Hiya Tammra,
Your question about planning a Walt Disney World Resort found the right place to land. The planDisney panelists share your penchant for magical moments, and it would be an honor to help you earn your Fairy Grandmother wings this summer.
I, too, have incredibly fond memories of the Magic Kingdom Welcome Show that featured the Citizens of Main Street singing and dancing alongside a multitude of Disney characters that arrived by train. I last saw this beloved show over a decade ago with my soon-to-be niece. I'll never forget the look on her pigtail-framed face as Mickey stepped out to welcome her to
Magic Kingdom park. That personal greeting with Disney flair set the tone for a magical day. That little girl is now in college and I cherish that special memory. It's likely a similarly special memory that connected you with me.
As part of life's carousel of progress, the Magic Kingdom Welcome Show was replaced in 2017 by a show on the Castle Forecourt Stage, right in front of Cinderella Castle.
Let the Magic Begin now starts your Magic Kingdom park day off with a bang five minutes before
park opening (for example, 8:55 a.m. for a 9:00 a.m. park opening). The excitement is palpable as Mickey and Minnie make a grand entrance with the grandest backdrop. In honor of
The World's Most Magical Celebration, they are soon joined by a cast of characters in their EARidescent finest. I have no doubt you and your grandchild will form a core memory by participating in Magic Kingdom's opening ceremonies together, Tammra.
While I do miss the train station welcome, I much prefer the logistics of the new show. Guests can enter Magic Kingdom park (with
valid admission and a
theme park reservation) up to one hour before opening, which allows time to grab breakfast at
Main Street Bakery, do a little shopping on Main Street, U.S.A., or take some pictures before the kickoff begins. For showtime, I recommend scouting a spot that's on the side of the castle closest to your first destination. For Jungle Cruise and other Adventureland attractions, stay left. For Peter Pan's Flight and other Fantasyland attractions, stay right.
The magic is calling and planDisney is here to help you answer any other questions you may have about your upcoming trip.
Choose magic,
Jennifer