Our 1-day Magic Kingdom traveling plan gives a step-by-step itinerary for a really perfect consult with to Walt Disney International, with approach to wait in traces much less, steer clear of crowds, and rating a place within the TRON Lightcycle Run digital queue. We’d journey those sights, consume at those eating places & snack stands, and extra. (Up to date July 2, 2024.)
This one-day Magic Kingdom itinerary has been overhauled a number of occasions within the ultimate 12 months, together with for TRON Lightcycle Run and the go back of Luckily Ever After fireworks. It additionally takes into consideration Early Access and Prolonged Night Hours, Lightning Lanes, increased crowds, and tough price ticket events.
So much has modified at Magic Kingdom this 12 months, and much more is ‘in flux’ as of Summer time 2024 because of Tiana’s Bayou Journey and Nation Endure Musical Jamboree in Frontierland, in addition to the debut of Lightning Lane Multi Cross, doable closures of Giant Thunder Mountain Railroad and Peter Pan’s Flight, plus no matter else is occurring. We’ve been trying out and tweaking our technique, and devised this revised 2024 Magic Kingdom itinerary because of this, together with rope drop precedence and when to do Seven Dwarfs Mine Educate…
July 2, 2024 Replace: Because the prior paragraph suggests, so much has modified and can trade over the process the following month at Magic Kingdom. A few of these issues will or may just trade throughout the subsequent week, so I don’t have the time or inclination to overtake this itinerary because of this. As a substitute, listed below are some need-to-know bullet issues:
- Tiana’s Bayou Journey is open
- Throughout its preliminary opening duration, Tiana’s Bayou Journey has no standby line–it as a substitute makes use of a digital queue and has a Lightning Lane (see Learn how to Journey Tiana’s Bayou Journey for the whole lot you wish to have to grasp)
- Tiana’s Bayou Journey is averaging a couple of hours of downtime according to day (as such, you must prioritize it to attenuate the possibility of breakdowns fighting you from driving)
- Tiana’s Bayou Journey may just open a standby line as early as July 8, 2024 (yet most probably received’t till the journey is dependable)
- As soon as Tiana’s Bayou Journey opens a standby line, it turns into the number one rope drop precedence
- Nation Endure Musical Jamboree opens on July 17, 2024 (it’s going to no longer have lengthy traces, with the exception of in all probability on July 17)
- Lightning Lane Multi Cross replaces Genie+ on July 24, 2024 (see our Information to Lightning Lane Multi-Cross & Unmarried Cross at Walt Disney International)
- Peter Pan’s Flight is closed for refurbishment from July 8 thru August 20, 2024
- Giant Thunder Mountain Railroad most likely will shut for round a 12 months beginning in September 2024
As you’ll see, there are numerous transferring portions at this time and shall be for the following month-plus. Our subsequent replace to the stairs beneath will come after Tiana’s Bayou Journey has a standby line and Lightning Lane Multi Cross has introduced and settles into customary traits. Our assumption is that’ll be someday in August 2024. Whilst extra is at the horizon after that, none of it issues up to the ones two main variables.
This Magic Kingdom itinerary additionally assumes you’ll no longer be purchasing the Lightning Lane line-skipping products and services. For those who do plan on spending the additional, seek the advice of our 1-Day Magic Kingdom Itinerary with Genie+ and Lightning Lanes. Surely, Genie+ is most valuable at Magic Kingdom–the only park the place we advise readers acquire the upcharge.
For those who’re staying on-site and will arrive early, take a look at our record on Early Access at Magic Kingdom. Likewise, if you happen to’re staying at a Deluxe Lodge or Disney Holiday Membership belongings, examine our revel in all over Prolonged Night Hours at Magic Kingdom. Both of the ones issues will can help you save time and steer clear of crowds, providing you with a large benefit. Then again, neither are strictly important for a productive day in MK.
Whilst potency is a huge function, this Magic Kingdom itinerary specializes in each doing as many rides as conceivable whilst nonetheless playing the Disney atmosphere and main points that make Magic Kingdom the preferred theme park on the planet. Our Magic Kingdom itinerary is slightly subjective in that it covers our favourite issues to do all over our “absolute best day.” Moreover, this Magic Kingdom traveling plan is optimized in order that wait occasions are minimized.
