If you can, go to Magical Beginnings (Little Ones Magic Hour)

[jnsma]

We just got back from Disney and by far the best part for my kids was the magical beginings. We actually took advantage of it twice (on a Friday and then again on Sunday).

The first time we stumbled on it. We had breakfast reservations at 8:30 but got to the park before 8 (transportation from Wilderness Lodge worked out amazingly easy and quick). Since we had breakfast reservations, they let us in at 7:50, no one asked what time our reservation was for... We strolled down Main St, got a picture infront of the Castle with only 1 other person in view, imagine that. Then we noticed that the carousel was running and went and had a look. It was full of characters!!! We had time to wave at all them, ride it along with dumbo before breakfast.

Sunday we went back, but had to wait in the normal line, but still very short. My son got to ride Dumbo with Stitch, he was so excited. Then both my kids played games and sang songs with Minie and Daisy and Snow White (I don't know someone) for about 20minutes.

Disney does a lot of special things (at a cost) but this is one I'd recommend for everyone to take advantage of if they can.

 

[KKB]

My children are older (12, 9, 7) and not into Disney/characters much (did a character meal on DCL, they said that was the only one they ever needed!)
BUT it is our first trip to WDW, and I thought if we went to LOEMH that they could enjoy the quintessential Disney at MK for at least an hour!
5 DAYS!!! WOO HOO!

 

[jnsma]

I would do it just to enjoy some peace on Main Street before the gates open for real. I'm not sure if it is quintessential disney without the crowds, but it certainly is much more enjoyable!! Even if the kids doen't get much out of it, you may, as long as the kids aren't too grumpy from getting up early.

Everything excepts certain rides and shops in Fantasyland will be closed. Even if they want to do 1 or 2 of the open rides, you'll get them done with very minimal lines. It will also give you the benefit of being in the park and potentially closer to the other lands or rides when they open up.

Given that you are going soon, you can take some time to look at all the Mickey pumpkins.

There are also (I think) early magic hours with more rides available for older kids, you should check into that. We also saw a lot of people going (in costume) for the Not So Scary Halloween Party. It looked like it would be a pretty neat place at night, but that was too late/scary for my kids.

BTW: We did the DCL cruise before the park and my kids (3 years old, twins) couldn't get enough of the characters and got spoiled with the all the access on the cruise.
Have fun!
Jeff.

 

[mommyofthreeboys]

I wish the LOEMH were available during the summer.....

 

[Disneynut4ever]

What is Magical Beginnings? Is it open to anyone? Is there a cost?

 

[jnsma]

It is a version of the extra Magic hours at the Magic Kingdom geared towards younger kids (less than 5?). The park opens 1 hour early where just select Fantasy Land rides are open. From experience, I can tell you that there is also a greater collection of characters in a small space so the chance of interaction is much higher (not sure if it is advertised that way or not).

Like the other magic hours, there is no additional cost but you do have to be staying at one of the disney hotels.
I'm not sure how they patrol it because I was never asked for our resort card. We were early enough that maybe only the transportation from the hotels were running so there was no need to ask for additional documentation (just guessing on that).

I did read that it is only offered during certain parts of the year. I guess we were just lucky.
Jeff.

 

[Disneynut4ever]

It is a version of the extra Magic hours at the Magic Kingdom geared towards younger kids (less than 5?).

Like the other magic hours, there is no additional cost but you do have to be staying at one of the disney hotels.

So if you do not have a child less than 5?, they will turn you away if you arrive early? I don't have a young child (9, 12, 14), but would love to go when the parks are so empty.

 

[jnsma]

I didn't see anyone doing any kind of screening so I think you'd be fine.

Here's the description from the Disney web site:

Little Ones Magic Hour
Add extra magic to your Little Ones Travel Time visit by being one of the first in the park during Little Ones Magic Hour. Guests staying at a Walt Disney World® Resort hotel can visit Fantasyland® an hour early on Sunday, Wednesday and Friday mornings from August 26-October 28. Many of your favorite rides will be open, and you may even get the chance to play "Peter Says" with Peter Pan or ride with Stitch on Dumbo the Flying Elephant.

Jeff.

 

[TMB1203]

I am hoping they extend this. We arrive on 11/3 so we will just miss this.
My DS would love this!

 

[Joanna71985]

You won't be turned away if you have older or no kids. Any guests staying in one of the Disney resorts are allowed to go.