We Opened Magic Kingdom--Part 1

On our most recent trip to Walt Disney World we were picked to be the family that opened Magic Kingdom.  Yep, we got to be on the train station platform as we had seen other families times before, wave to the crowd, and countdown the opening of the park.

It was an honor, a privilege, something so incredibly magical that the memory will be emblazoned on us forever.  Here’s how it happened…

The day started with an armadillo sighting.  As we were walking to the bus stop that Tuesday morning, a gray mound shape creature was moving on the ground.  I thought it was a bunny, but as we got closer, the mound had a scale pattern and it scurried under a bush.  This was a sign that the rest of the day was going to be unusual.

Tuesday was our only day to be at Magic Kingdom for the opening.  We had already been to Magic Kingdom on Saturday evening and Monday evening with a possibility of coming back for a portion of the day later in the week, but this was going to be our only day to be at the park for rope drop.

We left the resort room a little ahead of schedule.  I was up before the wake-up call and rousted the boys out of bed when I got out of the shower.  Soon, we were dressed and out the door around 7:30ish for a 9:00 am opening.  The armadillo sighting happened on the way to the bus stop.

When we got to the Magic Kingdom, we headed left once past the bag search, found a spot near the gate and began visiting with a Cast Member.  Soon, she asked us to come with her.  We did.  We were escorted through the gates as our tickets went through the machine.  We were then seated on a bench near the left entrance tunnel.  At this point, I had an inkling of what was up and so did the boy.  But he kept himself in check.  The Cast Member stayed with us and told us stories about some of the other Cast Members working in the area and that soon we would be taken by another Cast Member—Barbara. 

In the meantime, we were given three Fastpasses—one for each of us—that could be used on any Fastpass attraction at the Magic Kingdom over the course of the next few days.  We snapped a picture.

And, had our picture taken in front of the emblem as other guests looked on, as the gates weren't open yet.

Soon Barbara joined us and we were whisked through the tunnel under the train station into Town Square and were asked to be seated on the red Fire Truck. Barbara was our driver and she was full of energy.  We rode down Main Street, U.S.A. horn honking until we met up with the Mayor.

Now, somewhere along the way, John, a Photopass Photographer joined us.  Maybe it was about the same time as we met the Mayor.  John asked us if we had a Photopass card—you bet I did and he asked if he could hold onto it for a while.  What’s our rule at Walt Disney World about what to say anytime a Cast Member asks you a question?  That’s right!  We say, “Yes.”  So, of course I gave John our Photopass card to hold on to. 

Barbara stopped the fire truck in the Hub in front of the Castle and we were told we had a few moments to take pictures in various locations.

We hammed it up in front of the Castle, in and out of the fire truck, and in the Rose Garden next to the Castle.  John was taking photos with his camera and Barbara had our camera to capture the memories for us.  We were smiling ear to ear!

Barbara told us we had to get back in the fire truck so we wouldn’t be late.  Horn honking, we rode back down Main Street, U.S.A. to the Train Station on Town Square. 

This whole time, Barbara was using an analogy of baking a cake and she said, “It was now time to take the cake out of the oven.”  We were ready!

Click here for the rest of the story:  Part 2,  Part 3,  and The Conclusion.

Making Magic at the Magic Kingdom

I had someone approach me the other day about planning something special, something magical, for a family traveling to the Magic Kingdom.  This person described it as “Auntie Magic” as she will be traveling with a family that does not plan.

The suggestion that came first to mind would be to arrange for a fireworks photo.  This is something we have done for the last handful of trips.  We know that 20-25 minutes into Dream Along With Mickey, the show on the castle stage, fireworks will be shot off as part of the show.  We check the Times Guide for times and consider when we might be near the hub when the show is going.  Then, we find a Photopass photographer and ask them if they can do a fireworks photo.  We have yet to be turned down!  Hint:  You’ll want a photographer with a handheld camera.  If the camera is on a tripod, walk down the street until you find a Photopass photographer holding their camera.

Another idea I had was an Advanced Dining Reservation for Crystal Palace.  Since the family is traveling in June, it would be best to make the reservation now, if reservations are still available.

Next, I would recommend knowing which characters can be found at the Magic Kingdom and approximately when.  Steve Soares web-site can be very helpful. 

While it really isn’t Auntie Magic, knowing how to use the Fastpass system would be beneficial.  All ticket media can be used to obtain Fastpasses and they are free. 

If the family would be staying at the park all day, then staking out a spot for the evening parade and Wishes might be a good idea.  This would require possibly splitting up the family and returning to the spot and the holder of the spot later.

I’ll keep thinking and reader suggestions are appreciated!

