Magic Kingdom Touring Plan: Your One-Day Guide at Disney World

Last updated on May 18th, 2024 at 10:58 am

photo credit: Disney Enterprises, Inc.

When you visit Walt Disney World, your most important day might be the one you visit the Magic Kingdom. The flagship park is a symbol for the whole resort–destination to millions of people every year.

It’s not only the best known Disney park, but it’s also the most popular, especially among families. That means it can get crowded. That’s why it’s important to adopt new strategies for how to enjoy the entire park in one day.

This updated Magic Kingdom touring plan will help you get the most out of the experience while you’re there.

Your Magic Kingdom Touring Plan

Ready to get started? First things first–make sure you get a reservation through Park Pass in addition to your valid park ticket. Head to Disney’s site here to learn more.

photo credit: Disney Enterprises, Inc.

Be Prepared

The Magic Kingdom is the easiest park to navigate due to the famous hub and spokes model. You tee up at the Plaza after passing through a turn of the century Main Street USA, and from there you can choose to explore different worlds at their gateways. Those worlds in turn are interconnected, so getting around the whole park is very convenient if you plan your route accordingly.

The biggest attractions are on the furthest ends, which means you may need to bypass some scenery if you want to catch some e-ticket rides early on. 

photo credit: Disney Enterprises, Inc.

Know the Park Schedule

Before you visit the park, check the open and close times on the schedule. Get up early in the morning to make sure you are ready and at the gate when the park opens.

You want to be among those who get there early so you can get to the big attractions like Big Thunder or Space Mountain before the lines form. In Fantasyland, target Peter Pan’s Flight, The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, and The Haunted Mansion.

If you decide to break up your day and go somewhere else in the park, use the new directions feature on the My Disney Experience app. It will show you the fastest route on your map.

If you really want to avoid crowds, steer clear of weekends. Of course, those are the most popular days, and the crowds may slow you down if you want to experience the whole park. 

(Matt Stroshane, photographer)

Plan Your Meals Around Your Day (or Your Day around Your Meals)

Your Magic Kingdom touring plan should focus on eateries and where they are in the park to save unnecessary running back and forth. You can make dining reservations 60 days in advance, so keep that in mind as you get closer to your vacation dates.

You’ll want to time your day at the Magic Kingdom so that you are in specific places at mealtimes. If you don’t have reservations for table service, use the mobile order feature on My Disney Experience. You should still plot your path around the eateries you wish to dine at.

Princess Tiana is part of “The Royal Princess Processional” debuting July 11, 2020, as part of the phased reopening of Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Disney princesses will travel through the park several times daily. (Olga Thompson, photographer)

All Three Relaxation Stations

To complete your Magic Kingdom touring plan, you should know the rest stops. The Magic Kingdom has three relaxation stations. One is by Golden Oak Outpost near Splash Mountain. Another is in Fantasyland by Pete’s Silly Sideshow, and finally, near the Plaza by Cinderella Castle, there is another relaxation station at Tomorrowland Terrace. These are great places to take a break throughout your day.

There you have it. These tips should help you make the most of your time at the Magic Kingdom, but above all, enjoy yourself!  

photo credit: Disney Enterprises, Inc.

Save money by picking up your Disney souvenirs before you leave–think tees, Mickey ears, and more. Find them at Amazon or the Disney Store online.

Find more of our Disney savings tips here.

Also read:
Disney World on a Budget? 4 Ways to Save
Disney Dining Guide
How to Save Now for Your Summer Vacation: 5 Tips

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