Once upon a time...
The Laid-back Guide to Magic Kingdom was created for families like yours who want to do all the things...without doing "all the things."
For anyone who wants to enjoy their family wherever they are.
This guide is filled with dining options, attractions and shows, and the best way to experience them - especially with kids.
...so you can stop the endless scrolling, screenshotting and straight-up wondering how to experience the biggest park of Walt Disney World.
Before you arrive,
make sure to...
- Have a Magic Kingdom park reservation the day you want to visit
- Download the My Disney Experience app and have all your tickets + party linked
- Have a credit card ready and tied to your account (this makes it easy to purchase Genie+ and mobile order food)
and remember...
- If you have a single-day ticket, you can still leave the park to take a break and come back later
- Park hopping starts at 2pm each day. You’ll have to scan into the first park – the one you have a reservation for – before you can hop to the next.
- Kids under 3 are free! No ticket required.
CHOOSE A TOPIC OR CONTINUE SCROLLING
let's go to Neverland...
Arriving + Morning Timeline
CAR: If you’re driving your own car, you’ll have the option to pay for Standard ($25) or Preferred ($45-50/day) parking. If you're Disney Resort guest, standard parking is free! The parking lot opens 90 minutes prior to Early Entry. Example: If Early Entry starts at 8:30am, you can park at 7:00am.
Once you’ve parked, you'll walk or take a tram to the Ticket and Transportation Center. You'll go through security, then take a ferry (10 mins) or a monorail (15 mins) to the gate.
BUS: All resort guests can take the complimentary bus system directly to the gate. Buses don’t require car seats - yay - but you will have to collapse your stroller. You can see exact bus times in your My Disney Experience app under your resort tab, but expect buses to start running 90 minutes before park opening.
A tip from Dana: A breakfast reservation at one of the monorail resorts is one of our favorite ways to stack on memories before a park day. Like Steakhouse 71 at the Contemporary or ‘Ohana at the Polynesian.
If you're staying off-property, here's a bit of a hack: Uber or Lyft to one of these resorts for a dining reservation, then take the monorail to Magic Kingdom. This bypasses the Ticket + Transportation Center!
MONORAIL: The three “monorail” resorts (the Grand Floridian, Polynesian, and Contemporary) offer just that: a monorail. If you’re staying at one of these resorts OR coming from a dining reservation at one of these, you can monorail to the Magic Kingdom. Both the Grand Floridian + Contemporary both have walking paths, too.
UBER OR LYFT: Magic Kingdom is the only park that will NOT let you be dropped off at the gate - the driver will have to drop you off at the Ticket and Transportation Center. Buttttt, if you use a Minnie Van - which is operated through the Lyft app - you’ll get a Disney Cast Member to drive you RIGHT up to the gate. They even come with 2 car seats installed!
"Early Entry" is a perk that lets Disney Resort guests (or "on property guests") into any park each day 30 minutes before official park opening. To see if you're included, check this list.
To use Early Entry, one MagicBand or ticket will be scanned at the end of Main Street on the right. You'll see a Cast Member with an EARLY ENTRY sign.
Only Fantasyland and Tomorrowland are opened during Early Entry, which includes:
EARLY ENTRY
TRANSPORTATION
If you can only remember one thing: Magic Kingdom will let EVERYONE into the park 45 minutes before Early Entry starts, no matter where you're staying. For example: If official park opening is 9am, all guests are allowed to enter at 7:45am.
Out of all the parks, Magic Kingdom is the only one that does this. Get there early to take advantage of empty castle photos, get coffee, or "rope drop" a high-wait time ride!
"ROPE-DROPPING"
ALL GUESTS
"Rope Drop" is lingo for when the park (or one of the lands) opens for the day. When the rope is removed or “dropped”, guests are free to enter.
If you're rope-dropping during Early Entry for Tomorrowland, you’ll be held at the end of the bridge at the corner of Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor.
For Fantasyland. you'll be held between Cheshire Café and Cosmic Ray’s. This is the path you’ll want if your goal is Seven Dwarfs Mine Train or another Fantasyland ride.
