Questions about Grand Openings for rides/shows

[Alanna]

I won a trip a few months ago to DW. We arrive early on May 3 and depart late May 6, stay at the Poly, and have 4Day Park Hoppers. Also included are passes for the May 4 opening celebration of the new action show at MGM and passes for the May 5 opening celebration for Soarin'. Both events last several hours.
My question, has anyone here ever attended one of these grand openings? I am seriously thinking about bypassing them. I have not been to DW for 15 years and this will be my children's first trip. There is so much to see and do, and since we only have a few days I hate to tie up time going to the openings that we could use for rides and such. My plan is:
May 3- once we get checked in and get our passes it will be late morning. Epcot, then HoopDeeDoo in the evening.
May 4- MK, we have an early dinner PS for LTT
May 5- AK in morning, MGM later in day
May 6- MK one last time
Does anything go on at the new openings that we just can't miss?

 

[Alanna]

Bump...help, anyone?

 

[DrTomorrow]

Sort of.

DW and I were at WDW last May, and we happened to be there during the Grand Opening of Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa (our "home" DVC Resort). There was actually a "Founders Day" celebration; they had a parade (bands, floats, a few characters), the mayor of Saratoga Springs, NY, and various little festivities around the Resort. Since DW and I are DVC owners, and will be going back to WDW until we're, um, ready for the Haunted Mansion , it was an interesting little never.happen.again event. However, it was kind of boring; a lot of standing around until the "official" stuff started, lots of Managers and VPs giving speeches, ribbon-cutting, etc. If time is at a premium, it is NOT the best use of it; but if you're into special moments, it is kind of neat.

Oh, you might also get some neat commemorative goodies - or you might get a pin.

 

[chipscinderelly]

Sounds like you won a very cool trip and will be able to be in parks at times that are closed to the public. This does not happen very often and I am williing to bet there are tons of people here that would like to be in your shoes. I'd go with the plan that you won and enjoy your special events!!!!

 

[julia & nicks mom]

My mom won tickets to the Happiest Passholder on Earth event - which is the event you are talking about on May 4 at MGM - we are going from Cincinnati just for that event!!

It is a press event in MGM - and hard to get into - from what I understand it is a catered dinner with open bar, live entertainment (extravagant Disney style) and special events within the park -

trust me - you do not one to skip these two events!!!!

 

[PKK/MJK]

I agree with "Julia and Nick's Mom". I wouldn't skip the special events--especially the one at MGM. A couple of years ago we were able to attend a special event something like this at MGM--the food and music were wonderful. There were tables set up all along New York Street--it was amazing. there were characters wandering around everywhere. You might never get to do this sort of thing again--but hopefully you will get to come to WDW again for the usual things.

 

[Suzanne74]

Honestly though, for you it depends on when the times are (before/after park closes or during. If it is during, you can try to be at that park during that time. If not and your kids are young or not interested, I would say skip it, esp if time is limited and you haven't been to WDW in 15yrs - there is A LOT to do now. Ask the CM's when you arrive, their opinions as they will know more about it.

We will be at the poly from April 29th to May 5th.
I would love your MGM tickets if you don't want them, I can meet up with you if you are interested. We have been to Disney 3x this year so a change for us would be great!!

 

[julia & nicks mom]

I agree with "Julia and Nick's Mom". I wouldn't skip the special events--especially the one at MGM. A couple of years ago we were able to attend a special event something like this at MGM--the food and music were wonderful. There were tables set up all along New York Street--it was amazing. there were characters wandering around everywhere. You might never get to do this sort of thing again--but hopefully you will get to come to WDW again for the usual things.

Trust her on this one - she is in the know on this!!!

and if you decide you aren't going - can you give your tickets to someone who wants to go? I already have tickets but I know there is someone on here - who would love to go see the special events at MGM that night! If I could give her my ticket I would but I am the guest of my mom!

 

[Alanna]

I just keep weighing once-in-a-lifetime oppurtunity against short-time frame. What to do, what to do?

 

[WDWguru]

I've been to several Disney press events and wouldn't skip one for the world! The great thing is, usually the entire park is open just to the event guests and press, so you can still do all those things you want to catch up on, but without fighting the crowds! AND they have food, drinks, entertainment, special fireworks and parades and all kinds of cool things. DEFINITELY go!

If you see us (see photo below), say hi! We'll be there!

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

Hmmmm.... that is interesting info because we were told our children weren't allowed to attend any of the events with us, that it was for adults only.

 

[Suzanne74]

Well, have you called to see if the rides will be open those nights? If they are, I would probably do the events, esp since you won't have to wait in lines. You haven't said how old your kids are either??? That could also make a difference. I think the once in a lifetime event is good for people that are truly into Disney and doing Disney all the time like a lot of people on the board. If the rides aren't open and I haven't been to WDW in 15yrs and only have 4 days, I wouldn't want to do both events no matter how special they are - maybe just one. If the rides are open - go for it!!

 

[larklynn]

If you don't want them I'll take them LOL

 

[Alanna]

I had to submit the names, ages, and b-days of my three guests for the Disney employee who handled the arrangements for Clear Channel. So they know my kids are only 5 and 11, but I have not been told that it is only for adults. As a matter of fact, the minimum age to enter the contest was 13. However, we get our welcome packets at check-in, so maybe there will be something in there about it.

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

I would definitely go if I were you guys. I wish I could take my kids to the events... we will miss them while they're back in the room.

 

[Jenwdwfan]

Just curious Erika, are you going to all the press events? What did you have to do to get tickets. I know it's too late now, but I am a huge AK fan and would love to go to the Everest event on the 6th. Hope I'm not being too nosy By the way, loved you guys on the Disney Fan program!!

Jen

 

[Luv2Roam]

I would go to the events. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for you.

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

We'll be going to all events over the three days... my husband is an invited member of the press and he got to bring me along!

 

[Jenwdwfan]

Wow!! That is awesome! I know you'll have a great time. Who knows maybe we'll bump into each other. I always have my lime green ribbon on my back pack

Jen