mgm grand marshal or any park opening?

[tyandbash]

Does the MK have a big opening every day?? Or do they skip it on EMH days??

 

[PrincessGrace]

My husband and I were grand marshals for the Magic Kingdom parade in at the end of March of 2006. We were on our honeymoon, and I had the ears on. We were just walking down the sidewalk and were approached by a cast member who started talking to us. We weren't in a hurry to get anywhere; we were just enjoying our walk and trying to avoid the flood of people down the center of Main Street, and we talked with him. He asked us where we were from and if we could help him out. We told him sure we'll help you out what do you want us to do? He asked us about our wedding. I told him we couldn't have a wedding at Disney because of the finances, but I had wanted to. He made very sure we didn't have any plans for the afternoon. We told him we were just going to see what we could without stressing over seeing everything. Then he said well since we couldn't be there for your wedding we would like to give you a gift. Would you be grand marshals for the day? I already have another family from England, but we need a couple. I was soo excited! I couoldn't stop saying cool. He gave us our instructions on where to meet him (time and place), and made me promise to wwear my ears (I wasn't taking them off; I loved them), and let us go on our way towards breakfast (Giantic cinnamon roll from the Main Street Bakery recommended by a couple of other cast members!). So, we were another random chance couple

 

[Tiffer]

Do they ever pick a non-traditional family? Do they only pick man, woman, 2 kids or man and woman alone? I always go with Mom, me and 2 kids.

 

[Villain Dude]

Does anyone know if you contact Disney if they would book you in advance to do one of these things? My BFF is currently battling lung cancer which has turned into bone cancer and we are going in Oct. Do you think if I explained what was happening that they might let her do it? This would be a special surprise for her and to be honest her longterm outlook is very uncertain.
Thanks for the advice.

Lizzy,

First ... our prayers and good thoughts go out to your BBF and everybody around her. WDW does this all the time... as few ago my friend was ill w/ ALS (Lou Gehrigs' disease) and only had a short time to live. I wrote snail mail letters to every executive associated w/ the parks. Lee Cockerells office was the first to respond and offer to help make his trip as magical as possible. He was GM at MK, received a special assistance pass to move to front of line (hardest to secure - they recommend fastpass but I had read about the special assistance pass and convinced them we needed it because we did.), a back stage tour of the living seas including meeting Bob the dolphin. It was really something to witness the joy on both his and his daughters face.
When we returned home, I had several message on my answering machine from different park presidents offices stating they would to do something special. I recommend you do something sooon because it takes time for the request to move up the chain .... also, there is an office that handles things like this and they give free tickets to the terminally ill. Sorry I don't have addresses or contacts but I this helps ya'll. God bless and good luck.

-Chuck

 

[Diznotyzed]

I hope I don't have to wait 20 years!!!

Well, we waited at least 25! Here's our pictures from our 25th anniversary trip, in April 2005. Other stories here about being chosen sound just like ours. We went to MK on the last day of our trip and were wandering down Main Street, in no hurry to get anywhere. Stopped to look at a CM's pin lanyard and got to chatting with him. He asked where we were from and if there was any special reason for our trip. Next thing we know he's asked us if we want to be in the parade! Turns out we had the exact same 25th annv as the CM - day and year! It was so much fun! We were surprised by how many people along the route took our picture, but since we have the same last name as an ABC star, we think maybe they thought we were his parents!

 

[KYCruiseCrazy]

Well, we waited at least 25! Here's our pictures from our 25th anniversary trip, in April 2005. Other stories here about being chosen sound just like ours. We went to MK on the last day of our trip and were wandering down Main Street, in no hurry to get anywhere. Stopped to look at a CM's pin lanyard and got to chatting with him. He asked where we were from and if there was any special reason for our trip. Next thing we know he's asked us if we want to be in the parade! Turns out we had the exact same 25th annv as the CM - day and year! It was so much fun! We were surprised by how many people along the route took our picture, but since we have the same last name as an ABC star, we think maybe they thought we were his parents!

cool. i knew there would be others who have pictures to show from the parades and being in them. keep up the wonderful stories.

 

[Tiffer]

Lizzy2:
Don't forget to try Make a Wish foundation. They sent my brother who was terminal when he was 2 or 3 all expenses paid. He is a survivor and 22 now, but was given only 6 mos at the time!

Good luck.

Lizzy,

First ... our prayers and good thoughts go out to your BBF and everybody around her. WDW does this all the time... as few ago my friend was ill w/ ALS (Lou Gehrigs' disease) and only had a short time to live. I wrote snail mail letters to every executive associated w/ the parks. Lee Cockerells office was the first to respond and offer to help make his trip as magical as possible. He was GM at MK, received a special assistance pass to move to front of line (hardest to secure - they recommend fastpass but I had read about the special assistance pass and convinced them we needed it because we did.), a back stage tour of the living seas including meeting Bob the dolphin. It was really something to witness the joy on both his and his daughters face.
When we returned home, I had several message on my answering machine from different park presidents offices stating they would to do something special. I recommend you do something sooon because it takes time for the request to move up the chain .... also, there is an office that handles things like this and they give free tickets to the terminally ill. Sorry I don't have addresses or contacts but I this helps ya'll. God bless and good luck.

-Chuck