What are the best tips you have for creating the perfect day in the Magic Kingdom?

[FelisLachesis]

Convince night owls to become morning people. Rope drop is the best time for standby attractions.

I'm a night owl, and I work second shift

... Getting up at 2:30 for marathon weekend, when I usually go to bed at 2:30, is going to be VERY difficult.

My best strategy is to be patient and breathe! So many people are so convinced that they're going to do everything, that they accomplish nothing. Understand that riding every ride and eating every snack in MK in one day is neigh impossible, so don't even try. Take the time to look at The Kingdom, and not just getting to the next ride.

 

[IndianaRRT]

What I tell first time visitors:
If you're there early (rope drop-ish time) and life will go on if you don't ride 7DMT first, then turn left instead of right and head into Adventureland. Everybody and their fourth-cousin-twice-removed make a beeline for Fantasyland. We like to head for POTC, then Jungle Cruise. Sure, we get FP+ for 7DMT and we eat at BOG, but the perfect MK day for us is remembering where we are and how happy we are to be there. And an early Dole Whip. Because...reasons.

 

[SDFgirl]

My perfect day involves some time just sitting and people watching with a yummy treat.

7DMT is amazing late at night.

Hidden Mickeys are always fun for our older kids...they're not really into characters anymore...

...Except for Gaston. He is hilarious!

TomorrowLand Transit Authority at night when you're hot and sweaty and tired is lovely. It just cools you off and it is so smooth and peaceful.

 

[anomamatt]

No matter what your style, use touringplans.com's planner. It will give you a more realistic idea of what can be done, time wise. And make sure you have time to smell the roses.

If the advice is for crazy people like most of us here, then sdfp makes for a great addition to a mobile trip.

 

[Tia1977]

I'm another camp night owl. We very much disliked our one and only rope drop experience. While night owls are in the minority when it comes to DIS super fans, we do in fact exist lol Especially for families with teens and adult only groups.

We sleep in and wake up energized, getting to MK around 12 or 1 (right around the often sought "midday break" for rope droppers). Is it crowded? Yes. But, we start with our original 3 FP's (the book at 60 days highly sought after/lil to no chance in getting same day ones), grab lunch when convenient in between (normally CHH due to the almost peaceful upstairs seating), then start playing a fun game of FP roulette (gotta LOVE being able to do that on your phone now!) until a yummy TS dinner. After dinner, it's a little chill time until finding a good spot for the castle show/fireworks (Our fave is the old FP area closest to Casey's. We arrive an hour early, get a great spot along the inside back rail (so we can lean when we stand up later), then take turns for close Starbucks, ice cream, & the bathroom (next to CP).

After fireworks (we're always there when hours are later), we beeline it to Splash for a couple of no wait back to back rides, and check to see where the smallest waits are. The last 2 hours, and especially last hour (during peak season) blows RD period away with the amount of walk ons and little wait times...all with the advantage of it getting better as time goes by (v/s worse). At closing when the rides stop is our favorite ever!

We meander around almost empty sections of the park, taking in the peaceful nighttime "vibe". We slowly make our way to Main Street, collecting "deserted castle pics". Main Street is beautiful with all the lights at night and lil to no crowd! We always stop and watch in awe as the first Kiss Goodnight happens. Then my family shops in the emporium while I hang out in the deserted "alley" listening to the sisters teach piano lessons up top (They leave the soundtrack running. I don't know why I love ending the night with them in that alley, other than it being deserted with all the pretty lights. It feels far away, and at times real). We always know to meet when the last Kiss Goodnight happens.

After, we try to get one more photo pass pic of a totally deserted castle area before the last photo pass photographer breaks down. Then we slowly make our way out to the front, admiring the view with all the lights and no people... then we end up catching the last bus back to the resort...night owl

 

[Vickie1016]

Be realistic with your expectations. You can have the best laid plans, spreadsheet and all, then an unexpected thing (like a massive thunderstorm or a sick child) throws you a curve ball. You need to be able to readjust your plans on the fly.

If going during the summer months, know your limits with the heat & humidity. Keep hydrated & use sunscreen. Rope drop for every park is a must. In the afternoons, find rides or shows with AC.

If going with younger children, know their tolerance for the heat & for waiting in line. An unhappy child will make for any unhappy vacation.

 

[PrincessWithABlaster]

This is maybe not for first timers but give your day a theme. We've done princess day, character M&G day, and pirate day, Arg!! Do the things related to your theme. We did POTC, pirates league, and pirate tutorial on pirate day this year. Wear themed clothes or ears or something and the CMs and characters will get into it with you. It adds a layer of fun. Two of our 3 kids got picked for Pirate Tutorial, probably in part because they were in costume and had a ball. This year we did CRT on pirate day (princess day got retired because the girls are older) and asked Cinderella if pirate princesses were invited to dinner. She said yes if everyone in our party behaved.

 

[LaBelleVie]

Don't be afraid to go off-plan. Sometimes the best and most memorable moments happen when you just stop to smell the roses!

Also, rather than rushing out of the park with the hordes after the fireworks, take a ride on the PeopleMover. It's relaxing, the breeze feels good, and by the time you're ready to go, the crowds and transportation lines won't be nearly as bad.