To perform the whole lot in one day, some (much less common) sights and displays are skipped. (Sorry, Magic Carpets of Aladdin! In reality…no longer sorry.) For our journey scores and opinions of each appeal, learn our complete Perfect Magic Kingdom Sights & Journey Information put up. For one thing extra complete to plot each facet of your holiday, from the place to buy cut price tickets to when to consult with and extra, learn our 2024 Walt Disney International Holiday Making plans Information.
Get at the grid to go into The Grid – At the morning of your Magic Kingdom day, a minimum of one particular person to your birthday celebration will want to be conscious and on-line ahead of 7 am. It is because visitors with a sound price ticket and a Disney Park Cross reservation for Magic Kingdom will be capable of get admission to the digital queue for TRON Lightcycle Run beginning at 7 am at the day in their park consult with. That is accomplished outdoor the park–ahead of you allow your lodge resort, or from actually anyplace.
The 7 am digital queue fills up speedy. Our Learn how to Journey TRON Lightcycle Run & Digital Queue Pace Technique is very important studying and covers the whole lot you wish to have to grasp–like expanding your possibilities of good fortune! For those who’re unsuccessful at 7 am, you’ll take a look at once more to sign up for the digital queue once more at 1 pm from within Magic Kingdom. (However, you’ll gamble and handiest try to sign up for at 1 pm if you happen to’d like to journey at evening.)
Upload TRON Lightcycle Run into this itinerary on every occasion is handy after your boarding workforce will get referred to as. You will have an hour to go back to the appeal from receiving the notification that it’s your time to journey. Upon arrival, you’ll input The Grid of TRON!
Pre-Rope Drop Arrival – For a really perfect revel in at Magic Kingdom, we advise arriving to the park about half-hour ahead of authentic opening time, and selecting up this itinerary from there. For those who’re using, this implies leaving for the park to permit enough time to park and get from the Transportation and Price ticket Middle (TTC) to Magic Kingdom.
For those who’re staying on-site and are eligible for Early Access at Magic Kingdom (see above), we’d counsel arriving 45 mins ahead of the authentic get started time of that.
Fantasyland Flight? – For those who’re no longer eligible for Early Access, don’t hassle with Fantasyland or Tomorrowland. The ones are the 2 lands open for that on-site perk, and by the point that 30 minute “headstart” is over, the entire headliner sights in each lands could have reasonable or longer wait occasions.
As a substitute, you must head to the left of Cinderella Citadel and center of attention your power on Adventureland or Frontierland–common sights which are no longer open for Early Access…
Set Sail for Journey(land) – Whilst this advice would possibly appear unorthodox, Jungle Cruise has turn out to be one of the common sights in Magic Kingdom following its reimagining. If truth be told, Jungle Cruise is the #4 appeal by means of reasonable within the ultimate 12 months. Accordingly, we’d counsel knocking it out first.
Right away after Jungle Cruise, one choice is correct subsequent door: Pirates of the Caribbean. That is the straightforward selection if you wish to decrease strolling. It’s additionally your only option now that Splash Mountain is closed–you’ll in truth normally arrive in Frontierland a bit later and nonetheless knock out Giant Thunder Mountain Railroad with minimum wait.
Magic Kingdom Classics — Double again to Tangled Bathroom Territory (no longer the authentic title of this house…nevertheless it must be!) and do Haunted Mansion adopted by means of the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh and ‘it’s a small international’.
We understand that comes to just a little of backtracking, yet waits for Winnie the Pooh’s darkish journey normally get longer than ‘it’s a small international,’ so it’s the objectively awesome means. If you wish to avoid wasting steps, it’s no longer a large deal to do them within the opposite order.