The most popular attractions to Rope Drop:
If you're using Early Entry...
Space Mountain in Tomorrowland
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train + Peter Pan's Flight in Fantasyland
If you're NOT using Early Entry...
Jungle Cruise in Adventureland
Big Thunder Mountain in Frontierland
“it’s a small world”
Astro Orbiter
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
Mad Tea Party
Mickey’s PhilharMagic
Peter Pan’s Flight
Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
Space Mountain
The Barnstormer
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Tomorrowland Speedway
Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid
Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress
Click here to learn more about Rope-dropping
This part is important!!
TRANSPORTATION CHART
For even more detail on how to get to Magic Kingdom from your resort, here's a free download to save to your phone in case you get stuck!
"ROPE-DROPPING"
"Rope Drop" is lingo for when one of the lands opens for the day. When the rope is removed or “dropped”, guests are free to enter.
If you're rope-dropping during Early Entry for Tomorrowland, you’ll be held at the end of the Tomorrowland bridge. This is where you'd want to be if your plan is to ride Space Mountain.
For Fantasyland. you'll be held between Cheshire Café and Cosmic Ray’s. This is the path you’ll want if your goal is Seven Dwarfs Mine Train or Peter Pan's Flight.
The most popular attractions to Rope Drop:
If you're using Early Entry...
Space Mountain in Tomorrowland
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train + Peter Pan's Flight in Fantasyland
If you're NOT using Early Entry...
Jungle Cruise in Adventureland
Big Thunder Mountain in Frontierland
Your Morning
Timeline
Attractions & Shows
Let’s check out the attractions + show in bite-size pieces according to the 6 "lands" across Magic Kingdom: Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, Frontierland, Adventureland, Liberty Square, and Main Street USA.
Fantasyland Rides:
The Barnstormer (35”)
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
"it's a small world"
Mad Tea Party
Peter Pan's Flight*
Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (38”)*
Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Under the Sea - Journey of the Little Mermaid
Fantasyland has the most attractions that are “any height”, meaning the entire family can ride - even babies! It’s the biggest draw for toddlers and preschool-age kids and let’s be honest, we love it, too. This land is open for Early Entry.
Fantasyland Experiences + Shows:
Casey Jr Splash N' Soak Station
Enchanted Tales with Belle
Mickey’s Philharmagic
Meet Ariel at her Grotto
Meet Cinderella and Tiana at Princess Fairytale Hall
Pete's Silly Sideshow
Fantasyland
Fantasyland Rides:
The Barnstormer (38”)
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
"it's a small world"
Mad Tea Party
Peter Pan's Flight*
Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (38”)*
Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Under the Sea - Journey of the Little Mermaid
Fantasyland Experiences + Shows:
Casey Jr Splash N' Soak Station
Enchanted Tales w/ Belle (temporarily closed)
Mickey’s Philharmagic
Meet Ariel at Her Grotto
Meet Cinderella at Princess Fairytale Hall
Meet Tiana at Princess Fairytale Hall
Fantasyland has the most attractions that are “any height”, meaning the entire family rides - even babies! It’s the biggest draw for toddlers and young kids and let’s be honest, we love it, too. This land is open for Early Entry.
Fantasyland
Adventureland
Frontierland
Tomorrowland Rides:
Astro Orbiter
Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin
Monster’s Inc. Laugh Floor
Space Mountain (44”)
Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
Tomorrowland Speedway (32”)
TRON Lightcycle / Run -- Opens April 4, 2023 (48")
Tomorrowland Experiences + Shows:
Carousel of Progress
Tomorrowland has a piece of my heart for it’s look-to-the-future-vibe, but how it ironically feels nostalgic. This land is open during Early Entry.
Adventureland Rides:
Jungle Cruise
Magic Carpets of Aladdin
Pirates of the Caribbean
Adventureland Experiences + Shows:
Swiss Family Treehouse
Enchanted Tiki Room
A Pirate’s Adventure - Treasures of the Seven Seas
Adventureland is our favorite land. It makes me want to grab a backpack and get lost somewhere - maybe in search of the perfect rum cocktail. You won't find that here unfortunately…but you will find rides for the entire family!
