'Opening Family' question

[andromedaslove]

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.

I just wanted to tell you how I cried while reading your post. Isn't it amazing how magical something so small can be.

Me, I cry like a baby whenever we watch Wishes. Little back story.... in 2003 I was pregnant with my second child. We had arleady planned his first WDW trip and everything. Then in July my little boy was born still. We took that WDW trip anyway, and it was the first time I had seen Wishes. Let's just say that DH and I have not been able to see Wishes without being buried in each other's arms afterwards bawling like a couple of babies.

 

[MaryKatesMom]

We were opening family in August 2004. It was myself, my dad and my two DD's. We were at the turnstiles super early and I talked to a wonderful CM. He was telling jokes and then this moronic lady came all the way from the back of the line and was giving him grief about the fake animals on the Safari at AK. I jumped in to defend the CM. My DD's were dressed in cute little matching skorts with big bows in their hair.

I don't know what exactly made the difference but I know it won't happen without being there super early.

The character interaction was perfect! Mickey really spent allot of time with my DD's but I think the best part was the ride in a completely empty park on the fire engine. We purchased the picture of us throwing the confetti in the air and a pretty Mickey frame. They are in our family room and it was a magical moment.

 

[Kimmumum]

This past January we went to DL and DCA. Before DCA opens you are allowed into the park a little ways then it is roped off. We were picked as the first family to open the park. We were standing next to the rope and the castmember started talking to my fil and DH because they were wearing Ohio sweatshirts and it was during the "bowl" games. My fil, sil, mil, DH, DS's and I got to walk the rope to TT (this makes sure there isn't a stampede), sign the "hotel guest book" and be the first ones to ride TT that day. We also had a picture taken of us carrying the rope.

 

[disneyjunkie]

I've enjoyed reading the great stories posted.

I'd love for my family to get picked to open one of the parks.

However, I'm not sure if they'll pick us, since I'm a single parent.

 

[Kimmumum]

Disneyjunkie, remember there is magic. Just because you are a single parent doesn't mean you won't get picked. Our family got picked just because my fil and DH had Ohio sweatshirts on. We aren't even from Ohio. The castmembers just had something to talk to us about. You never know why they pick who they pick. It is something really special.

 

[nliedel]

I just wanted to tell you how I cried while reading your post. Isn't it amazing how magical something so small can be.

Me, I cry like a baby whenever we watch Wishes. Little back story.... in 2003 I was pregnant with my second child. We had arleady planned his first WDW trip and everything. Then in July my little boy was born still. We took that WDW trip anyway, and it was the first time I had seen Wishes. Let's just say that DH and I have not been able to see Wishes without being buried in each other's arms afterwards bawling like a couple of babies.

Really REALLY big hugs. We lost our first little boy a little over 9 years ago to prematurity. I was so depressed. People have often told me how lucky my adopted boys are to have us. I am not sure how to take that but I always say, "no, they are not the lucky ones, we are". I could not have four more wonderful living children and then I have my sweet Ben. My friend told me something at the funeral, something that actually was good (people say odd things when you lose a child). She said, "Ben is not the promise filled, he is the promise spoken". I am putting that on his marker this year. I have not had the heart to put one on his grave for all these years, but this year, this year I am ready.

OK I am crying. I am a dork.

You just keep crying at Wishes andromedaslove. It's a very loving thing to do.

 

[magsmom]

Wow.
My family is helpless. I can't get them to the parks until 10:00 (if I'm lucky).

Maybe I will show DH this thread...

 

[Principessa1284]

There is only one other park with an opening "ceremony".

Its DAK and its a short cute show.
(No family is chosen to participate in this.)
Guests are allowed to enter the turnstyles 10-20 minutes before the posted opening time, the walk all the way past the Oasis and across the bridge to the "main loop sidewalk" facing the Tree of Life, where there are ropes.

A few minutes before the official opening time, Minnie, Goofy and Pluto arrive on the upper deck of a truck, and talk about all the things needed for a happy adventure in the AK.
They even contact (via walkie-talkie) a special "guide" who is stationed near the "Tree of Life".

Then they drive the truck back to the Safari (Africa) area with scores of guests following right behind.

I wonder if they will change the direction of the truck (or add additional "guide" CMs) to walk the crowds back to EE when it is finally open every morning.

Wow, I guess we're sneakier than I thought. At DAK, we call the opening ceremony "The Adventure Begins" and there are actually two families chosen. The "First Family" as we call them, is chosen before the opening ceremony begins by a driver, and taken on a personal Safari before anyone else gets back there, and given a permenant fastpass for the rest of the day. Another family is chosen to help hold the rope behind the Adventure Begins truck, and taken through the fastpass line to be the first family of the rest of the crowd. There is no real way that we pick them, just a family that looks excited to be there. So, let the Adventure Begin!!

 

[cudworth]

Our family opened Magic Kingdom this past Aug 05. We wre there early and we are always friendly anyways but my wife actually asked if they had choose anyone they said they had but they surprised us . It was great. We we were at magic again 5 days later and we were just being friendly and we were asked to do it again but we told them that we would love to but we just did it 5 days ago and that they should give another family a chance. The CM thanks us for being so honest and let us be the first ones through the turnstiles.

 

[Idroveallnight]

I've enjoyed reading the great stories posted.

I'd love for my family to get picked to open one of the parks.

However, I'm not sure if they'll pick us, since I'm a single parent.

When we were picked it was me, my mom & DD, DD & DS! They didn't ask who was who!! Be there early & be friendly!

 

[lorli]

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!

Stores like yours warm my heart. I had tears just reading it.

 

[TwingleMum]

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!

You have me sobbing at work .. God Bless you and your family. Isn't WDW magical

 

[DisneyMama629]

They do pick just adults sometimes. Last July we were at Toon Town for rope drop. We were on our honeymoon so I had on the veil ears. Tigger came over and was greeting everyone. There were a lot of cute kids with princess dresses on, but he picked me to open Toon Town with him. We skipped arm in arm through Toon Town. He had me wave at all the characters as we passed. Then he walked me to the front of the line to see the Princesses.

I felt bad because there were a lot of kids that didn't get picked because he picked me, but I didn't feel bad enough! My DH got it all on video tape! It was our last day, and it just made my day!!

 

[cstraub]

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!

I need to go get a tissue. This is what Disney is all about!

 

[nliedel]

yeah that photo makes me cry too and it's *my* kids!

 

[cinmell]

Awww, what a sweet story!

 

[BAST]

Wow, I guess we're sneakier than I thought. At DAK, we call the opening ceremony "The Adventure Begins" and there are actually two families chosen. The "First Family" as we call them, is chosen before the opening ceremony begins by a driver, and taken on a personal Safari before anyone else gets back there, and given a permenant fastpass for the rest of the day. Another family is chosen to help hold the rope behind the Adventure Begins truck, and taken through the fastpass line to be the first family of the rest of the crowd. There is no real way that we pick them, just a family that looks excited to be there. So, let the Adventure Begin!!

We were the 'second family' on our trip in August, 2005. We arrived early at the AK (the only real line we ever stand in is the line to get into the park ) and were talking to a CM when we were chosen. It was a great safari ride (although I had actually planned to go to Dinosaur first ).