Expectations For Magic On A Walt Disney World Vacation

There are no greater expectations than when guests visit Walt Disney World.  So true.  Shows about Walt Disney World on the Travel Channel will tell you the same thing.  The commercials for Walt Disney World, including the homemade videos of children and families so excited to make their way to the most magical place on earth, support the same message. 

For most families, a visit is a once in a lifetime trip.  A put all your eggs in one basket scenario.  Parents plan and children dream of a magical, perfect (whatever that is) visit to Walt Disney World.

But what happens when the trip isn’t as magical as expected?  What if the magic moments never materialize?  What if a family returns home having a horrible time, wishes they had never gone, and won’t be returning?  It can happen.  We’ve had friends who’ve had this type of experience with a Walt Disney World trip, unfortunately.

Let me begin with the suggestion that Walt Disney World hosts nearly 40 million visitors annually and it is in Florida.  Crowds and heat are going to be part of the equation almost year around.  If that is something that will melt your family or cause meltdowns, then Walt Disney World may not be the best vacation destination for your family.  Knowing that ahead of time and not falling prey to peer pressure or outside expectations that “all children must go to Walt Disney World” at some time in their childhood may save some families the hassle of going and having less than a magical experience.  Still take a vacation—that’s what memories are made of—just consider a cabin by a lake or a hotel on a beach or something else your family might like. (Note:  Disney offers both of those suggestions.)

It is also helpful if everyone in your family is on the same page, so to speak, about a trip to Walt Disney World.  If everyone isn’t behind the concept, then unpleasantness may abound.  That one person who is going to be miserable may make everyone else’s vacation miserable.  Either leave that person at home, or offer a compromise.  Something like, “Okay, your ideal vacation includes golfing.  After spending the morning in a park with the family, take the afternoon and go golfing at one of the many Disney golf courses.  We’ll meet you for dinner.”  There are times when our family splits up to make sure people get to do what they want.  For example, on our last trip, the boy and husband went to Star Tours.  I grabbed a snack and seats for Indiana Jones.  When I told the husband where I would be sitting, he said, “I know.  Down on the left.”  Yep, that’s where I was and had snacks for the crew.

If, upon reflection, your family is still poised and ready to take on the World, the next step is planning.  Yes, I know, it’s a vacation.  The idea of planning on and for a vacation sound ludicrous.  But trust me, if you want to get the most out of your vacation dollar and not be the parent screaming “this vacation cost a lot of money and you’re/we’re going to do. . .” at your child(ren) then planning is key.  After deciding when you’re going, how you are getting there, where you are staying, come the details.  Which park on which day?  Where to eat and when?  How to use Fastpass.  How to use Disney transportation.  You would be amazed to see how many people follow us at Orlando International Airport from the plane to the Disney’s Magical Express Check-in. (It's most likely the Disney lanyards and matching shirts that give them the clue of where we are going!)

Prepping the children is another key component of planning.  We have seen children gladly ride Dumbo as the child can see what the ride entails, but then refuse to go on Peter Pan’s Flight, as the ride itself is hidden to guests’ views.  This is where books and videos come in.  There are many books available for kids to read about Walt Disney World.  The Guide to the Magic for Kids was part of our bedtime reading before several trips.  YouTube offers many ride through videos of attractions so kids can see what they are getting themselves into.  Having the kids learn about Walt Disney World helps to build their excitement.

Once you arrive, have a daily plan.  We start with the first 3 attractions or things, then wing it from there, except for Advance Dining Reservations (ADR’s), leaving plenty of room for magic.

Yes, there are Walt Disney World guests that go without plans, but trust me, they are veterans.  They are repeat travelers, not first timers.  And, if this trip is your family’s once in a lifetime adventure, then planning is essential.

Now, about the magic.  This is a more elusive concept.  Yes, Walt Disney World is magical and magical things happen, but what we have found is that we make our own magic.  And, when we are making our own magic, even more magical things happen.  Some of our magic comes from other guests—on our last trip one guest told us we glowed.  What a compliment!  Another guest, who saw us later in the day, said she had seen us meeting Mike and Sully and that we looked like we were fun.  I would like to think that we are fun.  She made our day!  We try to help make magic for other guests by helping, offering suggestions to first timers, etc.  We were selected to do something special at Animal Kingdom this last trip and the husband grabbed another family to join us.  Some magic comes from Cast Members who share a tip, interact positively with guests, provide great service with a smile, or sprinkle pixie dust.

So, showing up with an “I’m here. Make some magic,” attitude isn’t going to create magic and most likely, magical experiences will not happen.