Personality Intermission – When you’re in Pooh’s neck of the (100 acre) woods, now could be a just right time to knock out some persona meet & greets if you happen to’re so susceptible. A few those open after the remainder of Magic Kingdom, they usually in most cases have decrease crowd ranges within the first hour that they’re open as a result of maximum visitors prioritize rides. Accordingly, it may be a great time to knock out the next:
- Meet Bold Disney Friends as Circus Stars at Pete’s Foolish Sideshow
- Meet Speeding Disney Friends as Circus Stars at Pete’s Foolish Sideshow
- Meet Ariel at Her Grotto
- Meet Mirabel at Fairytale Lawn
- Meet Quite a lot of Princesses at Princess Fairytale Corridor
Clearly, you’re going to grasp if princesses are vital for your birthday celebration. If that is so, you must prioritize Princess Fairytale Corridor and Mirabel (there’s a trail that cuts from Fairytale Corridor to Fairytale Lawn, which is in entrance/to the aspect of Cinderella Citadel) above The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. The princesses are common and be offering Lightning Lane line-skipping, so you wish to have to overcome the late-arriving crowd there.
In my opinion, Pete’s Foolish Sideshow is my favourite of the bunch. The “bold” Disney buddies are Goofy and Donald Duck as circus performers. The “speeding” buddies are Daisy and Minnie Mouse, having a look pretty as all the time. The costumes for each units of characters are incredible. Ariel could also be a just right select–her line will get so much worse later within the day since it is a popular-but-low-capacity meet & greet.
Area Out – The above is most likely all you’ll be capable of accomplish ahead of crowds construct, so proceed from the some distance nook of Fantasyland to Tomorrowland. If the road for Buzz Lightyear’s Area Ranger Spin is underneath half-hour, do this. Knock out Area Mountain too by the use of the standby line.
To recap, ahead of lunch you’ll expectantly have achieved the next, so as:
- Jungle Cruise
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- Giant Thunder Mountain Railroad (not obligatory–save for later if it’s an excessive amount of strolling)
- Haunted Mansion
- Personality Meet & Greets (not obligatory)
- Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
- ‘it’s a small international’
- Buzz Lightyear’s Area Ranger Spin
- Area Mountain
On a in point of fact busy day, chances are you’ll handiest hit the primary 4 of those. On a slower day, you may be able to accomplish much more than we’ve indexed right here. Both method, to succeed in all of this, it’s crucial that you just arrive ahead of authentic park opening time. For those who arrive later, you’ll be fortunate to do part of this checklist.
Leisurely Overdue Lunch – For those who’re in a position to perform ~8 sights to begin the morning, you will have time for an early sit-down lunch. We suggest a desk carrier choice, with our favourite meals being at Skipper Canteen–an underrated gem of Magic Kingdom eating.
Presently, there aren’t many nice counter carrier eating choices in Magic Kingdom. Our go-to is advisable for dinner; different choices are Pecos Invoice in Frontierland or Cosmic Ray’s in Tomorrowland. Neither are nice, yet each get the process accomplished. However, two a laugh sleeper selections are Sleepy Hole and Friar’s Corner–simply remember to take a look at menus ahead of doing both of the ones, as their choices are extra restricted.
Magic Kingdom Masterpiece Theater – Afternoon is when any Disney theme park has its longest traces, so take an AC destroy with those life-changing (in a great way) displays which are simply too superior for most people to understand.
Hit up Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room or Nation Endure Jamboree all over the most up to date and busiest time of the day. Nation Endure Jamboree is the one must-do of those, and is liked all over the world by means of very smart and tasty folks. When you’re of their neck of the woods, remember to wave to Giant Al and his team.
Catch the three O’clock Parade – Pageant of Myth is Magic Kingdom’s daylight hours parade, which arrives to Major Boulevard kind of 20 mins after the parade steps off in Frontierland. The waft that captures everybody’s eye is the steampunk-esque Maleficent dragon waft that breathes fireplace, which makes for a photogenic scene. The entire parade is excellent, despite the fact that, with Tangled, Peter Pan, Monstro, and princess floats which are relatively cool.
Upload to this performers in costumes that experience numerous element and are, in some instances, just a little darker and extra fascinating than the ‘myth fluff’ you’d look forward to finding in a Magic Kingdom parade, a catchy soundtrack, and an excellent power, and you have got a parade that’s an actual winner. Frontierland is least crowded, however the house round Cinderella Citadel and Major Boulevard makes for higher pictures.
Masterpiece Intermission: Extra Snacking – You will have a couple of choices to choose between, as lined in our Perfect Magic Kingdom Snacks & Cakes. This checklist used to be simply up to date and expanded, and now additionally comprises the worst snacks that we extremely counsel heading off.
