What Was The Best Time For the Magic Kingdom?

[pa. dad]

I would say 1994 as it still has 20,000 leagues and the skyway and mr. toad. I like some of the newer rides too that came after that like buzz lightyear and the mine train. 20,000 leagues was my favorite though.

 

[capegirl]

I will never forget that Birthday Cake Castle.
I have to say that I preferred the MK of the past, but not because of any particular attraction. I think over the years the magic has diminished. All of the planning required for a day at MK has put a damper on spontaneity. The magic is still there, but you have to work harder to find it.

 

[pa. dad]

I will never forget that Birthday Cake Castle.
I have to say that I preferred the MK of the past, but not because of any particular attraction. I think over the years the magic has diminished. All of the planning required for a day at MK has put a damper on spontaneity. The magic is still there, but you have to work harder to find it.

Actually my sons were born in 1994 so we couldn't go that year for obvious reasons. Splash Mountain is my current #1 ride and that opened in 1992 and 20000 leagues closed in 1994 so that would be my ideal time frame then. We did go back in 1985 when we were a young couple and it was lot of fun then too even without the kids. Seemed less crowded and certainly a lot cheaper than now.

 

[MrToadsWildRide]

I preferred MK before FP- was replaced with the current system. I loved MK then - could get there early, hoard FPs and ride, ride, ride.

While I have no scientific data to back up (any) of my opinions ... it appears that the current FastPass+ system has taken the spontaneity out of visiting the Magic Kingdom. It seems that if you didn't plan thoroughly and far enough in advance, you'll have a hard time getting to see your favorite attractions. Your options are somewhat limited if you (and your family) wake up one morning and simply decide to go to the Magic Kingdom with the expectation of having some fun without waiting in long lines.

I've wondered if it would be a good idea to restrict FastPass+ availability to some time after the park opens. Maybe have a 2 hour window where the rides are simply open to those who get up early and get to the park when it opens. Which is basically what we used to do. Go early, when it gets hot (summer time) and crowded (every day) head back to our hotel (which is a fairly significant portion of our vacation cost) and enjoy some pool time.

It seems the FP system is great for people who plan ahead and are happy sticking to their plan.

 

[MrToadsWildRide]

Splash Mountain is my current #1 ride and that opened in 1992 and 20000 leagues closed in 1994 so that would be my ideal time frame then.

I think you may have found the date I was searching for.

1993?

Splash, 20,000 (under the splash), Skyway, Mr. Toad. Great combinations.

Plus that was before the central hub was turned into a FastPass-Fireworks-Parking-Lot. The pre-deforestation days of the central hub. Wasn't there actual places to sit and relax around the hub back then? Memory keeps fading. Darn that Dave, he keeps removing memory banks.

 

[Slayd]

I agree with many of the posts here. The best time to go is when you go.

It's great that we can all sit here and reminisce about our favorite versions of MK. That's what keeps the place interesting, magical, and legendary.

 

[luvgoing2disney]

It was our first trip to WDW with the kids, and we did most of the attractions that are now gone - with the exception of the Skyway. I can't remember if the kids were too young and didn't want to go on it, or we just didn't have the time, but I figured we could get to it the next trip. So fast forward to the next trip which was a few years later, and the Skyway was gone. So we missed our chance for that one.

We've been to Disney at several times during the year, mostly just DW and myself, but the last time we were at Disney while Christmas decorations were up was when they still had the garland stretching across Main Street - and the pictures we took looked so grand. We're planning to go in November this year, and I already know I'll be missing it.

Wow, this is SO similar to us. Our first trip was in 1997 and we did not ride the Skyway due tp the wait, but we thought we would do it next trip. Wrong. By 2000 they were gone.

I know folks hate the pink birthday cake castle, but it does hold special memories for us. Our son was 4 1/2 and it was SUCH a magical trip for us. Still our favorite one, too.

 

[Seeker615]

1998 - we had the best time at Disney. Lines were not long, characters were everywhere. We never had to wait in lines to meet them - they were just around. It was a very magical time at all the parks!

 

[L&Lfan]

We've been going to the Magic Kingdom since 1972 and I'd have to say it was always a fabulous time before fast pass plus and magic bands. The magic has really dimmed, imo.

 

[Micca]

While I share your enthusiasm for days-gone-by at MK...Now is the time, now is the best time ...

 

[Ava]

I went in 1997 and that Cakestle was the most hideous thing. I also prefer the current Big Top section of Fantasyland to Mickey's Birthdayland/Toontown. Other than that, the line up of attractions in the late '90s was great. I miss when there were actual films shown in the Main Street Cinema instead of just shops.