No trip to Walt Disney World would be complete without a visit to the Magic Kingdom.
Walt Disney World is complicated in a way that’s different from almost any other vacation destination.
Ready to plan your trip?
Credit:Valerie de Leon/Travel + Leisure
Here’s everything you oughta know to plan a perfect day at Magic Kingdom.
Samantha Davis-Friedman is a theme park journalist and contributing writer of Walt Disney World Hacks, Second Edition.
Walt Disney World’s crowds are typically lowest when public schools are in session.
Matt Stroshane/Walt Disney World
The best weather is generally between November and March, with daytime highs between 75 and 80 degrees.
While park hours vary throughout the year, currently Magic Kingdom is open from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. From there, guests cantake a ferry or monorailto arrive at the park gates.
My motto is ‘take the one thats there’ sometimes thats the monorail and sometimes it’s the ferry.
Valerie de Leon/Travel + Leisure
Third-party shuttles typically drop riders at the TTC.
Guests staying at select Magic Kingdom area resorts can also take the monorail or a boat from their hotel.
The cost varies by park and date, generally ranging between $16 to $35 per day.
Valerie de Leon/Travel + Leisure
Testa recommends purchasing Individual Lightning Lanes (ILL) for sought-after attractions like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.
Sleepy Hollow is a great stop for breakfast, offering an extremely popular fresh fruit waffle sandwich.
Cosmic Rays Starlight Cafe is a reliable stop for burgers and chicken strips.
Walt Disney World
Caseys Corner offers hot dogs, corn dog nuggets, and french fries.
If youre looking for non-fried choices, Columbia Harbor House serves New England-inspired seafood dishes.
If youre staying on property, be ready to enter the park when Early Entry begins.
Otherwise, be prepared to rope drop as soon as the park opens.
Head to the most popular rides first to take advantage of the shortest lines youll likely see all day.
From there, tackle the park by land, and dont forget to take your time and enjoy.
make a run at spot a parade along the way, and end your day with Happily Ever After.
