Parks' Openings - "Shows?"

[racheleich]

I was just wondering if anyone could explain to me what goes on when the parks open? I think I read somewhere once about characters arriving for the day or something show-like. Is that right? And if so, when does it occur - before the parks are open or right at opening? Thanks!!

One more thing - I've seen pictures w/ Hook on top of the castle. Is this a scheduled event (on a listing at the park) or do I have to know beforehand when it's going to be? And, is it still going on w/ the castle refurbishment?

 

[coasterville]

I got to see the park opening at the Magic Kingdom. They play a welcome song and make an anouncement that they can't open the park until the characters arrive at the train station on the steam train. This further builds with annocements about the train passing through tommorowland, its coming around the final corner, etc.

When the train arrives the characters all wave, then exit the train by the ramp that goes down on the city hall side. They may wave for a few seconds before going backstage. Then after they get rested from their train ride, some of the characters take up positions at Town Square by the main flagpole, and there are organized queues to line up to see these characters, the other line up alongside the Emporium and the confectionairy also for meet and greet. A bit later the trolley comes down main street and some performers get out and do a musical number.

 

[PCFriar80]

At Epcot, they have a doubledecker bus that the characters are on and they
countdown to the openning. I'm not sure if there is more, since we enter from IG, but I do know there is something involved with the characters.

At Animal Kingdom, they have what I'll call "a cute pre-show". A bus comes
out with Minnie, Pluto, and Goofy and they go over a checklist of what you'll need in the park; film, sunscreen, guidemap.....if Mickey's not on the bus they
walkie-talkie him in from the tree of life. It lasts all of 5 minutes and happens
just around the top of the hour when the park opens.

Magic Kingdom has the countdown also, with some characters and kids or family doing a pixie dust thing.

To answer your question, yes they do have an openning celebration and the
characters are readily available once inside the gate.

 

[racheleich]

Thanks so much for the responses!

Does anyone know about Peter Pan and Hook on top of the castle?

 

[vmkids]

Hook and Peter Pan are on the castle during a part of the Ciderella Surprise. That is the only time I know them to be up there.