Disney's Magic Kingdom in a day: Trip Planning Guide

Now that you know:

• The questions to ask to plan a Disney vacation,

• Where to stay: On property or off property, and

• Everything about Disney Dining options,

let's plan a day at the parks. Today we'll explore the Magic Kingdom. The plan I suggest here has worked well for our family through the years, from when the kids were little and Fantasyland was key to the teen years, where it's all about Space Mountain. Park crowds, operating hours, attraction closures and weather can affect the best of plans, though, so flexibility is also an important part of any good Disney plan.

There are essentially two ways to approach a day at the Magic Kingdom: plan or don't plan. Those who don't plan are easy to spot. Huddled
together, the group peruses a park map trying to figure out where they are, where they've been and how to possibly fit everything else in! They're usually grumpy! Those with a plan cruise through the day enjoying the magic of Disney.

Magic Kingdom Clock
copyright 2012 by Karen Dawkins
all rights reserved

This guide offers a general plan to experience the Magic Kingdom, but customize it to fit your family's needs. Using the information here, create customized maps at the Disney site to suit your family's desires. The customized maps offer suggestions based on the ages of children traveling in your group.

The Magic Kingdom is laid out much like a clock. Picture Cinderella's Castle as the middle of the clock, where the hands turn. At "noon" is the New Fantasyland with iconic children's rides like "It's a Small World" and "Dumbo," Mickey's PhilharMagic show and an interactive water playground. Additional features are opening later this year -- check the website for up-to-date information. At 3:00 is Tomorrowland with Space Mountain and Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin. At 6:00 is Main Street, U.S.A. -- where you enter the park. You'll find Space Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in Adventureland and Frontierland at 8:00. Finally, at 10:00 is Liberty Square featuring the Hall of Presidents and the Haunted Mansion.

Now, let's plan your day!

1. Make a list using the customized map page on the Disney website of all the rides and attractions your family would like to experience. Add any restaurants you want to enjoy to your list.

2. To get the most from your Magic Kingdom day, plan to arrive at the park an hour before it opens, especially if visiting during peak season. Include a midmorning snack and drink in your bag, especially if you have a lunch reservation at 1:00 or later (highly recommended)! We'll be traveling through the park counter-clockwise -- unlike most park guests.

3. Once in the parks, walk along Main Street. Enjoy the sights, sounds and smells, but save shopping for the afternoon when you want a break from the heat! Proceed to Tomorrowland (3:00 on your "Magic Kingdom" clock). Get a fastpass for Space Mountain (or ride it -- there shouldn't be a wait at park opening) or Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin.

Notes on attractions:

• Families with big kids should get Space Mountain fastpasses to ride again later in the day. Those with younger kids will want fastpasses for Buzz Lightyear for a second ride later in the day. 

• Stitch's Great Escape is designated as a mild ride, but most people I've talked with find it better for kids ages 10 and up.

• Tomorrowland Speedway lines get long and hot as the day progresses. Ride early if you plan to ride at all.

• Alternative plan for families of preschoolers: get Buzz Lightyear fastpasses and proceed immediately to the next step to enjoy short lines on Dumbo!

• Rider Swap is available for Disney theme park guests with children too young to ride certain attractions. Rider Swap allows one adult to stay with young children while others ride the attraction. Afterward, the non-rider can ride the attraction without having to go through the line. 

• Walt Disney World also provides special assistance to Guests with Disabilities, including mobility, hearing, and visual. Please check this webpage for additional information, including customized maps.

Regarding FASTPASSES:

• FASTPASS is free for all Disney guests.• Tickets must be used the same day.• You may use your FASTPASS after the time stated on the ticket, but you cannot get into an attraction early with a FASTPASS.• When you get a FASTPASS ticket, it will state when you can get another one. You do not have to use the first one before getting a second one. Issue and use times are clearly marked on the FASTPASS tickets.

4. Families with young kids -- or those who are young at heart -- should continue to the Storybook Circus area of New Fantasyland, 1:00 on the Magic Kingdom clock, to ride Dumbo and the Barnstormer. These kid sized attractions are especially popular among the preschool set.

5. Continue counterclockwise into Fantasyland Forest, located at noon on the clock. This section of the park is currently under construction, so check the Disney website for official up to date ride and attraction information. Micechat.com follows the development as well, including "sneak peak" photos and videos. Most everyone will want to catch "It's a Small World" and "Mickey's PhilharMagic" show, at least once.

In our experience, this should take you to lunchtime, depending on park schedules and dining reservation times. We tend to eat late, 1:00-2:00, which is why we pack a snack. If you have reservations, watch the time closely. Our favorite restaurants are The Plaza Restaurant on Main Street for casual sit-down dining, Golden Oak Outpost in Frontierland for quick queue dining, and the Crystal Palace or Cinderella's Royal Table for character dining. 

6. Now that the morning rush is past at Adventureland and Frontierland, proceed there. Get fastpasses for Splash Mountain or Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, depending on which you prefer. Visit other attractions in this area, including: Tinkerbell's Magical Nook (see daily guide for meet and greet times), Jungle Cruise, the Magic Carpet's of Aladdin, and the Enchanted Tiki Room show.

Notes on attractions:

• There's a small playground tucked away to the right of the Splash Mountain entrance offering young kids, too small for the ride, free space to play while waiting. Parent benches allow the "big kids" to rest in cool shade.

• Tom Sawyer Island (in Frontierland near Big Thunder Mountain Railroad) offers space to run, climb and explore. If kids are restless -- or young kids are waiting on big kids -- Tom Sawyer's Island is a great space to get out of the stroller and play!

7. Check your daily park map for parade times. The afternoon parade, its route runs along Main Street and through Frontierland, is quite popular and crowds vie for the best spots up to two hours before parades begin. For more detailed information on parade routes, times and best viewing locations, visit Kingdom Magic Travel. We use parade "downtime" to snack, rehydrate, visit the restroom and take naps. 

8. After the parade, move on to Liberty Square, featuring the Haunted Mansion (recommended for kids age 10+ because it's a bit scary), Liberty Square Riverboat (a relaxing ride great for those who want to rest and young children), and the Hall of Presidents. 

That's it! One successful loop through the park. Now, get out those FASTPASSES and head back to any attractions you skipped earlier and enjoy quick entrance with minimal waits. Start with Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad OR head back to Tomorrowland and start with Space Mountain and Buzz Lightyear. 

As time allows, visit rides and attractions you enjoyed most while waiting for the evening parade and fireworks. If you have done all you want, head back to the hotel to escape the crowds, swim in the pool or take a nap before the evening parade and fireworks. Check the daily park map for show times. If you scheduled an evening dinner, relax and enjoy it knowing you have seen everything you planned!

Confused? I hope not! If you are, reread this post and use the included links. It does make sense! If you have questions or suggestions not addressed here, please leave a comment below. I will respond to all questions. AND I appreciate the feedback of other seasoned Disney guests!

Happy travels!