When you’ve been to Disney World as many times as our reporters have, you come up with all kinds of tips and hacks to optimize your time in the parks.

We know how to make the most of Disney Genie+, when to plan a trip to save the most money, and the best ways to cool off when the parks are unbearably hot. We also know a few good tips for getting on rides with the shortest possible wait time — but one of those hacks is a little bit CONTROVERSIAL. However, if you’re willing to try it out, it might save you a ton of time in Magic Kingdom!

First, we’re going to walk you through our controversial tip. We know it might sound a little wild at first, but stick with us! We have an explanation. Then we’ll look at WHO this hack is really for and who should take a different approach. If you completely disagree with us, don’t worry! We’ll share some more tips at the end of the post for those people who just can’t get on board with this particular plan.

The Hack

OK, are you ready for the controversy? Here it is. We frequently SKIP the Magic Kingdom parade and fireworks show. We know. It’s shocking and maybe even a little heartbreaking. But there’s a pretty good reason WHY we do it!

You can often get on the most popular rides with lower-than-normal wait times if you go during the parade or fireworks! While everyone else is watching the show, you make a beeline for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Space Mountain, Peter Pan’s Flight, or Jungle Cruise. Most of the time, you’ll find that the wait time is shorter than you’d expect.

This tip is especially true for the fireworks show. We usually see ride wait times drop a TON once Happily Ever After starts at 9:20PM. Those wait times generally dip during the 12PM and 3PM Festival of Fantasy parades as well, but it’s most noticeable during the fireworks.

So instead of packing into Main Street, U.S.A., with everyone else, we head straight for our favorite rides. If this plan sounds good to you, just make sure you’re on the right side of the park well before the parade or fireworks begin — you don’t want to have to wade through thousands of people to get to the ride you want! And sometimes you won’t even be allowed to cross the street (as is the case with the parade). So, for example, if you’re hoping to get on Seven Dwarfs during the fireworks, start heading towards the coaster about a half hour before the show begins.

Who Is This Hack For?

Now, we know that this hack isn’t for everyone. If you’ve NEVER seen the Magic Kingdom fireworks show, we highly recommend watching it at least once. It’s beautiful and magical and just an iconic part of a Disney World visit. And if you have little ones who love Disney characters, the Festival of Fantasy parade is a GREAT way to see a lot of them all at once.

So who is this hack for? It’s for people who have seen the fireworks show plenty of times and aren’t super invested in watching it again. It’s also for people who just really love the rides and don’t want to wait hours to get on them.

If you’ve been to Magic Kingdom a few times already and don’t really feel the need to watch Happily Ever After or the Festival of Fantasy parade yet again, take the opportunity to get on some rides with low wait times.

Or maybe you planned to visit Magic Kingdom TWICE during your upcoming trip. If that’s the case, you can plan to watch the parade and fireworks the first time and then get on some rides during the shows the second time.

If You DON’T Want To Use This Hack…

If you just can’t bear to give up the parade and fireworks (we understand — they’re really fun!), you’re not out of luck. There are still a few different ways to get on rides with low wait times.

We almost always recommend rope-dropping Magic Kingdom, which means you arrive at the park entrance at least a half hour BEFORE it opens. Then you head straight to the most popular rides for the best chance at getting on them quickly. (Don’t forget that guests staying at Disney World hotels can get into the park EARLY with Early Entry! But only certain rides are open during Early Entry — learn more about that here.)

You can also choose to stay LATE in Magic Kingdom. Wait times almost always drop in the evening, especially since a lot of people assume that the park closes right after the fireworks show. However, Magic Kingdom usually doesn’t close until 10 or 11PM (be sure to check on the park closing times during your visit!), which means you have more time than you think. After you wipe away your tears from watching Tinker Bell soar away from Cinderella Castle in the Happily Ever After finale, book it to your favorite rides!

Another option is to purchase Disney Genie+, which is the paid way for you to skip the line at many Magic Kingdom rides. The cost of Genie+ will differ depending on the day (it’s more expensive during popular seasons like summer and the holidays), and don’t forget about the upcoming change that means it’ll also vary in price depending on which parks you plan to use it in. If you purchase Genie+, you can make Lightning Lane reservations throughout the day, so you’ll skip the standby line.

We’ll continue watching for more updates from Disney World, and of course, we’ll keep sharing our best tips and hacks with you! Stay tuned to DFB!

We’ve eaten at EVERY Magic Kingdom restaurant. These are the BEST.

Where do you stand on this controversial Magic Kingdom hack? Let us know in the comments.