Last Updated on June 29, 2021 by Kimberly Stroh

Vacation Planning: Magic Kingdom Itinerary

Whether the gates open at 8:00, or 9:00 in the morning, the best day at Magic Kingdom is one that gives you plenty of time in the park, but not too much time. Here is the BEST Magic Kingdom itinerary to make the most of your day + a FREE printable park day organizer.

Related: Epcot Itinerary: Planning The Perfect Day At Epcot

 

The Perfect Day: Your Magic Kingdom Itinerary

You don’t want to miss out on a magical send off just because you pushed hard all day and had to leave early.  It may be tempting to go during the weekend when the nights are longer, but that is more demanding on your vacation time.  It’s also more crowded.  A good 10-11 hours is plenty of time to complete this Magic Kingdom itinerary; Especially when you start early.  

Arrival: Magic Kingdom Park Opening

Wherever you are in the resort, get the earliest transportation you can to make sure you arrive at the Magic Kingdom gates by park opening.  Be aware that you will need to pass through a security checkpoint, so travel light.  Once you get inside, grab a map and a show schedule to use during the day and take some pictures. 

Photopass cast members are everywhere to take your photo and you have the option to purchase them later, or you can buy a memory maker package in advance of your trip for extra magic.

This Magic Kingdom itinerary starts when you pass through the tunnels under the Train Station with the welcome plaque that says:

“Here you leave behind the world of today and enter the world of yesterday, tomorrow and fantasy.”

In the tunnel, you will see attraction posters to give you an idea on what to visit while you are inside.  On the other end of the tunnel is Main Street USA, your starting point for a perfect Magic Kingdom day.  Make your way through Town Square slowly and as you get to the vista that leads to a towering castle let it draw you in as you enjoy the music and the smells of caramel apples and waffle cones.

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Disney Quick Service Option: Sleepy Hollow

Before you go any further than the hub in front of Cinderella castle, take some time to have a quick breakfast at Sleepy Hollow.  They have terrific waffles, and as you eat your meal at the foot of an enchanted castle, you can let the excitement and the anticipation build.  When you are finished, take the walking path up to the castle courtyard.  

Fantasyland

Fantasyland is full of family fun and the best place to spend an extended period of time, especially if you have small children.  There are three parts to Fantasyland to explore on this perfect Magic Kingdom Day.  But first, use up your Fastpasses.

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Magic Kingdom Fastpass+ Suggestions

Fastpass+ allows you to select three fast passes before you enter the park.  The perfect strategy for Magic Kingdom Fastpasses is to schedule them early on and in the same area.  That’s because when the Fastpasses are used, you can select more on a one at a time basis.  Ideally, you will use your fast passes for Seven Dwarfs’ Mine Train, Peter Pan, and The Journey of the Little Mermaid.

After using the fast passes, explore the rest of Fantasyland, New Fantasyland, and Dumbo’s Storybook Circus.  Standby times should be reasonable and you can either snag another Fastpass for a nearby attraction, like Dumbo, or The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh.  Before you leave Fantasyland, have a treat at Gaston’s Tavern and look for a Haunted Mansion Fastpass.

Liberty Square

Take the path passed the Tangled restrooms toward the Rivers of America where the Haunted Mansion looms over Liberty Square.  This quintessential ride experience is one of the highlights of a perfect Magic Kingdom day.  After using a fastpass here, you can find another one for Big Thunder or Splash Mountain. 

When you exit the haunted mansion and make your way through Liberty Square, Keep an eye out for the Muppets presentation of Great Moments in History (but just the American parts).

Disney Quick Service Lunch Option: Pecos Bill in Frontierland

One of the best places to enjoy a leisurely meal is in the aromatic and beautifully themed environment of Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe.  The spacious quick service eatery has lots of indoor space, a great Tex Mex menu with generous portions, and a lot of ambiance. 

There is nowhere more perfect for a late lunch that doesn’t require a reservation in all of Magic Kingdom.  Plus, they have Mobile Order.  While you are seated at your table you have another chance to secure fastpass tickets for Big Thunder, or Splash Mountain before 2:30.  On a Perfect Magic Kingdom day, you can do both back to back.

3:00 Festival of Fantasy Parade

The Festival of Fantasy Parade starts at the back of Frontierland at 3:00, so find a spot to be among the first to see the parade as it rolls out.  When it’s over, you can cross over into Adventureland.  Definitely stay and enjoy the parade though.  It’s fun and inventive.  Maleficent as a steampunk inspired mechadragon made of spinning wheels is one of the most inspired Disney designs ever created.

Adventureland

Adventureland might be my favorite part of this Magic Kingdom itinerary!  You will definitely want to take a break at Aloha Isle and have some Dole Whip; but first, head through Caribbean Plaza and make sure to get on Pirates of the Caribbean. 

Since the parade is still technically running, you may even secure a fastpass for it.  If not, find one for the Jungle cruise to do a little bit later.

After Pirates of the Caribbean head toward Aloha Isle.  The Enchanted Tiki Room is a continuous show with relatively low wait times.  Get some Dole Whip and head in for the next show.

5:45 Move It! Shake It! Mousekedance It!

On your way out of Adventureland, turn right in the direction of Main Street USA.  This is the perfect time to have a Casey’s Corner hot dog and to do a little bit of shopping before Move It! Shake It! starts at 5:45.  This is a very fun show with an infectious happy vibe that kids will absolutely love. 

The street party performance is a dance experience that borrows from the nostalgia of the Mickey Mouse Club.  It’s an absolute blast as party floats encircle the hub and stop, then everyone is invited out into the street to dance along and learn some old fashioned dance moves to some pop, rock, and soul favorites. 

If you are feeling a little tired after hours in the park, this will pump you right back up.  That’s why the 5:45 performance is the perfect time to join in the fun.

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Tomorrowland

My favorite time to visit Tomorrowland is at night.  The extra terrestrial environment and the neon lights at dusk add so much to the area. It’s the perfect way to end a day at Magic Kingdom.  The best attraction to experience Tomorrowland in is the PeopleMover, which offers high up views and a look at part of a model for Walt Disney’s plans for an experimental prototype community of tomorrow. 

Another celebrated piece of Disney History that calls Tomorrowland home is Carousel of Progress, which enjoys minimal wait times.  On your way back out of Tomorrowland, make sure to stop by the Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor, for some stand up comedy that features some hilarious crowd work.

Close Your Magic Kingdom Day: Happily Ever After

At 8:00, or 9:00 is usually when the day comes to a close on a midweek Magic Kingdom day.  The best way to finish off a perfect day is by taking in a magical fireworks show on Main Street USA.  After the spectacular, the lights on the castle change and the evening comes to a close.  This tradition is called the “kiss goodnight.” The Perfect end to this Magic Kingdom itinerary – one you don’t want to miss.

FREE Magic Kingdom Itinerary Planning Printable

Want all of this itinerary in the parks? Download, save and print this free guide. You can be sure to get the Fast Passes and visit all of my attraction picks for Magic Kingdom! You can use legal size paper or print on two pages.

CLICK HERE TO PRINT YOUR MAGIC KINGDOM GUIDE