 

[stardam]

I'm another camp night owl. We very much disliked our one and only rope drop experience. While night owls are in the minority when it comes to DIS super fans, we do in fact exist lol Especially for families with teens and adult only groups.

We sleep in and wake up energized, getting to MK around 12 or 1 (right around the often sought "midday break" for rope droppers). Is it crowded? Yes. But, we start with our original 3 FP's (the book at 60 days highly sought after/lil to no chance in getting same day ones), grab lunch when convenient in between (normally CHH due to the almost peaceful upstairs seating), then start playing a fun game of FP roulette (gotta LOVE being able to do that on your phone now!) until a yummy TS dinner. After dinner, it's a little chill time until finding a good spot for the castle show/fireworks (Our fave is the old FP area closest to Casey's. We arrive an hour early, get a great spot along the inside back rail (so we can lean when we stand up later), then take turns for close Starbucks, ice cream, & the bathroom (next to CP).

After fireworks (we're always there when hours are later), we beeline it to Splash for a couple of no wait back to back rides, and check to see where the smallest waits are. The last 2 hours, and especially last hour (during peak season) blows RD period away with the amount of walk ons and little wait times...all with the advantage of it getting better as time goes by (v/s worse). At closing when the rides stop is our favorite ever!

We meander around almost empty sections of the park, taking in the peaceful nighttime "vibe". We slowly make our way to Main Street, collecting "deserted castle pics". Main Street is beautiful with all the lights at night and lil to no crowd! We always stop and watch in awe as the first Kiss Goodnight happens. Then my family shops in the emporium while I hang out in the deserted "alley" listening to the sisters teach piano lessons up top (They leave the soundtrack running. I don't know why I love ending the night with them in that alley, other than it being deserted with all the pretty lights. It feels far away, and at times real). We always know to meet when the last Kiss Goodnight happens.

After, we try to get one more photo pass pic of a totally deserted castle area before the last photo pass photographer breaks down. Then we slowly make our way out to the front, admiring the view with all the lights and no people... then we end up catching the last bus back to the resort...night owl

All of this! My best memories have been with my teens late at night walking on all the rides. Nothing more beautiful than WDW at night. It's magical. For us it's way better than rope drop.

 

[DisneyMom2000000]

Hey everyone! Pete and I are brainstorming an idea for an upcoming Best and Worst of Walt Disney World episode. We want to know what you guys think are the best tips for navigating and creating the perfect day in the Magic Kingdom! The more unique, the better!

A reservation at The Plaza Restaurant for early lunch, grabbing a table with a view of the castle. One of their milkshakes. Great way to break up the day and relax.

 

[Mickey's Best Girl]

Upon arrival Main Street USA MUST be viewed from the train platform.

Keep plans and schedules to a minimum. This is a vacation after all.

Let your inner child free!

 

[TheMaxRebo]

I am sure some of these are already mentioned but here are some we try to follow:

- break up the day if possible - a mid-day break (especially during the summer when the days are hotter and the park hours are longer) can really help
- "go left" - a lot of people head to Fantasyland first but if you head left to Adventureland there are very low crowds - can can even go that way and head up to BTMRR and Splash first before those crowds build and then do the actual Adventureland attractions
- Breakfast at Sleepy Hallow - the nutella and fruit waffle is excellent and no ADR needed
- Target one headliner to do standby in the first hour and then have your FP for right after that, as early as possible ... then you can look for "extra" FP after that - with so many attractions there is always something you can get a FP for almost right away
- Ride experiences can be very different during the day vs at night - especially BTMRR and 7DMT - so try to ride them twice if you can (or if going multiple days, once during the day once at night). The Jungle Cruise also has a very different feel at night
- Pack your patience - for some people Magic Kingdom "IS" Walt Disney World and they are trying to do everything they can. Don't be stressed by their stress
- Say hello to cast members - we have had so many amazing experiences with CMs at WDW and in Magic Kingdom especially .... and a lot of the times it starts just by saying "hi" or chatting with them when they say "hi" to you
- If you have young kids, remember to use rider swaps and that they are good for 3 people and likely won't need to be used that day

 

[loves to dive]

I agree with others about going slow and enjoying the park, there are so many little details people don't take the time to notice because they are running from ride to ride. Stop and listen to the singers or watch the dancers, pick up the phone in the hat shop and listen on the party line, go into the little alley on the right of main street and listen to the person taking lessons. Don't be afraid to actually stand in a line, most of the rides have upped their standby line game and some of them are pretty fun. Once you get into the building at BTM, there are all sorts of interactive things to do, prime the blasting pump and watch it blow. Listen to the announcements on Jungle Cruise, they crack me up. Rides at night are totally different than the day, again BTM is a totally different experience at night. Ride the train, you see all sorts of little behind the scenes things and it's fun and relaxing. If you've been more than once, do things you haven't done before of things you haven't done in a long time. If you aren't a huge parade fan, it's the perfect time to ride rides since everyone is watching the parade. If you are staying on site, take advantage of EMH hours, we love the night time ones, we can ride every ride we want to in that few hour window and then the next day we are MK, we can just take it easy. Smile and say hi to strangers, a smile goes a long way.

