Try This Different Way to Plan a Day at Magic Kingdom

For many Guests, Magic Kingdom is the first thing that comes to mind when they hear ‘Walt Disney World.’ It’s the theme Park that marked the official opening of the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, along with Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and the Disney Monorail. 

While Guests who are experiencing Magic Kingdom for the first time wish to experience everything the Disney Park has to offer, Guests who visit frequently may be looking for a new way to experience it. Whether you’re an Annual Passholder or are well into double digits when it comes to visiting Magic Kingdom, we’ve put together a game for you to try.

Let’s play this or that: Magic Kingdom edition!

Rules

We have put together this game, ensuring all attractions at the Disney theme Park are included. The only exception is Enchanted Tales with Belle, which is currently unavailable. We have also factored in places to eat and grab favorite Disney snacks.

To get the most out of the game, we recommend spending a day in Magic Kingdom Park. Plan on getting there at opening and leaving after the Park closes. Of course, it’s up to you if you take a break during the afternoon to freshen up and take a nap. We also challenge you to play without securing a Lightning Lane or using Disney Genie+. You are welcome to use Early Theme Park Entry if you are a Disney Resort hotel Guest.

So all you have to do is decide on one of two options for each of our suggestions. No cheating now, by deciding to do both!

Arriving at Magic Kingdom

Your options will depend on where you are staying in Lake Buena Vista. Choose the option that is most suitable for you. For Guests staying in any other Disney Resort hotel, including Disney’s Wilderness Lodge or Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, you begin deciding when you arrive at Magic Kingdom.

Traveling by car: Disney Monorail or Ferry Boat?

While it is said that the Disney Monorail and Ferry Boat take around the same time to make your way from the Transportation and Ticket Center to Magic Kingdom, this may depend on the line for the Disney Monorail and if the Disney Ferry has just arrived at the dock. Whichever method you choose to use should also be used when leaving Magic Kingdom after a magical day.

Staying in Disney’s Polynesian Village or Disney’s Grand Floridian: Disney Monorail or Water Taxi?

Which is your favorite mode of transport to use to get to Magic Kingdom from either of these Deluxe Resorts? Remember to use the same mode of transportation on your way back to your Resort at the end of your day.

Staying in Disney’s Contemporary Resort: Disney Monorail or walking?

Do you prefer to take the long or short route to Magic Kingdom from Disney’s Contemporary Resort? Both have benefits depending on whether you are arriving at or leaving Magic Kingdom for the day.

First stop in Magic Kingdom: Meet Mickey & Minnie or take a ride on the Main Street Vehicles?

How will you start your Disney experience in Magic Kingdom? Enjoy a short line in the Town Square Theatre before meeting everyone’s favorite Mice, or take a ride on a Main Street Vehicle to save you the walk in the crowds down Main Street, U.S.A.

Morning coffee: Starbucks or Joffrey’s?

If you haven’t yet grabbed your first cup of coffee, then now’s the time to do it. Do you prefer to wait in line for a Starbucks from the Main Street Bakery or visit one of the Joffrey’s stands around Magic Kingdom?

In need of breakfast: Sleepy Hollow Refreshments or The Friar’s Nook?

If you haven’t yet eaten and are feeling peckish, then why not grab your morning coffee with your breakfast order from one of two locations:

• Cross the bridge near Cinderella Castle into Liberty Square and order something sweet from Sleepy Hollow Refreshments, or
• Walk through Cinderella Castle into Fantasyland and order a savory breakfast from The Friar’s Nook.

Which Mountain: Space Mountain or Big Thunder Mountain Railroad?

Begin your day with one of the famous mountains that reside in Magic Kingdom. Visit Tomorrowland for a dark ride on Space Mountain, or enjoy the wildest ride in the wilderness in Frontierland.

Time for a flight: The Magic Carpets of Aladdin or Astro Orbiter?

Do you prefer to take a magic carpet ride or fly a space rocket? Your decision here could tie in really nicely with the Magic Kingdom mountain you have just ridden!

Enchanted Tiki Room or Country Bear Jamboree?

Time for a little sit down; you may be racking up the steps already, depending on what your previous decisions have entailed. Which of these famous Disney shows will you select to enjoy? Stop by the Enchanted Tiki Room in Adventureland or visit the Country Bear Jamboree in Frontierland. Whichever you decide, we’re sure you’ll end up singing along!

Mid-morning snack: Cheshire Cat Tail or Warm Cinnamon Roll?

If you ate breakfast in Magic Kingdom, you might wish to skip this mid-morning snack. We’re absolutely not judging if you want to enjoy all of the food offered in Magic Kingdom, though. Will you choose the Cheshire Cat Tail from the Cheshire Cafe or stop by Gaston’s Tavern for a Warm Cinnamon Roll? Either way, this is another chance to enjoy a morning coffee.

A long line: Peter Pan’s Flight or Seven Dwarfs Mine Train?

It’s a rare sight to see either of these attractions with a short line, and if you want to experience the magic included in the queue lines, then you hope for a bit of a wait anyway. So which one will you go for? Do you prefer a slightly shorter line and the magic of Peter Pan’s Flight, or the longest Magic Kingdom attraction line but the fun experience of Seven Dwarfs Mine Train?

Time for a spin: Prince Charming Regal Carousel or Mad Tea Party?

Take a gentle spin on the Prince Charming Regal Carousel or something a little quicker on the Mad Tea Party.

Festival of Fantasy: 12 p.m. or 3 p.m.? Frontierland or Main Street, U.S.A.?

Two decisions to make here…Now that the Festival of Fantasy Parade is shown twice throughout the day, the first decision to make is the time you will watch it. From there, decide whether you will secure a spot in Frontierland, so you see the parade as it begins or whether you’ll secure a spot on Main Street, U.S.A., allowing for a little sidewalk seating while waiting for it to arrive.

