Magic Kingdom
Overall Tips
- The monorail is the quickest way to the Magic Kingdom from the parking lot. If your family wants to switch things up, ride the monorail in the morning and ride the ferry boat back to the parking lot in the evening.
- Visit Guest Relations for any problems regarding tickets, disabilities and general questions. It is located to the right of the turnstiles, as well as inside the park on the left, next to the fire station.
- You can pick up maps and times guides when you enter the park, in the tunnels you walk under before it opens up to Main Street. Many street vendors and merchandise locations also carry spare maps, should you need one later on.
- Arrive to the park before it opens to witness the opening show that is preformed on the Walt Disney World Railroad loading dock. It is a fun-filled show that will boost your family's spirits and get you ready for the day.
- Avoid eating meals at the popular times of day. Restaurants like Cosmic Ray's in Tomorrowland can become very busy at lunch and dinner time.
- Stroller rentals are located in the tunnel when you first walk into the park. Wheelchair and ECV rentals are located to the far right as you enter the gate.
- The Magic Kingdom is busiest on Sunday and Monday, as it is usually the first park that guests visit when they arrive.
- Avoid shopping for souvenirs in the evening. The Emporium and other stores along Main Street become very crowded with long lines after the nightly fireworks.
- Try to prevent having to cross Main Street during a time of parades or fireworks. The street traffic is controlled by ropes and it can be very difficult to get through.
- On a busy day, during Wishes, it is best to not try and change locations for fireworks viewing. If you are stuck in the crowds on Main Street, just wait it out.
- If it is very hot out, stand on the bridge over Splash Mountain, a water cannon blasts water onto people nearby.
- Although it takes a lot of extra walking, jumping from one side of the park to the other can actually save a lot of time and help you get the most done.
Character Tips
Ariel's Grotto : Waiting in this line can be very hot, the sun beats on the rocks where the line forms. Bring a bottle of water with you, it can be a bit of a wait.
Fairies: Guests can meet Tinkerbell and her other fairy friends in Toon Town. The lines to meet the fairies can be very long. Try to visit early in the morning or right before closing. Either way, you will probably end up waiting quite a while for this one.
Donald Duck: The line to meet Donald in Toon Town can be long, as it is for all characters. Keep your eye out in Frontierland because he frequently visits that area of the park, where you can meet him without a huge line.
Chip and Dale: These two are commonly found at the beginning of Main Street when the park opens. The lines may be long, but it is one of your best chances to meet these characters for the day.
Daisy: Daisy frequently makes appearances between the Emporium and the Fire station at the front of the park. Check the Times Guide for her schedule.
Mickey and Minnie: These two can be found in Toon Town, behind their houses. The lines can be very long, plan to wait at least an hour to meet Mickey.
Pooh and the Gang: The group frequently makes visits to the playground area across from The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. Because they are not out all day, the lines can be fairly long. Also, like Ariel, the line is in the sun so come prepared.
Pluto and Goofy: They are commonly found at the front of the park early in the day, similar to Chip and Dale. They can also always be found in Toon Town.
Overall Tips:
- If you can wait to meet the characters at another park, it will save you time in line.
- A great place to see all of the characters is in the daily parade!
- Located to the right, after you pass under the tunnel upon entering the park, is a small garden area. Once in a while, a few characters (Jiminy Cricket, Mary Poppins and Alice) make appearances at this location.
Attractions Tips
Splash Mountain * * *
Climb aboard a hollowed out log for this crazy ride down river to save Brer Rabbit. This legendary attraction takes riders through forests and over waterfalls, in a fun and wet sing-a-long adventure. The attraction ends with a exhilarating drop of 50 feet! This attraction is fun for the whole family on a hot Florida afternoon.
Tips: There are very long lines on hot days, get a FASTPASS early in the day to ride later when it’s hot. Also, people sitting in the first two rows of each car get SOAKED, this may be good or bad for you. There are also water cannons that blasts riders when they are least expecting it (these are turned off when it is cold out). You WILL get wet!
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad * * *
This run-away mine train takes riders on an exciting trip through what’s left of old mining tunnels. The track is full of quick corners and sudden drops, so hold on tight!
Tips: This ride seems much faster at night, in the dark. If you want the ride to be even faster and more intense, sit in the last car of the train. The lines for this do move fairly fast if both sides are operating, however it can back up to about an hour wait. Use FASTPASS for this attraction after you have done Splash and Space Mountain.
Pirates of the Caribbean * *
Famous for the movies based after it, Pirates of the Caribbean is a must-do attraction for any guest. Riders travel in boats down calm waters through scenes of what it's like to be a pirate. There is one small drop that adds a little excitement to the adventure. Also, Disney recently added Jack Sparrow to the cast of this ride. Your kids will have a blast trying to spot him! After riding this, you won't be able to stop singing "Yo ho yo ho, a pirates life for me!".
Tips: This attraction has two different lines, and both go to the same place. Sometimes one line is much shorter than the other. The lines do move quickly, so even if the line is long, it shouldn't take too long. This is also a great attraction to ride if your family needs a break from the hot sun.