 

[GillianP1301]

If you aren't already, study maps and familiarize yourself with the park so you don't waste precious time staring at a park map in the middle of Main St. trying to figure out where to go.

Have a plan, which also avoids standing around staring at a map wondering where to go, but be prepared to deviate from that plan depending on circumstances.

Plan for breaks. For us, we use TS meals as our breaks, at least 2 meals of our day. Not only do you get a rest, you get to eat (which you have to do anyway) and you get to experience a restaurant which to me are like attractions in themselves and depending on which restaurant, if it's a character meal you will save yourself having to line up for a M&G with those characters during your park touring time. Other people go back to their resort to rest. That has never worked for us, but whatever works best for you do it because you will want a little down time.

Stop and smell the roses. Don't get caught up in racing from one attraction to the next. Allow yourself time to leisurely walk the park and take in all the sites.

Take advantage of your fastpasses and pre-book your absolute must do attractions. Keep in mind that you have an hour window for a FP, so booking attractions that are all next to each other will leave you with large gaps of time in between. Stagger them a bit and fill in with non FP rides while you wait for the 2nd hour to start. Take advantage of 4th plus FP on the app. There have always been lots available at MK more than any other park when we go and often end up booking a up to an additional 4 or 5.

 

[DVC_Dad_Canada]

So much advice, not just for MK but for any park.

1. Go bagless: So much easier to get through security with just your wallet and your Magic band. Less is more.
2. "Lands" not "attractions": With smaller kids, tell them we're going to a specific land, like Adventureland, rather than a specific attraction. That way if the attraction is down or the wait time is insane you can mentally make note and go somewhere else without disappointing the little ones.
3. Both side are open: When ordering at counter services, BOTH sides of the order taker are open. People tend to naturally line up on one side, leaving the pother side empty.
4. Mind the weather: The plans you made for your December trip will not work for your trip in late August. Adjust for the weather.
5. Have some non-attraction time: We spend sometime doing Sorcerer's of the Magic Kingdom, and last trip I loved doing Pin Quest. Attractions aren't the be-all end-all.
6. Let it Go: With teenagers (I have three), you're not going to stick together like you did when the kids were little. Now I just give them the time and place of dinner, and let them do what they like.
7. Enjoy your hotel: You've spent far more on your Disney hotel than on your WDW tickets, so take a day or two just to enjoy the pool and other events at your hotel.
8. Must-do's: Too many people have too many "must-do's". We always have only one, HAVE FUN!!!

 

[scrappinginontario]

I have actually found it best strategy for my group to come for rope drop and book FP's for the first three hours the park is open (ex: 8:00 am, 9:00 am, 10:00 am). After getting in as much as possible in that precious first hour, you can hit the first FP at the end of its hour (remember each FP has a 15min grace period!), go straight to the second FP, and finish your third by the time hour 3 at the park is just beginning. This way, you can now book a fourth FP for your party and have the best chance of busy attractions still having FPs available. Using this strategy, we're able to finish most attractions by early afternoon! Then we can spend the rest of the day relaxing, sitting down to dinner, grabbing a dole whip and sitting by the Hub, finding a spot for fireworks, etc. A perfect MK day!

Ooo...thanks for introducing me to this great strategy! I like it!!

 

[Mome Rath]

Hey everyone! Pete and I are brainstorming an idea for an upcoming Best and Worst of Walt Disney World episode. We want to know what you guys think are the best tips for navigating and creating the perfect day in the Magic Kingdom! The more unique, the better!

Pick one ultimate must do ride. Pick one ultimate must eat treat. Choose a tradition to do with those you are traveling with, and do it every trip... if you enjoy Disney you WILL be back. It can be something as simple as throwing a penny in a certain fountain, to watching the fireworks, to riding the train around the park, or staying until the Kiss Goodnight...

 

[brewhome]

I love all of this! I would add... enjoy your time in the ride queues and don't bury your head in your phone!! Talk to your family about the favorite things they've done so far, things they're looking forward to doing next, their favorite snacks or meals so far or what they want to try next, the details they see around them in the queue, and what they think their friends and family back home are doing right that minute. We have found that our neighbors in line often will jump in on the conversation with us, and we've met people from all over the world this way. The whole point of vacation is to spend time together, so enjoy those moments to connect!

Also, get a Dole Whip. Or a churro. Or a Mickey ice cream bar. Or all of the above. Just because.

 

[Moxiepup]

I agree with everything mentioned thus far. The main thing that I think would be crucial to planning would be to plan at least one more day than you think you'll need. Maybe I'm going through the post Disney vacation blues, but I really wish we had panned one more day. We had a great time... rope dropped almost every day and felt we made good use of all the planning advice found on this forum, but I keep still wishing we had at least one more day. Heck, even if we had planned one more day, I think I'd still be wishing we had just one more day. Can I just please live at Disney World?

 

[Oneanne]

One to add: if you are into RD, trying doing it at a park that just had late EMH. My Nephew and I did this at MK after it had just been open until 1am... we did 12 attractions before lunchtime.