12 Things Nobody Tells You About Visiting Magic Kingdom

The Magic Kingdom is Disney’s most recognizable park, and thus the most popular. For many guests, Magic Kingdom is a must do, but for a first time visitor it can seem overwhelming. Here are twelve tips to make sure you get the most of your Magic Kingdom visit!

12. Consider booking dining reservations before park open

Crystal Palace and Be Our Guest both offer breakfast reservations before park opens. This allows you access into a nearly empty park, which is great for picture opportunities on Main Street. Additionally once you finish you will not be fighting the crowds to get into the park and can head to your favorite attractions. Pre-park opening reservations are popular so be sure to book as soon as possible!

11. Hit the most popular attractions first

Once you enter to the park head to the most popular attractions such as the Elsa and Anna Meet and Greet, Peter Pan’s Flight, or Seven Dwarves Mine Train first. Park opening typically has shorter wait times and by getting their first you may be able to ride multiple times before lines get long.

10. Make your FastPasses for early in the day

To make the most out of FastPass+ be sure to schedule your three FastPasses for early in the day. Once you use your initial three you may go to a FastPass+ Kiosk (there’s one in each land) and make more FastPasses one at a time. Once you use your new FastPass you may keep repeating the process as long as FastPasses remain available. FastPasses tend to run out as the day goes on so by getting them earlier in the day you have the best chance of getting more.

9. Don’t use a FastPass for the fireworks

One option for FastPasses is for Wishes, the nightly firework show which allows you to sit on a grassy spot to view the show. However, there is plenty of spots to see Wishes, both on Main Street and in Fantasyland, that makes a FastPass for Wishes unnecessary. Additionally, if using a FastPass for Wishes you may not get any more FastPasses until you use it which limits you to just two for the entire day.

8. Utilize charging stations to take break

Magic Kingdom has three charging stations to charge your phone and other electronics: in the Space Mountain gift shop, in the circus tent by Pete’s Silly Sideshow in the Storybrook Circus, and by the Tangled bathrooms in Fantasyland. All locations have seating and plugs (you need to bring your own charger) making them a great place to take a break while your electronics charge. My personal favorite is the Space Mountain gift shop, because its inside and air conditioned!

7. Grab a Times Guide for character meet and greets

There are lot of great character meet and greets at the Magic Kingdom however many do not last all day. To make sure you get to meet your favorite character be sure to grab a Times Guide when you enter the park. You can also check on the My Disney Experience app if you have a smartphone.

6. Consider eating at non-peak times for lesser lines

During particularly busy times, lines at quick service locations may be very long. If you are looking to beat the lines considering eating meals before a peak time such as 11 AM instead of 12 PM or 2-3 PM instead of 12-1 PM.

5. Catch the second showing of the Main Street Electrical Parade and Celebrate the Magic

Both the Main Street Electrical Parade and Celebrate the Magic usually have two showings each night- before and after the fireworks. By catching the second showings, there are usually less crowds since many guests head home after the fireworks.

4. Play Sorcerer’s of the Magic Kingdom

Did you know that the Magic Kingdom has its own game and you can play for free? Sorcerer’s of the Magic Kingdom is an interactive game that allows you to help Merlin fight against the evil forces. At the firehouse on Main Street you can sign up to help the fight. There they will give you spell cards and a map, which you hold up to the portals around the park to help fight evil. This game is fun for all ages and can be played at any time.

3. Don’t miss Festival of Fantasy

Festival of Fantasy, also known as the three o’clock parade, is a beautiful parade celebrating the fantasy we all love. This parade is my absolute favorite for many reasons: many of my favorite characters, beautiful floats, and catchy music- it’s hard not to love it! For the best seats sit on Main Street USA, but be sure to get there early, seats fill up fast.

2. Make use of Extra Magic Hours (EMH)

If you are a resort guest be sure to make use of Extra Magic Hours (EMH). This is a time where only resort guests can come and experience the parks either an hour before or after park opening. While not all attractions are open, lines tend to be shorter and you can ride multiple times with minimal waits.

1. Save your shopping for right before you leave

The shops of Main Street remain open past park close so you may shop after experiencing all the park has to offer. Most merchandise found in other parts of the park can be found in the Emporium saving you from having to carry it around all day. If you simply cannot wait I highly recommend sending your purchase to your hotel gift shop if a resort guest or to the front of the park if you are not to save you the trouble of carrying it.

By following these tips you’ll be doing Magic Kingdom like a professional in no time!

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