Tomorrowland
Adventureland
NEXT
BACK
NEXT
BACK
Fantasyland Rides:
The Barnstormer (38”)
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
"it's a small world"
Mad Tea Party
Peter Pan's Flight*
Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (38”)*
Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Under the Sea - Journey of the Little Mermaid
Fantasyland has the most attractions that are “any height”, meaning the entire family can ride - even babies! It’s the biggest draw for toddlers and preschool-age kids and let’s be honest, we love it, too. This land is open for Early Entry.
Fantasyland Experiences + Shows:
Casey Jr Splash N' Soak Station
Enchanted Tales w/ Belle (temporarily closed)
Mickey’s Philharmagic
See Cinderella at Princess Fairytale Hall
See Tiana at Princess Fairytale Hall
Fantasyland
Frontierland Rides:
Big Thunder Mountain (40")
Frontierland Experiences + Shows:
Country Bear Jamboree
Tom Sawyer Island
Frontierland feels the most “laid-back” to me out of all the lands, and is a great land to go when you’re feeling overwhelmed. Splash Mountain is going to be rethemed to Princess and the Frog!. Learn more here.
Frontierland
Frontierland
Liberty Square Rides:
Haunted Mansion
Liberty Square Experiences + Shows:
Hall of Presidents
Liberty Square Riverboat
Fun fact: Liberty Square is the only land with no public restrooms - except the restaurants of course. Since indoor plumbing didn’t exist in this land’s era, restrooms wouldn’t have existed either, and Disney is aaall about theming.
Meet Mickey + Minnie at Town Sq. Theatre
Let the Magic Begin + Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire (welcome show)
Mickey’s Celebration Cavalcade + Adventure Friends Cavalcade
The Dapper Dans
Festival of Fantasy Parade
Disney’s Enchantment
Repeat after me: Castle. Coffee. Fireworks. Shopping.
While there are no attractions in this land, there are a lot of shows, parades and meet and greets to be found. Like...
Liberty Square
Main Street USA
NEXT
BACK
NEXT
BACK
Tomorrowland Rides:
Astro Orbiter
Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin
Monster’s Inc. Laugh Floor
Space Mountain (44”)*
Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
Tomorrowland Speedway (32”)
TRON Lightcycle /Run - Opens April 4, 2023
Tomorrowland Experiences + Shows:
Carousel of Progress
Tomorrowland has a piece of my heart for it’s looking-to-the-future origin, but now it ironically feels nostalgic, like the 70s airport in Catch me if you Can. The land with the most air-conditioning and opened during Early Entry.
Tomorrowland
Tomorrowland Rides:
Astro Orbiter
Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin
Monster’s Inc. Laugh Floor
Space Mountain (44”)
Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
Tomorrowland Speedway (32”)
Tomorrowland Experiences + Shows:
Carousel of Progress
HIGHEST WAIT TIME: Space Mountain (44")
Tomorrowland has a piece of my heart for it’s looking-to-the-future, but now it ironically feels nostalgic, like the 70s airport in Catch me if you Can. This is one of the lands that’s opened during Early Entry.
TOMORROWLAND
NEXT
BACK
Adventureland Rides:
Jungle Cruise*
Magic Carpets of Aladdin
Pirates of the Caribbean
Adventureland Experiences + Shows:
Swiss Family Treehouse
Enchanted Tiki Room
A Pirate’s Adventure - Treasures of the Seven Seas
Adventureland is our favorite land. It makes me want to grab a backpack and get lost somewhere - maybe in search of the perfect rum cocktail. You won't find that here unfortunately…but you will find rides for the entire fam (another reason to love it.)
