Special "Guest Family" Opportunities

[Emme and Dawson's Mom]

We're leaving next weekend for WDW and I was wondering what special "Guest Family" opportunities there are that we should ask about. We're staying at WL, so I know about the flag-raising, but is that something we need to ask about ahead of time or when we check in?

Last time I was there in Nov. 2002 there was a special opening of the MK each day where that "Family of the Day" rode into the train station with all the characters and "Opened" the park for the day. Do they still do that?

What else is there and when would we need to inquire about it?

[Mark Goldhaber]

Generally, those other "opportunities" are selected on the spot and cannot be requested. I believe that there are "honorary grand marshals" for each of the daytime parades, as well as the Magic Kingdom's "family of the day" and probably a couple of others. If you're at Epcot, be vocal and friendly with the World Showcase Players, and there's a good chance that at least one of you will end up in the show. In fact, your best bet for any opportunity is to be nice and friendly to the cast members. Smile!

[disnut8]

We're staying at WL, so I know about the flag-raising, but is that something we need to ask about ahead of time or when we check in?

Ask about it when you check in. Other than that, as Mark said, it's random and the families are picked on the spot for other opportunities. About the only thing I can think of that is prearranged is the Veteran of the Day at the Flag Retreat at Magic Kingdom.