Haunted Mansion * *
Journey through this haunted house and witness visits from its 99 ghostly tenants. The spooky tour ends with a visit to the graveyard, which is full of singing ghosts and they are waiting just for you.
Tips: This line moves VERY fast, even if there appears to be a long line, you will be on the ride quickly. This ride may seem scary to young children because of the theme, however the attraction itself is very tame.
Peter Pans Flight *
Riders sit in their own flying ship, that glides along while suspended from the ceiling. Guests fly over London, and through famous scenes of the movie Peter Pan on this fun journey through the sky.
Tips: This attraction has extremely long lines. If you plan to ride this, make sure you do it within the first hour in the park. It does have FASTPASS, but I would recommend saving your FASTPASSes for the bigger attractions.
It's A Small World *
As one of the most recognizable Walt Disney World attractions, It's A Small World is not to be missed. Guests ride boats along a gentle river through scenes depicting the different nationalities of the world. Small boys and girls dance and sing to bring a touching message of world peace and happiness to life.
Tips: This ride has a very quick line, it should be fit in wherever there is a gap in your schedule or if you need a break from the sun.
Tea Cups * *
Join the Mad Hatter in your own crazy, spinning, out of control tea cup.
Tips: This attraction is aimed mostly towards children. You can somewhat control the speed of your tea cup, but it does spin on its own and many adults get sick.
Mickey's Philharmagic *
Mickey's Philharmagic is one of the best Disney experiences at Walt Disney World. In this 3D show, Donald Duck encounters characters from famous Disney movies such as Aladdin, The Little Mermaid and the Lion King. The whole family will feel the magic when Aladdin and Jasmine are flying around the theater on their magic carpet. This attraction is not to be missed.
Tips: This attraction is a great way to beat the heat, as it has air conditioning. Try to be towards the back of the crowd going through the doors into the theater, if you rush in you will be stuck on the far edge of the theater. Also, do not sit towards the very front; the 3D visuals are much better towards the back.
Snow White's Scary Adventure *
Follow Snow White in her scary journey through dark forests to escape the Evil Queen.
Tips: This attraction never has a long line. It is a rather short ride, so if you have time, ride this in the afternoon or evening.
Monsters Inc Laugh Floor *
Help Mike and your other favorites from Monsters Inc to generate power for their city, Monstropolis. They don't generate power the typical monster way (using fear), they prefer to make people laugh! Mike hosts a stand-up comedy session, where friendly monsters share their best jokes.
Tips: This is a hilarious, interactive show that is great for the whole family. It should not have too long of lines, so go in the middle of the day. If you sit near the center isle, it is possible that a member of your family may be included in the show.
Tom Sawyer Island *
Guests ride rafts built from logs across the river to Tom Sawyer's private islands. Children can explore the many trails of the island, while parents can relax in rocking chairs near the waters edge.
Dumbo *
Guests ride their own flying elephant on this classic Disney attraction. Riders can control their elephant to go up and down, as it spins around. Children love this one.
Tips: This ride can have extremely long lines, as it only holds a small number of people at a time. Plan ahead.
Winnie the Pooh *
Take a journey into the Hundred Acre Woods with Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore, and Piglet on this family-friendly attraction.
Tips: Ride this early in the day, or if the line is less than 30 minutes.
Space Mountain * * *
Riders board their own rocket and explore the cosmos, on this dark, rollercoaster-type attraction. This is an exhilarating ride through space that is a must-do for any thrill seeker!
Tips: Space Mountain has deceivingly long lines, just because you can't see a line outside doesn't mean the wait is short. Ride this first thing in the morning, and use FASTPASS if you want to ride it again later. The ride itself is very jerky and in the dark, so young children and people with back or neck problems should probably avoid this one.
Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin *
Compete against your family in this giant laser shooting game. Guests are transported into the realm of Buzz Lightyear and must fight Emperor Zurg by scoring as many points as possible with their laser guns!
Tips: Line moves very quickly, and the wait is usually less than 20 minutes. If it is crowded, use a FASTPASS to ride this in the middle of the day or evening. Each car on this attraction has two guns, however there is room for a third person to sit in the middle if desired. While on this ride, aim for the Robot's moving hands for a ton of points!
Stitch's Great Escape * *
During a guided tour, your group is stuck in a room with alien 626, aka Stitch. He breaks loose out of his capsule and runs crazy among the crowd. Watch out or he may jump right on top you!
Tips: Do not wait in a long line for this, it has FASTPASS but you should not need it. There are segments which are dark and loud, so young children may be frightened by this attraction.
Carousel of Progress *
Follow a typical American family through the ages, and witness how technology has changed our lives. Guests are seated on a rotating floor that travels to the different eras.
Tips: I have never had to wait in line for this. This is a fun attraction that not many people see, visit it when you need a break from standing.
Hall of Presidents *
Witness unbelievably real audio-animatronics figures modeled after America's presidents. They re-tell stories and events of the past in this informative and entertaining look through history.
