Does this still happen?

[bskts4bj]

I read this on another site -- we're headed to AK in December and would love to experience this if it still happens. . . .

If you arrive about 30 minutes before the park opens, cast members will allow you to enter the park early to go see the early morning welcome in front of the Tree of Life from Mickey and friends. Mickey arrives 15 minutes before the scheduled opening time and welcomes you to Animal Kingdom! Minnie, Donald and Goofy join shortly after to say hello!

 

[Good Morning Dewdrop]

no sorry that doesn't happen anymore. They do let you in early and you are held by a rope. At 8:45 am a flock of macaws flies over head and lands in a nearby tree - that is really neat to see.

 

[MakiraMarlena]

nope. The only park that still has an "opening ceremony" is Magic Kingdom and it won't get you into the park early.

 

[bskts4bj]

Ok, so Mickey & friends don't appear, but you can still get in early? Where's the rope located? At the bridge or do they let you over the bridge?

 

[NorthshoreTigerFan]

nope. The only park that still has an "opening ceremony" is Magic Kingdom and it won't get you into the park early.

What time do you have to be at the MK gates to see the "opening ceremony?" Where is the best place to see it?

 

[leebee]

It's so sad they don't do opening ceremonies at AK anymore. I remember when they did "The Awakening." It was held in the big open area between the tram loading zone and the row of buildings where you purchase tickets. CMs were dressed as different animals and insects and did a performance. The costumes and make-up were amazing. One more cut at WDW...

 

[Good Morning Dewdrop]

Ok, so Mickey & friends don't appear, but you can still get in early? Where's the rope located? At the bridge or do they let you over the bridge?

at first they hold you at the bridge then they let you move forward into the Tree of Life area - at that point most people stand near/ at the pathway to Africa (which is where we were) or over towards the path to Asia. Both have CMs standing there preventing you from making a break for it

 

[lugnut33]

It's so sad they don't do opening ceremonies at AK anymore. I remember when they did "The Awakening." It was held in the big open area between the tram loading zone and the row of buildings where you purchase tickets. CMs were dressed as different animals and insects and did a performance. The costumes and make-up were amazing. One more cut at WDW...

Totally agree and it's these types of cuts over and over again at all the parks that finally pushed me into selling my DVC points. Those good opening ceremonies make it feel like you're at a special place.

 

[leebee]

Totally agree and it's these types of cuts over and over again at all the parks that finally pushed me into selling my DVC points. Those good opening ceremonies make it feel like you're at a special place.

This puts me in the mood for a good "What Don't You See at WDW Anymore" thread, but I won't do it. We are going to the World soon and I am DETERMINED to enjoy this vacation, regardless of all the changes!

 

[Quellman]

EPCOT is transitioning to an early opening allowing guests to experience the Spaceship Earth.
Animal Kingdom has an early opening where you can walk around up to the tree of life. This allows you to at least take in the animals at the front of the park that are often rushed past.

 

[BebopBaloo]

The macaws fly in at 8:45a.m. every day still?