Disney World in One Day
Disney World in One Day- it can be done! One of the reasons my family keeps going back to Walt Disney World is because there are endless ways to vacation there. We’ve never repeated a vacation twice! It’s a tradition on our drive home to begin planning our next trip with the things we missed out on. If you have to pack Disney World in one day though, you have to plan with some precision.
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I don’t believe there is a right or wrong way to vacation at Walt Disney World, I just think that some people are better at planning it than others.
Some people have perfected the art of doing EVERYTHING in 1 day at WDW, like these two men who rode every ride at all 4 parks in one day. That sounds amazing (and totally exhausting) but it isn’t the norm.
If it were me, I would want to soak up as much of the Disney magic, as I could, at the Magic Kingdom park. Cinderella’s Castle is a must-see on your Disney vacation and the classic storybook rides are located at the Magic Kingdom. Kids love the Magic Kingdom the most too.
There are a million ways to plan Disney World in one day, but here is how I would.
One Day Visit to the Magic Kingdom
The ‘Let the Magic Begin’ Welcome Show is a great way to start your day at the Magic Kingdom! You’ll be front and center for rope drop and Disney’s most famous characters will be there to greet you. Once you enter (the world of yesterday, tomorrow and fantasy), enjoy Main Street USA as you take in the sights, sounds and scents. The confectionary scent is divine! Don’t forget to take a keepsake photo in front of Cinderella’s Castle.
Walt’s famous words as you walk into MK.
Our 2008 trip.
You can pick which land you’d like to visit first- Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, Adventureland or Frontierland. We always pick to go right towards Tomorrowland. Space Mountain is my favorite roller coaster and a personal must-do for our family. My preschooler’s favorite, the Tomorrowland Speedway, is on your way to Fantasyland, which is usually our 2nd stop. So we tour the Magic Kingdom counter clockwise, if you look at a park map on the My Disney Experience app.
Fantasyland is fun to explore and brings out your kid at heart. With rides that theme around our favorite childhood movies, it’ll be a fun experience. I wouldn’t miss the Journey of the Little Mermaid or, if you’re lucky, the Seven Dwarf Mine Train. If you use the Fast Pass+ system for popular rides, like the Mine Train, you won’t be waiting in long lines.
©Matt Stroshane ©Disney
If you need a mid morning snack, my favorite non-alcoholic drink on Disney property is Le Fou’s Brew at Gaston’s Tavern. It’s a sweet frozen concoction with a marshmallow topping.
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If you keep heading counter clockwise (towards Liberty Square), the most beautiful bathrooms are available. Yes- you can even plan bathroom breaks! The restrooms are themed after one of my favorite movies, Tangled. If you need to charge your phone and take a break, the benches across from the restroom have USB ports too.
A fun favorite at Liberty Square is the Haunted Mansion. It’s the home of 999 haunts with room for one more.
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If you want to pass on the lines all together, hop on over to Tom Sawyer’s Island, from Frontierland, for some exploration fun. My Husband and I took a long break on the rocking chairs to relax once. It’s a nice quiet spot.
Afternoons at the Magic Kingdom are a great time to take a breather. The crowds can get heavy and the sun will be hot or it might rain. Our family loves to play Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom, shop a little or try to escape the heat. You can sit in the shade on the Walt Disney World Railroad or hop on Splash Mountain to cool off from the sun.
Last, but not least, check out Adventureland as your day begins to wind down. Pirates of the Caribbean and the Enchanted Tiki Room are fun favorites that we love. The exclusive Disney favorite, Dole Whip, is also located in Adventureland- the infamous Pineapple soft serve snack. Disney guests rave about it.
The Magic Kingdom becomes even more special after dark. I know everyone is tired by this point, but I would definitely consider staying for Wishes Nighttime Spectacular. It’s the show that brings me to tears and leaves me with that extra magic that can only be found at Disney. The nighttime fireworks show is the perfect way to end your day at Disney. Pro tip: If you still had some energy after Wishes, closing the park is a fun way to grab some photos without the crowds!
