Magic Kingdom is talked about the most when it comes to tips for bringing little kids, which makes sense. It has what most toddlers and kids want to see: Mickey Mouse, Peter Pan, Winnie the Pooh, etc., plus classics like Pirates of the Caribbean and it’s a small world.

For me, no matter how many years go by or how many kids we bring (0, 1, then 2…) Magic Kingdom stresses me out the most of the four parks in Walt Disney World. Probably because it’s the most visited park in Disney World — about 13 million a year if you were wondering — which means more crowds, plus the fact that there’s so much to do, it’s hard to know where to begin. I get it.

But I have good news: after gathering all my intel, thoughts, and mistakes, I know that a day in Magic Kingdom can be great with minimal, if any, stress. Fun. Even a little inspiring. It just takes a little brain power and a touch of planning.

Keep reading for everything I’ve learned and tips for Magic Kingdom with little kids, where to start, and how to not go completely crazy. I promise it can be done.

4 Tips for Magic Kingdom with Toddlers

In this post, I’m sharing what I’ve learned from my dozen trips to the Magic Kingdom with my daughter (and now, daughters). But first, something you should know about me:

When I’m in Disney World, I don’t like to just go with the flow because, you know…the flow can be a real mess.

And this isn’t to say you can’t go slow. I’m not suggesting you rush from must-do to must-do. Actually the opposite: thoughtful planning lets you feel like you can actually do less. Instead of standing blankly in the middle of the park, looking at the castle like it’s a menu at Cheesecake Factory, overwhelmed with options. 

Let’s dive in…

Get there Early

I’m only a morning person with the promise of two things: coffee and fewer people. I’m not telling you to rope drop here (this is where you get there early-before-early and wait…in a crowd…to avoid crowds?) but to get to the gate about an hour before the park opens. 

I go over this in more detail in my Guide to Magic Kingdom, but here’s why: Magic Kingdom starts letting everyone scan into the park an hour (if not more) before it opens.

This is completely separate from using Early Entry for Disney resort guests, but everyone can go onto Main Street, grab a coffee from Starbucks, get some photos in front of the castle, or honestly just meander. 

Shooting to get there early is great for a lot of reasons but this is when your kids are the happiest, the weather is milder, and everything is less crowded from the roads to the buses to the gates.

I’m here to say it one more time: arriving at park opening is totally fine, but don’t think you’re early.

Don’t do too much: try 3-2-1

Don’t have a Cheesecake Factory day. To keep from feeling overwhelmed, pick your top 3 attractions that you REALLY want to ride. If it’s your first time to Magic Kingdom, you don’t have to spend hours googling this part. Use the My Disney Experience app and (literally) go around the map and start clicking around. You will see where every attraction is, what style of ride it is, and the height requirement to ride. 

Then pick 2 experiences. These are usually free and thoughtful things like, “meet Mickey”, “watch the parade”, or “walk up the Swiss Family Tree.” This could be something that you and/or your family remember doing as a kid or something you could bring home as a souvenir, like embroidered Mickey ears for your baby’s first visit.

Finally, 1 dining reservation. One KILLER dining reservation that you’re excited to eat at. Whether it’s breakfast lunch or dinner, having one reservation to anchor your day can take some of the stress out about deciding where the heck everyone eating for three meals a day on vacation. I know I’m not the only mom who stresses out this!

Use Multi Pass in Magic Kingdom

What’s a girl to do in a stressful situation like crowds and long lines?

Throw money at it, obviously. Lightning Lane Multi Pass is an added cost but has the most potential in Magic Kingdom. Since it has the most rides for little kids, it makes it a no-brainer for us to add Multi Pass to our park day.

My favorite Lightning Lane for Magic Kingdom is Peter Pan’s Flight. It’s not a ride worth waiting an hour for (the average wait time this year was 72 minutes!) but it’s hard for us to skip it completely because it’s nostalgic for me and both my girls love it. 

Take a Break from 2-4pm

We like to go back to our resort a little after lunch so our toddler can take a solid nap while our 6-year goes to the pool with Dad. If you’re staying off-property, or are an open-till-close rockstar, still take a break from 2 to 4pm. Here are some ideas for breaks:

• Carousel of Progress
• Ride the PeopleMover
• Watch Mickey’s Philharmagic
• a late lunch reservation at a monorail character dining spot, like 1900 Park Fare
• take a ride on the Liberty Square Riverboat

Going to mention here: if you’re planning on staying for the fireworks, your kids are going to need some *real* rest to be able to hang. Bring PJs.

Tips for Magic Kingdom with Toddlers

When it comes to figuring out your itinerary for Magic Kingdom, you need everything in one place, with steps of exactly what to do when you get thru the gate. I’ve tried and tested the pre-designed itineraries in my Guide to Magic Kingdom with both my girls, and will stick to these for years to come.

Get the guide here!

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