Adventureland
Tomorrowland Rides:
Astro Orbiter
Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin
Monster’s Inc. Laugh Floor
Space Mountain (44”)
Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
Tomorrowland Speedway (32”)
Tomorrowland Experiences + Shows:
Carousel of Progress
HIGHEST WAIT TIME: Space Mountain (44")
Tomorrowland has a piece of my heart for it’s looking-to-the-future, but now it ironically feels nostalgic, like the 70s airport in Catch me if you Can. This is one of the lands that’s opened during Early Entry.
TOMORROWLAND
NEXT
BACK
Frontierland Rides:
Big Thunder Mountain (40")
Frontierland Experiences + Shows:
Country Bear Jamboree
Tom Sawyer Island
Frontierland feels the most “laid-back” to me out of all the lands, and is a great land to go when you’re feeling overwhelmed. Splash Mountain is going to be rethemed to Princess and the Frog!. Learn more here.
Frontierland
Tomorrowland Rides:
Astro Orbiter
Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin
Monster’s Inc. Laugh Floor
Space Mountain (44”)
Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
Tomorrowland Speedway (32”)
Tomorrowland Experiences + Shows:
Carousel of Progress
HIGHEST WAIT TIME: Space Mountain (44")
Tomorrowland has a piece of my heart for it’s looking-to-the-future, but now it ironically feels nostalgic, like the 70s airport in Catch me if you Can. This is one of the lands that’s opened during Early Entry.
TOMORROWLAND
NEXT
BACK
Liberty Square Rides:
Haunted Mansion*
Liberty Square Experiences + Shows:
Hall of Presidents
Liberty Square Riverboat
Fun fact: this is the only land with no public restrooms - except restaurants. Since indoor plumbing didn’t exist in the land’s era, public restrooms wouldn’t have existed either, and Disney is all about theme. If you need a potty - head to a neighboring land!
Liberty Square
Tomorrowland Rides:
Astro Orbiter
Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin
Monster’s Inc. Laugh Floor
Space Mountain (44”)
Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
Tomorrowland Speedway (32”)
Tomorrowland Experiences + Shows:
Carousel of Progress
HIGHEST WAIT TIME: Space Mountain (44")
Tomorrowland has a piece of my heart for it’s looking-to-the-future, but now it ironically feels nostalgic, like the 70s airport in Catch me if you Can. This is one of the lands that’s opened during Early Entry.
TOMORROWLAND
NEXT
BACK
Meet Mickey + Minnie at Town Square Theatre*
Let the Magic Begin + Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire (welcome show)
Mickey’s Celebration Cavalcade + Adventure Friends Cavalcade
The Dapper Dans
Festival of Fantasy Parade
Disney’s Enchantment
Repeat after me: Castle. Coffee. Fireworks.
While there are no attractions in this land, there are a lot of shows, parades and meet and greets to be found on Main Street USA. Like...
Main Street USA
Tomorrowland Rides:
Astro Orbiter
Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin
Monster’s Inc. Laugh Floor
Space Mountain (44”)
Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
Tomorrowland Speedway (32”)
Tomorrowland Experiences + Shows:
Carousel of Progress
HIGHEST WAIT TIME: Space Mountain (44")
Tomorrowland has a piece of my heart for it’s looking-to-the-future, but now it ironically feels nostalgic, like the 70s airport in Catch me if you Can. This is one of the lands that’s opened during Early Entry.
TOMORROWLAND
NEXT
BACK
*Attraction with the highest wait times. Try to ride within the first 2 hours after park opening, during a parade, or after fireworks for the shortest wait.
The parade is a GREAT way to see a lot of characters like Mickey, Peter Pan, Ariel, Rapunzel, and a Fire Breathing Dragon (maybe give your kids a heads up about that one!)
BEST SPOTS TO WATCH
THE PARADE
The parade is a GREAT way to see a lot of characters like Mickey, Peter Pan, Ariel, Rapunzel, and a Fire Breathing Dragon (maybe give your kids a heads up about that one!)
Frontierland is my favorite spot for a few reasons: since the parade starts in Frontierland, it takes about 20 minutes to reach Main Street USA. Watching from Frontierland means you can get back to rides with low waits before everyone else! It's also far less crowded and has more shade.
