MK Opening at the Castle ?

[AnnaE4]

I remember my husband telling me he wanted to be in the castle when MK opens in the morning because something special is done at the castle gate into Fantasyland. I know he must have read it somewhere on the internet but he can't remember where and I can't find anything about this. Does this sound familiar to anyone or is DH just nuts as usual?

Denise

 

[Safari Steve]

The MK opening occurs at the Main St. Train Station at about 8:45 on non-EMH days.
The only way to be at the castle right when the park opens (or before) is to have a PS for breakfast at Cinderella's Royal Table prior to 9am.
Nothing of note happens at the castle at that time.

Oooh! BTW, I grew up in Summerville! (went to church at Bethany UMC, School at SES -Yay Mr. Sires!!!- , Rollings, and Alston Middle)

 

[deanna2426]

I'm not sure if this is what your husband is referring to, but before 9/11, you would be allowed into MK at around 8:30am. You could wander down Main Street to Fantasyland. At 9am, a CM would choose a child (or children) to open the park. I believe this child would then receive a pass for front of the line access for their entire party for the whole day. In addition, Minnie and Mickey would each choose a child to ride Dumbo with them for the first ride. Our oldest son was lucky enough to be chosen to ride with Mickey. He received a Magical Moments Certificate to remember it!!! I'm not sure who was more excited, my son or me!!!

Unfortunately, you are no longer allowed into the parks until the official opening time.

 

[MinniMama]

Actually you can get in to the park by having PS for Cindy's or Crystal palace -much easier to get- then if you eat at 8:00 you can be done by 8:45 with out rushing - we go to PS for 8:00 even if PS is for 8:20 or so we always get right in-then go to rope drop at the end of the castle you could ride with a character on first ride we have seen Minnie and Mickey on Dumbo and ridden with Tigger on Pooh- we always make a PS for one of these two because being on Main street before opening is awesome and rope drop is my favorite time of the whole trip!!

 

[Safari Steve]

The Family that "Opens the Park" now does so from the train platform after they arrive on a train full of characters. The opening family is selected totally at random. Happy, early families of 4 (who don't ask) are preferred.

 

[AnnaE4]

First, thanks for the replies.

Second, I know all about the train opening at MK as I was witness to it this past May after sitting in the hot sun for about an hour!

Deanna2426, I think what you are describing is what my husband read about. He most likely read it on a site that hasn't been updated.

And, Mr. Safari Steve, I met your grandparents and they say "Hi". Pm me when you get a chance.

Thanks.

Denise

 

[Safari Steve]

oops, that was meant as a PM... buttons buttons buttons...

 

[CarnotaurDad]

When we were there in November of 2002, there was a family at the train station that opened the park at 8:45.....then, we walked to the Castle and there was another rope drop.....they picked two kids to wave a sword and opened Fantasyland at 9.....

It was great to be there so early because, as others mentioned, my DD (3) got to ride the carousel with the penguins from Mary Poppins!