The DCA Grand Opening Sleepover
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At 4pm the temperatures had dropped into the 40s and the winds had kicked up. It was time to move us inside the structure.

By this time the line had expanded to about 200 people. We were beginning to wonder if the predicted crowds had fizzled out. Disney was wondering too and you could tell they were beginning to scale back their efforts. Seven zones big enough to hold 2000 people each were available, but by 5:30pm, we didn’t even fill 1/3rd of one.

 

By the time they were finished handing out wrist bands less than 700 people had checked in.

Those who had checked in were told that they could return at 8pm and still be guaranteed a place with the first wrist band group. Or you could have one person hold your place in line and then go get dinner from Downtown Disney or even inside Disneyland, what a novel concept. In fact, I did recognize a few fellow line waiters in Disneyland’s newest restaurant ‘Rancho El Zocalo’.

At 8pm most people were back in queue and the numbers were now less than 600 with many choosing to just go home and get a good nights sleep. And, if you didn’t want any of the exclusive merchandise, that turned out to be a good plan.

The crowd was pretty upbeat and anticipating the tram ride into Disneyland for our sleep-over. The first tram left at around 10:30pm and we were on it. It was a cold ride to the unloading zone. The temperature had dropped into the low 40s and with the wind of the tram, it seemed even chillier. Once through the gates of Disneyland we marched en mass down Main Street around the plaza to the left, through the castle, and then made a u-turn back down Matterhorn way. Judging by the numbers of Cast Members present, and the long queue of ropes set up, they were expecting many more than the 600 that spent the whole night.

The first 200 spread out and occupied the last part of Matterhorn way before it enters the plaza area. To one side was Sleeping Beauty Castle and its moat and the other King Triton’s Fountain. We were informed that food and merchandise would be available shortly, but to make ourselves comfortable for a few minutes.

Food was some very nice complimentary coffee and hot chocolate and then for slightly lower prices than usual, you could buy soda, water, or hot dogs. In the morning muffins were available. Only one food location was needed for our small group, but additional tables were set up in case more people arrived.

The merchandise offered to us was an early chance to buy the limited edition opening day button ($1.50) and pin ($10.00). Sales were limited to 1 each.

Throughout the night many of the regular groups from Disneyland entertainment came by to play for us. From the Dapper Dans, to Dana Daniels, to the Bayou Brass we were all impressed by their ability to entertain us through the middle of the night.