We were chosen to Open the Magic Kingdom two years ago.
How it happened was that the previous year, my youngest son was chosen to help in the MGM parade and then the next day, he was chosen in the Lion King show to roar like a lion.
My oldest, who is somewhat shy, was of course disappointed.
Our next trip, we were somewhat early at the Magic Kingdom and I saw someone get chosen. My oldest did as well and he ask me how we could do it. The way he looked at me, made me realize I better come through.
I asked one of the Cast members and told them what I stated above. I pointed to my oldest son and she took one look at him and I think she realized what type of kid he is.(He is a really kind little boy).
The cast member then asked her supervisor who came over to me to ask if we could come back on Friday. We had a character breakfast at Crystal Palace on thursday and he said it was no problem, they could rearrange.
I think on that Friday, my son was the happiest boy in the world. For me on that day, we really were at the Magic Kingdom. We got to ride a fire truck to ToonTown, where we met all the characters that would board the train.
We sat with Mickey and Minny and Donald and Daffy. My oldest son has a blast with Mickey. One cast member took our video camera and recorded everything. After we opened the park, we took a picture with Mickey and the Mayor and it was complimentary.
I was glad to make it happen and have some terrific memories for both of my boys.