In late 2001, after a lackluster summer and a fall travel season marred by the terror attacks, Walt Disney World initiated a program of cutbacks and downsizing to save money. Most of these policies made perfect sense, but the one that causes the biggest uproar among WDWs regular, repeat Guests was the elimination of Early Entry (often called Surprise Mornings), wherein Guests at Disney resorts were allowed to enter particular theme parks one hour ahead of the park's official opening time. Disney 'replaced' this perk with Character Caravan, a bus full of characters that made the rounds to the various Disney resorts and saw the Guests off in the morning.

Needless to say, many Guests didn't see this as an equitable replacement.

"Character Caravan For You!"

(To the tune of I'll Be There For You by the Rembrandts)
2002-03-22

So no one told that these policies had changed
Some resorts have closed
They've cut some shows and parades
Now Early Entry's gone, and in it's place
Is a bus with Turk, Timon, Apu... and maybe Lumiere!

Character Caravan for you!
At your Disney Resort
Character Caravan for you!
Cause Early Entry's no more
Character Caravan for you!
And the parks all close at 2.

No one had ever told me
No one had ever asked me
What I used Early Entry for...
Not just to see Mickey!
If they would just bring it back
I wouldn't have a heart attack
When the bus pulls up with Evinrude, and Cinderella's horse!

Character Caravan for you!
At your Disney Resort
Character Caravan for you!
Cause Early Entry's no more
Character Caravan for you!
And Mickey with a sign "Will work for food!"