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No matter how you visit Disney, you’re sure to have a fantastic time. But I wouldn’t miss the opportunity to visit the Magic Kingdom, if you do Disney World in one day. The park embodies Walt Disney’s vision, brings out our inner child and brings families closer together in one magical place.
One day is just not enough time! Haha. I would be so sad to leave after just one day.
Me too! But I have so many friends who are just passing through for Fall break!
I just love this, makes me want to get there soon. It’s been a kajillion years too many since I last went to Disney! Fantasy land was my favorite of course. Just seeing your daytrip makes me realizes how much I’ve missed it.
Thanks for sharing. Disney is so magical! I think we would get stuck at Cinderella’s castle all day 🙂 XO
Such a well detailed post about one day at Disney! I LOVE that you included the “good” bathroom stops. I mean – that is major. 🙂
If I only had a day in Disney world First I would hit all the places we never had a chance to get to when we were there in December.
Then I would hit our favourite rides and grab some churros!! Disney World is so much fun that I wouldn’t leave until the park closed at the end of the day. We missed Snow Whites mine train last time (the lineup was 3 hours long) so I would go there first for sure. Almost time to pack another vacation there!
When I started reading your post, I was thinking…there’s no way you can do Disney in a single day! But now, I see that it can be done and you still get to take in lots of the Disney magic! My boys haven’t been to Disneyworld yet, but we are planning a (week-long) visit next Christmas!
This is such great advice on how to do Disney in one day. I agree that there is no right or wrong way to visit.
We are actually on our 7th Disney trip right now 🙂 I could never imagine just spending one day, but it is definitely possible.
I love the pic of your kiss under the fireworks. I’d love to replicate that when we go in December. Thanks for your advice.
Love Disney. I grew up in FL so going for the day wasn’t too hard. I’ve been in such a long time, but we are heading there this October for my nephew and nieces first Disney adventure. I can’t wait.
Disney in one day would be so sad. It needs at least four days. I am a little Disney crazy.
Careful research definitely helps when you’re planning a one day trip to the happiest place on earth. I think this is a great guide, perfect for first timers as well.
Wow could you even do Disney in a day? I didn’t think it was possible but now I see I was wrong, by the way you guys look so cute together in that firework picture xxx
I didn’t even know this was an option 🙂 Whenever we have gone to Disney we have always gone for at least 7 days (my family lives in Tampa). But, I think I probably could do it if it were just my husband and I.
These are some great tips for a 1 day trip to Disney. My husband would have to go back again the next day for more.
Such a great day plan for the Magic Kingdom! The only thing I would add is a character meet & greet with Mickey 🙂 I am so glad I don’t have to do Disney in a day, I go about 2 times a month. Thank you so much for linking up at the Magical Monday Blog hop!
Such great tips! I grew up about 90 minutes from Disney (Gainesville) and enjoyed many one day trips.
We like to do everything at a normal pace. We don’t want to miss anything and stay a late as possible (and as much as the kiddos can take) There just is not way to do Disney in one day! Too much to see!
There’s just no way that I could attempt to do Disney World in one day. I was there for 5 days and it was not enough. You really have to be on the move to see it in one day, but then you miss a lot of great things.
I can’t imagine only spending one day in my favorite park! But, you’ve put together a great list for someone who wants to.
This is so good to know! We are going soon for four days and taking the kids. I’m glad I don’t have to try and cram it all into one, but this is amazing planning for someone who does.
We went last year with the kids so love and agree with all your tips! I’d love to do Disney cruise! Any tips on that? I’m a big magic kingdom fan as well!
Actually, one of my upcoming posts will be about DCL! Stay tuned next week…
I’ve only been to Disneyland once and we were there for just a day. I wish I could’ve spent more time, but I know I will go back one day!
Loved this! We visit Disney as often as possible, and we never get sick of it! You’re right, there are just so many things you could do. I would spend weeks at Disney if I could, but a one day visit is possible 🙂 Thanks for the tips!
memories that will truly last a lifetime! looks like so much fun, always a disney kid!
Disney has this corner of the market locked. It will never go out of style
We’ve done it in two days before but one days seems hard. I think we could do it without the kids, but not with them.