If you're planning your summer vacation right now, you are probably considering a trip to Walt Disney World Resort. I've got some words of advice to make your visit to Magic Kingdom even better and why Disney World is a great family destination thanks to the new experiences across all four theme parks. Read below for 5 Magic Kingdom tips that will make your visit more magical.
During the Zootopia Event, covering the release of Walt Disney Animation Studios new film Zootopia, I had the chance to visit all four theme parks at the Walt Disney World Resort. I'm no stranger to Walt Disney World since I live in Florida, but even though I visit quite frequently I still find something new and exciting to do on each visit. This year, Disney has a lot of magical things in the works across, all four theme parks, and here are 5 tips for making your experience at the Magic Kingdom even better.
5 Magic Kingdom tips to make your visit even more magical
1.) Get your FastPass+ ASAP. I mean it, get your Fast Passes as soon as humanly possible. If you're staying on Disney property (check out my review of the Animal Kingdom Lodge if you need a recommendation), you'll have a big advantage when scheduling your Fast Passes. For those staying at a resort hotel, you can book your FastPass+ up to 60 days in advance using the website or mobile app, otherwise you can do it 30 days in advance with the purchase of a ticket or annual pass. For popular attractions like the Seven Dwarves Mine Train or character experiences with Anna and Elsa, don't be surprised if those book quickly. You may have to keep checking back to see if a time slot opens up. The early bird definitely gets the worm when it comes to Fast Pass+ booking.
Seven Dwarves Mine Train at Magic Kingdom
1.) Grab an incredible spot for one of the parades: There are parades that take place throughout the day at the Magic Kingdom and you'll definitely want to see them. The Festival of Fantasy Parade and the Main Street Electrical Parade don't happen as frequently as the Move It! Shake It! Dance & Play It! Street Party, so be sure to grab a great spot for those. I think the very best spot for watching the parades is at the very front of the park, right in front of the train station. It will give you quite a view and will allow you a bit of shade during the afternoon.
2.) Get in to see Mickey Mouse faster: One of the must-do things on your Magic Kingdom itinerary is probably visiting the big man himself at the Town Square Theater. As soon as you enter the park, the theater will be right there luring you in. Resist the urge to hop in line right then or to use one of your precious Fast Passes. The line will be much, much shorter during one of the street parades. We've had great luck going during the late afternoon parade (which is almost dinner time).
3.) Gobble up a Dole Whip: I might soon like a rookie here, but I'll admit that I'd never had a Dole Whip at Disney before my last visit to the Magic Kingdom. I thought Dole Whips were only available at Disneyland and Dole Plantation in Hawaii, so I was thrilled to hear that you can get them at Aloha Island in Adventureland. I made a bee line right over there and it was all that I hoped it would be! You will not be disappointed.
4.) Be Our Guest: You'll get a memorable dining experience on your trip to Magic Kingdom if you skip the mass dining venues and head over to Fantasyland to Be Our Guest. You'll step inside the Beast's enchanted caste for a quick breakfast or lunch or sit-down dinner. There are 3 different dining rooms, all with the same French-inspired menu, with 550 seats total, but they go fast so you'll need to make a reservation ahead of time. The imagineered dining areas are something to see and you definitely need to "try the grey stuff" - it really is delicious!
5.) Utilize Extra Magic Hours if you can: If you stay at a Disney Resort hotel (which I'd recommend), there are Extra Magic Hours available for resort guests at certain times at certain parks. Usually, these extra hours are first thing in the morning or after the park is closed to general visitors. This means that you can enjoy the park with less people and shorter lines for your favorite rides. Imagine waiting 5-10 minutes for a ride during Extra Magic Hours versus 1-1.5 hours during the day - this is what Extra Magic Hours can do for you.
A trip to Walt Disney World will give your families amazing memories for a lifetime. Be sure to set aside a few days for the Magic Kingdom. Don't try to squeeze it all into just 1 day or you might miss a lot of the entertainment and attractions. I'd recommend an entire day for Animal Kingdom (although some people say you can squeeze it into a half-day, I disagree). Check out my list of 5 reasons you need to visit Animal Kingdom to read more about my top picks for that park. I'd also encourage you to spend an entire day at Hollywood Studios, especially if you're a Star Wars fans. The experiences at that park are out of this world. Of course, be sure to schedule a full day for Epcot too.
Also, don't forget to check out Zootopia! It's in theaters right now and it's a certified HIT! Check out the trailer to see why:
Check out the trailer for Zootopia here:
Official Information for Zootopia:
The modern mammal metropolis of Zootopia is a city like no other. Comprised of habitat neighborhoods like ritzy Sahara Square and frigid Tundratown, it’s a melting pot where animals from every environment live together—a place where no matter what you are, from the biggest elephant to the smallest shrew, you can be anything. But when rookie Officer Judy Hopps (voice of Ginnifer Goodwin) arrives, she discovers that being the first bunny on a police force of big, tough animals isn’t so easy. Determined to prove herself, she jumps at the opportunity to crack a case, even if it means partnering with a fast-talking, scam-artist fox, Nick Wilde (voice of Jason Bateman), to solve the mystery. Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Zootopia,” a comedy-adventure directed by Byron Howard (“Tangled,” “Bolt”) and Rich Moore (“Wreck-It Ralph,” “The Simpsons”) and co-directed by Jared Bush (“Penn Zero: Part-Time Hero”), opens in theaters on March 4, 2016.
Zootopia Official Website / Facebook /Twitter
Disney Animation: Instagram / Tumblr
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Amber Ludwig says
So fun!! Ive never been but Im loving these great tips!! I would've never thought of a fast pass!! But I cant imagine the wait you'd have to go through without it!! Ive heard of this legendary Dole Whip but haven't gotten to try it!! It sounds like I need to!!
BRIDGETTE says
we are going to Disney's magical kingdom this year so thanks for this! I love your blog DEFINITELY ONE OF MY FAVS 🙂
Amber Ag says
Great tips. I think you need the FastPass if you want to make the most of your trip, especially if you plan or are only able to go once.