Magic Kingdom has the most family-friendly attractions in all of Walt Disney World. With two days in the Magic Kingdom you’ll have adequate time to experience all the must-do’s on your list. Here’s a guide to help you maximize your time.
Before you Go:
As we mentioned in our 6 Steps Planning, you’ll want to figure out FastPass+ reservations and Advanced Dining Reservations (ADR) before you enter the park. You know your party’s A-list, but here are our general suggestions. Schedule FastPass+ reservations for as early in the day as possible, either when you plan to arrive or right after breakfast if you’re doing an ADR. Remember you can usually adjust the time for later if you need to while in the park, but it’s harder to adjust the time earlier.
Day 1:
- FastPass+: Seven Dwarves Mine Train, Princess Greetings, Space Mountain
- ADR: Chef Mickey’s and/or Cinderella’s Table
Day 2:
- FastPass+: Peter Pan, Big Thunder Mountain, Splash Mountain
- ADR: O’Hana and/or Be Our Guest
Schedule
All right, here we go!
Day 1: Fantasyland and Tomorrowland (plus fireworks and princesses)
1. Early Morning
If a big breakfast is your thing, schedule the earliest possible time at Chef Mickey’s to get the day started right with everyone’s favorite Mouse. If not, be sure to arrive either well BEFORE opening (if 9:00, be at the gate at least by 8:45, at the parking lot by 8:10) or linger at your resort’s breakfast and arrive a half hour after opening to avoid the congestion.
2. Morning
You can consider the Rush Ride strategy mentioned in the 6 Steps Planning, but since you’ve got two days, you don’t really need to. Snap some castle photos, purchase some ears (best selection at The Chapeau on Main Street) and meet Mickey if you didn’t already meet him at breakfast. Also, go to the Firehouse and sign up for Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom. (It’s an interactive portal game that you can play throughout the park at your leisure.) Then head to Fantasyland, and start working your way around, using your FastPass+ reservations as they come up. Additional suggestions: Prince Charming’s Carousel, Enchanted Tales with Belle, and Under the Sea.
3. Snack
Stop at Gaston’s for a warm cinnamon roll.
4. Late Morning
Continue in Fantasyland. You can probably fit in both Winnie the Pooh and the Teacups before lunch.
5. Lunch
Counter service at Pinocchio’s Village Haus or The Friar’s Nook.
6. Early Afternoon
Head to Tomorrowland. Yes, there’s more to Fantasyland, but you’ll want to use that final FastPass+ for Space Mountain so that you can reserve another. Look for a FastPass+ in Fantasyland or Tomorrowland that’s available in the late afternoon or evening. Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin would be ideal. Ride the Tomorrowland Speedway on your way back to Fantasyland.
7. Snack/Late Afternoon
Head to Big Top Souvenirs for a wide variety of treats and hop in line for Dumbo. Afterwards, run through Casey’s Jr splash pad quickly to cool off and get in line for Barnstormer. Make a reservation for Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique during this time if your girl is interested and you’re planning a fancy dinner with princesses.
8. Dinner
Cinderella’s Table, if you’ve got an ADR, OR counter service at Cosmic Ray’s.
9. Evening
Back to Tomorrowland for things like the Astro Orbiter, Tomorrowland Transit Authority (People Mover), Buzz Lightyear, Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor, and maybe Stitch’s Great Escape.
10. Late Night
Fireworks, of course. Check the time schedule on MDE app.
11. Late Late Night
The park isn’t usually closing after the fireworks, but since you’ve got another full day ahead, you don’t have to push it to the last minute. Browse the Main Street shops if you want to let the exiting crowd thin out, then head back to your resort.
Day 2- Adventureland and Frontierland (plus shows and parades)
1. Early Morning
Schedule the earliest possible breakfast with Stitch at O’Hana in the Polynesian Resort.
2. Morning
Meet Tinkerbell on Main Street, then head to finish up Fantasyland with Peter Pan and it’s a small world. You’ll also want to do Haunted Mansion and Muppets Great Moments in American History in Liberty Square.
3. Snack
Stuffed waffles from Sleepy Hollow.
4. Late Morning
On to Frontierland for Thunder Mountain and Splash Mountain. Reserve another FastPass+ when you’re done. Jungle Cruise in the afternoon would be ideal.
5. Lunch
Peco’s Bill for Tex-Mex counter service.
6. Early Afternoon
Run off some energy by exploring the trails of Tom Sawyer’s Island, then see Country Bear Jamboree to cool off.
7. Snack/Parade
Hop over to Adventureland to grab a Dole Whip, then settle in somewhere in the shade for the Festival of Fantasy Parade.
8. Late Afternoon
Move back into Adventureland and ride Pirates of the Caribbean, Jungle Cruise, and Magic Carpets. Catch the last show of Mickey’s Friendship Faire in front of the castle. (Check MDE for times.)
9. Dinner
Be Our Guest if you’ve got an ADR. Otherwise Columbia Harbor House for counter service.
10. Evening
Character greetings or any attraction that you missed.
11. Late Night
If you want to see the fireworks again, go for it! Otherwise, take advantage of the fact that everyone else is watching the fireworks and go crazy on the rides you want to repeat.
Other Options:
There are some things we didn’t mention, not because they aren’t good, but simply because they’re not as popular. If you happen to have time add these to your list:
- Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse
- Enchanted Tiki Room
- Hall of Presidents
- Carousel of Progress (though it’s definitely not a favorite for kids)
- Liberty Belle (ditto—feels similar to the parking ferry for kids)
However you choose to schedule it, have a memory-filled two day trip to the Magic Kingdom with your family!