How does a family get chosen to open the Magic Kingdom?

[FSUMARCHIEF]

Just wondering if anyone knows - also, are there any special things that go with that? Do those families get one on one time with the characters involved? The first time my wife and I saw this (last September) we both teared up because it was so awesome. I would love to have our family do that one day, but I imagine everyone else does too. Since we will likely never get the chance? How do you do it? And what happens once it's done? Just curious...

Thanks
Mark

 

[Tinks]

Well, as a family that has been chosen twice, I hope I can help. We arrive early to the MK....at least 1/2 hour early...and get in line. It helps to be the first family or second in line. While you wait you will see several cast members circulating behind the gates and talking to several families. If you are interacting well with the Cast Member you will probably be chosen. I believe they choose one family per "side" to open the park.

The last time we were picked the CM talked a bit with our 7 year old son and joked around with us. As a family you enter the gates early and lead the countdown to park opening. When you hit the opening you throw "pixie dust" into the air. It is fun
After that we were given a certificate that basically stated the "xxxxx" family was chosen on this date "xxxx" to open the Magic Kingdom. We were also given a small film container filled with "pixie dust."

We were also lucky this last time because the CM offered to take our picture with our camera. It turned out to be a great shot and one I'll cherish for a while. Good luck and have fun!

 

[vicb]

The family that opened the park on Fat Tuesday was totally decked out in Mardi Gras colors and beads. They were from LA. to boot! Maybe dressing alike, theme related or in Disney clothing helps?

Anyway it was neat to see, we had always arrived a little too late to see it and we enjoyed it and were happy for that family!

 

[Disneymomma]

She was picked a few years ago. We had early PS for the Princess breakfast. Needless to say, the princess was very excited and we were there early. I believe it was about 20 min. early. She had a princess shirt on and the CM began asking her about her favorite princesses. He then asked if she would be interested in opening the Magic Kingdom. (I had never heard of that before.) He brought us behind the gate and had her pick a magic word, which was "Cinderella", and then proceeded to tell the crowd on our side (There were two sides, and another family chosen on the other side.) that after she waved her magic wand, they all had to say her magic word. She waved the magic wand and the crowd chanted,"Cinderella" After that, she was presented with a certificate and the magic wand and we were driven to the castle and wisked inside. All day long, people would pass the two of usand say, "Hey, there's the little girl from this morning!" She had a permanent smile all day long, and for weeks after ward as she recounted this experience for anyone who would listen. It was by far, a magical moment which she will always remember. She was still at the age where she believed she was a princess-and this just reinforced to her that she really was! Up until then, I thought I knew what the "Disney Magic"was, but I had no idea how magical and special it could be when it touched our lives in such a magical way!

 

[zurgswife]

We also have opened the Magic kingdom twice and like the above poster stated...arriving early and making nice with the CM's is the best way...it is random most of the time....

Though through our 2 opening we have become friends with one of the CM managers that who is in charge of this process ....so we are hoping to be able to open the MK when we visit in July...keeping our fingers crossed....

 

[Jordan's MOM]

We have been chosen to do this and we too were there about 1/2 hour early. We all were also wearing matching t-shirts and were having a great time talking with a CM. Once we were inside the CM asked DS who his favorite character was and he replied Donald Duck. One call and Donald was there to help DS open the park. Yes I cried. One other time DS got to open toon town. After this, he got a personal tour of toon town and a private meeting and photo shoot with Mickey. They choose this time by asking the kids a Disney trivia question. This was awsome too. GOOD LUCK.


Jordans' mom

 

[The Sweetness]

At USF last summer. I knew from these boards that someone was chosen every morning, and we approached a CM, as we were one of the few (maybe first) fam there so early. We got a photo (picked up at their photo depot at the end of the day)

DD has already asked if she could do this at WDW, and I told her I didnt think WDW *did that*

Do all of the parks do this opening? DD still brags about it from last year