Child gatekeepers - Magical Moments?

[Fantasmic303]

This may have been posted previously, and I apologize if it has, but I'm hoping one of the "pros" here can help:


We're travelling to WDW next month with a little Princess that would love to experience some magical Disney moments. Two that I've read snippets about sounded absolutely wonderful - opening and closing the Magic Kingdom.

Has anyone ever done this or do you have tips for how to make it possible for her? I've heard that "gatekeepers" are chosen early before the park opens, but just how early is that? And where should we stand or talk to for the best chance that she will get to choose the magic word that opens the park?

The same goes for being the closing family. She would love to have the chance to call the last monorail, so her mother has asked me to see what I can find out about times and places.


Does anyone else have any suggestions for these special opportunities? She's almost 4 and fancies herself quite a little Princess. She gets a bit shy when it comes to performing (in, say, a parade or stage show), so we're looking for something she can do that wouldn't stress her out, but would give her a chance to really "rule" Walt Disney World.

Thanks in advance for your advice!!

 

[Safari Steve]

There is absolutely no sure-fire way to be picked as the family that opens the MK. Selection is done at random. All you can do is show up early (and if you ask, you will almost definitely NOT get picked- just fyi)... There are lots of magical moments all over WDW, and they are most magical when you're not expecting them. Go, see, do, enjoy. Let the magic happen.
Have a blast!

 

[DISNEYDADINOREGON]

We got asked to be the closing family in July on a e-night. We
were walking out of the park and a secuirty guard approached us and asked if we were in a hurry? He asked to wait by Tony's. My 7 year old son got his picture taken and a magical moments certificate. It was so cool. I realy don't think you can make it happen. It is just a great surprise. They put my son's picture up in the MK security office the next day so all the secuity people can see who helped close the park. It really is a memory of a life time.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Our son opened the MK twice. You have to get there early and be the first in line. They choose one child at each set of turnstiles. You need to chat up the CMs at the gates and you might be chosen. If another kid is there first, you probably won't get chosen. We got there at least 1/2 hour before the park opened, maybe earlier. This was back when EE was 7:30 (90 min before standard opening). I think we got there at 6:45.

 

[Safari Steve]

One family is chosen on each side of the entry plaza on Extra Magic Hour days (from the resort guests who are waiting on each side) They are chosen from the front of the line... For the main ceremony each morning at 9am (which can be cancelled due to inclimant weather), one family is chosen each morning. One person is in charge of selecting this family (4 members max), and they sometimes choose from the back of the crowd. This has just changed recently since the new show debuted (I'm not totally sure of past practices).

 

[Fantasmic303]

Thanks for the advice, everyone!

We'll cross our fingers and see what happens. I know she'd be thrilled to get to do it!


We'll be heading to MK on an EMH day for breakfast at Cinderella's...we'll have to see if everyone is excited enough to get up a little earlier!!

 

[Badger Brent]

Our kids were picked to open the MK gates I think 2-3 yrs ago. It was really a unexpected occasion. We were there for the first seating for breakfast with Cindy and got there around 7:30 a.m. We walked from the bus stop to the far corner of the entrance gates. As my son was climbing the railings and my daughter getting a drink a cast member came up to us and asked us if we would like to open MK. My kids were thrilled. They took us through the turnstiles and had us wait over to the side. Then another cm came over with a megaphone type thing and asked our kids what the magic word for the day was. Our kids picked "magical kingdom". Here's where it kind of got sticky though. The cm helping us was about 30 seconds off of the other side doing the exact same thing. While the other side was streaming in, people were yelling to get on with it because the other side was already getting in. Kind of funny when all that was open at this time was some shops. It all ended well, our kids recieved a magical wand full of candy and a cert. with their names embossed on them. We took lots of photo's and video and remains a fav to relive. I say hang out early, don't beg, and if it happens that's a bonus.

 

[Jordan's MOM]

Best advice I have is to make friends with a Cm. We were there early, (like 45minutes) and were first in line. We got to taking with this wonderful older CM. It was DS's first time in the park. He asked if he would like to open the park! It was so cool. Aladin was there and had this long talk with DS. When DS said his favorite character was Donald Duck he acted hurt but said wait just a minute. Sure enough a call got Donald there.

He also got to open toon town once and that was even better. He answered a question they asked all the kids first. He got a tour of Mickey's house by Mickey Mouse himself before anyone else was let in the area. Wonderful photos.


Jordan's mom

 

[susy]

My Ds's first time ever at MK, he opened the park!

I even said in the hotel room before we left -let's hurry, maybe he can open the park!

We got there ridiculously early- 1 hr! Everyone else that was there, was in the breakfast line. Delores came over and asked if our DS would like to be the gatekeeper. Of course, we said yes!