Magic Kingdom debuts new welcome show, allows guests on Main Street before official opening

magic kingdom welcome show 2017

Changes have been made to the way Magic Kingdom opens for the day to guests, including adding early access to Main Street USA, and a new welcome show.

Though the park usually doesn’t officially open until 9 a.m., guests visiting the Magic Kingdom now have the chance to enjoy Main Street USA earlier. Guests can get some early shopping done inside the Emporium, and then grab a bite to eat and some coffee inside the Starbucks bakery, all before any of the rides and attractions open for the day.

In addition, a new welcome show now performs on the Castle Forecourt Stage. Guests can meander up to the edge of Cinderella Castle and join in the celebration as a Royal Herald delivers a proclamation and welcomes a few familiar characters. This is a major change to the old Magic Kingdom “rope drop” welcome show, which was previously held at the Main Street Train Station shortly before 9 a.m.

Here’s a look at the new and former welcome shows. Let us know which you prefer.

Let The Magic Begin - New Magic Kingdom Welcome Show 2017
MouseFanTravel

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3 Comments

  1. Every one seems to think this is new. Back in the day, when the MK first opened, this was
    the norm. Rope drop was at the end of main street

  2. It’s okay, but it lacks the charm of its predecessor with the Main Street characters. They could have done the previous show on the *other* side of the station if they wanted Main Street to be accessible.

  3. Its nice that they are still doing a welcome show. But I will definitely miss the old one. Does this put an end to the empty pictures on Main Street with early dining reservations? Not sure how the timing works so that will be sad if its early enough that you can’t get those awesome pictures before dining in the early AM.