List of things to buy/bring BEFORE your trip so you don’t buy them in the park:
Directory (Click on a Section to Jump to Each)
If you’re rope dropping Magic Kingdom there’s a good chance you won’t be able to go through the middle of the castle to access Fantasyland on the other side. This is due to the show that happens on the castle stage early in the morning. If you’re not rope-dropping, feel free to stay and watch the show, it’s fun, especially if you have young children with you!
What’s “rope-dropping”? Rope-drop is what we call it when guests are allowed into the park and heading towards rides. Why don’t we just say “park open”? Because you may be allowed into the park before it officially opens, and the “rope” they set up is what keeps guests corralled until the rope drops, and everyone is allowed into the rest of the park.
If you’re power walking to Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, use the path on the RIGHT side of the castle, near the entrance to Tomorrowland. You’ll make a left at the Tea Cups, pass Whinnie the Pooh, and you’ll be right at the entrance for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.
Keep an eye on the wait times for TRON, they fluctuate throughout the day! The ride is intense but short, anyone who doesn’t like fast rides should probably skip this one. It is a launch ride, and I recommend leaving everything from your pockets and your person (especially hats) in the lockers they provide. If you’re prone to motion sickness (like I am), definitely take your dramamine (or equivalent) before getting on the ride, and keep your eyes focused forward.
Goofy’s Barnstormer is faster than it seems! If you have a kiddo who’s afraid of rides, be warned as this seems like a “kid-coaster” but it throws you around a lot for what it is.
Need a break after being on your feet all day? Head to Mickey’s Philharmagic! It’s an amazing air-conditioned show that will get you off your feet for approx. 12 minutes. Plus, the show itself is really good, featuring some of the most popular music from the Disney songbooks.
In a similar vein, you can always check out the Country Bear Jamboree, The Carosuel of Progress (my personal favorite), the Peoplemover, or the Hall of Presidents. A word of caution: The Hall of Presidents is very nap-inducing, especially on hot Florida afternoons.
Pinocchio Village Haus is going to be INSANELY busy at lunchtime. This is largely due to the fact that it’s centrally located and has the classic pizza, chicken tenders, and salad offerings. If you want a sit-down quick service restaurant that won’t be as crowded, give Columbia Harbour House a try. If you do go to Village Haus and there’s seating available, look for the windows that lead into It’s a Small World! Many passengers like to play rock, paper, scissors with the diners at the window as the ride goes past.
They stop serving Mickey Pretzels at 3:00 PM (at least that’s what I was told at the Lunching Pad during my last visit). If you were waiting to get one on your way out of the park, don’t wait too long, or you’ll miss your opportunity!
If you can help it, do NOT go to the Main Street Starbucks first thing in the morning. It becomes wildly crowded, and you lose time you could have spent on rides or meeting characters. Get coffee on your way into the park and enjoy it as you avoid the massive Starbucks line.
Bring your own food! Snacks, sandwiches, whatever you can fit in your bag! It’ll be cheaper and help keep you from waiting in long snack lines all day.
Water cups are free! Go to any quick service station and you can ask for a cup of ice water, which they will provide for free. Drink it from the cup or dump it in your water bottle for cold water on the go.
Be Our Guest has wonderful food and fantastic theming, but if you’re going specifically to see Belle and the Beast you may be disappointed. Beast walks by the tables, but doesn’t stop for photos with everyone the way they do at other character dining locations. The Enchanted Rose is beautiful, and the Gray stuff is indeed, delicious.
Crystal Palace is my personal suggestion for character dining, espeically if you have younger children with you. Pooh and his friends from the Hundred Acre Woods stop by each individual table to take photos with everyone, and the food is all you can eat.
Pro tip: get the churro waffles, it’s the only place in the park you can get them!
Make the most out of your time in Magic Kingdom by making sure you plan ahead!
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