The Best Ways To MAXIMIZE YOUR TIME in Magic Kingdom

Planning a Disney World vacation isn’t for the faint of heart — that’s especially true if you’re planning to spend any time in Magic Kingdom.

Cinderella Castle

And, while you certainly shouldn’t expect to have anything close to what could be described as a “relaxing vacation” in Magic Kingdom, there are definitely a handful of not-so-secret tips that can help you get the most out of your day. No matter when you’re planning on visiting Disney World next, these are our top tips to MAXIMIZE your time in Magic Kingdom.

Magic Kingdom can be a fickle beast — but it doesn’t have to be intimidating! It might be difficult to accomplish everything on your list in one day but we’ve rounded up some of the best ways to maximize your time in Magic Kingdom.

Lightning Lanes Are a MUST

Lightning Lane Multi Pass is an optional paid service available through the My Disney Experience app which allows you to bypass standby lines and enter the Lightning Lane at select attractions in the parks by paying a base price for multiple attractions. (This is the new option that has replaced what was previously known as Disney Genie+.)

Lightning Lane

When purchasing Lightning Lane Multi Pass, you can make up to 3 Lightning Lane Multi Pass selections in a park in advance of your visit. Additionally, you can choose available times as you make your attraction selections, and can continue to hold up to 3 Lighting Lane Multi Pass selections at a time.

While it’s not always 100% necessary in the parks depending on the time of year you’re visiting, if you’re trying to see and do everything that Magic Kingdom has to offer — rides, shows, parades, characters, SNACKS — you’re going to want to shell out for Lightning Lane Multi Pass.

Lightning Lane

Multi Pass allows you to skip the standby lines at select Disney World rides, including some of the most popular rides that garner the worst wait times. If you’re trying to make the most of your time in Magic Kingdom, purchasing Lightning Lane Multi Pass is definitely the first step toward seeing everything you want to see!

Skip Parades and Fireworks

We know, we know — parades and fireworks are what make Magic Kingdom so special (especially since there aren’t parades in any other Disney World parks right now, but I digress…) but if you truly don’t care about seeing whatever parade or fireworks show is currently happening in Magic Kingdom, you can get a LOT done when everyone else is distracted by them!

Festival of Fantasy

We often see wait times drop during parades and fireworks because so many people want to take in the shows — and while we certainly don’t blame them, folks who would rather ride rides than see shows can make hay during these times. We’ve even seen popular rides like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train be essentially walk-ons with little to no waits during the fireworks! It can be a great way to sneak onto a ride that normally has a long line without having to sacrifice a ton of your time.

Study the Map Before Your Trip

If you’re going to Magic Kingdom for the first time or maybe are just directionally challenged (we get it) you might consider familiarizing yourself with the layout of Magic Kingdom ahead of your visit. Check out the map on the My Disney Experience app! Of course, you don’t actually need to memorize where everything is located, but having a general idea of which rides and restaurants are located in which lands might help you plan out your day.

My Disney Experience app

Magic Kingdom features a hub and spoke design that makes it relatively easy to get from one place to the other, but you can still get stuck behind parades and cavalcades depending on the time of day if you’re not careful. And, once you’re actually in Magic Kingdom, you can still use the My Disney Experience app map to get around by searching and more!

Use Mobile Order

Don’t want to waste your time standing in lines to order food at Magic Kingdom? You might want to consider using Mobile Order! On the My Disney Experience app, you can order from several different eateries right on your phone and then head to the pickup window once you’re notified that your order is ready! You may still have to wait a bit, but since you don’t have to physically be in a line, you’re free to do whatever you want in the meantime.

Mobile Order sign in EPCOT

The important thing to remember is to head toward the restaurant with enough time to check in during your window so your food can be made fresh. Otherwise, you may miss your window (but typically Cast Members are still able to accommodate you!). You can even save time by ordering early in the day and scheduling your pickup window for later!

Take Advantage of Early Entry or Rope Drop

When it comes to Magic Kingdom, the earlier you get there — the better. If you’re staying at a Disney World hotel, you can take advantage of Early Theme Park Entry which allows you to enter the parks up to 30 minutes before they officially open. While it doesn’t sound like a whole lot of time, it can be a game-changer when you’re trying to maximize your time. But, even if you’re not staying at a Disney World hotel, you can still save time by getting there early.

Early Entry at Magic Kingdom

By getting to the parks in time for “rope drop” (or when they open) you’ll be able to get a jump on folks who slept in or didn’t think they really needed to be there quite so early in the day. Just like Early Entry, this can save you a lot of time in the long run!

In the meantime, we’ll be on the lookout for the latest updates and news from Disney World. Make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog so you don’t miss any important announcements!

Check Out Our FULL GUIDE to Magic Kingdom Here

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Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.

Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!

What’s your best Magic Kingdom tip? Tell us in the comments.