For those who did the ‘Masterpieces’ out of order and are in Liberty Sq. or Adventureland, the excellent news is that there are glorious snacks in either one of the ones lands, too. This comprises the Dole Whip and Citrus Swirl, that are liked amongst Walt Disney International fanatics! When you’re passing thru Adventureland, remember to do Pirates of the Caribbean if you happen to haven’t already.
Fantasyland Amusing – With out Genie+ or Early Access, you’re at a significant drawback relating to doing the preferred family-friendly Fantasyland sights. As such, the function is to “live much longer than” the crowds, doing those rides within the overdue afternoon and early night time as households with babies get started to wear down and head for the exits.
We’d counsel knocking out the remainder Fantasyland sights on this order:
- Mickey’s PhilharMagic
- Barnstormer Starring the Nice Goofini (skippable)
- Dumbo the Flying Elephant
- Beneath the Sea ~ Adventure of the Little Mermaid
- Mad Tea Birthday celebration (skippable)
- Peter Pan’s Flight
Of the ones, the one lengthy wait you must come across is Peter Pan’s Flight. There’s in point of fact no method round that one.
All Quiet at the Western Entrance — For those who skipped it previous, make your as far back as Giant Thunder Mountain Railroad in overdue afternoon, as crowds must leave from this dead-end nook of the park by means of now.
With Splash Mountain now closed till a minimum of mid-2024 (to transform the log flume journey to a Princess and the Frog appeal), there’s no want to prioritize this house of the park. Giant Thunder Mountain Railroad is common, yet no longer that common.
Cinderella Citadel Level Display – In case your relatives is into characters, remember to see Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire. This options a couple of songs from Frozen, Tangled, and Princess and the Frog, plus characters from the ones movies and Mickey Mouse and buddies. It’s adorable and neatly accomplished.
Whilst you’ll catch this all the way through the day, we’d strongly counsel catching some of the ultimate two performances. The daylight and warmth may also be brutal for previous showtimes, and Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire is somewhat long. (Or so it feels when status immediately within the blazing solar, warmth and humidity!)
Tomorrowland Tranquility – After sundown, we advise returning to Tomorrowland. No longer as it’s strategically vital–on the contrary, it’s no longer–yet for the reason that surroundings is progressed. The neon lighting shine brilliant and in point of fact pop, and the tasteless land all over the daylight hours has a ton extra character.
Whilst in Tomorrowland, remember to do the PeopleMover, which is a leisurely journey above the land. As soon as completed with that, head over to Walt Disney’s Carousel of Development, which is a level display chronicling inventions of the 20 th century. You’ll additionally do Tomorrowland Speedway if it pursuits you. At evening, Astro Orbiter is a must-do. The road is shorter and the ambience is such a lot higher.
Dinner: Be Our Visitor Eating place – Nonetheless the preferred eating place in Magic Kingdom, Be Our Visitor Eating place (learn our complete evaluation) stays an overly onerous Advance Eating Reservation to attain. The theming and a focus to element are nice right here and the meals is bold for a cafe within the Magic Kingdom (let on my own in New Fantasyland), with a number of cast menu pieces. Ensure that to try the West Wing!
If you’re in a position, seize an Advance Eating Reservation ahead of your holiday. For those who’re not able to attain a reservation, regulate the My Disney Enjoy app for Stroll-Up Waitlist availability.
Selection Dinner: Columbia Harbour Area — Given the sheer selection of profitable sights within the Magic Kingdom and the top wait occasions, chances are you’ll need to save time by means of having dinner at Columbia Harbour Area, a counter carrier eating place.
Nice seafood choices, plus the old fashioned and slightly secluded (or in all probability underutilized is the easier time period) upstairs seating house makes this a very easy select. We like grabbing a desk by means of the window, recharging, and looking at the hustle and bustle of Magic Kingdom outdoor.
Middle of the night Impressive: Luckily Ever After – The liked Luckily Ever After fireworks have returned! This middle of the night impressive options new projections on Major Boulevard and could also be drawing colossal crowds. That’s not likely to switch anytime quickly, as Walt Disney International fanatics love Luckily Ever After and are popping out in complete pressure to look it.
