"Let the Magic Begin" at Magic Kingdom!

Big changes have come to Magic Kingdom this year; on January 6th the welcome show was changed and now you will be allowed into Magic Kingdom an hour before park opening. Travel down Main Street, USA to the front of Cinderella's Castle where, 5 minutes prior to park opening, Mickey Mouse and Friends welcome you to Magic Kingdom!

When I arrived 35 minutes prior to park opening they were already letting guests into the park. There was a short line to go through security & bag check but after that I took a nice leisurely stroll down Main Street. I was a big fan of the Train Morning Show but I really like this setup. However, it was a pretty lite day when I was there, so it could definitely run a little differently with larger crowds.

The Main Street Baker, the Plaza Ice Cream Parlar and The Emporium are all open early, with the Parlar serving breakfast items such as Mickey waffles, fruit and cereal. The entrances towards each land (Tomorrowland, Frontierland, Liberty Square, Fantasyland) and both sides of the castle stage are roped off with cast members manning the rope drop after the morning show finishes. The crowd was significantly larger on the path towards Fantasyland - all for the Seven Dwarves Mine Train, I'm sure. However, if you are not at the front of that line and the right side of the castle stage path is not too heavily crowded then you should head over that way. If you are a brisk walker then you could still beat a significant portion of those taking the Fantasyland path.

The new welcome show, "Let the Magic Begin", replaces the show at the railroad station with Disney characters arriving by train. The show lasts 5 minutes and the park is opened immediately after. The show begins with the royal crier introducing Mickey & Minnie who are shortly joined by more Disney characters. With a little bit of magic from the Fairy Godmother and some help from the crowd... Bibbity Bobbity Boo! There are fireworks and you are welcomed to Magic Kingdom!