magic kingdom tips!

[uktigger]

hi all
i have posted a similar thread on touring epcot would you be so kind and give me some help on touring magic kingdom as well
while at MK we would like to include eating at kona cafe for lunch or dinner what would be the best way to do this

thank you so much for any input you can give

eve

 

[Kaycee]

Hi! I have a few questions for you first. How many times have you been to WDW before? Do you have children traveling with you? If so, what are their ages? Are you staying on-site? Are you early risers, or do you like to sleep in? How long are you staying? When will you be there? Are you commando-style tourists, or do you prefer to take things slow?

Whew, that's quite a list of questions, huh? But all these factors affect the way you'll want to tour MK.

As far as eating at Kona Cafe, we had lunch there last June and loved it. We strolled around the Poly for a while after lunch, just enjoying the theming and cooling off for a while. If you're traveling during the summer months and don't have to go back to your resort for a rest break midday, I think lunch at Kona will work best. It'll give you a break from the crowds and heat for a while. Then you can head back to the parks after your break.

 

[kilee]

If you are going at a busy time of year-- try and get to the park early. So much can be done within those first 90 minutes. Rides are usually walk on to 10 minute waits. It's amazing how many of the larger attractions you can knock off within that first hr of opening.

Also, if doing Toontown, we like to go right at opening (usually 1 hr after park opening). We find it's alittle less crowded and the waits are still minimal. Then we take the train to the other side of the park and get off in Adventureland or Frontierland. Saves are feet alittle too .

Kona Cafe is a great choice for a break. It's great to be able to take the monorail or ferry to the Poly and get back so easily.

 

[Dana49]

If you're in Toontown and headed to Frontierland, take the train. The train is much more relaxing and easier on the "little ones" than walking all that distance.

If you have any intentions of visiting Fantasyland, do that first. The lines build quickly after the first hour. Enjoy!

 

[mickeysaver]

Ok, same story as with the Epcot post. Have fun! Maggie

Magic Kingdom Information
· Get to the "Mountains" early (Space/Splash/Thunder). The lines on these get long later on. The quick & easy way to get to Splash MT on a regular entry morning is to ride the WDW RR from Main St. Station to Frontierland Station which is right at Splash MT - relaxing ride sure beats running! Train leaves as rope drops, announcements start, so get there before all but the best runners.
· The Sword in the Stone Ceremony – Fantasyland - It takes place several times throughout the day, check the Guide Map for exact times. Guide maps can be picked up as you enter the park. This ceremony features Merlin, who will select several people from the audience to attempt to pull the magical sword, Excalibur, from the stone. Takes place in from of Cinderella's Golden Carrousel.
· Cinderella's Wishing Well – Fantasyland - Throw a coin into this fountain - there is a surprise special effect. Located along the pathway that leads to Tomorrowland.
· Haunted Mansion - Liberty Square - Look for the wedding ring in the cement at the Haunted Mansion.
· The Madame Leota tombstone that debuted at the Haunted Mansion earlier this year? It's on your left, right near the entrance to the Haunted Mansion. Leota Toombs was one of Disney's early Imagineers, who was previously commemorated in the actual attraction -- the face that appears inside the crystal ball in the HM's seance scene is hers. Now she has her own place in the graveyard, along with Imagineers Marc Davis, X Atencio, Yale Gracey and Warthel Rogers. Be sure to read the new tombstone's inscription and watch Leota's face carefully as you approach.
· Flag Retreat - Main Street, U.S.A. - At about 5:10 pm each evening, a color guard marches to Town Square, while patriotic music plays.
· Talking Trash Can – Tomorrowland - There is one located inside Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe´ - it's in the room that the stage is in. This takes place most days, a number of times throughout the day.
· In Tomorrowland, it makes much more sense to get a Space Mountain FP rather than get a Buzz FP and then go wait in the Space Mountain line.
· Waiting for the Walt Disney Railroad at the Main Street train station? Put a quarter into the Antique Music Box located in the waiting room to hear a selection of tunes. Or put a coin into some of the other machines scattered around the station to watch a short movie.
· Around twilight, take a walk through the All American Rose Garden outside Cinderella Castle (between the Castle and Tomorrowland), down near the old Swan Boat dock. It's off the beaten path, but offers beautiful views of the castle and the heavenly smell of roses surrounds you. Occasionally, you'll even find a family of ducks, with their ducklings, waddling amongst the blooms.
· The first time we visited Minnie's house here, we thought it was pretty boring. But that's because I didn't know its secrets. Don’t be afraid to check out the appliances and take a long look around.
· On the side of the Hall of Presidents' building, across from the Liberty Bell, you'll spy two old-fashioned rocking chairs on small brick porch. Grab a snack and sit a spell.
· Cool Rides…
· Space Mountain but, only if line is inside the building. (3 minute ride)
· Tomorrowland Transit Authority (10 minute ride)[avoid at lunchtime]
· It's a Small World (11 minute ride)
· Hall of Presidents (open 10 am - 6 pm) (23 minute show)
· The Haunted Mansion
· Country Bear Jamboree (17 minute show)
· Pirates of the Caribbean (10 minute cruise)
· Enchanted Tiki Room (20 minute show)
· Walt Disney Railroad (21 min. ride around the circuit)

 

[VanHouten]

Originally posted by mickeysaver

· The first time we visited Minnie's house here, we thought it was pretty boring. But that's because I didn't know its secrets. Don’t be afraid to check out the appliances and take a long look around.

Excellent post. Thanks!

Now what are these secrets at Minnie's house?

 

[mickeysaver]

Originally posted by VanHouten
Now what are these secrets at Minnie's house?

Oh, that's no fun. I think you need to go and see for yourself! There are many surprises to be found in Toon Town. Maggie

 

[BrotherBear]

My best tip is at the end of the day, when it is dark, after the parade and fireworks have finished... make your way to the street right in front of the castle. Everyone will be exiting in mass at this point. Just buy a bag of popcorn, find a bench, and watch the colors of the castle change. Everyone else is in the mass exit mode, but you are happily sitting, relaxed, and watching the castle.

My family did this on our last trip. It took a few minutes to get my DH and kids to agree to sit, relax and enjoy but once they did we all had this wonderful "Disney Magic". Pure relaxation in the center of Magic Kingdom!!

 

[uktigger]

hi
thank you all so much for taking the time to post

kaycee
sorry to take so long to get back to you
we are staying on site at all star movies for 2 weeks in october, i have 2 boys aged 12 and 8 this will be our second trip
on our first trip we really just took in the atmosphere of just being at disney(it was overwelming)
i would say we can be early riser's if need be but would also like to have have the odd lay in
i would like to go commando but dh say's he is not going to be running around like a lunatic so i guess you could say it needs to be a more relaxing pace

thanks eve

 

[uktigger]

hi maggie

sorry i forgot to say thank you to you personally(for your great post) i was like you i thought minnies house was boring too
but now i know different and can't wait to try it out again

thanks again eve