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Magic Kingdom Touring Plan in One Day For Adults

Magic Kingdom isn’t just for kids! There’s so much that adults can appreciate. To maximize your one day in the Magic Kingdom, I recommend that you rely heavily on FastPass+. This plan may seem to do a little zig-zagging across the park, but in my opinion, it’s better to walk a little more in order to wait a lot less. (i.e. get as many FastPass+ reservations for popular rides as possible) Grown-ups can handle a little extra walking, right?

Before you Go:

As we mentioned in our 6 Steps Planning, you’ll want to figure out FastPass+ and Advanced Dining Reservations (ADR) before you enter the park. You know your party’s A-list, but here are our general suggestions for an adults-only group.

1. FastPass+: Seven Dwarves Mine Train, Space Mountain, Thunder Mountain, Splash Mountain, or Peter Pan.

All of these rides typically have the longest wait times. If you want your picture with the latest princess, she will have a long line too, so that’s another option.

Schedule FastPass+ reservations for early in the day, ideally 9:00, 10:00, and 11:00 if you can.

2. ADR: Jungle Navigation Skipper Canteen and Be Our Guest

I’m recommending these two simply because they are the newest venues in Magic Kingdom. Jungle Navigation Canteen accepts reservations same day only so if you go with this choice, set an alarm to remind yourself to snag a table as soon as you wake up.

FastPass

Schedule  

All right, here we go! For sake of example, I’m going to assume your initial FastPass+ reservations are Space Mountain 9:00-10:00, Peter Pan 10:00-11:00, and Thunder Mountain 11:00-12:00. (Spread out, I know, but it gets those A-list rides out of the way quickly.)

1. Early Morning

Arrive BEFORE opening. If the park opens at 9:00 you should be at the gate no later than 8:45, which means you should be in the parking lot/at your transportation spot no later than 8:10. Grab some coffee and enjoy the rope drop show.

2. Rush Ride…or not

We’ve mentioned this before. Get in line straight away for one of the popular rides that you did NOT get a FastPass+ for. Probable example: Seven Dwarves Mine, the current most difficult FastPass+ to get. OR If you don’t feel like rushing, hang out a little longer on Main Street to enjoy the ambiance, sign up for Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom (an interactive portal game you can play at your leisure), and maybe take a ride on the Main Street Vehicles.

3. Morning

At this point, it’s probably around 9:30, and you have plenty of time to get to your first FastPass+ before the window closes. Then check off a few other rides around it if possible. Example: If your first FastPass+ is Space Mountain, then hit Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin and/or Tomorrowland Speedway.

4. Snack

You need to be heading through Fantasyland anyways, so stop at Gaston’s for a cinnamon roll. Mmmm!

5. Late Morning

At this point, it’s probably nearing 11:00 and the window for your second FastPass+ is probably about to close. Go there now. Assuming you’re doing Peter Pan, then afterwards you can probably do Haunted Mansion on the way to Thunder Mountain before the final FastPass+ window closes at noon.

6. Lunch

Jungle Navigation Skipper Canteen OR Columbia Harbor House. While you’re there reserve your next FastPass+ via the My Disney Experience app. Early afternoon times for any of the rides listed below in #7 would be ideal.

7. Early Afternoon

Spend time in Frontierland and Adventureland. Highlights include Splash Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Jungle Cruise. Remember to reserve your next Fast Pass as soon as you use the previous one. Check for late afternoon times in Fantasyland if possible.

8. Snack and Parade

Grab a Mickey Bar or Dole Whip and settle in for the Festival of Fantasy Parade. An ideal spot would be in the shade near The Hall of Presidents so you can scoot over to Fantasyland quickly afterwards. (Or if you want a more unique snack, I highly recommend the stuffed waffles at nearby Sleepy Hollow.)

Bonus Tip!

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9. Late Afternoon

If shows are your thing, hit Muppets Great Moments in American History and/or Mickey’s Friendship Faire. Otherwise head back to Fantasyland. Check off some nostalgic classics like It’s a Small World, Dumbo, or The Teacups while little ones are potentially napping (and therefore not in lines). FastPass+ picks will start to get thin at this point, but don’t forget to make another selection for after dinner if there’s something that interests you.

10. Dinner

Be Our Guest, if you have a reservation. Otherwise, check out The Friar’s Nook (gourmet mac ’n’ cheese) or Pinocchio Village Haus (good food in air conditioning) for counter service.

11. Evening

Now is the time to check off anything you missed above or add a few extras if you’ve really been ambitious. If you’ve got time, meet Mickey or Tink in Town Square. (You’re never too old, after all!)

12. Late Night

Fireworks, of course. Check the time schedule on MDE app. Consider reservations for the Fireworks Dessert Party at Tomorrowland Terrace if you’re celebrating something special. Otherwise, treat yourself to something sweet from the Main Street Bakery or Confectionary.

13. Late Late Night

After the fireworks, there will be a mad rush for the exit. But the park isn’t closing! Head for a few more rides. Check the MDE app—the lines at one of your top picks may be short enough for you to do a repeat. As long as you enter the queue one minute before closing time, you’ll get to ride. Shops stay open a little longer too, so this is a good time to grab souvenirs. Finish with the “Kiss Goodnight” as you walk down Main Street.

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 >



Castle-Night-MainStUSA

Other Options:

You’ll notice there are quite a few things left off this list. In the interest of time, you simply will not be able to do everything…maybe not even everything listed above. That’s OK! No matter what you fit in, it will be a magical day. That being said, here are some other great options that may appeal especially to adults:

  • Mickey’s PhilharMagic – A delightful 3D show. Do this while in Fantasyland if you need to sit in the A/C.
  • Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse – If you’re a fan of the story, it’s fun to tour the house.
  • WDW Railroad – great for train lovers, but it does take a long time. (The exception would be if you find it helpful somewhere in your plan to get from one land to another.)
  • Carousel of Progress – nice moving theater animatronic experience. It’s not gonna dazzle, but it’s kind of a Disney right of passage. Adults appreciate it more than kids.
  • Hall of Presidents – again, kids don’t really appreciate this attraction, but adults do.

 

You May Want to Skip:

Everyone’s different, but in an adults-only group, these might not be on the top of your list. This is just an opinion to help prioritize your time.

  • Enchanted Tales with Belle – much better with kids.
  • Barnstormer – an extremely tame coaster.
  • Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor – kinda cheesy without kids.
  • Country Bear Jamboree – same. (unless this is nostalgic for you)
  • Tom Sawyers Island – super fun with kids, but without kids, it feels like wandering.
  • Liberty Belle – simply in the interest of time. It can feel like the ferry.
  • Magic Carpets – again, because of time. It feels like Dumbo.

However you choose to schedule it, have a memory-filled Magic Kingdom day with your fellow grown up(s)!