Don’t head to the parks before you read these 7 Magic Kingdom Planning Tips You Need To Know. Being prepared will help ensure that you have the perfect day.
- This applies to all of the parks: start your day early. Arrive a minimum of 30 minutes before opening to get through security and the ticket gate before the opening show, and to be near the front of the rope drop. If you’re planning a character meal in the Magic Kingdom, get the earliest seating possible. You’ll get to go into the parks before official opening, and get a unique view of Main Street and Cinderella’s Castle.
- Have a plan. You need not schedule every minute of the day, but know which attractions are on your “must-see” list, and prioritize accordingly. It helps to know which attractions consistently have the longest lines (in the Magic Kingdom, the roller coasters as well as many of the Fantasyland attractions top that list) and which have a FastPass option.
- Use My Disney Experience. This helpful app will tell you the current wait times at all of the attractions in the park. You can also make and alter Fastpass+ reservations and dining reservations.
- Speaking of closed attractions, be aware of refurbishment schedules and know height restrictions before you go. Nothing puts a downer on your Disney vacation like finding out that Dumbo is closed or that little Davey isn’t quite tall enough to ride Space Mountain with you.
- If traveling with small children, find the Baby Care Station. In the Magic Kingdom, it’s near the Crystal Palace. They have a full stock of baby items for purchase, as well as a quiet place to feed baby or simply relax with a toddler.
- Check the parade/fireworks schedule. If you want to view these, stake out a spot at least 30 minutes before showtime. (Grab a snack to make waiting a bit easier.) But if you don’t care to see them, this is a great time to hit a few of the attractions that normally have longer waits.
- Many parents advocate taking a rest at your resort in the afternoon. I’ve never been able to justify losing 3-4 hours of touring time to let my toddler nap. Instead, we head to one of the air-conditioned, dark theaters for a power nap! My favorite naps spot in the Magic Kingdom is The Hall of Presidents. (Of course, you know your own children and their needs. Do what works for you!)
Learn more about planning your Walt Disney World vacation. Plus overwhelmed with all the planning? Destinations in Florida can help you plan your perfect trip.
(Thanks Valerie Gibbs!)
Kiki….you are right about heading to the left! I have been so many times that we can get every park done in one day! Most folks do tend to head to the right toward Space Mountain or straight through the castle to Fantsyland. We leave Fantsyland until the last. Most of the small kids are gone and wait times are shorter.
One of the best tips i got from Birnbaums guide was to go left when you enter a park. most people go right and so those will be the most crowded areas. It realy did work! Of course if there are specific things that are “must do” on your list hit them early!