Who has been picked to open the park?

[toddbushman]

We returned recently from a mini-family reunion (3 of 5 siblings and families plus Grandma) at Disneyland, and on day 2 (June 8th) there we were picked by Cap to be the family that helped him Open the Park! Yes, you do get in before everyone else, get to sign the book, get "Honorary Citizen of Disneyland" buttons and they snap a Photo Pass shot of you yelling "Let the Magic Begin"! It was really a treat as one member of the group had never been to a Disney park, and later this same member was picked out of the crowd to dance with Mickey and Minnie in a short show on Main Street.

I just thought it might be fun to see who else on the Disboards got this unique experience (now if only I could win a night in the Suite in Disneyland...). Anyone else open the park?

 

[BrerMama]

We did it at California Adventure the first week of June. Except we yelled, "Let the Magic Continue!" It was fun, and we were the first on Soarin' that morning, too!

 

[Kayla's Mom]

We got to open Disneyland in 2006! We didn't get to sign a book though, but did get the honory citizen stickers. Here is a pic (I was 7 months pregnant with DD2).

 

[cruise cruise cruise]

We (me, DH, DS 5,DD 4) did in April. One of my favorite pictures from the trip is a picture taken from inside the park of all the masses standing outside the gates

 

[EmmersIsTheMommy]

I had no idea they did this!

We sorta did, with the suite, but not really ROFL. We wandered out of the suite like "huh..we're...the only people here so far" LOL

 

[toddbushman]

So jealous you got to stay in the suite! That had to have been fun!

I never thought about taking a picture of the crowds waiting outside the gates that would be priceless.

My wife and I on an earlier trip also opened the park, so I've done it twice now (wouldn't have done it again this past time in order to let someone else do it, but with the rest of the group never having done it, and it being some of the groups first time there...). Not sure what we did to get picked twice, but I do know we typically wear the same color of shirts with Disney characters on them, and are the first in line, etc...

 

[EmmersIsTheMommy]

ok so basically they just pick a family to get to go in first?!

ADORABLE!

Hmmmm now how to make our little prize winner stand out ROFL

 

[toddbushman]

Emmers, I just looked at your dream suite post and realized we were there that day and saw you and your extended group. I remember the double decker bus and the fact that you were from Orem, Utah (we used to live in Draper, but currently live in the Boise, Idaho area). Anyway, congrats again on that incredible day!

 

[Huff]

So how are you all getting picked? Are you standing amongst the masses outside the gates and a CM just randomly pulled you aside? How early before rope drop?

 

[Kayla's Mom]

When we were picked, we were there in September and got to the parks probably about 30 minutes early. One of the security guards started talking to us (we were a few people back in line). He had us come over to another gate entrance so we were first. Then asked DD (almost 5 at the time) if she wanted to open the park.

 

[toddbushman]

We usually are standing in line at the gates first in line most every morning we go. I have always seen the person who is choosing the family walk up and down checking the gates, etc..., and then they walk up to one line and ask a family who is standing at the front of that line (I believe it is up to their discretion whom to pick, but I have always seen them pick a family in the front of a line). Again both times we were picked we were decked out in disney gear (i.e. shirts, buttons, etc...) that was matching for the family. Not sure if that helped or not (personally I think it is my little girl who gets picked and I just happen to be with her). Hope that helps.

 

[EmmersIsTheMommy]

Emmers, I just looked at your dream suite post and realized we were there that day and saw you and your extended group. I remember the double decker bus and the fact that you were from Orem, Utah (we used to live in Draper, but currently live in the Boise, Idaho area). Anyway, congrats again on that incredible day!

For real?!

Ya they were very adamant that it was fine if we brought EVERYONE. I was like Um..are you SUUUURE? DH has 6 siblings and they all have a lot of kids

That's awesome you were there!!

 

[EmmersIsTheMommy]

We usually are standing in line at the gates first in line most every morning we go. I have always seen the person who is choosing the family walk up and down checking the gates, etc..., and then they walk up to one line and ask a family who is standing at the front of that line (I believe it is up to their discretion whom to pick, but I have always seen them pick a family in the front of a line). Again both times we were picked we were decked out in disney gear (i.e. shirts, buttons, etc...) that was matching for the family. Not sure if that helped or not (personally I think it is my little girl who gets picked and I just happen to be with her). Hope that helps.

LOL Yeah I'd say that wearing disney gear would help! My daughter had mickey ears on when she won and my son did too.