It’s rapid but effective — we’re about to give you the EXPEDITED version of what you need to know about Magic Kingdom before you go. So buckle up, because we are going to be your efficiency DREAM COME TRUE today!
Hey there, Cinderella Castle!
We’ve got a really SHORT blog post for you today that’s gonna cover everything you need to know about Magic Kingdom in 600 words or less. (That way, you can easily read this one in one sitting — like during your lunch break or before you gotta go pick up your kiddos from school.)
If you’re someone who’s planning a Magic Kingdom trip but you only have so much time to REALLY study up on how to successfully pull off a substantial vacation like this, make sure to download our FREE Magic Kingdom quick guide by clicking the link below!
Click here to download our FREE Magic Kingdom quick guide!
Alright, are you ready? Here we go!
There Are Six Themed Lands (For Now…)
Magic Kingdom has six immersive areas: Main Street, U.S.A.; Adventureland; Frontierland; Fantasyland; Liberty Square; and Tomorrowland.
Tomorrowland
ANOTHER land might be built beyond Frontierland. Disney shared some ideas, but we don’t know any key details.
Learn more about this possible NEW land here!
There Are 3 Ways to Skip Long Lines
Disney Genie+ is a paid line-skipping service on your My Disney Experience app. We don’t always recommend purchasing Genie+, but we DO recommend it for Magic Kingdom because it has the MOST rides and thus the most Lightning Lanes.
Lightning Lane at Peter Pan’s Flight
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and TRON Lightcycle / Run have Individual Lightning Lanes, meaning you pay for those Lightning Lanes a la carte.
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
You should also use Mobile Order and Mobile Checkout at the restaurants and gift shops that use those services — it can save you lots of time waiting in line!
See our complete guide to Genie+ here!
Show Times Can CHANGE
Magic Kingdom has lots of shows. The BIG ones — Happily Ever After fireworks and the Festival of Fantasy parade — only happen at SELECT times each day.
Festival of Fantasy
These times are known to change, so check the Disney app at the start of the day.
For more information about Magic Kingdom’s Festival of Fantasy parade, click here!
Food Options Are Pretty Tame
The food here is pretty straightforward. Many quick service restaurants have options like burgers, tacos, hotdogs, etc. It’s not super exciting, but you can find something for your group to enjoy.
Casey’s Corner full spread
This park has some fun character restaurants! People love to meet the characters at Cinderella’s Royal Table, Crystal Palace, and Be Our Guest.
Dining Room at Cinderella’s Royal Table
We’ve got TONS of food recommendations featured in our DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining, which you can find RIGHT NOW on the DFBstore website. This guide goes WAY more in-depth with what’s available at each location throughout not just Magic Kingdom, but ALL of Disney World property.
Check out our complete guide to Walt Disney World Dining here!
The Transportation And Ticket Center Can Be Brutal…
When driving to Magic Kingdom, you’ll park at the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC). Then, you can ride the Monorail or the ferry to Magic Kingdom.
TTC
The only way to arrive directly at the gates of Magic Kingdom is to take a Disney bus; stay at one of the Magic Kingdom hotels and use the Monorail, boat, or walking path; or book a Minnie Van (Disney’s rideshare service).
Magic Kingdom
Magic Kingdom transportation CROWDS at the start and end of the day are NO JOKE. Hang back in the park a bit longer after it officially closes to wait out the crowds. Rides won’t be open, but the Main Street shops stay open.
The DANGER with Leaving Magic Kingdom Late at Night
Study Up On Virtual Queues
The ONLY way to ride TRON Lightcycle / Run is through the free Virtual Queue system or by purchasing an Individual Lightning Lane.
TRON Lightcycle / Run
Virtual queues open daily at 7AM and 1PM on the Disney app. They book up FAST — make sure you’re ready right at 7AM!
Check out our complete guide to Disney World virtual queues.
Free Park Services Could Save Your Day
The First Aid and Baby Care Center could save your day! There are FREE sample sizes of all kinds of common medication at First Aid.
First Aid
The Baby Care Center is a place to escape the chaos of the park. It has nursing rooms, changing tables, and bathrooms with kid-sized toilets.
Here’s everything first aid centers can do for you in Disney World.
Frontierland Is Currently a Hot Mess
Splash Mountain AND Country Bear Jamboree are CLOSED. Country Bear Jamboree will reopen this summer with “an all-new act.”
The show is closed for now!
Splash Mountain is being remodeled into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure — February 2024
The ride track itself will be similar, but it’s themed to Disney’s The Princess and the Frog. The updated ride opens this summer.
Learn about the Tiana’s Bayou Adventure re-theme here!
You’ve Got TONS Of Meet And Greet Opportunities
Some of the most well-known spots for character meets and greets include Mickey at Town Square Theater, Princesses at Fairytale Hall, and Winnie the Pooh and friends at the Thotful Spot. But there are LOTS more!
Hey, Mickey!
Don’t forget about character meals, which will help you bypass the queues and bring the characters straight to YOU!
Aurora at Cinderella’s Royal Table
And THAT was Magic Kingdom for you… at LIGHT SPEED. Remember, there’s a LOT of other extra stuff you should know about this park before you go, so be sure to check out our other (more in-depth) Magic Kingdom posts when you get the chance — and don’t forget to download our Magic Kingdom quick guide for even MORE rapid-fire tips, tricks, and itineraries, too!
Stay tuned to DFB for more updates on the latest Disney news!
Download our FREE Magic Kingdom quick guide here!
WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.
Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you’re a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
What’s your favorite thing to do in Magic Kingdom? Let us know in the comments!