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Biggest Magic Kingdom Mistakes

Biggest Magic Kingdom Mistakes

The Magic Kingdom is my favorite park and really one of the iconic images that comes to mind when you think of Disney World. This isn’t just a kids park either, there is plenty to do for big and little kids alike. I think part of the appeal is just how many different attractions Magic Kingdom offers. Since there is so much to do it really feels like it’s impossible to accomplish everything in one day. In order to help your day be a little more magical we are spilling the beans on what we feel are the biggest Magic Kingdom mistakes people make.

Missing the fireworks is definitely one of the biggest Magic Kingdom mistakes you can make.

Not Planning in Advanced

You find this advice a lot here on my blog, planning your Disney vacation is so important. If you have attractions at Disney World that you really want to do, a plan is necessary these days. With increased crowds year round, winging it just doesn’t work anymore. Need some help planning? Try using our FREE Printable Disney Daily Vacation Planner.

Missing Rope Drop

The early bird gets the worm and being in the park for the rope drop gets you on rides with little to no wait! Arriving for Magic Kingdom Park open (aka Rope Drop) can make or break your chances for getting everything you want in at the Magic Kingdom. We find once 11 am hits the crowds really start to build up. Early morning start time means fewer people and shorter wait times so you can get more done.

So how does one achieve rope drop status? Well Magic Kingdom opens its gates one hour before actual park open. They will let you walk in all the way up to the front of the castle. Once it strikes park open you can enjoy the fabulous welcome show that happens on the castle stage. Once complete this marks official park open and you will be allowed to enter into the different lands.

How to Sneak in Early to the Magic Kingdom

Have you heard about the secret to sneaking into a park before it’s open? Okay, you aren’t actually sneaking. But if you book an extra early character breakfast then you get early access to the park. While the rides won’t be open you can still be one of the first in line for the popular attractions.

Looking to take your game to a new level of early? At the Magic Kingdom they offer something called Disney Early morning magic. Not only do these tickets get you a breakfast but they also get you early entry to Magic Kingdom park so you can ride these Fantasyland attractions: The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and Peter Pan’s Flight!

Disney Early Morning Magic takes place from 7:45 am to 10:00 am on select Sundays and Tuesdays. Admission is available for $69 per adult and $59 per child (tax not included).

Starting your Day on the Right Side of the Magic Kingdom

And by the right side we mean the left side! You see the left side of Magic Kingdom is the right side to start your day on, get it? Okay now that I have you nice and confused I am going to attempt to clarify!

When the ropes drop in the morning at Magic Kingdom the swarms head straight for Fantasyland and Tomorrowland. Ever since Seven Dwarfs Mine Train opened in Fantasyland it has pulled more people than ever into the back of the park. If you are looking for the least crowds we recommend starting your day in Adventureland.

Not making an Advance Dining Reservation

The pickings for sit down locations at the Magic Kingdom are slim to say the least. If you want to eat at a nicer spot (aka sit down restaurant) then you are going to want to go online or call to make your reservations 180 days in advance. The golden reservations at this park are Be Our Guest and Cinderella’s Royal Table. If you are looking for more Disney World dining reservations read Best Disney World Restaurants.

Making the Wrong Fastpasses

No matter what park you are visiting obviously you don’t want to pick out bad Fastpass selections, you only get three!  For the Magic Kingdom we recommend going for Seven Dwarf Mine Train, Space Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. We find scoring these three picks will save you the most time waiting in line. For more Fastpass+ recommendations read the Best Disney Fastpass Picks for Each Park.

Forgetting to Stake out a Parade Spot

Parade viewing spots can get pretty competitive, the best bet is to stake out your spot at least 30 minutes prior to the parade. If you are looking for the parade time at Magic Kingdom just check the times guide or My Disney Experience App. If you are looking to view the parade in the hub on Main Street USA we recommend arriving an hour before the parade to get a spot.

Skipping the Disney Classics

The Disney classic attractions like Small World are not ones to be missed! They are classics for a reason and an essential part of a Disney vacation. If you can squeeze it in your schedule be sure to check out the People Mover, Carousel of Progress and the Enchanted Tiki Room.

Not Staying for Happily Ever After

Disney fireworks are an essential way to end any Disney day. The Happily Ever After fireworks at the Magic Kingdom are a must do so be sure to hang around long enough to see them. Typically they are at 9 pm but as always things can change and be sure to check the times guide or the My Disney Experience app. To ensure you get the best firework viewing spot read the Best Magic Kingdom Firework Viewing Locations.

Since there is so much to do it really feel like it's impossible to accomplish everything in one day. In order to help your day be a little more magical we are spilling the beans on what we feel are the biggest Magic Kingdom mistakes people make.

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