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8 Ways Disney Veterans Get The Most Out Of Magic Kingdom

Cinderella's Castle

No trip to Disney World is complete without a visit to the Magic Kingdom. For first time visitors, Magic Kingdom might seem overwhelming, but for Disney Veterans navigating the park is a piece of cake. To make sure you get the most of your day at Magic Kingdom be sure to follow these eight steps:

1.) Get to the park for rope drop

Disney veterans know that in order to make the most of a Magic Kingdom day they must get to the parks before they open (this is called rope drop). Each morning, Mickey and friends welcome their guests to the Magic Kingdom at the Welcome Show. The Welcome Show is a personal favorite of mine and it gets you excited to start off the day. To ensure you get a good view and you are one of the first in the park once it opens aim to arrive about 45 minutes before park opens.

2.) Go towards Adventureland first

Disney veterans know that most people heads towards Tomorrowland at park opening, so they opt to head towards Adventureland to beat the crowds. This allows you to hop on Jungle Cruise and Pirates of the Caribbean before the lines get too long.

3.) Make FastPasses for earlier in the day

If you’ve followed my last tip you should finish out Adventureland within an hour or two so the logical thing to do next would to head into Frontierland. If Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad are must dos for your family make FastPasses for early in your day, This will allow you to get through the lines faster and is more efficient because you’ll already be in the area. Use your last FastPass on a Fantasyland attraction- I suggest Peter Pan’s Flight or Seven Dwarves Mine Train then make more! You can make more FastPasses once you’ve used your initial three, one at a time until as long as FastPasses remain.

4.) Lineup for parades early

If parades are a must do for your family, be sure to line up early to ensure you get the best seats. Since Festival of Fantasy kicks off in Frontierland, I like to sit there and beat the crowds. My recommendation is to grab a Mickey bar, pick your seat in Frontierland or Liberty Square, and enjoy the parade. Then once you are done you can head over to the Haunted Mansion or Fantasyland. The Main Street Electrical Parade kicks off on Main Street so I recommend watching it there then staying for Celebrate the Magic and Wishes. If there are two runs of the Electrical Parade, catch the second one, because the crowds will be shorter. If there is only one showing- be sure to lineup early. You can always grab some Starbucks, ice cream, or hot dogs from Casey’s Corner to enjoy while you wait.

5.) Don’t leave when it starts to rain

First time Disney guests may be disappointed when it starts to rain, but Disney veterans know that rain just means shorter lines! Disney veterans have ponchos ready to go and when it rains they throw them on and continue on their way. Rain storms in Florida don’t tend to last long so stick it out! Most people will leave or hide in the stores when it rains, so by getting into lines you’ll beat the crowds when they reopen. As a side note: outdoor rides such as Seven Dwarves Mine Train, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and Splash Mountain may close for inclement weather but if it looks like it may clear up soon, you may want to wait until they reopen then be first in line.

 

6.) Use indoor shows to take a break

It’s no surprise that Florida has some hot days and that heat can really take a toll on your body. If you’re starting to feel hot and need a breath consider checking out an indoor show to take a rest and cool down. This can be a great way to avoid going back to your resort, but still allows you and your family to rest. If you’re Tomorrowland, check out The Carousel of Progress or Monsters Inc Laugh Floor. Stitch’s Great Escape is also air conditioned but it has a height requirement and may be scary for little ones. If you’re in Fantasyland check out Enchanted Tales With Belle, which is interactive making it fun for little ones or Mickey’s Philharmagic. If you’re in Liberty Square/Frontierland check out Hall of Presidents or Country Beer Jamboree.

Bonus Tip!

BONUS TIP: Consider planning and booking your next Disney trip with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner you can trust like Mickey Travels. They’ll help you get the best Disney travel deal, share expert advice and their services are totally FREE! It’s genius! Discover More >



7.) Save shopping for last

Disney veterans know that saving your shopping for last is the easiest way. The shops of Main Street remain open an hour after park close for you to shop after you’ve enjoyed a full day at the park. If you find something you absolutely need to have or is specific to a certain store, you can have it shipped to your resort’s gift shop if saying on site or pick it up at the front of the park on your way out.

8.) Utilize Extra Magic Hours (EMH)

Extra Magic Hours allow Disney resort guests to enjoy the parks for additional time before they open or after they close. While not attractions are open this makes for shorter wait times and lesser crowds. Disney veterans utilize these times to ride more popular attractions with lesser crowds saving time during regular park opens.

While Magic Kingdom may be overwhelming at first, with these tips you’ll be doing Disney like a veteran in no time!

BONUS TIP: Consider planning and booking your next Disney trip with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner you can trust like Mickey Travels. They’ll help you get the best Walt Disney World deal, share expert advice and their services are totally FREE! It’s genius!

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About Kylie

Kylie is a college student studying psychology and living in New England. She first fell in love with Disney World on her first trip at age ten, where she vowed to be a cast member one day. Ten years later she achieved that dream as a Fall 2014 and Spring 2015 Disney College Program participant. After graduation she plans to return to Disney World as a cast member again and move to Florida permanently.

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