Between attractions, entertainment and dining options it can be tough to plan for just one day at Magic Kingdom. However if you are limited to one day, here are tips for a One Day Plan At Magic Kingdom.
1. Arrival
Purchase park tickets ahead of time and avoid wasting precious time standing in line to buy tickets. Especially in the morning, ticket booth lines can get long. You will want to arrive early to start your day (30 minute before park opening) and already having your Park ticket puts you one step ahead. To achieve rope drop, plan on leaving your Resort 1 hour prior to park opening.
2. Cinderella’s Castle
Turn the corner of Main St USA and behold Cinderella’s Castle. The classic in front of the castle photo is a must. If you purchased Memory Maker, look for Photopass photographers standing on Main St USA (they are usually found in more than 1 spot to stop along Main St). Plus, don’t miss the welcome show and more with these 10 Things To Do At Cinderella’s Castle.
3. Classic Attractions
Ride A Classic Attraction in Fantasyland such as Dumbo, Mad Tea Party, it’s a small world and Peter Pan’s Flight. These attractions have been at Magic Kingdom since park opening and are the perfect 1st attractions to head to in the morning before you Fastpass+ selections.
4. Best Fastpass+ Selections:
I suggest scheduling your Fastpass+ selections for 10am, 11am and 12am. Giving you time in the morning hours before crowd peaks to ride with shorter lines.
- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train – Even though it has been around for a few years now, this attraction is still widely popular.
- Splash Mountain – Time your Fastpass+ in the afternoon when it is the hottest and getting wet on this attraction will be welcomed.
- Space Mountain – Another “mountain” at Magic Kingdom that constantly has long wait times.
5. Lunch/Dinner
Favorite Quick Service Locations include:
- Stop by Casey’s Corner on Main St USA for some classic with a twist American foods. Choose a classic Featured All-Beef Hot Dog, or try the Macaroni & Cheese All-Beef Foot Long Hot Dog. The Corn Dog Nuggets have gained a reputation as well.
- Try the Lobster roll, clam chowder and other Seafood, Chicken Dishes and more. The Columbia Harbour House is located at Liberty Square.
- For a tasty quick bite to eat, with plenty of seating and a fun view go to Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café. Enjoy a variety of foods, a topping bar and entertainment by Sonny Eclipse.
- If you are hungry from your adventures head to Frontierland into Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Café. Themed after an old west saloon, find Burgers, Nachos, Burritos and more.
- Find the Pinnochio Village Haus in Fantasyland. The Flatbread is a must try. Coming in three varieties: Sausage and Pepperoni Flatbread, Pepperoni Flatbread or Caprese Flatbread.
6. Mid-Day Break:
- Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor (Tomorrowland) – gives you a break during this hilarious 11 minute show.
- Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress (Tomorrowland) – Relax during this 21 minute Audio-Animatronics show that Walt Disney himself oversaw in creating.
- Baby Care Center (beside The Crystal Palace restaurant on Main Street, U.S.A.) – This center has a nursing room, a television room, a baby changing room with multiple changing stations, a kitchen with a microwave and more making it the perfect mid-day break for your littles.
- Hall of Presidents (Liberty Square) -Relax in air-conditioned during this 22 show with animatronics resembling and representing all of the United States presidents.
7. Snacks
- Sleepy Hollow is home to the famous “waffle sandwiches”. Choose from either the Sweet and Spicy Chicken Waffle Sandwich or the Fresh Fruit Waffle Sandwich with hazelnut spread. Find this hidden gem in Liberty square.
- Dole Whip – Head to Aloha Isle in Adventureland for this popular soft serve pineapple treat.
- Consider trying a Warm Cinnamon roll that can be shared found at Gaston’s Tavern.
8. Parade
Disney’s Festival of Fantasy Parade is a daily parade at Magic Kingdom. Floats include: Disney Princesses, Flynn Rider and Rapunzel, Ariel and Sebastian, Peter Pan and Wendy, Mickey and Minnie and more. See even more characters walking with the parade route including Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Since this is an outdoor event, inclement weather can cause the parade to be cancelled. However, Magic Kingdom has a back up plan for guests visiting on a rainy day – The Rainy Day Cavalcade.
9. Shopping
Save your shopping for later in the day, not wasting precious morning hours getting caught up in the stores. In fact, the stores stay open even longer than the attractions, up to an hour or more after actual park closing. Big Top Souvenirs is a fun one in Fantasyland, themed after a circus tent. At Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe, in Liberty Square, it’s Christmas all year long and your stop to pick up an ornament. Of course there are many other gift shops, such as the exit of every attraction. However, hitting the ones on Main St USA on the way out are the easiest, such as the Emporium which carries a nice variety of souvenirs.
10. Nighttime Entertainment
- Happily Ever After – the parks nighttime fireworks spectacular is a breathtaking showcase of your favorite Disney characters and music.
- The Kiss Goodnight – is an unadvertised 2-minute presentation using Cinderella’s Castle. The Kiss Goodnight occurs about every 30-minutes after the Magic Kingdom closes.
- Electrical Water Pageant – On nights when the theme park is open late, you can see it outside the entrance to the Magic Kingdom at 10:35 pm.
Learn more about the Walt Disney World Parks including attractions, secrets, tips and more. Plus my friends at Destinations in Florida can help you plan your perfect Walt Disney World vacation.