My kids got to help open MK park!

[amccowan]

We went to Disney the week before Memorial Day. Our first day was at MK, of course, and we arrived around 8:30, so we could make the most of our day. We were just standing around at the gate waiting to get in, and a lady in a suit caught my eye and motioned me over. With all the increased security my first thought was, "did I do something that seemed suspicious?" Anyway, she asked me if my two little girls would like to help open the park. She briefed me on what we needed to do, and we were first in the park! My girls picked a magic word, that everybody had to yell out at countdown, and they got some special attention from the characters (Cruella Deville scared them to death!). They also each got a big certificate with their names printed on them saying they were Magic Kingdom Gatekeepers on May 24, 2002. It was so neat. I"m going to get them framed. I think I got more out of the experience than they did, because they're only 5, but it was just the neatest thing. I got lots of pictures and I can't wait to get them developed. As far as tips, GO EARLY!! We were able to walk right on lots of things, whereas around noon, things got much busier. Of course there was fast pass, but you're limited to how many you can get in a certain amount of time. Also take water. Theirs is $2.50 a bottle, and a family of four can drink alot. Everyone have a great trip!

 

[jmkst58]

so magical......congrats and thanks!

 

[Eeyore1954]

Thanks for sharing this magical moment! I'll bet it will be a special memory for your girls for many years.

 

[Annie&Hallie'sMom]

How cool. I need to have a child so that I can have the thrill of watching them do this (if we were picked). I'd like to do it myself, but I guess I'm a little old. (Do you think they'd believe me if I said I was just big for my age? )

 

[Disneymomma]

You are lucky. My DD was picked for this last summer and it was absolutely magical-For her, it reinforced the notion that she truly is a princess. It is a memory we will never forget.

 

[jennymouse]

Howdy neighbor! I took my granddaughter April before last and she got to open MK too! Wasn't that fun! Now she's expecting to do it again this coming October when we go back....I told her not to expect it as she was very lucky that day, but we'll go early and see. Glad you had a good time!

 

[talkdisney]

That is AWesome! I wish I was picked to open the park when I was a child. Trust me it might not be a huge deal to them now but when they get oldewr I bet they will always remember it.

 

[Debi]

How exciting! What a memorable experience for your kids!

 

[BrerMom]

Congratulations! What magic word did they choose?

 

[amccowan]

Thanks, everyone, for all the replies! I do think my girls will appreciate the experience more as they get older and understand how special it was. We have all kinds of pictures (we get them back tomorrow!- can't wait). Their magic word was truly original -- "Magic Kingdom!" It was cute, though.