First timer - Magic Kingdom first or last?

jamieann · May 3, 2015

I'm taking my friend to WDW for 3 days in June. It's her first visit ever and we are doing MK, EPCOT and DHS. The big question is should we start with Magic Kingdom or save it for the end? It's the park she is most excited about, so I'd hate to hit it first and have the other 2 be a let-down, but it also feels weird to have a first timer do anything but MK first! She has no preference and is leaving all of the planning up to me. Thoughts? Thanks in advance!

ZoZo · May 3, 2015

Have you checked any planning sites like easywdw.com? That might help you decide which days for which parks. It's a fairly "practical" way of deciding taking into consideration which park is likely to be the most uncrowded each day so you can get more done.

TheLittles · May 4, 2015

I always do MK first. To me it's like the welcome wagon for WDW. Walking in and seeing the castle first day is just magical and gets you in the mood for all things disney.

Lavitz · May 4, 2015

ZoZo said:
Have you checked any planning sites like easywdw.com? That might help you decide which days for which parks. It's a fairly "practical" way of deciding taking into consideration which park is likely to be the most uncrowded each day so you can get more done.

This would be my suggestions as well. For me, the last thing you want a first timer to experience is a day where MK is packed and they don't enjoy it, when you could have gone the next day when it was dead and had a blast. I'm using a few crowd calendars right now to plan my Nov stay and it's really helping out. If you have to choose, first or last day for MK would be best.

ParkHoppers · May 4, 2015

Forget practical and crowds. The Magic Kindom is iconic Disney World IMO. I personally need to come through the front gates and take a stroll down Main Street eyeing the Castle as I go to start my DW vacation. It sets the magic feel for my vacation. First all the way if you ask me. Others may feel otherwise.

minnie mum · May 4, 2015

While many always do MK on their first day, I agree with some if the PPs. Any park, but especially MK, is better if you go on a recommended day, when the crowds are expected to be lighter. I have been using easywdw.com for my park planning, and have been pleased by the results.

Megsmachine · May 4, 2015

If you can do MK first I would. I agree it sets the tone for love-of-all-things-Disney. BUT like the others have mentioned, make sure it's not a super crowded day or it could turn her into a I-hate-Disney-and-everything-about-it.

JZCubed · May 4, 2015

jamieann said:
I'm taking my friend to WDW for 3 days in June. It's her first visit ever and we are doing MK, EPCOT and DHS. The big question is should we start with Magic Kingdom or save it for the end? It's the park she is most excited about, so I'd hate to hit it first and have the other 2 be a let-down, but it also feels weird to have a first timer do anything but MK first! She has no preference and is leaving all of the planning up to me. Thoughts? Thanks in advance!

I add to the chorus of planning by 'Best Days' versus 'Crowded Days'.

But depending on your desires for nighttime activities, you may consider Park Hopping to Magic Kingdom in the evening after Epcot or HS.

So, if your first day is not MK, your first night could be.

Nancyg56 · May 4, 2015

I agree that it is best to use a planner to chosse park days. My DH always tells me to schedule MK the first day, but we never do. I tend to hit the MK on Tuesdays and Fridays, which works well for my family. I think that while the MK is the most "Disney" of all the parks, the others are fun as well.

LaurenT · May 4, 2015

It is specifically the PPs who must do MK on their first day that makes MK so crowded on Mondays!
If you want to avoid the most crowded parks each day, follow Josh's recommendations at EasyWDW.com

momof2n2 · May 4, 2015

I also have to add my vote to going by Josh's best days recommendations. You'd hate for it to be so busy that it induced frustration over wonder and excitement.

Daisybell911 · May 4, 2015

My tradition is going to MK first(and making Small World my first ride) and ending at HS with my last thing being Fantasmic. I usually go during the slower times of the year so crowds are better over all. I just think it's magical having Cinderella's Castle being the first thing I see and Sorcerer Mickey as my last.

Alesia · May 4, 2015

ZoZo said:
Have you checked any planning sites like easywdw.com? That might help you decide which days for which parks. It's a fairly "practical" way of deciding taking into consideration which park is likely to be the most uncrowded each day so you can get more done.

This is exactly what I would do. The most magical park is the least crowded one.

kbelle8995 · May 4, 2015

For a first timer, Mk should be first. It contains the attractions that people think of when they think of Disney. If it gets to be too much hop on the Monorail and head to Epcot.

FlightlessDuck · May 4, 2015

Our first trip, we did Magic Kingdom first.

BlueStarryHat · May 4, 2015

In 1998 I took a trip with two of my cousins and one of them had a near-meltdown in the MK because it was so hot and crowded. She just never did get into the 'Disney Mood' and has never gone back to WDW. I had been there two other times and of course I'm a complete Disney fanatic, so I was enjoying myself and so didn't notice that she was flagging until it was too late. In 2006 it so happened that I wound up at Epcot my first day, and found myself really enjoying that park more than I would have had I done MK on that first day.

That said, it's my usual routine, now that I've been to Disney so many times, to go to the MK first. By now, I know which attractions we like and which to skip, which saves us time on busy days...if you're planning on introducing your friend to everything there because it's her first time, you'd do well to save it for a lower crowd day.

AllieBoo · May 4, 2015

Add a day, and make it first and last!

alievans719 · May 4, 2015

I usually follow recommendations, but MK was the last one on my previous trip, and the last one for my upcoming trip. I love saving it for last. It's my favorite to be there at the very end of the night, and the kiss goodnight. But I think following the crowd calendars is number one. Any way you go, it should be magical!

jamieann · May 4, 2015

Thanks for the input, everyone. I've been looking at the Touring Plans crowd calendar and it conflicts with EasyWDW. Not sure which one to trust. Touring Plans shows crowd level of 7 for Monday and Tuesday and 8 for Wednesday. EasyWDW shows Monday as not recommended and Tuesday and Wednesday recommended. What to do, what to do.

Princess Disney Mom · May 4, 2015

I'd do it first if it is not a terrible crowd day. This way if your friend loves it she still has time to do it again. You also don't know what can happen, weather, illness, tired at the end of the trip.

First timer - Magic Kingdom first or last?

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