Lunch-time eating: Pinocchio Village Haus or Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe?

If you decide on watching the earlier Festival of Fantasy Parade, then lunch will likely follow it. Do you prefer Italian-inspired dishes from Pinocchio Village Haus or American favorites from Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe?

Lunch digestion: Mickey’s PhilharMagic or The Hall of Presidents?

A sit-down attraction will be welcome after lunch. Fancy something filled with magic and fantasy with Mickey’s PhilharMagic, or will you choose something a little more informative with The Hall of Presidents?

One for the kids: Dumbo the Flying Elephant or The Barnstormer?

Whether you have kids in your party or you’re just young at heart, here are two attractions aimed at younger Guests that you have to decide between. Take flight in your very own Dumbo, or experience a fun flight on The Barnstormer.

Time for a Water Ride: Splash Mountain or Pirates of the Caribbean?

It’s likely to be heating up in the Floridian sun, but a water ride will help you to cool off. Will you choose to get soaked on Splash Mountain or just a splash on Pirates of the Caribbean? You certainly need to watch out for those gunshots into the water as you pass Barbosa!

Dry off: Tom Sawyer Island or Tomorrowland Speedway?

Time in the sun will help you to dry off a little. Now is a great time to take a raft across the Rivers of America to Tom Sawyer Island. Alternatively, head to Tomorrowland and ride your very own vintage car at Tomorrowland Speedway.

Afternoon snack: Dole Whip or Mickey Pretzel?

Snack time! Are you in need of something refreshing? If so, grab a Dole Whip from Aloha Isle or Sunshine Tree Terrace. If you’d prefer something savory, then grab a Mickey Pretzel from the Liberty Square Market or The Lunching Pad in Tomorrowland.

Afternoon sit: Walt Disney World Railroad or Liberty Square Riverboat?

While both of these attractions aren’t currently operating, when they are, it’s time for a well-earned rest. Will you complete a full loop of Magic Kingdom Park on the Walt Disney World Railroad or take a ride down the Rivers of America on the Liberty Square Riverboat?

Under the Sea – Journey of The Little Mermaid or The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh?

Let’s take a gentle ride inspired by favorite Disney classics. Sing along to Under the Sea – Journey of The Little Mermaid, or jump into a storybook in The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh.

Afternoon boat ride: Jungle Cruise or “it’s a small world”?

Time for a voyage. Will yours take you into the depths of Adventureland with a Jungle Cruise, or will you tour the world on “it’s a small world”?

Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover or Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire?

Two contrasting Magic Kingdom attractions, but which one will you choose? Are you in need of more magic? If so, then secure a spot in front of Cinderella Castle and enjoy the final showing of Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire. Alternatively, skip the show and take a relaxing tour of Tomorrowland on the PeopleMover.

Pre-dinner ride: Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin or Haunted Mansion?

You’ll be working up an appetite, but first, decide between two favorite Magic Kingdom rides. Are you aiming for Galactic Hero on  Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, or would you prefer to become the 1000th happy haunt in Haunted Mansion?

Dinner time: Full-Service or Quick Service?

As if you haven’t made enough decisions already today, you should be making quite a few in one go here! Will you choose full-service or quick-service for dinner?

Quick-service: Colombia Harbour House or Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Cafe?

These are your choices for quick service. Will you go for fish and chips at Colombia Harbour House or Mexican-inspired dishes at Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Cafe?

Full-service: Character dining or regular dining?

If you’d rather enjoy full-service dining, will you choose character dining or regular dining?

Character dining: Cinderella’s Royal Table or The Crystal Palace?

You may have to have planned this ahead of time to secure an advance dining reservation at Cinderella’s Royal Table. Otherwise, join the walk-in line for The Crystal Palace, and enjoy dining with Pooh and friends once they return.

Regular dining: Tony’s Town Square or Liberty Tree Tavern?

If regular dining is your choice, will you go for Italian-inspired dishes and dine like Lady and Tramp in Tony’s Town Square? Or will you enjoy an early Thanksgiving dinner with all-you-care-to-enjoy dining in Liberty Tree Tavern?

Dinner digestion: Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor or Carousel of Progress?

After all that food, you’ll need time to digest. Head to Tomorrowland and choose between a 20-minute sit on the Carousel of Progress or prepare to laugh in Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor.

A spot of shopping: Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe or Momento Mori?

Take some time to browse the shops and buy a seasonal souvenir to take home. Will you choose a Christmas ornament from Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe or a spooky souvenir from Momento Mori?

Dessert: Plaza Ice Cream Parlour or Popcorn carts?

We hope you saved room for dessert after dinner! Which Magic Kingdom snack will you end your day with? An ice cream from the Plaza Ice Cream Parlour or a helping of popcorn from a cart at the hub in front of Cinderella Castle?

Disney Enchantment: from Main Street, U.S.A., or while wandering Liberty Square and Fantasyland?

A Disney day that ends in fireworks is a day done right! But where will you watch Disney Enchantment from? Will you secure a spot on Main Street, U.S.A., to enjoy the projections along the buildings, or will you enjoy the fireworks view strolling through Liberty Square and Fantasyland?

Finish up: Browse the Emporium or PhotoPass photo on Main Street, U.S.A.?

Time to finish up your day in Magic Kingdom. If you’re still looking for that perfect souvenir, you’ll need to stop by the Emporium. Alternatively, you can stop by a PhotoPass Cast Member and get that perfect photo of you and your party in front of Cinderella Castle.

You’ve done it! A day spent in Magic Kingdom by making lots of decisions! Is there anything you would change? Will you do the opposite next time, to experience a contrasting day? Stay tuned for a this or that day at EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom.