MAgic Kingdom On First Day?

[SuperGurl]

I plan to arrive to WDW on July 20th prior to 8:00am. I planned to go to Magic Kingdom and have ADR for dinner at 1900 Park Fare. I was advised that MK is the worst park to visit this day because it'll be crowded due to EMH being at this park. I figured we'd go anyways and get on the popular rides during morning EMH then maybe at 11am go have lunch and then maybe go in a few shops then try to get a good spot to see the afternoon Parade. Then we'll go back to our resort and unpack (if time permits), then go to our 6:00pm ADR at 1900 Park Fare. then come back to MK to see the evening parade & fireworks. Is this doable on such a crowded day? My daughter wants to see Cinderella's Castle so bad and - of course - see Cindy herself. I think it will totally devastate her not to do this on her first day. It's been 20 years since I've been, so I don't have a clue if going against the advice given to me would hurt.

 

[Cheshire_cat]

Are you staying on-site? Is it a morning or evening EMH?

Not that it matters much. I Totally agree that you should see MK first thing. It just isn't Disney until I see that castle and ride the Dumbo ride. Arriving at opening, you'll be amazed at how much you'll get done.

We went on June 4, and it was an extra-magic evening at the MK. We were there for opening at 9 (we were there at 8:30 actually) and we were able to see all of Fantasyland, Haunted Mansion, rode BTM railroad 2x, Aladdin's carpet ride, Jungle River in the morning w/ very little lines. Oh, and had a Dole Whip!

You can do it

 

[MikeWD]

I completely agree! Magic Kingdom is a first day must. It sets the tone for the rest of the trip, and nothing quite compares to that grand entrance with Cinderella castle. If you are staying on-site, take advantage of the EMH in the morning if it is at Magic Kingdom. Walk straight thru the castle and into Fantasyland first thing. There, you will find dumbo, small world, peter pan's flight, philharmagic, winnie the pooh ride, and snow whites scarey adventure -- all musts, especially for little one's. This will ensure a magical beginning to your day. We have never run into a problem with this plan. If you don't do EMH, be sure to catch the welcome show out front of magic kingdom in the morning (before normal opening). It also sets a magical beginning to the day.

 

[KarenCPA]

I completely agree to take advantage of EMH. Get there about 7:30 or 7:45 if you can - they will open the gates earlier than 8:00. You will be amazed how much you can do in the morning, before things get too crowded.

I also agree that an early lunch is a good idea. Parade? Maybe. July is really hot. You did not say how old DD is. I would advise being flexible. If the weather is unfortunate and she is in melt down mode, just leave. Don't be rigid. Play it by ear.

You say most people advise against MK the first day of their vacation because of crowds, but that assumes most people arrive on a weekend and do MK on a Mon or Sun. Since you are arriving on Thursday, that may be the beginning of your vacation, but it will be the end of the week for most people. See?

Have fun. I know you will! k

 

[tiff211]

I say if you are going to do MK later on during your stay then by all means, go for it. If that will be your only visit to MK, I know my DD's would expect all the other parks to be like MK and would a little disappointed in the rest. Have a great time whatever you decide! You can't go wrong, it's DISNEY!

 

[Lady74]

The park will be crowded due to the EMH in the morning but the morning EMH hours aren't as bad as the Eve. EMH hours and by eating a early lunch that will help with the food crowds. One more thing work left to right or hop on the train first thing and take it to toontown. you can bet some of the crowd that way. Good luck and maby we wil see you there,
July 14th-23rd.

 

[samano]

I say if you are going to do MK later on during your stay then by all means, go for it. If that will be your only visit to MK, I know my DD's would expect all the other parks to be like MK and would a little disappointed in the rest. Have a great time whatever you decide! You can't go wrong, it's DISNEY!

tiff211, I just had to post to say that I LOVE your before & after pic....absolutely adorable!!!

 

[SuperGurl]

Thank you all for your replies.This really helps My DD is 4 1/2 and we're staying onsite, so we'll be able to take advantage of the morning EMH. We're staying 8 days and plan to do MK at least twice.

 

[bobcat]

If you can get there that early then go for it. Fantasyland should be your first stop. It is amazing how crowded this area gets later in the day.

Use your FP wisely. Get a FP as soon as you enter of if you get off of a ride you know your child will enjoy later in the day. Also make sure to get a FP before you sit down to eat. That way your FP wait time is ticking away while you are having a nice relaxing, cool lunch. You can hold two FP at a time if you get a new on as soon as the time is up on your old one. For instance you have a FP for Pooh with a ride time of 11am. At 11am, and before you ride Pooh, get another FP for say Peter Pan. While you are riding Pooh your wait time for Pan is ticking away. Make sure you look at the time you can get another FP as it is not always when your ride time is. The new time you can get a FP is printed on the bottom of your ticket. Good management of FP makes summer trips so much more enjoyable. There's nothing worse than standing in a long line with sweaty stinky bodies.

As for the parade I agree with playing it by ear. If everyone is tired and cranky you won't enjoy the parade. The crowds in Frontierland are lighter and you can get shade if you stay on the shop side of the street. There are also checkerboards by the shooting arcade to play while you wait. If you want a picture of the floats with the castle in the background sit by the Christmas shoppe. It also provides a little shade. Misty mates are a god send if you decide to wait for a parade. Bring one from home if you don't want to pay $17 as you melt into the pavement.

Cindy has a meet and greet in the Judges tent in Toontown. Get there as soon as they open, around 10am. Characters are usually out for rope drop of Toontown and the lines for Mickey and the other characters can get large.

There is only one first walk under the train tunnel and first sight of the castle. It still gives me goosebumps!