Exploring the Magic Kingdom: A Full-Day Itinerary

The most popular Disney Park is Magic Kingdom. Most that travel to Walt Disney World ensure they visit this iconic Park at least once during their Disney vacation. There is so much to see and do that it can be hard to know exactly how to tour and what direction to start.

We have a full-day itinerary to use as you plan your day at Magic Kingdom. We hope this will help you have a magical time at this amazing Disney Park.

Rope Drop

We are going to suggest starting your day by rope-dropping. This means being at the gates of Magic Kingdom anywhere between 45 and 30 minutes before opening.

If you are a Guest at one of Disney’s Resorts, take advantage of early entry. This lets you enter Magic Kingdom thirty minutes before the regular Park opening. This is a fantastic way to get some big rides done before the crows build as the morning continues.

Genie+ and Other Decisions

Before we dive into where to start the day in Magic Kingdom, we want to address Genie+ and a few other things.

First, let’s talk about Genie+. This is a paid feature that Guests can choose to add to their day. Although it isn’t cheap, with the cost ranging from $15 on up?, we think it can be an excellent investment for Magic Kingdom. We believe this because of all the different rides and attractions throughout Magic Kingdom that Guests can use with Genie+. You can get a lot out of your investment with so many options.

Next, if you are focused and determined to ride Magic Kingdom’s newest ride Tron Lightcycle Run, then you have two options. Starting at 7am, you can join a virtual queue, giving you a boarding group and an approximate return time.

Your other option would be to purchase an Individual Lightning Lane. By purchasing this, you can select your return window and have a faster boarding process.

Finally, if Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is essential to your family, consider purchasing an Individual Lightning Lane for it as well. This ride continues to be extremely popular, meaning the long waits continue throughout the day. Purchasing an Individual Lightning Lane can save you time in line and allow you to use the morning experience in other areas of Magic Kingdom.

Morning Options

We have two suggestions for the first hour the Park is open. If you have thrill seekers in your group, head right to Space Mountain in Tomorrowland.

We highly recommend heading to Peter Pan’s Flight if you travel with younger kids. This classic attraction continues to be one of the busiest throughout the day. To avoid long waits in the heat, get here first.

Once you have those two big rides, you can visit other passages in the area. In Tomorrowland, head to Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin. When in Fantasyland, ride The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh.

Once the rest of Magic Kingdom opens, you will want to move towards other lands.

Before Lunch

After the first hour in Magic Kingdom, you can visit other lands. We recommend focusing on both Liberty Square and Frontierland early in the morning. Once these lands open, head to either Haunted Mansion or Big Thunder Mountain.

These two rides start to see lines built in the early afternoon. If you can get them experienced before lunch you will save a lot of time in line. They are also both great options for Genie+ if that is something you choose to purchase.

Another area that is a good option for the morning hours before lunch is Adventureland. Here you can choose to experience Pirates of the Caribbean and Jungle Cruise. Jungle Cruise has become extremely popular lately. With the new update to the ride and the popular movie, lines for the Jungle Cruise build quickly. Since it is a slower loading ride, the line also moves slowly.

Think about what area is a priority for your family and hit that area before lunch.

Related: How to Skip Lines Like a Pro

Lunch Decisions

Regarding meals at Magic Kingdom, you must decide if you prefer a quick meal or a sit-down experience. There are great options for both, but make sure you have a plan before you arrive at Magic Kingdom.

For quick service, use mobile ordering through the My Disney Experience app. This will allow you to place your order via the app and skip the long standby lines that build at mealtime.

Some top quick service options at Magic Kingdom are Casey’s Corner, Columbia Harbour House, and Friar’s Nook. Each location offers a great selection of entrees that everyone should enjoy.

For table service dining, Magic Kingdom offers some high-quality options. Cinderella’s Royal Table and Be Our Guest remain top dining experiences in Magic Kingdom. They offer prix fixe menus with beautiful atmospheres and a fun dining experience. We are thrilled that the princesses are again back at Cinderella’s Royal Table.

Other sit-down options within the Magic Kingdom are Jungle Skipper Canteen, Liberty Tree Tavern, and Tony’s Town Square. These each offer unique dining and special menus from pasta to more adventurous dishes.

No matter where you dine, make advance dining reservations at your 60-day mark. This will give you the best chance to dine at these fantastic locations.

After Lunch

Once you have refueled, enjoy some of the shows during the busier afternoon hours. Magic Kingdom has Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room and Carousel of Progress, the Hall of Presidents, and the Country Bear Jamboree.

We also enjoy Mickey’s PhilharMagic and a quick ride on the PeopleMover in Tomorrowland. Finding some of the quieter shows and experiences right after lunch is a great way to enjoy the magic without lines.

Don’t forget to catch the Festival of Fantasy Parade after lunch. This amazing parade brings so many of the beloved Disney characters out for Guests to enjoy.

Before Supper

Before supper is a great time to enjoy some of those rides you didn’t get to in the morning. Head back to its a small world, Under the Seas: Voyage of the Little Mermaid, and even Barnstormer.

Visit Princess Fairytale Hall and Mickey at Town Square Theater on Main Street USA.

Spend some time enjoying the shops before getting ready for a meal.

Dinner Time

For dinner, try to choose something different than you did for lunch. Use this time for a nice sit-down meal or grab something quick if you didn’t for lunch.

Again make sure you plan to avoid lines.

Evening Fun

Stay for Happily Ever After, the fantastic and breathtaking nighttime spectacular. This show lights up the sky above Magic with outstanding fireworks and fantastic projections.

If you want to make it an extra special experience, consider booking one of the dessert parties. This will give you a private viewing area and delicious drinks and treats.

After Fireworks

Finally, don’t rush out of the Magic Kingdom after the fireworks. Enjoy the beautiful Main Street USA after dark instead of waiting in line at the buses.

If the Park is opened later, use this time to jump on a ride. Visit a favorite one more time before leaving.

Magic Kingdom has so much to experience. We hope that this will help you plan your day in Magic Kingdom.

Related: Add Extra Magic to Your Trip