When you are going to the Walt Disney World Resort, visiting the Magic Kingdom is often a central part of your vacation. There is just something magical about walking down Main Street U.S.A. and seeing Cinderella Castle! There is also a lot more to see and do at the park! A plan at Walt Disney World is a necessity so let’s explore Magic Kingdom touring strategies!
How Many Days to Visit?
The Magic Kingdom has many attractions and entertainment options. It’s recommended to spend two days here if you can. Doing this, you ensure that have time to see and do as much as possible without feeling rushed. It also allows you time to go back and visit your favorite attractions!
When to Arrive
It is always beneficial to arrive at the theme parks early. The Magic Kingdom is no exception. This is especially the case for guests staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel because you are eligible for Early Park Entry. This means you can enter the park and head to ride select attractions 30 minutes before the official park opening. This is a huge advantage because many guests head to the most popular attractions (e.g. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train) at the park opening.
When you visit the Magic Kingdom, you will be able to enter the park approximately one hour before it officially opens, but the lands where the attractions are is roped off. The official opening is often referred to as “Rope Drop”. There is a brief stage show with Mickey and his friends. Then, the cast members allow guests to enter the lands.
If you do not want to start riding right away, you can also explore the shops along Main Street U.S.A., take some photos, or get breakfast while you wait for the welcome show.
Touring Plans
There are a few different ways to tour the Magic Kingdom, depending on how much time you plan to spend there and who are you going with. Examples are included here. Each of these touring plans is designed with the layout of the park in mind to help you get the most out of your day. These are recommendations, however, so any can be adjusted to your specific needs and preferences. In addition, the best way to maximize your time at the Walt Disney World Resort is to work with a travel advisor.
Touring with Young Children
To view and download this touring plan, click here.
If you are visiting the Magic Kingdom with young children, this first touring plan is for you. This one is designed for families with children under 40”. Most of the attractions listed do not have a height requirement. Shows and character meet and greets are also included here.
Here are some additional tips to consider with this touring plan:
- If you do not plan to arrive early, consider purchasing an Individual Lightning Lane Entry for the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. The line fills up quickly and often remains long for most of the day.
- Consider using the My Disney Experience mobile app to order your quick service meals. You can do this in advance, and it will save you time during meal times.
- Use the Rider Swap option if you want to experience an attraction that your child is not tall enough to ride. See a cast member at the ride entrance for assistance with this.
- Head to Fantasyland for many attractions and character meet and greets that are perfect for young children. You will likely find the shortest wait times early in the day.
- Several character meet and greets are included with the purchase of Disney Genie+, with additional opportunities throughout the park. Standby lines are often shortest early in the day or late. Check the My Disney Experience mobile app for more details.
- Indoor shows are a great way to take a break from the Florida sun and potentially allow young children to take a break or nap.
- The Baby Care Center is available to take a break and take care of any of your baby’s needs such as feeding and changing. There is also a private area for nursing mothers if needed.
1-Day Touring Plan
To view and download this touring plan, click here.
If you are visiting the Magic Kingdom for one day, this is the suggested touring plan. It is highly recommended to arrive early to get the most out of your time at the park.
Here are some additional tips to consider for this touring strategy:
- If you are not purchasing an individual Lightning Lane Entry for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, arrive early or try to ride late in the day for the shortest wait times.
- There are several cavalcades and a show in front of Cinderella Castle throughout the day. Check the My Disney Experience mobile app for showtimes.
- To navigate the park, start in Frontierland or Adventureland and work your way around counterclockwise. Wait times for many attractions often go down later in the day.
2-Day Touring Plan
To view and download this touring plan, click here.
This touring plan gives recommendations based on having two days at the Magic Kingdom. It’s always recommended to spend two days here if you can. There is so much to see and do! By exploring approximately half of the park each day, you should even have time to revisit any of your favorite attractions!
Here are some additional tips to consider for this touring strategy:
- To see characters at the Magic Kingdom, select a Genie+ return time or consider visiting at beginning of the day or late. Watch the wait times on the My Disney Experience mobile app at various locations throughout the park. Some characters are also roaming so check with cast members if you are looking for someone specific.
- If you are using Genie+ but find short wait times for attractions, use the standby line. Doing this will potentially allow you to ride the attraction again later with a shorter wait. Check the app for the next available time!
- This plan can be easily modified based on your preferences and interests. It was designed to ensure that you have time to experience a variety of rides and attractions in the Magic Kingdom. Work with your travel advisor to modify as needed and help create the perfect itinerary for your vacation!
Touring with Disney Genie+
Are you planning to purchase Disney Genie+ or an Individual Lightning Lane entry during your visit? A touring plan is a great resource to help you plan your day, in combination with this service because there are several strategies that you may choose when using it.
The Disney Genie does provide recommendations for attractions and dining throughout your day. However, it’s important to make sure that these recommendations make sense for the day you want to experience. Sometimes, you may find that the recommendations have you scratching your head! This is especially the case if you are familiar with the parks.
The touring plans included here give you guidance on navigating the parks. They are easily modified to your interests and needs too. These, in combination with your travel advisor’s knowledge, are great tools to optimize your day in the Magic Kingdom!
Things to Consider:
- Purchase Disney Genie+ before 7:00 am on the day of your visit. This way, you are ready at 7:00 am to choose your first attraction.
- Select and purchase your Individual Lightning Lane first. The best times go quickly!
- Choose the most popular attractions as your first Genie+ attractions.
- Working with your travel advisor is the best way to learn how to navigate Disney Genie+ and develop a great plan for your days at the theme parks! They can help you customize a plan based on your interests!
Are you considering a trip? Having a travel advisor means someone there to have your back in any occurrence. There is no additional cost to you and you have peace of mind knowing that your vacation is in good hands.
Contact your Key to the World Travel® advisor for your next trip, or send us a quote request to get started.