Magic Kingdom Park Opening change?

[HollyJoy]

I just read (on another site) that since I've been to Disney last (it's been a while), that the opening procedures at MK have changed. No longer do guests wait outside the gates for the park to open. Now, guests are let inside the park (sometimes an hour prior to opening) and are stopped at the castle, where an opening day show takes place.

Is this true? If so, kind of changes my plans to get an early reservation at Crystal Palace so that we can get that money shot in front of the castle w/nobody in the background.

 

[SaintsManiac]

Yes it is true. Main Street opens at 8am for all guests. Welcome show on castle stage at 8:55am for a 9am opening.

Crystal Palace PPO is no longer really an advantage for RD or empty Main St pictures. We had one in January and by the time we were done eating it was busy at the ropes. Lucikly we were just going to Peter Pan, so we didn't have a mob to deal with.

 

[mom2rtk]

We took photos on the way in on our last visit and it was as crowded as any busy afternoon.

That said, if you want the best chance, go up near the castle and be patient. That's your best shot at uncluttered photos.

 

[gharter]

Main Street is open for shopping.
I don't like the new opening as well as the old one. I really liked seeing all the characters come in on the train.

 

[HollyJoy]

Thank you everyone! I had no idea!! This is a game changer, as I really only booked CP for breakfast for the deserted mainstreet..

 

[AngieInOH]

I recently just discovered this myself. Got a pre-opening BBB time so we could get good pics and an empty park when we walked in. I'm just glad I found out before hand!

 

[HollyJoy]

I recently just discovered this myself. Got a pre-opening BBB time so we could get good pics and an empty park when we walked in. I'm just glad I found out before hand!

Right! I would have been so mad if I hadn't found this out before hand.. however, not Disney's fault! lol Glad I'm doing my research

 

[AndreaDanger]

If your breakfast ADR is early enough (like 8:00 for a 9:00 park opening day), you may be allowed to enter earlier than the main crowd in order to make it in time for your reservation (and get that empty-ish Main Street photo op). We were able to do that with an early BOG ADR last year. I imagine it'd work the same for CP? No guarantee but might be worth a shot!

 

[capegirl]

If your breakfast ADR is early enough (like 8:00 for a 9:00 park opening day), you may be allowed to enter earlier than the main crowd in order to make it in time for your reservation (and get that empty-ish Main Street photo op). We were able to do that with an early BOG ADR last year. I imagine it'd work the same for CP? No guarantee but might be worth a shot!

We have an 8:10 ADR for CP, and I was hoping they would let us in a little early. This will be on our second MK day, so no worries if it doesn't happen, but it would be nice.