My reader Jennifer emailed me to let me know that her family was chosen as the family of the day for Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World. Check out her amazing experience:
We were staying offsite and went to Magic Kingdom on a Saturday morning. Reading all your advice, we were in line at Magic Kingdom early – about 7:15 so we could make a mad dash to 7 Dwarfs Mine Train ride since we didn’t have a Fastpass. There were several people in front of us already. A gentleman came up to me and asked if our family would like to help open the Magic Kingdom. OF COURSE WE WOULD!
We were taken into the Magic Kingdom immediately. 1st class treatment all the way. They had a photographer and they also took one of my cameras and took all the pictures we wanted. We were taken down Main Street in a fire truck to the castle. We could take as many pictures as we wanted without people there.
We were taken back to the fire station and taken upstairs to meet the Mayor and in walk a bunch of characters and we were able to spend time with them. When it was time to open the Magic Kingdom, we followed the Mayor onto the upper part of the train station and waved to the crowd to welcome everyone. We were then taken back through the crowds to the castle for more pictures. The Mayor also gave us another Fastpass to use. They also gave us a certificate for a free picture as well.
What an experience! Did it pay to get to Disney early? Yes it did! What a great start to a busy day.
So if you would like a chance to get to open the Magic Kingdom, I suggest you arrive at the park approximately 2 hours before it opens. There is no guarantee that you will be chosen, but it is worth a shot!
Need a stroller? Check out how you can rent a stroller from an off-site company.
Learn more about planning your Walt Disney World vacation. Plus overwhelmed with all the planning? Destinations in Florida can help you plan your perfect trip.
Elaine Aird says
Being a First Family at Disney and riding in the Grand Parade is on my Bucket List. I always promised my grandchildren that I would take them to Disney when I retired. The time has come. In April we will be visiting Disney and would cherish being part of the magic. Thank you sooo much for your consideration!
Cayman says
Does this still happen?
Linda says
Thanks for sharing
What fun for you and your family
Jane says
We were picked too. It was our 30th anniversary and we had our youngest daughter with us (she was 9). To my amazement, they ask the family in front of us first, they declined. As they approached us, I was shaking my head YES!
Chris says
My family was chosen as well several years ago. We did not get a fast pass but we did get the picture of a lifetime with 16 characters at one time with our family!! I assume I’ll never win the lottery because we used up all of our luck in that one day. My goal was to be chosen and we were! It was a dream come true and a priceless experience!!
kendra says
I have a question too, why didn’t they have a fastpass when you get 3 each day your in the park. Just wondering
Rebecca says
We were the lucky family one morning in 2012! I was also quickly corrected by a cast member that it is called First Family instead of family of the day. It was an amazing experience!
Paul Wright says
I have a question about the location, where about a where u picked, when we went we only got as far as the ticket booths before the monerail this was at 7,