Getting to each of the parks before they

[crow11ad]

open what can you see. This December we are staying at the WL and was wondering what happens at each of the parks to "offically open" the park? What is the best time to get there so you get a good spot?

 

[RLewis]

There is typically music and some characters at the front gate. At MK, if your a youngster and you get there very early (30-60 minutes), you can talk to the CMs and help to officially "open" the park.

But, in general, there is no need to get there very early just to get a good spot for the opening ceremonies. Basically you're only there to beat the crowds, not to see anything special.

 

[LibertyBelle]

I Have not seen the "new" park opening at the other parks, but the one at MK is definetly a treat (in my opinion of course). The Morning show is done every morning at 8:50am (except Sunday and Thursday as those are resort guest early morning). The Mayor comes out and greets you and then there are dancers on the Main Street Train Station platform doing a little song and dance. Then the Steam Train comes in loaded with characters and they all get off onto the platform with the dancers (and the "First family") and do a countdown to park opening at which time they open the park for all guests. All the characters then head into Town Square to sign autographs and take pictures. It is really nice. I would definetly make the effort to go see it.

 

[Harambe]

AK has somehting called the Awakening. All the characters are on a bus and sing songs. Mickey stand on a platform up on the Tree of Life. Very cute.

 

[Lori-n-NY]

Magic Kingdom is as described above. They use the train platform. It is a great way to start off the day.

EPCOT...they let you thru the ropes about 10 minutes before opening and up to the enterance of Future World (right after the Leave a Legacy Tiles but before the Spaceship Earth) and within minutes of opening time the Character Caravan (big red bus) comes up and they sing a little and Mickey gets the crowds ready for the day and they countdown to the opening. The bus then pulls away and the characters are available for pictures and autographs by the big water fountain. ANd the corwds rush to Test Track or Mission SPace (ride it and grab a fast pass).

At AK.. they also let you in about 10 minutes early and you can wolk thru The OASIS and over the bridge to the front of DIscovery Island. You are looking at the Tree of Life at this point. If you have small kids try to get towards the front so they can see. A Jeep from the parade comes out with Minnie and Goofy on it and they do a little skit about having a map and they ask the guest to help. And as you look towards the tree you can see Mickey as they get ready to countdown to opening. And from there everyone runs to the safari ride.

I have been at the MGM one but it was on a Starwars weekend so I'm not sure what they normally do becasue I could not get close enough to hear or see anything.

If you can manage to get there before opening do it. ANd then you can decide if it is for you for the next time.

I hope this helps,
Lori

 

[crow11ad]

Thanx for the replies everyone. Does anyone else have anything to add?

 

[luvsTink]

All I have to add is that my children (an I!) really enjoyed the openings, except I don't remember anything spectacular at MGM EE.

Anne