We were not able to open MK but had an experience that was almost as good. I have a son (adopted) with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (OK I am going to cry while I type this) he is so wonderful. Steven had some serious issues with speech growing up. He just could not put it together. Winnie the Pooh was our magic. He watched Pooh on TV, slept with a Pooh blanket and played with a Buzz Lightyear Pooh toy. He loves Pooh! The kid is six and shows no signs of stopping the Pooh adoration.
When Steven had to learn a new skill (potty) Pooh did it first. Pooh showed him (through me) how to behave and speak. He talked to Pooh and Pooh was his link to the rest of the world.
We were standing around, interacting wth the characters and waiting for Toon Town to open last October. We got to the front (there was an opening) and the Forest Friends came out. Steven was beside himself. He just was staring in awe and wonder. My oldest knew they were coming but he was so good about standing back and letting Steven have his interaction. I was so proud (normally Gene-Gene is "me, me,me").
Pooh was walking the line and shaking paws and I said, Winnie, this is my son Steven, he is your biggest fan. Steven was smiling so big and Pooh bent down to hug him (you know how they sort of bend at the waist) and Steven was shining like a light. I have never seen him like that.
Pooh moved on a bit and they got ready to drop the rope and then he was back. I thought it was so nice of him to come back to Steven. Then he took Steven's hand in his paw and reached out for Gene-Gene's hand too. I was confused till we all started walking to the place they meet the characters. He held the boys hands and led the way through Toon Town! Pooh held my boys hands tight and they got to meet the characters first. He walked them right back. I was sobbing like a moron. This little boy, my son, he interacted and smiled with Pooh in a way he cannot with people. I was a mess and Steven just shined.
When we got to the tent I pulled Pooh's handler aside and told him what this meant to my son and why and he went up and whispered in his ear and Pooh just hugged and hugged my Steven. It was the highlight of his life and he talks all the time about his friend Pooh. He draws him pictures and writes him letters and it just makes me so happy.
I just had to share.
In the photo Steven is on the left and Gene-Gene the right. I cut myself out cause I was just sobbing like a moron!
Has anyone here ever had that privilege? What exactly does the "opening family" do? Probably a goofy question ....but I'm interested. TIA!!! 
