park opening events About This Page:

[kcarter1999]

I've been hearing about things that happen at park opening times. Can anyone give me information on what, when, where and is it worth it? We are going to all the parks so info on all of them would be appreciated. And if any or all are a not to be missed event.
Thanks!

[B.M.]

The parks have an opening ceremony each morning prior to opening for the day. It's where characters put on a little show. We seen the opening ceremony for MK (Mickey and Minnie put on a show in front of the train depot and they selected a family to open the park- it was cute). We seen the opening ceremony for HS, it was at the street corner once entering the park (they had a director directing a show - it was suppose to be funny). I don't remember seeing them for Epcot or AK. (I probably just forgot). Some people consider this a not to be missed thing. We could take it or leave it. My kids weren't very into it, but were early risers so we'll probably continue to see them anyways.

[Caldercup]

There's also a park opening event at the Animal Kingdom -- right at the entrance to Discovery Island (over the bridge from The Oasis.) Minnie, Goofy and Pluto come out on a safari vehicle and work with Mickey to wake up the park and get it ready for guests.

Epcot no longer has an opening show, as far as I know.

These shows start right as the park opens, but it's best to get there about 10 minutes early to get a good viewing spot. (In extremely busy times, you might consider getting there 30 minutes ahead of opening.)

There's debate on whether they do a park opening on Extra Magic Hour mornings -- in my experience, it's hit or miss. Sometimes they do it, sometimes they don't, and sometimes they do an abbreviated one.
Eileen

[bradk]

Epcot has more than DHS has (which is really nothing.. if you see a skit, you're lucky, but streetmosphere people are out all the time).

Epcot has the countdown, the family of the day in a test track vehicle and characters from the character spot do come out to say hi.

i'd only qualify what MK and DAK have as shows.

[Caldercup]

Cool -- I didn't realize Epcot did anything. I'll have to make more of an effort to get there at opening!
Eileen

[SARH7]

I really love the opening of MK...we never miss it! AK is okay, but we're not going to worry about getting close this time. E, same thing, and DHS, I got to be a part once...it was so cool!!! My mom and I got to sit in an old fashioned car and our "talent agent" drove us over to ToT afterwards so we could be first in line (it was not working that morning so we got FP instead and then she drove us to GMR).

[Mickey's Princess]

Last year when we went (May 31- June 4) it was the beginning of the Star Wars weekends. the Storm Troopers were on top of the entrance and did a "skit" as the turnstiles opened. It was pretty cool to walk up to the entrance and the storm troopers looked as if they had taken over the park.