Where to Watch
THE PARADE
SPOT TO WATCH: TWO
If you're planning on heading out after the parade, the end of the Main Street by the flag pole is an excellent view since you can watch the parade turn the corner. It's the least crowded, and right next to the exit for you to duck out.
Where to Watch
THE PARADE
MORE PARADE TIPS
- The parade takes about 20 minutes to reach in front of the Castle towards Main Street
- You can confirm the two showing times in the My Disney Experience app
- Take a potty break before it starts
- If you're not watching the parade, this is great time to ride attractions with lower wait times
THE PARADE
BACK TO FIRST SLIDE
Parade & Fireworks
When people talk about the fireworks, they're talking about "Enchantment". The previous show, "Happily Ever After" will re-appear on April 3, 2023! Check ahead of time to confirm which nights it's showing (this will not be performing on nights with a Halloween or Christmas Party.)
THE FIREWORKS
BEST SPOTS TO WATCH
While you can really get a view of the fireworks from anywhere, the cool thing about Enchantment is the projections on the Castle. Anywhere between the Central Plaza and the castle are the best views.
Where to Watch
THE FIREWORKS
SPOT TO WATCH: TWO
Buying tickets to the Fireworks Dessert Party is my favorite way to watch the fireworks. ($92.95/adult and $55.39 for ages 3-9)
The party comes with unlimited desserts plus champagne, wine, beer + coffee, but the reason I buy a ticket is for the viewing area. It's FAR less crowded and gives my girls room to play aaand we don't have to save a spot to get a great view.
THE FIREWORKS
FDP: WHERE YOU WATCH
THE FIREWORKS
MORE FIREWORK TIPS
90 mins before fireworks, you can check in at Tomorrowland Terrace where the "party" happens. I like having a light dinner so I can stuff myself on fruit, cheese, and dessert.
When your finished, you're escorted to the VIP Garden Plaza viewing area to wait for the show to start!
VIEWING AREA
DESSERT
THE FIREWORKS
- If you want to beat the after-fireworks crowd, watch from further down Main Street USA.
- Bring a set of pajamas for your kids to change into, so when you get back to the room it's *plop* to bed
- If you can hang, after the fireworks is a great time for low wait times
- While it's definitely not necessary, people start saving their spots about an hour - if not more - before fireworks start
BACK TO FIRST SLIDE
TIP #1: Check a calendar
Triple checking a calendar (I like the free one from UnderCover Tourist) will show you things like high and low crowds, events, and holidays you should be aware of. You may end up wanting to switch your days around after knowing what you know!
TIP #2: Try for mid-week
Historically, crowds are higher on Mondays and Saturdays. Tuesday through Thursday will statistically have the least amount of crowds.
TIP #3: Ride at "odd times"
Riding attractions during the parade (especially the first show of the day) and fireworks will give you lower wait times
TIP #4: The last minute
After the fireworks is a great time to ride some bigger attractions. You can get into the standby queue for a ride up until literal park close, they have to get you ride.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (40")
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
Enchanted Tales with Belle
Haunted Mansion
“it’s a small world”
Jungle Cruise
Mad Tea Party
Meet Ariel at Her Grotto
Meet Cinderella + a Visiting Princess
Meet Mickey at Town Square Theater
Meet Princess Tiana + a Visiting Princess
Mickey’s PhilharMagic
Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor
Peter Pan’s Flight
Pirates of the Caribbean
Space Mountain (44")
The Barnstormer (35")
TRON: Lightcycle / Run (48")*
The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Tomorrowland Speedway (32")
Under the Sea | the Little Mermaid
Everything you'll ever need to know can be found in the separate Guide to Genie+. It’s too much to fit into a park guide! Here are the basics:
- Genie+ is the new skip-the-line system at Disney World that allows you to use the "Lightning Lane" (expedited queue) at an attraction.
- Genie+ costs between $15-30/day per person and can be purchased in your My Disney Experience app the day you want to use it.
