Menu

10 Tips For Getting The Most Out Of Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom

When most guests imagine a Walt Disney World vacation, they picture spending time in the Magic Kingdom theme park making last memories. The Magic Kingdom features several different lands which are themed to immerse guests in fun and fantasy and bring them on adventures through time and space. Guests who spend time in the park can soar high over London with Peter Pan, conquer a mountain range, blast off into space, enjoy fireworks and parades, shop in unique locations, and dine on delicious options. With so many amazing experiences to be had in the Magic Kingdom, guests want to make the most of each moment spent in the park. They can do so by following a few simple tips and tricks which can save time and frustration and make each moment in the park a magical one that they will always remember. Here are ten tips for getting the most out of Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom.

[google_ad_btf]

10. Be There For “Let The Magic Begin”

The Magic Kingdom opens at different times each morning depending on the season and day. Be sure to look up the exact time of opening and get to the park at least a half hour before that. Guests who are there early are welcome to enter the park to spend time on Main Street U.S.A. before the park officially opens. Main Street and the hub in front of Cinderella Castle remain open while the rest of the park is still closed. Roughly 5 minutes before the official park opening, “Let The Magic Begin” begins! This is a welcome show held on the stage in front of the Castle with fun music, special characters, and a few fireworks to kick off the day!

9. Adventureland First

After the park officially opens, many guests head directly towards either Fantasyland or Tomorrowland to experience popular attractions like Peter Pan’s Flight, Space Mountain, and the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. Guests who want to make the most of their time should instead head away from the crowds towards Adventureland where they can enjoy plenty of attractions with little to no wait times.

8. FastPass The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

One of the most popular attractions in the Magic Kingdom is also the newest. The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train can be found in New Fantasyland and invites guests into the mine where the Seven Dwarfs work each day. Guests can enjoy swaying gently from side to side in mine carts and even spot Snow White and the Evil Queen. Since the attraction is so popular, it tends to always have a long wait time. Guests who want to avoid spending lots of time waiting in line should book a FastPass for the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train to enjoy the same experience without the long wait!

7. FastPass Peter Pan’s Flight

Another very popular attraction can be found in Fantasyland right across from It’s A Small World. Peter Pan’s Flight invites guests to be sprinkled with pixie dust and take to the skies with Peter Pan and the Darling children as they soar over London and Neverland. Since the attraction is so popular and often has high wait times even in the morning, guests should book FastPasses to bypass the long wait!

6. FastPass Space Mountain

Located in Tomorrowland is an attraction which rockets guests into outer space for an adventure that is out of this world! Space Mountain brings guests into Starport 75, a busy intergalactic hub where they prepare for their epic space journey. The attraction occurs almost entirely in the dark and is full of thrilling twists and turns. Space Mountain is also very popular with guests and can easily have long wait times on busy days in the park so guests should definitely opt to book FastPasses to save themselves some time.

[google_ad][google_ad]

5. Eat At Columbia Harbour House

Guests who are looking to enjoy a quick service meal while exploring the Magic Kingdom should head to Liberty Square for a location that is wonderfully themed and full of amazing food options. Columbia Harbour House is located directly across from the Haunted Mansion and features a nautical theme conveyed through dark wood paneling, sea faring props, and many nautical touches. Guests can dine there for lunch and dinner and order up options like the Lighthouse Sandwich, Fried Shrimp Plate, Lobster Roll, and Garden Harvest Sandwich. After ordering, guests should head up to the rarely crowded second floor to dine next to windows which offer views of Liberty Square and the Rivers of America.

4. Don’t Skip The Classics

Many guests who spend time in the Magic Kingdom only head towards big ticket attractions like Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, and Space Mountain. By doing so, many classic attractions are overlooked which is a shame as those experiences are what help make the Magic Kingdom so amazing. Some classic attractions which are must dos are Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room, the Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, the Country Bear Jamboree, the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover, and Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress.

3. Shop In The Emporium

Guests who are looking for the ultimate souvenir or gift to bring home from their Disney vacation should stop by the Emporium on Main Street in the front of the Magic Kingdom. The massive store features several rooms which are full of merchandise including clothing, toys, housewares, jewelry, and accessories. Guests are sure to find the perfect item to bring home and enjoy while browsing the Emporium.

2. Line Up Early For The Parades and Fireworks

Each day the Magic Kingdom features several performances which are sure to leave guests speechless. The Festival of Fantasy Parade runs down Main Street each afternoon and features whimsical floats decked with lovable Disney characters. Move It! Shake It! Dance & Play It! Street Party is another awesome chance to interact with characters. At night, Happily Ever After lights up the sky high over Cinderella Castle with beautiful fireworks set to amazing Disney music from multiple Disney classics. These events are very popular with guests and tend to attract large crowds. In order for guests to score optimal viewing spots for the parades and for Happily Ever After, they should plan on lining up at least an hour early on Main Street.

1. Kiss Goodnight

About a half hour after the Magic Kingdom officially closes each night, Cinderella Castle suddenly comes to life with a magical farewell. The Kiss Goodnight features special lighting on Cinderella Castle and a farewell speech which thanks guests for spending their time in the Magic Kingdom and wishes them safe home. No day in the Magic Kingdom is complete without watching the Kiss Goodnight!

About Caitlin Kane

Caitlin Kane first started visiting Walt Disney World when she was two years old, and despite spending most of that trip quarantined with the chicken pox she managed to fall in love with the place. Visiting WDW every year since, she especially loves learning all about the history and small details of the parks and eating/drinking her way through the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival each fall. When she's not in Disney, Caitlin lives in New York and spends her time counting down the days to her next trip.