Tips: This is a great way to escape the heat, however it's not good for children, as it is long and about history.
Indy Speedway *
Let your children run wild in their own miniature race car. Cars are controlled by a steering track which keeps the cars in line. Your child will feel like they own the road on this attraction, and you are along for the ride!
Tips: This attraction can have long lines, there is no way to really avoid waiting if your children want to ride this. Try to visit in the morning or evening because the sun just bakes guests in the line.
Goofy's Barnstormer * *
Tips: Fun kiddy coaster for the smaller members of your group. This usually does not have a long line, so let your kids ride this when the family is back visiting Toon Town. Adults can fit into this coaster also, should your child want you to ride along. This attraction will be closing soon for the renovation of Fantasyland, check the park schedule when you arrive to see if it is open.
Jungle Cruise *
Take a guided tour through the jungle which includes surprise visits by elephants, hippos and crocodiles. But beware, the area is known for having unwelcoming natives! Your tour guide will help steer you through it, while offering small bits of humor along the way.
Tips: This ride frequently has long lines, which shorten once its dark out. Use FASTPASS or ride when the line shortens for parades or fireworks.
Enchanted Tiki Room: Under New Management *
The Enchanted Tiki Room has been taken over by birds Iago from Aladdin and Zazu from The Lion King. Guests watch groups of singing tropical birds as they perform and tell stories in this one-of-a-kind show.
Tips: This is a great attraction to visit if you need air conditioning. It never has a long line, visit anytime.
Magic Carpets of Aladdin *
Guests to this attraction board their own magic carpet, themed after the movie Aladdin. The ride is controlled in much of the same way as the Dumbo attraction, and is therefore a favorite among children.
Tips: It has shorter lines than Dumbo, but can still be a bit of a wait. Visit the spitting camel out front of this attraction for a cool shot of water.
Walt Disney World Railroad *
Circle the entire Magic Kingdom park on this famous railroad. Guests can ride the entire loop, or exit near Splash Mountain, as well as in the back of the park near Toon Town.
Tips: This can actually get a bit of a line early in the day, ride later on. Ride this if you need a break off your feet and want to travel to Splash Mountain or Toon Town from Main Street.
Country Bears Jamboree *
The Country Bears Jamboree was one of the original shows of the Magic Kingdom when it opened in 1971, and it is still entertaining guests of Frontierland to this day. In the show, audio-animatronic bears sing and dance to country music, while making jokes and interacting with the talking animal heads that are mounted on the walls.
Astro Orbiter * *
Riders fly in their own personal space ship in circles, high over the streets of Tomorrowland.
Tips: This ride can get long lines, because it is similar to Dumbo and the Magic Carpets of Aladdin. Try riding in the evening when most guests are watching the parade and fireworks. Also, guests who are afraid of heights may want to skip this attraction.
Tomorrowland Transit Authority *
Slowly moving cars take you on a relaxing journey above Tomorrowland, featuring interior views of Space Mountain and Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin.
Tips: This is a fantastic attraction for when your family is tired and just wants to sit down. There is rarely a long line, and you will be loaded quickly. It is great for those guests who do not go on the big rides, because they are able to see the inside of Space Mountain without riding it.
Parades
The Celebrate a Dream Come True Parade is Magic Kingdom's daily parade. It includes floats featuring Aladdin, the Disney Princesses, Peter Pan and more. This is the perfect place to see all of your favorite Disney characters in one place. Showing at 3 pm daily, the parade travels from the front of Main Street to the back of the park in Frontierland. Any location along its path is great for viewing, however most guests plan to watch from Main Street. You may be able to find an open spot with a better view, if you watch from Liberty Square or Frontierland.
Move It, Shake It, Celebrate It is a street party that takes over Main Street and encourages guests to sing and dance along with everyone's favorite characters. If you want your children to be able to be involved, arrive to the parade location a little early, as crowds do build quickly.
SpectroMagic is the Magic Kingdom's nighttime lighted parade. It begins at the front of Main Street and works its way around back to Frontierland. As with the daily parade, away from Main Street may be less crowded. SpectroMagic does not run every night, so be sure to check the Times Guide for the Magic Kingdom when you arrive.
Note: The evening parade will be changed to the Electrical Light Parade, starting summer 2010.
Fireworks
Wishes is the Magic Kingdom's nighttime fireworks display. It takes place behind Cinderella's castle and can be viewed from all of Main Street. One of the biggest mistakes that guests make preparing for these fireworks is staking out a spot early on. There is NO need to get a spot early. All of Main Street is going to be open for standing anywhere, so enjoy your time shopping or riding other attractions. Also, do not stand close to the castle, your view will be blocked. You should plan on standing near the end of the buildings on Main Street, near the tip board. After the fireworks are over, do not hurry towards the exit. Stay in your location for 10-15 minutes for the crowds to clear.
Note: Wishes will not show in summer 2010, instead they will have the Summer Night Spectacular fireworks.
