Magic Kingdom Parking Lot Question

[OhDannyBoy]

On the first day of our trip we will likely not get to the park before noonish. It's only going to be a half day and the tickets were essentially free so why not right? We will be returning later that week anyways.

I am driving my own car with my DW who will be 6 months pregnant and my 23 month old daughter. Which means a stroller and slow paced walking.

I already know I'm going to be parked at the very back of the lot as this is peak time at the park but the trams run constantly so that won't be more than a 10 minute wait usually.

But between the tram ride, the monorail / boat (haven't decided which to take yet, thought are appreciated) ride, the visit to the ticket booth to activate our Florida resident tickets, and bag check, what kind of timeline am I looking at?

An hour? More? Too many variables to really plan it out?
I've been to the Magic Kingdom plenty of times but I've never arrived as late as I plan to this time.

I'd like to set up a FP meet & greet with Mickey that's right there on mainstreet. I know I have an hour window so if the whole process takes longer than anticipated that's ok too.

I'm just brainstorming.

Thanks

 

[holden]

I think from the time you park your car to the time you go through the turnstile at MK should be 30 minutes or less.

 

[cckp72]

I was going to say about 45 just to be on safe side. Definitely not an hour unless there are some additional circumstances (rain storm, etc).

 

[Robo]

30 min. is very optimistic.
45 min. sounds closer.

 

[OhDannyBoy]

Sweet, thanks guys!!

 

[M SH]

the monorail / boat (haven't decided which to take yet, thought are appreciated) ride

I would do the express monorail for the fastest way.
at the time you are arriving you should get on the next one in.
the boat would set you 5-10 minutes late (IF it's there and you can get on). it's not as frequent as the monorail.

Overall, everything should take ~30 mins (parking, tram, monorail, turnstiles).

 

[OhDannyBoy]

I would do the express monorail for the fastest way.
at the time you are arriving you should get on the next one in.
the boat would set you 5-10 minutes late (IF it's there and you can get on). it's not as frequent as the monorail.

Overall, everything should take ~30 mins (parking, tram, monorail, turnstiles).

The only reason I might consider the boat instead is the stroller we are bringing isn't small and might be easier on the boat.

We will make a game time decision though.

Thanks for the input everyone!!

 

[DLgal]

Plan for an hour since you have to activate tickets. The line for that could be anything from no line to a huge line.

 

[TinkSassy]

I decide on boat/monorail on arrival - if the boat is there I take that but if not I hike up the ramp to the monorail. If the boat is there it seems to be about the same amount of time either way and I like the view around the lake.

 

[OhDannyBoy]

I decide on boat/monorail on arrival - if the boat is there I take that but if not I hike up the ramp to the monorail. If the boat is there it seems to be about the same amount of time either way and I like the view around the lake.

I prefer the boat myself for just that reason.

That's likely what we will do. If the boat is there, sweet. If not, we'll catch it later in the week when we come back.

 

[Queen of the WDW Scene]

A solid 45.
When we do drive our car we tend to do ferry on the way over and monorail the way back.
Just kind of a tradition for us.

 

[Klayfish]

10 minutes, tops. Someone had to give an opposing opinion....

The real variable is the time at the ticket booth. But for the tram, boat, security, etc...I agree 30-45 is about right. If you get lucky and hit it just right, maybe it'll be a bit less, but I wouldn't count on it.

This past summer, we timed how long it took us to get from the front door of our off site rental condo and step through the tap point and onto Main Street. This was around 4:00pm and it took us exactly 52 minutes. That included driving from the rental to MK, parking, tram, monorail, security, tap in.