It breaks my heart a bit to write that Walt Disney World may not be for everyone, especially if it isn’t going to be a pleasant experience.  Yet, a trip to the most magical place on earth can be memorable. . . and magical! 

How The Most Magical Place on Earth Can Be Even More Magical and Memorable

For us, Walt Disney World is a magical place.  It’s a place where we can play as a family and make many memories.  It’s a place where we feel comfortable doing both familiar activities and trying new things.  It’s a place where we leave the real world behind and become immersed in Disney—in magic.

So, it’s no wonder that we have had some incredible experiences while visiting the most magical place on earth. 

We’ve been the Grand Marshals of the Family Fun Day Parade at the Magic Kingdom during one of our visits—click here to read more.

One trip, we were picked to be the Family of the Day and open EPCOT—click here to read more.

The husband has repeatedly been selected from the crowd to be a part of the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular—click here to read more.

The boy has been chosen to play along with Phineas and Ferb—click here to read more.

The Festival of the Lion King at Animal Kingdom has been an interactive attraction for the boy—click here to read more.

The boy has been a padawan in the Jedi Training Academy on more than one occasion, even when it was the random selection process to get participants—click here to read about his most recent experience.

The boy has played the part of Gaston during Story Time with Belle at the Magic Kingdom--click here to read more.  

The husband has been IN the Backlot Tour at Hollywood Studios—click here to read more.

Our family was in Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade at Animal Kingdom—click here to read more.

And, many more, like when we were chosen to play instruments in the lobby at Mickey’s Philharmagic before the doors opened to the theater.  Or, when the boy danced on Hollywood Boulevard before Pixar’s Countdown to Fun Parade.  Or when I was in High School Musical at Hollywood Studios.  Or, when the boy danced with Disney Channel Rocks at Hollywood Studios.  Or, when the boy walked hand in hand with Peter Pan down the dock at the Contemporary.  Or when the boy was throwing a grape in the air for a bird to catch at Flights of Wonder in Animal Kingdom.  Or when the boy was on stage on the Disney Magic dancing with the dwarfs and Snow White during the Golden Mickeys.

All of our experiences might cause someone, like my friend and colleague, to ask, “So, how do you do it?”  I’m translating that question into “So, how do you get picked?” or “How do you take all of Walt Disney World and make it so personalized and memorable for your family?”

Let me try and answer.  Know that it is both a combination of luck, disposition, and strategy; a recipe that is not exact and contains secret ingredients such as pixie dust and Disney magic. 

I’ll begin with strategy:

·         Be in the right place at the right time. (I know, this is a bit of luck, too)  For example, when we go to Indiana Jones and know that the husband wants to be in the show, we sit where he can be seen—preferably under a light.

·         Be ready.  Any hesitation to think or consider whether or not you want to participate will take you out of the running.  When they ask for volunteers at Indiana Jones, the husband is one of the first to stand.  He anticipates them asking and already knows he is ready.  Same for the boy at Festival of the Lion King.  He knows what is coming and is ready to say yes.

·         Let loose!  Who cares if you are dancing in the street or crying at a show?  This is Disney.  Chances are, others are doing the same, and you’re probably not going to see these people ever again.  Be human, vulnerable, ready to accept the magic and experiences Disney has to offer.

·         Say yes!  When asked to do something by a Disney Cast Member, say “yes.”  Don’t think about it, even if you’re not sure what it is going to be.  Be willing to take a risk.

·         Wear matching shirts.  Well, they help.  But more importantly than the matching shirts, is the willingness to play.  (Click here to read more about our Matching Shirts.) Which brings me to disposition. . .

Disposition or attitude.  This one is a little more elusive to explain, but I’ll give it a go.  When we are at Walt Disney World, we try to maintain a playful disposition and positive attitude.  We call it Disney flow--when things are going like clockwork and in our favor.  We know when we’re in it and we know when we aren’t.  Being tired, hungry, hot, overwhelmed, confused, or not knowing where you are going can make the Disney flow or positive attitude go away.  Leave your troubles and your worries far behind. . . 

Now to the luck.  Hmmm. . . What we have found is that when our family is making its own kind of magic, Disney has a way of creeping in and making things even more magical!

We know families that have been to Disney and had a magical time and can’t wait to go back.  We also know families that have had, in their opinion, not so magical times and don’t want to ever return.  The husband would say, fine, makes more room for us when we go back in response to those who did not have a good time.  I just feel bad, as they may have missed opportunities for magic and won’t get to try again.  I attribute some of it to poor planning, etc. 

If your family can make any other experiences fun, playful, and magical, then you can make a vacation to Walt Disney World, fun, playful, magical, and memorable.  Go head, make some memories!