What Would You Do FIRST in Magic Kingdom?

[ilovebassets]

I totally believe in being go with the flow and not overdoing planning. BUT, the first 90 minutes to 2 hours at the Magic Kingdom are magical before crowds start to build, and you're overall day will be so much better with more time to actually go with the flow if you get the big, long line attractions done first.

We like to do one day in Tomorrowland/Fantasyland and one day in Frontierland/Adventureland. I recommend Tomorrow and Fantasy first, personally, if you plan on doing two days at Magic Kingdom. Spend the first hour to 90 minutes giddily running from ride to ride with no waits. Then start your fastpasses for big rides. I recommend scheduling your first one between 0930-1030, then the next one between 1030-1130. We enjoy a table service lunch around 1145 right as the crowds are really building to go and relax and talk about all the fun things we did in the morning. Then the 3rd fast pass between 1 and 2pm. Then grab a fourth fastpass at kiosk, and start doing the things that have minimal lines like the peoplemover, carousel of progress, hall of presidents, liberty belle riverboat, etc.

 

[richmo]

I'd delay the ears too. There's plenty of time to get them and whatever iconic photos you want. Use the morning to take advantage of lesser wait times on attractions.

Maybe your gang is a little young, but we try to get a Big Thunder Mtn RR ride (or two) in before the lines pick up. Exhilarating way to start the day. Of course, your FP+'s may dictate some of what you do, but early in the day is a good time to perhaps do a popular attraction before the crowds get rough.

 

[chelseabun76]

We start our trip off with Peter Pan too I also make fp+ for it later in the day or on another day in the parks (we did 3 MK days last trip), but it's how I need to start the trip off.

 

[Trinity88]

Are your kids girls or boys? I have 3 girls and we did Enchanted Tales with Belle first and they loved it! It's not a ride, but the experience was very "Disney" for them.

 

[mi*vida*loca]

Dumbo! For me going at 20 for the first time I just HAD to ride Dumbo.

We always hit MK on arrival day. We are usually in the park by 11-12 and hit that little shop for the kids to get their Mickey ears, then we hit the rides. Now that my kids are older Splash Mountain is our first ride.

 

[BayouMickey]

Are you staying on site? If so, you can order the Mickey ears pre-trip and have them in your room when you get there. We do this alot.

 

[GillianP1301]

I'm in the minority, I would not delay the ears or enjoying Main Street on your very first time in MK. We all know that rides first is the rule, strictly from a time management perspective, but you never get that first trip down Main Street back, so enjoy it the first time. You've got plenty of other days to hit the parks hard at RD, if that's what you want to do.

So yes, I would get your ears, I would enjoy the walk up Main Street and really just let your kids take the lead. As for rides and attractions to do first, I would go with Fantasyland and FP Peter Pan, Mine Train & Pooh.

The very first time we took our DS to MK, he was 4. We arrived at our hotel mid afternoon and headed straight to MK with no plan other than to just look around. We took the ferry to really enjoy the first "arrival", it was close to 5pm by the time we got into the park. We took a leisurely stroll down Main Street and landed at Casey's for a hot dog. We chose to try Adventureland first mainly because my DH loves PoTC and was anxious to take our DS on that one. I know we only had a couple of hours because we wanted to keep bed times normal and we were able to cover off Jungle Cruise, Swiss Family Treehouse, Aladdin's Carpets and Pirates before heading back down Main Street for a balloon and quick stop for a Chip & Dale M&G. In total, we were in the park only about 2.5 hours. We had no FP (this was pre FP+) and we had no plan and I wouldn't have done it any other way. We've had plenty of other Disney Days since then that have been much more planned and strategic in our approach and that's all fine and good, but would not have wanted to run down Main Street trying to get to a queue at RD on the very first visit.

 

[karpy111]

I would go for Dumbo at that age. Then maybe Barnstormer.

 

[Greenfield1984]

I'd say the first thing to do is arrive early enough at magic kingdom to enjoy the preshow.

I see you are planning to go during emh. Not sure if they have a pre show on those days. If so a more experienced diser please let us know.

If not I'd say skip the emh day if you can both so you can enjoy the show and also avoid what is traditionally a more crowded day at the park since many resort guests choose that day for emh as well.

 

[tlmadden73]

If you arrive the day before, I'd say go to Downtown Disney to start the excitement and get some shopping done (like the mouse ears).

