Mornings at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom are truly enchanting. Witnessing the park come alive as guests arrive and attractions begin operating is a magical experience. Strolling down Main Street, U.S.A., with Cinderella Castle illuminated by the morning sun sets the perfect tone for the day.
We’ve compiled essential tips and suggestions to help you make the most of your morning at Magic Kingdom.
Plan Ahead
A successful morning at Magic Kingdom starts with thorough planning. With numerous attractions, shows, and dining options, it’s crucial to prioritize your must-see experiences. Some attractions consistently have longer wait times, so consider focusing on these early in the day:
Strategizing your approach to these popular rides can significantly enhance your experience.
Arrive Early
Taking advantage of early entry is beneficial, especially for guests staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel. This perk allows entry into Magic Kingdom 30 minutes before the official opening time. For instance, if the park opens at 9:00 AM, resort guests can begin their day at 8:30 AM.
To maximize this benefit, plan to arrive at your chosen mode of transportation approximately 60 minutes before early entry begins. This ensures ample time to navigate security and entry procedures.
During early entry, select attractions in Fantasyland and Tomorrowland are operational. You can choose to experience a major attraction like Space Mountain or Seven Dwarfs Mine Train or opt for multiple smaller attractions such as Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin and Dumbo the Flying Elephant. Starting early positions you ahead of the general crowd, allowing for shorter wait times.
Utilize Lightning Lane Passes
To further enhance your morning, consider purchasing the Lightning Lane Multi Pass. This service enables guests to bypass standby lines for select attractions. For Magic Kingdom, it’s advisable to secure Lightning Lane selections for high-demand attractions like Jungle Cruise or Peter Pan’s Flight.
If you don’t plan to experience Seven Dwarfs Mine Train during early entry, consider using a Lightning Lane Single Pass for this ride. Combining Lightning Lane passes with standby lines can optimize your morning itinerary.
Strategize Park Opening
Once Magic Kingdom officially opens, it’s advantageous to have a plan for exploring other areas, including Adventureland, Frontierland, and Liberty Square. Depending on your Lightning Lane selections, consider heading to attractions like Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, or one of the mountains in Frontierland. Experiencing these popular rides early can help avoid longer wait times later in the day.
Explore Less Busy Attractions
As the morning progresses and wait times increase, consider enjoying attractions with typically shorter lines. Options include:
- Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor
- Hall of Presidents
- Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress
- Enchanted Tiki Room
These attractions offer enjoyable experiences and provide a respite from the crowds.
Plan Your Meals
While Magic Kingdom offers various dining options, it’s essential to plan your meals to suit your preferences. Utilizing mobile ordering for quick-service restaurants can save time. For a unique quick-service experience, consider Sleepy Hollow, known for its delicious waffle offerings. If you’re interested in a sit-down meal, making reservations in advance is highly recommended.
Exploring dining options at nearby resorts like Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa or Disney’s Contemporary Resort can also provide delightful experiences.
By arriving early, planning strategically, and utilizing available services, you can create a magical and memorable morning at Magic Kingdom.
