Disney World’s Magic Kingdom is that iconic park! It is what most everyone thinks of when they hear the words “Disney World”. Main Street USA leading up to the beautiful Cinderella Castle comes to mind when you think of “the most magical place on Earth”.
It’s an unexpected emotional moment turning the corner. You enter the park and catch that view- breathtaking! Do you know what else is breathtaking? The crowds and the number of attractions you want to do while you are in this infamous theme park.
So, how do you do it all???
Strategy, my friends! Next to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom Theme Park requires strategize to accomplish. By accomplish I mean- get the most done! All those rides and experiences are waiting for you.
The fact is you probably won’t be able to do and see EVERYTHING there is to do inside Disney’s Magic Kingdom in one day. So, know ahead of time what attractions and experiences you and your family want the most.
Coming up with a game plan at Magic Kingdom
I’m not saying you can’t “go with the flow” at this theme park. If you aren’t concerned about the number of attractions, you can visit with no plan at all! If you are there to enjoy your day and see the sights- Lucky you!
However, if you are there to do all the stuff, or even specific stuff, you need to know how to accomplish your goals. Magic Kingdom can have very long lines for many attractions throughout day. If you don’t want to waste most of your time waiting, the game plan is a real thing. I have some recommendations.
Purchase Lightning Lane Reservations for your Magic Kingdom Day
Lightning Lane Multi/Single/Premium Pass are systems in place to let you skip the regular lines. These advantage options are tools you can purchase through the app before you get there.
Find more information on Lightning Lane Multi/Single and Premier Pass HERE.
Resort Guests: Use Early Theme Park Entry
Disney World resort guests and some Good Neighbor hotel guests get Early Theme Park Entry! That means you can enter Disney World Theme Parks a half hour before the official opening of each park. That gives you as a Disney Resort guest time to ride a few of the most popular attractions before the crowds. Say for example:
Photo credit: Disney Destinations
- 7 Dwarves Mine Train- this attraction will see long lines throughout the day. If you choose not to make an IAP for this ride, consider tackling it first thing during Early Park Entry as a resort guest.
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- Jungle Cruise
- Splash Mountain
- Big Thunder Mountain
If you can knock 1 or 2 out before the big crowds, take the opportunity!
Exciting announcements were made at the D23 Expo 2024 that includes a large expansion of Magic Kingdom. 2 new lands- Villains Land and Cars Land will take their place in our wildest dreams. Villains Land will open beyond Big Thunder Mountain, while Cars Land will join Frontierland where Tom Sawyer Island along and the Rivers of America are now. Click HERE for all the details on the D23 Expo announcements.
Use Disney Genie to your advantage at Magic Kingdom
Disney Genie is a free service to all park guests. Before your visit to Magic Kingdom, use the Genie to input your high priority attractions and entertainment, even places you would like to eat.
Photo: @bizzyrunninganddizn
The Disney Genie will let you know throughout the day when it is the best time to hit those “must dos” on your list. It will also give you up to the minute wait times on your favorite attractions, character meet and greets, and shows. Not only that, but it will also show you when attractions typically see lower wait times so you can plan your day accordingly.
Stay on top of your Lightning Lane selections
It’s a shame you must use your phone app so much during your vacation to Disney World. However, to get on the most wanted rides at Magic Kingdom, always have at least one Lightning Lane reservation in your schedule.
Just like in my article on How to Maximize Your Day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, at Magic Kingdom you want to always have a Lightning Lane scheduled. You can choose a new Lightning Lane selection after you have used one.
photo: @bizzyrunninganddizn
All attractions at Magic Kingdom are not created equal
Luckily there is much to do at Magic Kingdom theme park! Not all of it requires the use of a Lightning Lanes. Also, there is quite a bit to do without all the long lines. In between you Lightning Lane selections, use your time to have a meal, a snack, see a show. Mickey’s Philharmagic is really entertaining! My other suggestions include the People Mover in Tomorrowland, watch a parade, listen to the Dapper Dans on Main Street or shop for souvenirs.
More attractions that won’t waste your time in a line include:
- The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party
- Space Mountain- believe it or not
- Prince Charming’s Regal Carousel
- Carousel of Progress
- Monsters Inc Laugh Floor
Photo: @bizzyrunninganddizn
Places to sit down and enjoy a bite might include:
- Crystal Palace
- Sleepy Hollow Refreshments
- Skipper’s Canteen
- Gaston’s Tavern
- Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café
Photo: @bizzyrunninganddizn
What you need to plan ahead for at Magic Kingdom
Some experiences at Magic Kingdom do require you to plan ahead- like 60 days in advance. Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique offers kids (ages 3-12) a special magical makeover. This special salon is where little ones have their hair done and dress up like a prince or princess. Reservations sell out fast! Try to make your reservation 60 days before the first day of your vacation through the app.
In addition, dining experiences like Cinderella’s Royal Table (inside the castle) or Be Our Guest Restaurant (inside the Beast’s castle) could be the ultimate Disney experience for some. But the most popular experiences require advanced dining reservations.
Photo: @bizzyrunninganddizn
If you are a resort guest or staying at most “Good Neighbor Hotels”, you can make those reservations 60 days in advance of your arrival, pending availability. Keep that in mind if you are planning a trip to Disney World.
End your evening with a great show
Every evening Magic Kingdom ends the night with a spectacular fireworks and projection show- Happily Ever After. Find your spot on Main Street early! Honestly, anywhere around the Cinderella Castle is a good spot. However, the crowds can fill the area quickly. Grab an ice cream from Plaza Ice Cream Parlor while you wait.
More planning tools for your vacation
Find more information in All the Magic in Magic Kingdom.
Lastly, find more information on Disney Theme Parks by following our blog site. I’m doing this series of articles to help you get the most out of each park. Included so far are:
- The Best Way to Maximize Your Day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- 6 Things You Must Do at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
- Why Epcot is a Hidden Gem
- Disney Springs- Beyond the Theme Parks
Ready to book your Disney World vacation? Let our friends at DizN Vacations do all the work! Their team of expert travel planners specialize in Disney destinations. They will book and build you a bigger and better adventure! Also, join our private travel planning group-Destination DizN & Beyond on Facebook for more tips and tools for a great trip!
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