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Let The Magic Begin! Details On The Debut Of The New Welcome Show at the Magic Kingdom

Photo credit: Disney

A new welcome show was recently rolled out at the Magic Kingdom. You may previously recall watching the old welcome show just outside of the park gates to begin your day. This show included your favorite characters riding in on the Walt Disney World steam train. In addition, a family of the day was selected to help open the park with the mayor. Then, it was a rush down Main Street as guests jockeyed for position toward the headline attractions. All of that has now changed.

I decided to drive over to the Magic Kingdom for the very first day of this new welcome show. If you have been wondering about all the recent changes, then you are in luck because we are going provide you the details so you can plan your next rope drop at the Magic Kingdom!

Everything seemed to be usual upon arriving at the Magic Kingdom that morning. We went through bag check and the metal detectors before finally scanning our fingers for park entry. The first thing we noticed was it was much less congested after going through the security check point. This is because the gates now open at least one hour before the official scheduled opening. No more squeezing in front of the Main Street Railroad with thousands of your closest friends.

Instead, guests casually walked through the tunnels into the Town Square for a more leisurely stroll down Main Street. It was evident that this change took many people by surprise. In fact, one guest stopped me to ask some questions. After chatting for a few minutes I figured out he did not even realize he was already inside the park! It was a little difficult to explain to a first-time guest how the gates were open but the park was not.

For those who enjoy getting their photo taken along Main Street this is your golden opportunity as PhotoPass photographers are on hand with little to no wait! In addition, fewer people in the park means less people will show up in the background of your pictures! Plus, you don’t have to use valuable park time getting those photos taken since technically the rides and attractions have not yet opened! Other places on Main Street are open too, including the Starbucks where a handful of people were getting a cup of coffee.

As we made our way into the hub area, it was evident who wanted to see the opening show and who wanted to be at the front of the line for their favorite ride. Different pockets of people gravitated toward certain areas of the hub. Those who wanted to see the opening show were front and center of the forecourt of the castle stage. Others scattered themselves at the entrance to the various lands with the entrance to Fantasyland being the most crowded.

Because the hub is such a large area, the waiting time for the show to begin felt much less crowded and was definitely more relaxed. It should be noted that, at this point, guests really need to decide what is important to them. There are many great viewing spots to see the new show, Let The Magic Begin. But, if you also want to be one of the first ones into one of the themed lands, you cannot have both. In fact, those closest to the rope to enter Fantasyland have either an obstructed view or no view at all of the castle stage. Decide wisely ahead of time where you want to stand.

At 8:55AM music began to introduce one of the Royal Majesty Maker’s who opened the show. After a brief welcome, the one and only Mickey Mouse takes the stage to say a few words followed by an appearance from a number of characters. On this day Aladdin, Jasmine, the Evil Step Sisters, Tiana, Merida, Elena, Belle, Mary Poppins, Snow White, Rapunzel, Alice, Chip ’n’ Dale, Pluto, and Minnie Mouse took the stage. This makes for a great photo op! It is possible like the previous show that these characters could rotate.

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After Mickey mentions he needs a little magic, we get a balcony appearance from the Fairy Godmother. Mickey then puts in his request to help kick of the magical day, and the Fairy Godmother has everyone repeat bibbidi bobbidi boo! With that, fireworks go off and the entrances to the lands are opened. The characters linger for just a few moments while waving to the crowd before disappearing into the castle.

By this time, guests are flooding the walkways to the various lands as the hub begins to empty and new guests are just beginning to arrive via Main Street. While there is still a sense of urgency to get to your first destination, the scene is less chaotic than in times past.

After taking in this new show, chatter from most repeat guests was that it while it was fun and cute, it seemed to lack the excitement and momentum the previous show offered. Nothing seems to compare to watching the steam train pull into the station while singing zip-a-dee-doo-dah, zip-a-dee-ay! Also, there is no family selected to help open up the Magic Kingdom and there is no singing or dancing at all.

Here are a few tips for making the most out of this new experience:

  1. Arrive early. The crowd bottleneck is getting through the security checkpoint. While we arrived at 8:20AM, it took us 15 minutes to go through bag check and the metal detectors. You will need to allow extra time if you want Main Street to yourself.
  1. Take your time walking down Main Street. There is still a sense of urgency to get down to the hub. But once you do, there is really nothing to see or do until the show begins at 8:55AM. So get your picture taken and explore everything Main Street has to offer.
  1. Decide where you want to stand before the show begins. What’s more important to you? A front row spot to see Mickey and the gang? Or, would you rather line up early to get to your first attraction? Entrances to Adventureland and Tomorrowland are the least crowded, but you’ll be farther from the stage. Make a plan before you arrive!
  1. Don’t forget to have fun! Whether you like the new show better or prefer the memories of the past show, remember you’re at Walt Disney World!

Have you seen the new welcome show, Let The Magic Begin yet? If you have, share your experience with us. If you haven’t seen it yet, what are you looking forward to the most? Leave your comments below!

About Tim Forgette

I grew up in southeast Michigan. I took my first trip to Walt Disney World in 1986 when I was just three years old. I am blessed to be the husband of 14 years to my beautiful wife, Rachel and father of four precious children, Lily (10), Elijah (8), Grace (6) and Josiah (5). We have always enjoyed doing things as a family which is why, when we moved to Florida, one of the first things we did was buy Disney annual passes. I enjoy everything Florida has to offer, but absolutely love watching my kids light up when it's time to go to Disney! We visit the Disney parks on average about once a week. When not at Disney, I enjoy participating with my church and community, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.