On your MK day ... if your kids like Toy Story .. just beeline towards Buzz Lightyear first .. otherwise go straight through the castle and hit anything in FantasyLand that your kids like (Peter Pan is great)

 

[BrittyRo]

I disagree with everyone saying hit the rides first. I agree with Gillian, that first trip down main street and their first picture in front of the castle with their honest reactions you will never get back. For my Fiance's first trip in September we got to the park the first day around 10:30. The first thing we did was take a million pictures in front of the main Mickey planter, got him his ears walked around Main Street and went to see Talking Mickey (and then hit our 12pm Buzz FP because that was the first ride he wanted to ride at DW). Some things just aren't about "time management". You always have your guaranteed 3 FP's for whatever rides you want later. Those first moments in the park you'll never get back.

 

[JimmyV]

With the new interactive queue, it is Peter Pan all the way. Instant Disney magic. Dumbo?, let's be honest. They have the same ride at your local harvest festival. That won't knock anyone's socks off. For a first time visit with kids that age, I would get FPs for some of the rides with long waits for later in the day. (Mine Train. Buzz. Thunder Mountain). But for a very first visit, I would use the Rope Drop first hour to bang out some classics that will have minimal waits. Low wait times enhance the magic. So I would do things that are uniquely Disney.
Peter Pan
Belle
Small World
Pirates
Haunted Mansion
Jungle Cruise

After hitting those rides with minimal waits, I would then start to use the Fast Passes.

 

[ZephyrHawk]

I agree with those who say skip the ears early. Walk right through the castle and get on the carousel. Is it iconic or knock your socks off? No, but it's right there and classic. And in full view of the castle throughout.

 

[lroger01]

If you can wing it time and $$ wise, I highly recommend you go to MK on your arrival day. Since lines are long already there is no need to rush. Go to the hat shop, get pictures, and let the kids gawk at everything. Go slow and just absorb the magic of being there. Spread your 3 FP+'s around the park, and go in with a plan to just ride them and anything else with a short line. I suggest FP's for Jungle Cruise, Peter Pan, Speedway (or Buzz). As for short line rides, consider Tarzan's treehouse (while you still have the energy), Country Bears, Tiki Room, Carousel, Dumbo (play area), Train, TTA, and COP. Use the late day crowds to educate your kids on the benefits of getting there early the next day.

Avoid staying too late. You want to leave wanting more, not with sore feet and needing to fall into bed.

 

[wdwjeffc37]

Get there for rope drop or as early as you can manage. For your first day I would get your FP+ starting around 9:30 - 10:00. They will be set about an hour apart. Peter Pan, Enchanted Tales with Belle(even boys will like this. Be sure to get them a part in the show), It's a Small World, Buzz Lightyear are good choices to start with. Dumbo is a good choice too. It has a good waiting system for kids (parents too). I agree with the posters that say take your time upon first entering. Have your camera ready. The reactions of seeing the castle for the first time can be priceless. My 5YO daughter was awestruck. Literally standing in the middle of Main Street with her mouth hanging open. Those first reactions only happen one time. Be ready to capture them. A family PhotoPass picture with castle in the background is great. For younger kids the whole thing can be kind of overwhelming. Give them a chance to adjust before rushing them around. Believe me, after they get their bearings they will be rushing you around. Ear hats can be ordered or purchased at Downtowm Disney ahead of time. Whatever you decide have a great trip!

 

[Miaka1]

My tradition is to always ride the carousel first. It's been the first ride, since by first trip when I was 6, and last year it was the first thing my kids road on their first trip. There is just something magical about the music and the castle, and it still makes me feel like I'm 6 years old.

 

[LoKiHB]

Ok, This is going to sound WAAAAAAYYYY off base from everyone else, but might I humbly suggest Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor?

Our first trip with our oldest son (then celebrating his 5th Birthday), we had no clue where to go. We ended up in Tommorrowland and right in front of Monsters. It was May, it was hot, and MI was air conditioned. We had been up since 4 am. Needless to say, while it was not Peter Pan or any of the other "classics", it was the perfect introduction to Disney Magic for us. Where else in your life can you walk into Monstropolis and partake in a completely interactive stand up show with characters you know and love?

For us, and especially for him, it was complete immersion into "Disney Magic".

No matter where you end up, you will have an awesome time!

 

[RustManFan]

I am certainly no kid but I also say Peter Pan's Flight!!

 

[dkrauss]

Peter Pan. It's a classic ride that has stood the test of time and it's short so your kids will be eager for more. If flying over London doesn't blow a little kid's socks off I don't know what will. If you wait to ride it until later the line will get ridiculously long.

This is my family's traditional first ride every trip.

Either the one above or Winne the Pooh..................both kids favorites. If you go Pooh first than you can move on to Peter Pan.......Small World..........then Frontier or Adventure land!!!

Have a great trip.

Doug

 

[BrianL]

Absolutely be there early enough to see the MK Welcome show. It's delightful!

After that, either Peter Pan or Jungle Cruise. The ears can wait.