- Anyone can book their first Lightning Lane return time at 7am, no matter where you're staying.
- In the MDE app, select the "+" button, then choose "My Genie Day + Tip Board". Select the park you're visiting that day. Find the attraction you'd like to book a return window for, and select the next hourly return window that's available.
For us, Genie+ is a no-brainer when we have a full day in Magic Kingdom.
It has the most attractions included and the most for kids to ride out of any other park.
Do yourself a favor and invest in Genie+ for your park day.
USING GENIE+ TO SKIP THE LINE
WHAT SHOULD I BOOK FIRST?
To get the most out of Genie+, book your first Lightning Lane based on which ones sell out first. These are the top rides that have the average highest wait time, and tend to sell out the soonest:
TRON LIGHTCYCLE / RUN*
MEET Ariel at her Grotto
Peter Pan's Flight
SEVEN DWARF'S MINE TRAIN*
*Not included with Genie+ but can be purchased separately
ATTRACTIONS WITH LIGHTNING LANES
TRON Lightcycle / Run is the newest thrill ride in Magic Kingdom. It's unique for a lot of reasons, but the biggest one is that it doesn't have a standby line.
There are 2 ways to ride: through a free virtual queue or purchasing an Individual Lightning Lane. Download the guide HERE.
HOW TO RIDE TRON LIGHTCYCLE / RUN
bonus guide!
Dining in Magic Kingdom
Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies
Energy Bytes
Cool Ship
Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe 📲
The Lunching Pad 📲
Joffrey’s Revive
Tomorrowland Terrace (this only hosts the Fireworks Dessert Party)
Tomorrowland
NEXT
Aloha Isle
Spring Roll Cart 💗 (seasonal)
Jungle Navigation Co. 💗 🍽️
Sunshine Tree Terrace 📲
Tortuga Tavern
Adventureland
NEXT
Click here to learn more about Mobile Ordering
NEXT
👑 Character Dining
🍽️ Needs an advanced dining reservations
📲 Mobile Order available
💗 Our favorite
Are you here for the food? I knew we’d be friends.
In this section you'll see all the dining options by land. I marked which are my favorites, have characters, mobile ordering and dining that requires an advanced reservation.
Save time by mobile ordering
Open your My Disney Experience app, click the "+" and choose “Order Food.” Pick the restaurant, and your arrival time, and then add to your order.
During your arrival window, select the “I’m Here, Prepare My Order” button (I like to do this while I'm walking over). The screen will turn purple and tell you exactly where to pick up.
The most under-rated restaurant in my opinion, Jungle Nav Co. is tucked away in Adventureland and themed to feel like it's where the crew of the Jungle Cruise eats.
This is the only place in Magic Kingdom where you can get a margarita and find the spiciest food (two of our favorite things.)
OUR FAVORITE DINING RESERVATION
My favorite snack
Main Street Confectionary has a make-your-own popcorn bar. Choose your base, add M&Ms, anything you like! It's a great treat that isn't so sugar-laden like other things in Magic Kingdom.
best QUICK SERVICE spots for...
PICKY EATERS
- Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe
FOODIES
- Columbia Harbour House
GLUTEN-FREE OPTIONS
- Pinocchio Village Haus
VEGAN OPTIONS
- Casey's Corner
ON THE BLOG: JUNGLE NAVIGATION CO. REVIEW
Magic Kingdom with Little Kids
BEST RIDES
RIDER SWITCH
SPOTS TO PLAY
BABIES
Skip ahead to:
MEMORIES
CHARACTERS
STROLLERS
We have two little girls ages 6 and 2, so while my oldest can ride most things now, we gravitate towards things we can all ride together!
These are my favorite rides that are always a hit with the whole family:
Peter Pan’s Flight
it’s a small world
Mad Tea Party
Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Under the Sea - Journey of the LIttle Mermaid
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
Jungle Cruise
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
Magic Carpets of Aladdin
+ Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
BEST RIDES
What's Rider Switch and how does it work?
