Magic Kindom is what most people think of when they think of Disney World. It’s the first park that opened, and it’s home of the Cinderella Castle and tons of classic Disney rides.
As a result, it’s can also be one of the busier parks.
With that in mind, here are some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your time in the Magic Kingdom.
1) Walk through the stores on Main Street
If you need to get from one end of Main Street to the other, you can do this by walking through the stores that line either side of Main Street.
All of the stores are connected by small archways, which enables guests the opportunity to move down Main Street indoors.
This is tip can be particularly helpful if a parade is happening, if Main Street is really crowded, or if it’s really hot out and you want to get a little air conditioning while you move to your destination.
2) Ride during the Parade/Fireworks
For some of the shortest wait times, consider skipping the parades and fireworks and riding instead.
Most people will head to Main Street when these shows start, which can give you the chance to get on some more popular rides with a reduced wait.
With that said, I LOVE by the parade and the fireworks, so this tip might only be ideal if you’re spending more than one day in Magic Kingdom.
3) Catch the beginning of the parade
If you’re planning on catching the Festival of Fantasy Parade, ask a Cast Member where it starts and try to get close to the beginning.
This means you’ll have seen the complete parade before most of the other guests. This will allow you to hit some rides while the rest of the park is still watching the parade.
And if it’s starting closer to Liberty Square, you’ll be near the Haunted Mansion, Peter Pan’s Flight, and Seven Dwarf’s Mine Train, so you can make a beeline for those popular rides while most other guests are occupied.
4) Hang out in the park after the fireworks
Most people make a hard exit after the fireworks. If you’re taking Disney Transportation, this can lead to a bit of a wait.
Instead of waiting in a line on your feet, hang out in the park a little bit. The park doesn’t usually close after the fireworks, and even on nights it does, Main Street stays open for about an hour after.
This way you can maybe grab a bench or ride a few rides while everyone else stands in forever long bus lines. Then you can grab a bus after the crowds die down.
5) For a good view of the fireworks, stand around the middle of Main Street
Most people try to get as close to the Castle as they can for the fireworks. I’ve found one of the best places to stand is right around the middle of Main Street.
This got me close enough to see the fireworks and the details of the Castle clearly, but because I stood a little farther away, there was a little breathing room.
Because people weren’t so on top of each other, it was easier to get a clear view of the Castle with very few people and heads in front of me.
Of course, during busier seasons, everywhere is packed, but if you are going to leave right after the fireworks, this still puts you a little closer to the exit.
6) Need a break? Check out these low-key rides
A day in any Disney World Park can be tiring. But of times, it can be tough to give up precious park time to take a break.
Luckily in the Magic Kingdom, there are a few low-key rides that have little to no wait, decent run times, and air conditioning.
These rides include the People Mover, Carousel of Progress, Moster’s Inc. Laugh Factory, and The Enchanted Tiki Room.
7) If you’re in line for a ride when the park closes, you get to ride
Another way to get the most of your time is to make your day last beyond park closing.
If you’re in line for an attraction when the park closes, you get to ride. So if you do decide to hang out in the parks after fireworks, you can jump in a line a minute before park closing and you won’t be turned away.
This is one surefire way to be sure you get the most of your ticket.
8) Don’t carry your purchases
Carrying your purchases around a theme park can be a hassle. This is especially true if you bought something big or breakable.
In Disney World, you don’t have have to worry about this problem!
If you’re staying at a Disney resort and are going to be there for at least another day, you can have your purchase sent from the park right to your hotel and pick it up there the following day!
And if you’re not staying in the park, or if you’re leaving within twenty-four hours, you can have your purchases sent to the front of the park to pick up on your way out.
But you should note it takes your items three hours to get to the park pick up location and items sent to your resort, won’t arrive until the next day.
This is available in every Disney World park, not just Magic Kingdom.
In the Magic Kingdom, the pick up location is the Main Street Chamber of Commerce. If you’re facing the Train Station, it’s to the immediate right.
9) Check out snack kiosks
Disney snacks are a lot more than just Mickey Ice Cream Bars and Pretzels. There are tons of interesting and delicious food all over Disney World–especially where snacks are concerned.
So if you’re a foodie, be sure to pay attention to every unassuming kiosk you pass. You may find your new favorite Disney treat or a limited time snake item waiting for you!
10) Stop at the Firehouse if you’re celebrating
If you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary, major accomplishment, or any other occasion, be sure to stop at the Firehouse and let them know you’re celebrating.
You’ll get a special pin to wear and that pin just might unlock a little extra pixie dust while you’re in the park.
When you enter the park, the firehouse is on your left if you’re facing the Castle.
For more Disney World tips and tricks, check out the other Disney World Posts!
Sound off: What are you most excited for in Magic Kingdom? Do you have your own tips to share? Tell us about it in the comments!