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Hints and Hacks – Magic Kingdom Edition!

Disney’s Magic Kingdom has all the makings of the best day ever. From strolling down Main Street, U.S.A., to riding Haunted Mansion and snacking on a waffle in Liberty Square. I’ll never pass up time in this classic Disney Park. Are you looking for the best tips and hacks before your Disney vacation? We have you covered. Before you head for Cinderella Castle, check out these hints and hacks – Magic Kingdom edition.

Pack A Park Day Pack

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Credit: Disney Tips

Being prepared for a day of fun in the Park will save time and money. Scour blogs and talk to Disney veteran friends before your trip to understand what items you need in your Park pack. Drinks, lite snacks, sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, or a light jacket are all go-to items I always consider stowing in my day pack. I’m always glad for an extra layer during chilly ride lines like Space Mountain and evening extra magic hours.

But Don’t Overload Yourself

Magic Kingdom Park Entrance

Credit: DisneyTips

Speaking of your Park pack, find a happy medium. Bring only the essentials in your day pack to avoid overloading yourself. My family likes to bring a group backpack that we rotate carrying.  A (still relatively lite) bag has sunscreen for the group, ponchos, water bottles, and wallets. Carrying one bag enables us to move quicker through the bag check, and load rides easier while equipping us with the essentials.

Wear Comfy Clothes & Shoes

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Credit: Disney

This Disney World tip may seem like a no-brainer. Comfy clothing is a must. Tight clothing, uncomfortable shoes, and scratchy clothing is not a good fit for the Florida heat and should be avoided. If your little one wants to dress in costume, keep the heat and walking in mind. I love bike shorts, tennis shoes, and a roomy t-shirt for my Park day ensemble. I accessorize with my magic band and a pair of Minnie Ears, and I’m set to go!

@stuckinneverlandco

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Snag Some Midday Dining Reservations

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Credit: Disney

There are some incredible dining options in The Magic Kingdom. Cinderella’s Royal Table, Be Our Guest Restaurant and Tony’s Town Square Restaurant are just a few great dining options available to Guests. Taking the time to enjoy a hearty meal during the day at The Magic Kingdom is a magical and delicious way to enhance your Disney experience at the Most Magical Place On Earth! Not to mention you’ll have some time off your feet and a break from the heat during your meal.

Plan Time for Snacks & Rest

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Credit: DisneyTips

Taking a break in a shaded area to take some time off your feet and enjoy a snack is a fun and relaxing way to connect as a family. Relaxing in Adventureland with a Dole Whip near the Magic Carpets of Aladdin or at the bridge near Big Thunder Mountain and Splash Mountain are great ways to break from the action. Ample Guest seating is also available near the Liberty Square snack stand (snag a stuffed waffle nearby) or the Tangled Restrooms near Peter Pan’s Flight.

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Study The Restroom & Dining Layout

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Credit: ITM

Speaking of the Tangled Restrooms…As goofy as this tip sounds, being informed when making a mad dash for the nearest theme Park restroom is important. Particularly if you are traveling with young children, knowing where lower traffic restrooms are located could help avoid disaster during the trip. Restroom and family restroom maps are found on the Disney website for Guests to review before their trip.

Strategically Plan Your Disney Genie

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Credit: Disney

Disney Genie is key to seeing more during your Disney Magic Kingdom day. Research the program on the Disney website before vacation to understand if this is a ticket addition you want to pay buy. It may or may not make sense for your family, depending on the type of rides you want to experience and when you are visiting Magic Kingdom Park. If the cost is doable for you, Disney Genie and the individual lightning lane are a great way to save time and see more in the Parks.

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Credit: Disney

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Enjoy a Parade or Cavalcade

Disney parades are second to none. The Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade is so much fun. The parade is chock full of characters, princesses, and talented Cast Members celebrating the magic throughout the Park. Younger children delight in seeing their favorite characters pass by. Guests of all ages will be inspired by the magic of Disney parades.

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Credit: Disney

If lining up to watch an entire parade will take too much time out of your schedule, but you want to see the fun characters good news, is you can watch a shorter but still fun Character Cavalcade. These singular floats come with dancers and characters waving to Guests and dancing to upbeat music. Make time to see a parade or cavalcade during your Park day.

Utilize Disney Transportation

Utilizing Disney transportation is a considerable time and stress saver when traveling between Parks and your Disney Resort. In-park transportation is a great way to cut down on walking as well. I love catching the train from Main Street, U.S.A. Station to travel to the back of the Park during high foot traffic to dodge the crowds.

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Credit: Disney

The Magic Kingdom Railroad is also an excellent idea for Guests hoping to cool down and enjoy a longer attraction during the afternoon heat. This shaded ride gives a tour of The Magic Kingdom as the train circles the theme Park’s perimeter.

Embrace Your Inner Child

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Credit: DisneyTips

Embracing your Disney side and enjoying every moment of your Magic Kingdom Park day is the key to doing Disney the right way. Be fun, flexible, silly, and in the moment. Search for hidden Mickeys, laugh at the corny jokes on Jungle Cruise, and soar above London with Peter Pan. A Disney vacation is the perfect escape from reality. Make memories your family will treasure for years to come.

 

Disney World Resort is the escape from reality we all need. If you are heading to the original Walt Disney World Resort Park on your next vacation, I hope these Magic Kingdom tips are helpful. Happy travels!

About Katie Chapman

Hey There! I am a Georgia native with a passion for writing, traveling, cooking, decorating, pugs and of course all things Disney. Growing up in South Georgia just a few hours from Walt Disney World made for a magical childhood. Some of my best memories were made on Main Street U.S.A. with my sister watching SpectroMagic nighttime parade or beside my grandparents, parents and extended family at Chef Mickey’s celebrating on a family vacation. Epcot was my favorite park from a young age and I credit it with my interest in and love for international travel. As a kid I loved meeting characters and watching films around World Showcase and could spend hours exploring each of the countries in Epcot. These days, my husband and I get away to explore a new country whenever we can and even incorporate trips to The Disney Store and Disney Parks around the world in our travels. One of our travel goals is to visit every Disney Park in the world. I love writing about Disney restaurants, park tips, Disney outfit inspiration and Disney history. Pocahontas is my favorite Disney Princess (90s kid here!) but Mr. Toad is my spirit animal. When I’m not at Disney I’m reading about park history, watching Disney documentaries and shopping vintage Disney merch for park outfits. I never pass up a reservation to Ohana, an empty seat on Living with the Land or a Violet Sake.