Early morning things to do...

[dopeylove]

My family and I never get to the parks when they first open, partially due to the fact that we don't stay on property and because I have a special needs child. However, we are going up in a couple of weeks and I would really like to pick one day and be there when the parks open. What are some of the things to look forward to and put on my TO DO list if we do make it there upon opening. Thanks in advance for all your suggestions.

 

[Blonde Princess]

Since arrival at park opening is a special event for your family, I would definitely try to make it to the Magic Kingdom for opening. It is the one park with a show right in the front prior to opening. Mickey, his friends, dancers etc open the park with a great big show. You can see the show even if you are not the first 40 people to arrive since the show is elevated and plays to the whole holding area.

However, it is tough to get to the Magic Kingdom and be in front for the gates prior to opening if you are staying off property because of the Ferry and Monorail and Disney's policy of delaying those to get on property guests there first. We have friends who get there by parking extra early (at least 1.5 hours before opening in the Magic Kingdom Lot and taking the tram or walking to the Ticket Transportation Center. To the left of the TTC is a walkway to the Polynesian, which is open to everyone. Walk to the Great Ceremonial House, (just follow the signs, it's next to the pool and volcano) and go upstairs to the monorail station. Take the monorail to the Magic Kingdom.

One important point to remember: Do not go to Magic Kingdom on the day of the Week that on property guests have Extra Magic Hours. You won't be allowed in early at the gates. You can check which days have Extra Magic Hours in the morning on www.disneyworld.com. Hit the calendar icon on the right.

It's great to walk down Main Street first thing in the morning. All the characters are out for meet and greets, the employees are waiving with their Mickey hands. We usually head right to Fantasy Land to go on the rides with no lines.



Good Luck.

 

[Billy6]

My family and I love to get to the Magic Kingdom before the park opens and see the park openning show, with the mayor or the MK and the characters arriving on the train... This could be some thing that you and your family would definatly enjoy....
I havent really had any problems getting to the MK early when I stay off Disney...

 

[ELopez]

I agree - if you have young kids (even if you don't) - MK is lots of fun at opening!

 

[DDuckFan130]

Another vote for the MK opening show. We still try to see it on each trip, and even when staying onsite it can be tough :lol: Waiting for buses or if you just missed the bus can be less-than-pleasant.

Another idea if MK is not on your list for the day would be AK. They also have a cute morning show before the park opens. It occurs right in front of the Tree of Life and you see Mickey and the Gang

Hope you have a great trip :sohappy:

 

[imamouse]

I also recommend the Magic Kingdom for an opening tour. When we did this (four times in the last 2 weeks), all of Fantasyland and Tomorrowland were walk-ons until about 10AM. It's the only way to tour these popular lands!

The first week of March, we stayed off property and did as another posted recommended: parked, walked to the TTC, then on to the Poly to take the monorail to the MK. It's about a 15 min walk from parking lot to Poly. You should plan to arrive at the MK at least 25 min prior to the posted opening time. The show and countdown will occur 15-20 min prior to the official opening time. After you enter, there will be rope drops at the lands. Keep an eye on the castle to see if you can go through it, or must go around. Enjoy!

 

[smk]

We love to get there early as well but for different reasons, we enjoy the bakery, get a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, a cookie or muffin and stroll around taking our time. It is a wonderful time to be in the park (MK), with the whole day of fun ahead of you! In our younger days we would rush to get in line for a ride, but leisure time in the parks is more what we enjoy now.

 

[DisneyMusician2]

I second the MK early morning...find a nice place to grab some breakfast you can walk with, and just relax and catch the early moring show.

 

[barnum42]

MK has a cute show, and in the first hour of opening you can hit Fantasyland and experience the rides without the huge queues.

If you get to Animal Kingdom, they have a little ceremony with Mickey and the Gang and a bus. It's a great time of day to go on the safari and see the animals on the two trails - especially the tigers and gorillas as the comparatively lower temperature makes them more active and the gorillas will still be eating their breakfast.

 

[Lauraldove29]

we have been to animal kingdom for and early breakfast. the first one offered is 8 am. if you get can and want to book an 8am or 8:15 breakfast the days when the park does not have extra magic hours in the morning as they then would not open until 9am. they start to let you in at 7:45 with adr. you can then take your time walking to donalds breakfast and take in some of the animals up by the front gates. not to mention if you are done by offical opening time you can get back to the back of the park and do some rides like everstt before the crowds get there. last summer we did this and rode everestt first in line that day got off got a fastpass for it for 45 minutes later, went and rode kali river rapids and then back to everestt and then on to the safari and got off around 11am. we thought we had done great for the morning. they also have one of the best character breakfast's.:wave:

 

[kengels]

I also recommend the Magic Kingdom for an opening tour. When we did this (four times in the last 2 weeks), all of Fantasyland and Tomorrowland were walk-ons until about 10AM. It's the only way to tour these popular lands!

The first week of March, we stayed off property and did as another posted recommended: parked, walked to the TTC, then on to the Poly to take the monorail to the MK. It's about a 15 min walk from parking lot to Poly. You should plan to arrive at the MK at least 25 min prior to the posted opening time. The show and countdown will occur 15-20 min prior to the official opening time. After you enter, there will be rope drops at the lands. Keep an eye on the castle to see if you can go through it, or must go around. Enjoy!

I would highly recommend that you go to Guest Relations and get a pass for your special needs child. The pass allows your entire party to jump into the front of the line. This was useful for a good friend of mine that has an autistic child. Enjoy °o°

 

[Clark Griswold]

I would definitely hit the Magic Kingdom at park opening; however, it really doesn't matter what attractions you get to first because either side of the park has major landmarks which people will be flocking to. I personally head over to Frontierland and fastpass Splash Mountain. While I am waiting for my fastpass time I go back to Adventureland and ride the Jungle Cruise and Pirates of the Caribbean. By the time I get done riding those rides, it is about time to use the Splash Mountain fastpass. Usually, the line isn't very crowded and you may be able to ride twice.

 

[missionspace]

Enjoy the cool morning, because it will get hot!