Have you ever been to rope drop at Magic Kingdom? If you have, you know all about the Welcome Show that precedes park opening. It’s filled with characters and costumes, dancers and Main Street U.S.A. familiar faces. Each morning before the show begins, one lucky family is chosen as First Family at Magic Kingdom to help open the park. I’ve dreamed about what it would be like to be the First Family and stand on the train station platform, counting down from ten until the fireworks soar through the air and the thousands of early risers begin heading through the tunnels for breakfast or to hop on their favorite ride. The Kid and I have chatted about what we would do if we were ever chosen and how I would attempt to maintain my composure.
Last week, my family was chosen. I get goose bumps just thinking about it.
Want the scoop on what it’s like to be Magic Kingdom’s First Family and what will up your family’s chances? I’m happy to share my family’s perfect day and dream come true.
We’re Early Risers When it Comes to Disney
All I need to do is whisper “Disney” into The Kid’s ear and her eyes pop open. When we’re heading to the Walt Disney World parks, she can be up and ready in 15 minutes without complaint.
So, since we’re always up early compliments of sheer love for the parks, we tend to hit the park entrance a good hour before rope drop. After going through the baggage check, we’re generally there with only a few dozen families that enjoy rising early. To pass time until the Welcome Show begins, my daughter loves to dance to the happy Disney music that’s pumped through the speakers at Magic Kingdom’s entrance.
I’m usually so pumped to be hitting the park that I’m happy to dance right along with her. Hey, there’s no being too cool for Disney in my eyes.
A few minutes into our big number and surrounded by Halloween decorations, three cast members walked over to us and we were more than happy to chat with them. I’ve never met a stranger and The Kid loves talking to them as one day she wants to walk in their shoes.
After a few minutes of very pleasant conversation, the lead cast member (the other two were “earning their ears”) asked if we’d like a little extra Disney magic in our morning.
Knowing never to say no to a question like that, we began to follow him toward the center of the waiting area. That’s when he hit us: Disney picks a family each morning at rope drop to help open the park and would we like to be the one for that morning.
And that’s when I lost it.
All of those conversations about becoming First Family hit me and I couldn’t help but tear up.
We sat on a bench for a few minutes waiting for another cast member to come for us and lead us to the train platform (where the photo above was taken) and I regained my composure.
On the Platform
My first stop? Near the platform! I wanted to see exactly what it looked like- a view I’d been dreaming about.
After a quick meeting with Scoop and learning about our roles in the Welcome Show, the characters came rolling in. We each got a hug from all of them (except the Tremaines. They would never stoop so low. 😉 )
We chatted with the dancers about the costumes (did you know they have four- one for each season?) and I took a few photos.
Time to Open the Park
We watched the dancers and actually danced right along with them (behind the scenes, of course) and we were lead by Mickey Mouse to start the countdown. Scoop announced “The Locke Family from Ohio” and we made our way across the tracks.
What a gorgeous view! I had to remember to take a quick photo of the view because I knew I’d never remember it.
Let the countdown begin…
And in ten seconds, there were fireworks.
We had our own personal ride down Main Street U.S.A. in an awesome Disney transportation vehicle and a Memory Maker Photographer captured our dream come true.
What a morning!
We also received a ride down Main Street U.S.A. in a Disney Transportation vehicle to take some fun photos at Cinderella Castle. Here’s a quick video of our jaunt:
Tips for Becoming First Family at Magic Kingdom
Although there’s no magic formula for becoming First Family at Magic Kingdom, there are definitely a few factors that helped:
- Arrive at Magic Kingdom early. They choose First Family way before the park opens so getting there early will give you a head start. Do you have to be the very first family at the turnstiles? We weren’t.
- You have to love being there. The Kid and I were dancing and Mr. Locke was taking pics of us- definitely showing off our love of the park.
- Chat with the cast members. You never know who will be picking First Family.
- Make sure you don’t have an early Advanced Dining Reservation. If you’ll have to skip breakfast to become First Family they’ll definitely pass. We were asked if we had one.
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