Magical Beginnings?

[jpolak]

I was just reading about this on Intercot and allearsnet and had a couple of questions. One of the programs that they said they are running is a Fantasyland EMH. They said Fantasyland would open a hour earlier so that "This early access allows families with young ones to get an early start to their day and maximize park time before heading back to their Disney resort for an afternoon break." Is this different than the regular MK EMH? Will it be restricted to resort guests with toddlers/preschoolers? Thanks.

 

[WDWtinkbell1982]

Yes, this is different than EMH. It is like an addition to the "Magic Your Way" Package.

 

[zurgswife]

Looks brand new and you must have purchased the package to participate...should be interesting to see how it works and if those with toddlers and preschoolers take advantage of it..

 

[anewvance]

Yet another way to get penalized for being Florida residents. We never have the need to purchase a package... we have seasonal passes. UGH!

 

[traviesojmt]

Looks brand new and you must have purchased the package to participate...should be interesting to see how it works and if those with toddlers and preschoolers take advantage of it..

I looked at Disney's website and this is all I could find regarding extra magic hours: "Additional Extra Magic Hours Benefit
On select days during the Little Ones Travel Time, Magic Kingdom® will be open one-hour early for Disney Resort Guests to enjoy select Fantasyland Attractions like Dumbo and Peter Pan."

I also was looking at mousesavers.com and found this: "Disney recently announced its new "Magical Beginnings" program, aimed at families with toddlers and preschoolers. What's all the hoopla about? Basically, not much...

While Disney World will be rolling out some concerts, a new show and a new character meal (see below), for the most part "Magical Beginnings" is simply a "repackaging" of many programs that are already offered at the Orlando resort, such as Extra Magic Hours, length-of-stay stroller rentals and Magical Express airport transfer service."

We will be there during this time with the Stay, Play and Dine vacation package and I was wondering where you found that the additional hour was only for those purchasing the Magical Beginnings Package. I was just wondering if you could point me in the right direction. Thanks

 

[Stitch65]

When does this Magical Beginnings start?

 

[traviesojmt]

The dates are Aug 13 - Sept. 30.

Well, I called reservations and the CM that I spoke with said that there would be additional extra magic hours for Fantasyland and it would be open to all resort guests. This is the same package as the Stay, Play and Dine vacation package. She said that there is no difference package wise, but they are just offering more preschool related activities during this timeframe.

 

[ZanneMarie]

I had a basic reservation/package for the free dining set up for August. When I heard about the Magical Beginings package I asked CRO about adding it to my reservation as I have a 3 year old that will be thrilled to have some of the benefits (seeing the Wiggles and Doodlebops in concert for instance). There was no additional cost, just a designation on the reservation. When I questioned the CM about what it mean to have the package the only thing she could tell me was there would be a special packet of info sent prior to arrival with tips, hints and information about traveling at WDW with Preschoolers. It does not appear that the benefits will be limited to only those with the package according to what this CM said.

 

[Ava83]

I want to add..when I called to add to our package-there were things that they had not rolled out yet and it would be some neat stuff-I am interested in hearing what the rest may be.

 

[jpolak]

I called this morning and the CM I spoke with seemed to think that they would try to explain to guests with older children that only fantasyland would be open and that it really is meant for families with preschoolers. She added that no one would be turned away.

 

[traviesojmt]

This was in the allearsnet.com newsletter this mornings. It gives a few more details of the plan.

In addition, special Fantasyland Extra Magic Hours will be held on Sunday, Wednesday and Friday mornings each week during the "Little Ones Travel Time." Only Fantasyland will open one hour early on these days, and only Disney Resort guests will be eligible for entry.