 

[EsmeraldaX]

Hi there.

If I recall correctly from Dec. , it happens right before the park officially opens. People get there super early and line up at the turnstiles. We were first in line!

Then they let you in the turnstiles and take you to the Tree of Life. and there is a rope up I think. Then a bus comes out with Safari Minnie etc. on it and they do a little show about going on an Adventure and exploring the animals. Then they call out to Mickey who you then see down by the TOL.

After that CMs kind of split the people off into two groups - the ones headed for the safari, and the ones headed for Dinosaur.

 

[PandyPaws]

After that CMs kind of split the people off into two groups - the ones headed for the safari, and the ones headed for Dinosaur.

Not exactly correct...Esmeralda, the only 'split' there is, is a roped off walkway towards Dinoland for those Guests holding a PS for Donald's Breakfastasaurus

"Adventure Begins" takes place every morning in front of the Tree of Life. As Esmeralda described, there is a Character Vehicle and a show. Also, two Safari drivers will come out before the show to select a family who will hold the rope behind the Character vehicle as it leads the crowd towards Kilimanjaro Safaris. This family receives a Magical Moment Certificate, and will be the first to board the Safari vehicle.

 

[kkmauch]

Does this happen on EMH days also? If so, does it happen when the park opens for EMH guests or when the park opens to the public?
I have a PS for Donald's at 8:30--I believe it is before the park opens. Will I be able to enjoy the ceremony if I have this PS time?

 

[pixieprincessmom]

I does happen for EMH, but I'm afraid your PM might make you miss it depending on what time the park opens.

 

[sjnlkm]

Does anyone know what time the Parking Lots open each morning (aka how much earlier than the Park opening time)? Thanks.

 

[WDW_bn_dt_gb]

We chose Donald's Breakfastasaurus for our character meal on our trip last July. The main reason was to see the opening ceremony. We have done most of the other character breakfasts and the opening ceremony seemed to be a good reason to try Donald’s. We had the first seating, if I remember correctly; it was 8:00 and the park opened at 9:00. When we finished our meal we were escorted to the “park-side” of the rope. We weren’t able to see the opening ceremony. We were kind of let down, really wanted to see it. To end on a good note, we were at the front of the line (and it was a BIG line) and the breakfast was really good. Got on one of the first 5-6 loads on Kilimanjaro Safaris.