RIDER SWITCH
The best way to save time! One adult rides while the other stays back with the kid(s) not riding because they're either too little or just don't want to...
Then *switch*! The adult that stayed behind can use the Lightning Lane instead of waiting in standby a second time.
Here's how:
Find a Cast Member (they'll usually be holding a device) at the attraction with your entire family.
The adult whose staying behind will have their ticket/MagicBand scanned along with whoever wants to ride with them.
Rider Switch is available at The Barnstormer, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Space Mountain, and Tomorrowland Speedway.
After riding, the adult that just rode stays back with the "not riding" child.
Now the adult that waited doesn't have to wait in the regular standby line: they can use the Lightning Lane.
Here's the best part: the adult using the Lightning Lane can bring someone with them! So someone could ride a second time!
non-riders
riders
non-riders
riders
THE STANDBY QUEUE FOR DUMBO: THE FLYING ELEPHANT
...has a playground - with air conditioning! You can even keep your place in line while the kids play.
1/8
THE HUB GRASS ON MAIN ST USA
...in front of the castle is a great spot to let your baby crawl around. Grab an iced coffee, or even lunch, and have a little picnic on the grass.
2/8
QUEUE FOR MANY ADVENTURES OF WINNIE THE POOH
...not air-conditioned but it’s always a hit with my girls and super interactive!
3/8
PLAYGROUND UNDER SPLASH MOUNTAIN
...is a great area to hit while you’re using Rider Switch! Find it under the exit stairs.
4/8
SWISS FAMILY TREEHOUSE
...there’s a LOT of steps (you'd have to carry your baby) so great for when a kid needs to blow off some energy! My favorite part of Adventureland.
5/8
TOM SAWYER ISLAND
...take a boat from Frontierland to explore this secret island. Only do this if you feel like you’re not in a rush since it takes a bit to get back.
6/8
CASEY JR SPLASH N' SOAK
...find this near Dumbo's ride. On hot park days it’s a good idea to pack a bathing suit/swim diaper because the kids WILL get wet!
7/8
ADVENTURELAND MISTERS
...just up the steps from Jungle Cruise, this is a great spot to let the kids out of the stroller to cool off - perfect after a Magic Carpet ride!
8/8
SPOTS TO PLAY
There's a lot of sitting in Disney World (in the stroller, on rides, in restaurants) but kids have to MOVE. These are the best spots to let your kids out and let them run, crawl, or just straight up play.
My number 1 tip for visiting with an infant is to use the Baby Care Center next to the Crystal Palace (by the entrance of Magic Kingdom). It’s a clean, air-conditioned spot with cushioned changing tables, with lots of room to breathe instead of the crowded restrooms.
BABIES
The Baby Care Center will have last minute items available for purchase: formula, diapers, wipes, baby food, medicine, etc. There’s a place to fill up your water bottle, or microwave a snack for your toddler. It’s really the best!
I was nursing my 6 month old when I first brought her to Disney and found that shows like the Carousel of Progress where perfect for a solid nursing session; 21 minutes, dark and air conditioned, not too loud. Perfect!
SEE THE BABY CARE CENTER ON THE MAP HERE.
There are so many hidden adorable moments to be found in Magic Kingdom.
Here are my favorites:
MEMORIES
- Get Pixie Dusted (free!)
Next to Cinderella Castle you'll find Sir Mickey's. Ask a Cast Member if they have any "pixie dust" and a little magic will come your way. - Silhouette Portrait
An artist creates a silhouette of
your child's sweet profile. Find booths on Main Street + Liberty Square - Embroidered Ears
Get your child's name embroidered on their first pair of Mickey ears *cries*. Find them at: Box Office Gifts inside the Town Square Theatre and Fantasy Faire. Heads up: this can be up to 90 mins before it's ready to be picked up, so go earlier + come back.
More experiences for kids called "Enchanting Extras" can be booked 60 days before like a makeover at Bibbidy Bobbidy Boutique or a haircut at Harmony Barber Shop.
