ORLANDO, Fla. – Thousands of Disney fans lined up before the sun rose to be among the first to get into Disney's Magic Kingdom on Friday as the park opened for 24 hours.
Magic Kingdom and Disneyland teamed up to host dance parties on both coasts to kick off the Memorial Day weekend, called "Rock Your Disney Side."
In Orlando, Mickey and Minnie Mouse helped countdown the moments to the park opening, which was celebrated with fireworks launching into the early morning sky.
The parks on both coasts opened at 6 a.m. and will stay open until 6 a.m. on Saturday.
Bob and Leona Baum said they started getting ready Thursday night.
"We went to bed early last night, and we got up at 4 o'clock, and got prepared," Baum said. "We got the second bus here."
Visitors came from all over the country to be part of the celebration.
One group got up early and traveled to the Orlando park from Tampa, dressed as the characters from Disney's Peter Pan.
"We have to be here -- we are so excited," the group yelled.
They had only one rule for their 24 hour adventure.
"Get lots of caffeine, because we're not leaving. We are going to stay here the entire time -- the entire 24 hours," a member of the group said.