Suggestions for things to do in MK when crowds are high and wait times are crazy

[ForEver2016]

Hi everyone! Looking for suggestions on your favorite things to do in the MK when crowds are at peak levels and wait times are really long. Let’s assume no fast passes have been booked in advance. I’m looking for things like rides/attractions with shorter wait times even when crowd levels are a 10, stores that could be fun to wander around in for a bit, favorite people watching spots, places with shaded seating for snacks, etc.

Edited to add: we will have a toddler with us!

Thanks!

 

[sponica]

You can always get on the people mover!

 

[Klayfish]

Honestly, that's when we dig into MDE and find FP+. Even during Xmas week, we found plenty.

But if we're not trying to get on popular rides, we'll do PeopleMover, CoP, stroll the shops on Main St, Philharmagic. We're not big time people watchers, so we don't typically sit to just sit.

 

[ForEver2016]

You can always get on the people mover!

Thank you! Definitely on our list! I have heard that the wait times for the Peoplemover have been pretty long lately. Any confirmation on this?

 

[Oneanne]

Country Bears and Tiki Birds.... both good for the wee-ones. Also playing MK Sorcerer's or doing the Pirate Scavenger Hunt.

 

[mamaofsix]

If you have a toddler - Tom Sawyer Island for sure!! It's perhaps our kid's favourite spot at Magic Kingdom and never busy. They could explore it for hours.

 

[Praying Colonel]

Carousel of Progress
TTA
Philharmagic
Hall of Presidents
Tiki Birds
WDW Railroad
Tom Sawyer Island
Stitch (but I hope you never need to resort to this )

Some of these like CoP and HoP are above your toddler's age level, but it can be a good place to get a rest in without leaving the park.

 

[Ds4angels]

Yeah TSI is really great and you can sit on the "porch" and watch the 3:00 parade go by at a distance

 

[iujen94]

Another vote for People Mover (yes, IMO lines have been longer than usual, but even when they look long it’s maybe 15 mins), Philharmagic and the Monsters Inc show!

 

[Klayfish]

Thank you! Definitely on our list! I have heard that the wait times for the Peoplemover have been pretty long lately. Any confirmation on this?

It depends. I don't buy into a lot of the talk here about rides being down a lot, because in our experience, they aren't. Except for PeopleMover. That's one that we have noticed going down pretty often. When it does, it can build quite a line when it comes back up. Also, during major holidays, it can get a long line...like out the set up area and down the walkway toward SM. But normally it's a straight walk on.

 

[SaintsManiac]

We like to stand on the bridge and watch people go down the drop on Splash Mountain

 

[IvyWinter]

I like tom sawyer island even as an adult its a nice break from the rest of the park! Ride the train, philharmagic is awesome and so underrated and usually even at busiest wait times its 20 minutes tops. and maybe some shopping, or enjoying some sweets from the bakery on a bench!

 

[Minnesota!]

Train, CoP, bench with some cinnamon almonds, get a silhouette done on Main Street, Tom Sawyer Island is a blast, People Mover, Philharmagic, Carousel

 

[lovethattink]

Interact with the Main Street Citizens. Captain Jack's tutorial. Listen to the Dapper Dans. Listen to the piano player outside of Casey's Corner. Watch the trolley show.

 

[SaintsManiac]

OP I just want to say I was in MK the Tuesday before Thanksgiving last year. We got there at about 1pm and it was packed, but we had the best time. It forced us to stop and smell the roses. We caught the railroad right at the entrance and made the loop. Then we shopped in Emporium and decided to step out on the curb right before FoF. We had an amazing spot and so many characters stepped out of the parade to interact with my daughter. The Dapper Dans walked over and performed for us. We grabbed a spot in Adventureland and ate fries from Casey's and then enjoyed the Tiki Room. I could go on and on, but I will say it was probably one of the best Disney days we've ever had.

Have fun!!!

 

[MorpethMiss]

We like to ride the train, People Mover, Muppets Great Moments in History, Hall of Presidents, Monsters Inc., Philharmagic. Even on busy days, Teacups, Carousel and Small World are easy to get on.
The Country Bears are often roaming around in front of the Country Bear Jamboree. We didn't realize that on our last visit, and chose a spot out front to eat our packed lunch. Within minutes, there was a bear trying to help himself to my son's sandwich. Good fun!
Your toddler might like the play area at Dumbo. The play time is built right into your wait, and they page you when it is your turn to ride Dumbo. Play time for the kiddos, rest time for you.

 

[AllieBoo]

We love the Peoplemover, it's relaxing and gives you some cool views of Buzz, Space mountain and the Castle. We also like the Tiki Room, Tom Sawyer Island and the Swiss family treehouse - never a wait for those! In general, I would think you could get some same day fp's. Keep refreshing the app until something you want comes up.

 

[MusicalAstronaut]

1. Leave and go swim at the resort. Lol. If that's not an option:
2. Book fastpasses when you get to the park. Yesterday I got a same day FOP fastpass for two people for 8:55am at 8:30am. Just because you can't book them in advance doesn't mean you can't get ANY fastpasses. Something will show up, even if it's Dumbo or Buzz or Aladdin. Just keep refreshing it.
3. Tom Sawyer Island
4. The treasure hunt thing in Adventureland or sorcerer's of the magic kingdom.
5. Rides like People Mover, WDW Railroad, the teacups, swiss family robinson treehouse, tiki room, and philharmagic usually have short waits.
6. Get some snacks and people watch. I'll try to take fancy pictures for IG and get pixie dust while wandering around too. Look for photopass photographers and have your picture taken.
7. Ride the monorail/a boat (I'm partial to the boats!) to a resort and get lunch (or snacks) and just explore. When the park gets really busy I can really benefit from a break.

 

[djc9699]

Our favorites are Carousel of Progress, Laugh Floor, Riding the train, Tom Sawyer Island, Mickey's Philharmagic, Country Bears, Doing the Sorcerers game (don't remember the name), and watching the street performers. The people mover is nice, but it can sometimes have a rather long wait.

 

[Christinecinti]

We will do the Railroad and sometimes stay on it 2 loops around for a bit of a break... getting an ice cream at Plaza and sitting at tables with view of castle. .. if it's hot and you need shade, the tables beside Sleepy Hollow offer a nice break from the sun while enjoying a.Nutella fruit waffle! Philharmagic is a low key favorite, as is ppl mover. Hall of President's another good heat (and feet) break. It was still closed last time we visited but we usually do it.

Ps I love Small World (another long ride with ususally shorter lines) for sheer nostalgia, but my teenage daughter says it "creeps her out". sigh.