Just Back...FIRST FAMILY at Magic Kingdom!!!

[constanze]

Yes...we won the WDW lottery and were selected as the First Family for the Magic Kingdom "rope drop" on August 5th!. I was so excited, I posted right away, of course in the wrong place (thank you moderator's for understanding my enthusiasm). I said I'd post when I got back to answer any questions and post some pictures...I've never posted pictures in all my years...so trying to figure it out. I'll have to shrink my file sizes in order to post. It was truly magical!!! I also can try and answer any questions regarding: Early morning ADR's at Tusker House, Dessert/Fireworks Party at MK, Cinderella's Royal Table, BOG dinner, California Grill dinner,Biergarten dinner, Le Cellier dinner,The Wave breakfast,Yak and Yeti lunch, Crystal Palace Lunch, The Plaza lunch,Sci Fi Diner lunch, 50's Prime Time Dinner, Marceline to Magic Kingdom tour, Garden view stay at the Contemporary Resort, Cabana Rental, etc.

 

[DISNEY1975]

Tell me all about what being a "First Family" means! Were you in the parade? Day of FPs? Cupcakes for your entire party? Inquiring minds want to know!!

 

[hblevins32]

Please tell us all about it.

 

[ditsypixie]

I can't wait to hear!!!! Congratulations!!!

 

[constanze]

It was truly AMAZING! We arrived at MK at 7:20 (ish) for an 8am regular park opening.There weren't too many people there yet, we were kind of sitting along that planter section in between the two areas where the entrances are. There was a long line on the far left developing for folks with ADR's, and a few Cast Members walking around with clip boards asking if folks were there for breakfast and if so, would show them where to go stand. A gal came up to us, and I said we didn't have any breakfast ADR's in the park...and she continued to chat with us, asking where we were from, what we were celebrating, etc. Then she asked what our last name was and scanned one of our Magic Bands...I saw her write down on her clipboard...Rosenhagen Family from Denver, CO...and it hit me...OH. MY. Goodness!!!! I think we're going to be in the rope drop show. I didn't say anything, but immediately started crying. I'm a complete dork. My family had NO CLUE what was going on, and were asking if I was okay...Then the gal with the clip board smiled at me and said "It looks like you know what I'm about to say...Congratulations, you all have been chosen as the Magic Kingdom's First Family!" My family finally put it together, that we were not only going to be watching Rope Drop...but that we were going to be a PART of Rope Drop!.

 

[constanze]

Continued...She gave us each a pin that said "Congratulations! First Family!" on it...then she asked us to follow her. There was now a very large line for ADR's and a decent sized crowd of regular Rope Drop folks showing up for the morning. I was still crying, so my eyes were all teary, but my teenager's said they felt like royalty as she led us through the crowd, and up into the front as everyone watched us be escorted through the entry. She then had us sit on a bench right outside the train station, and congratulated us again for being one of only 365 families that get this opportunity each year. Then a few other Cast Members came to greet us...and they escorted into the completely empty park! TRULY CRAZY and WONDERFUL! One of the Cast Members was a Memory Maker photographer, so she took tons of photo's for us...Then we were greeted by one of the Mayor of Main Street's associates (the mayor was ill that day)...and he explained to us what would happen next...

 

[constanze]

...He said we were going to help Micky and friends welcome everyone to the park for the day, and told us what our job would be (basically smiling and waving and where and when to stand). It was SO SURREAL to be up on that train platform waiving to everyone in the rope drop crowd below. I STILL can't believe it was real. After the Rope Drop ceremony was complete, we were then escorted to a fire truck which would take us to the castle. We had such a blast. When we arrived at the castle, they did give us a Memory Maker card in case we hadn't purchased, which would include a free printed photo, and a couple of Fast Passes. It was truly an experience of a life time. I will never forget it! I tried posting pictures, but they were too big...and I'm kind of an idiot with this stuff, but I'll figure out how to do it and post some pictures.

 

[constanze]

 

[constanze]

 

[constanze]

 

[constanze]

First Family in the Park!

 

[alliecat523]

WOW!! That is amazing! The photos are just fantastic! What an experience! (I don't really feel like there are enough exclamation points to show how excited *I* am about this!)

 

[Happy_Haunt999]

This is so awesome! I would have been geeking out! Congrats!!

 

[ToddyLu]

That is absolutely fantastic, couldn't have happened to a nicer looking group of folks!!! Thanks for posting the pics, they are great. I am truly happy for you all!

 

[constanze]

It was super special, because I was pretty sad going into the trip, as my son graduated from High School and would be leaving for college. I was so scared it would be the last time the four of us would be together at WDW. So it was a beautiful way to celebrate all our years and vacations we've spent here over the years.

 

[elcmum]

Amazing! Congratulations on an amazing adventure!

 

[Choozee]

Xtremely cool!

 

[hblevins32]

It sounds like it was a WONDERFUL experience. You will cherish those memories forever.

 

[Wolfpack]

First off. HOW COOL!! I would be harder to control then the kids. That is something you will never forget

Second how was the dessert part? We ate doing it on 9/10 and was just curious

 

[constanze]

First off. HOW COOL!! I would be harder to control then the kids. That is something you will never forget

Second how was the dessert part? We ate doing it on 9/10 and was just curious

I know there are so many mixed reviews about the Dessert Party, but we actually liked it. We thought it was a great way to end a fantastic day. LOVED being able to sit, and from our table, we were able to see the entire pre-Castle show, and really the fireworks too, however we did stand up when the fireworks started to make sure we didn't miss anything, since we weren't sure. There's room for everyone along the rail, so you're not standing behind people trying to see. And we were there when all the tables seemed full, so looked like a busy night. Many folks have said they find the new price increase not worth the "value", but for us, to sit in a relaxing environment during the show was priceless. You're SO lucky your vacation is just about to start... I'm jealous!