Magic Kingdom day with no rides

[flowergirl45]

Hi all. I’m planning a day at the MK for my husband and I, where we do things that we have never done before because we’ve mostly focused on rides. For example, I saw a trip report where someone had their silhouette done. And I know you can get a haircut at the barbershop. I’d appreciate your suggestions of all the non-ride things! We are definitely going to do Tom Sawyer’s Island, as we love it and know it’s going away. Our trip is in December (during the slower time, not the holidays). Thank you!

 

[Forevermarypoppins]

If you haven't done before, I suggest seeing the US FLAG Retreat. I think it is at 5pm everyday. I love it!
Please check for times!

 

[mom2rtk]

I could totally do that. Of course see the parade and fireworks. Maybe see as many characters as possible? Do a photo scavenger hunt?

 

[Wendysofftoneverland]

I heard there is a Pirate Scavenger hunt in Adventureland, though I haven't done it yet. We miss the old shooting gallery...we'd stop by there on the way through Frontierland, which is a great place to view the cavalcade parade, if they are still doing that.

 

[ftbaker1313]

I don't know if you classify this as a ride or not, but my wife and I enjoyed "riding" the horse drawn wagon and old cars up main street.

 

[migirl]

I recommend the Swiss Family Robinson treehouse, watch the parade, eat a table service meal, find a rocking chair and sit and enjoy the ambiance.

 

[parasail_of_congress]

If you’re looking for something a little different, I’d recommend checking out the Animation Academy if you're into drawing or just want to try something creative. It’s a fun and low-key activity. I also love the Dapper Dans—if you catch them, they’re always entertaining and give off those classic Disney vibes. If you have some time, exploring the shops along Main Street is a nice, chill way to discover unique Disney items.

Are you talking about the Animation Experience at Animal Kingdom? I don't believe there is an Animation Academy at Magic Kingdom.

 

[fbarker]

Walk down main street looking at the windows on the 2nd floor see the names and then google them, most of them have some significance to WDW. Go over by Casey's and really listen to the piano player. People watch.

 

[Simba's Mom]

I went to Magic Kingdom one day and went to all the pin trading boards and not only traded pins, but talked to the Cast Members there. I don't remember where they all are, the Guest Experience blue umbrellas would know, but I remember a shop in Frontierland near the Country Bear Jamboree, a shop in Tomorrowland (near Cosmic Ray's), in the Emporium, etc.

 

[flowergirl45]

If you haven't done before, I suggest seeing the US FLAG Retreat. I think it is at 5pm everyday. I love it!
Please check for times!

Great idea! I saw this once, by happenstance, but it would be great to see it again. Husband is a veteran and would love this.

 

[flowergirl45]

I went to Magic Kingdom one day and went to all the pin trading boards and not only traded pins, but talked to the Cast Members there. I don't remember where they all are, the Guest Experience blue umbrellas would know, but I remember a shop in Frontierland near the Country Bear Jamboree, a shop in Tomorrowland (near Cosmic Ray's), in the Emporium, etc.

Thank you for the suggestion!

 

[flowergirl45]

Walk down main street looking at the windows on the 2nd floor see the names and then google them, most of them have some significance to WDW. Go over by Casey's and really listen to the piano player. People watch.

All great ideas! Thank you.

 

[flowergirl45]

I recommend the Swiss Family Robinson treehouse, watch the parade, eat a table service meal, find a rocking chair and sit and enjoy the ambiance.

You know, I’ve never eaten a TS meal in the MK. Hmmmm……possibilities! Thanks!

 

[flowergirl45]

I could totally do that. Of course see the parade and fireworks. Maybe see as many characters as possible? Do a photo scavenger hunt?

Definitely the parade! We will watch the fireworks from our room at the Contemporary. At the risk of sounding dumb lol, how does a photo scavenger hunt work? I will have to ask him how he feels about the characters.

 

[flowergirl45]

If you’re looking for something a little different, I’d recommend checking out the Animation Academy if you're into drawing or just want to try something creative. It’s a fun and low-key activity. I also love the Dapper Dans—if you catch them, they’re always entertaining and give off those classic Disney vibes. If you have some time, exploring the shops along Main Street is a nice, chill way to discover unique Disney items.

Street performers are definitely something we’ve only seen as we ran by in the past! Love the idea of actually watching the Dapper Dans. Like another poster, I’m not sure that the MK has the Animation Academy.

 

[flowergirl45]

I heard there is a Pirate Scavenger hunt in Adventureland, though I haven't done it yet. We miss the old shooting gallery...we'd stop by there on the way through Frontierland, which is a great place to view the cavalcade parade, if they are still doing that.

YES, I was hoping to do the shooting gallery! RIP. I will check out the Adventureland scavenger hunt.

 

[flowergirl45]

I don't know if you classify this as a ride or not, but my wife and I enjoyed "riding" the horse drawn wagon and old cars up main street.

Yes! This is perfect. Thank you. I think those “rides” only happen pretty soon after park opening?

 

[mom2rtk]

Definitely the parade! We will watch the fireworks from our room at the Contemporary. At the risk of sounding dumb lol, how does a photo scavenger hunt work? I will have to ask him how he feels about the characters.

Just pick a subject and photograph as much of it as possible. Signs, trash cans, flowers, attraction signs, you name it.

 

[mom2rtk]

Lots of ideas online:

https://www.pinterest.com/beccaayers79/disney-photo-challenge/

 

[ftbaker1313]

Yes! This is perfect. Thank you. I think those “rides” only happen pretty soon after park opening?

yes, and you have to catch them at certain spots. Either near the train station or at the castle.