Our Viewing Information to the Luckily Ever After Fireworks at Magic Kingdom covers the most productive & worst spots to look the middle of the night impressive. Possibly most significantly, it stocks a couple of nice low-crowds places for many who don’t need to be within the overwhelm of crowds. (Severely, don’t underestimate the chaos and congestion, which may also be downright uncomfortable, particularly for the ones with strollers or ECVs. In my opinion, I’d no longer watch Luckily Ever After from Major Boulevard if I have been an ECV person; I’d no longer really feel secure.)
Night Sights: Higher at Evening – At this level, you will have about an hour till park last on an ordinary evening. Dumbo, Giant Thunder Mountain Railroad, the Tomorrowland Transit Authority Peoplemover, and Seven Dwarfs Mine Educate are some sights that we maximum strongly counsel doing at evening for a awesome revel in.
Clearly, you received’t have time to do all of them–and if Magic Kingdom closes previous, chances are you’ll no longer have time for any of them. As for Seven Dwarfs Mine Educate, we’ll quilt that beneath. If in case you have time for added sights, take a look at our 10 Perfect Magic Kingdom Sights at Evening for others so as to add to this plan.
Mine Educate Part Court docket Shot – One minute ahead of Magic Kingdom closes, imagine leaping in line for the Seven Dwarfs Mine Educate. That is like sinking a game-winning, part courtroom shot.
Or, so I guess…I’ve by no means accomplished the latter. You principally steer clear of the lengthy traces all day by means of going in line as overdue as you conceivable can, and you’ll actually really feel your self saving time in line.
Non violent Park Last – After you’re accomplished with both of the above choices, the Magic Kingdom shall be closed. Bear in mind that the department stores on Major Boulevard are in most cases open an hour after park last, so then is the time to do your memento buying groceries.
Past buying groceries, it is a nice time for appreciating the main points of Magic Kingdom because it empties. Swiss Circle of relatives Robinson Treehouse adopted by means of a stroll at the boardwalk alongside the Rivers of The us main clear of Giant Thunder in opposition to Haunted Mansion is a cast, wonder select right here.
For those who’re in a position to do even 75% of the issues in this Magic Kingdom traveling plan, you might be just about confident of getting a very good day within the Magic Kingdom. That’s our ensure! (Please word that this ensure has no money price and isn’t presented to citizens of any state with the exception of Wyoming. Additionally word that any day you might be at Magic Kingdom must be superb, so if you happen to don’t have a good time, it’s most probably your individual fault! ;))
Whilst this itinerary covers many of the park in one day, in a in point of fact preferrred international, we advise studying our 2-Day Magic Kingdom Best Day Plan. That’s how a lot time you must be spending in Magic Kingdom in case your go back and forth lasts every week or longer. Magic Kingdom is the one park at Walt Disney International that we imagine calls for two days to do the whole lot with out feeling rushed–you’ll do the opposite parks in sooner or later each and every.
Making plans a Walt Disney International go back and forth? Know about inns on our Walt Disney International Accommodations Evaluations web page. For the place to consume, learn our Walt Disney International Eating place Evaluations. To save cash on tickets or decide which kind to shop for, learn our Pointers for Saving Cash on Walt Disney International Tickets put up. Our What to Pack for Disney Journeys put up takes a novel take a look at suave pieces to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney International Journey Guides will assist. For complete recommendation, the most productive position to begin is our Walt Disney International Shuttle Making plans Information for the whole lot you wish to have to grasp!
Your Ideas
What would you come with to your preferrred day within the Magic Kingdom? Any hidden gem favourite sights, quiet spots you revel in savoring, little main points to forestall and revel in, or scrumptious snacks to check out? Do you compromise or disagree with our technique? Do you propose on purchasing Genie+ or an Person Lightning Lane all over your day in MK? Will you profit from Early Access or Prolonged Night Hours? For those who haven’t visited Walt Disney International, what do you propose on doing? Any questions we will be able to can help you solution? Listening to your comments–even whilst you disagree with us–is each fascinating to us and useful to different readers, so please proportion your ideas beneath within the feedback!
