It’s been about two weeks since returning home from our Disney World trip. It was our first time so I feel like I’m still processing everything and all that I wanted to share with you! Let’s recap before I get into what and why I’m sharing this information. My family of four were on a mission to have the most MAGICAL vacation at Disney World for under $2,000! Mission was definitely accomplished because we went with a very strategic plan. So here’s my review/suggestions/thoughts on Day 1 at Magic Kingdom.
Disney App
So first thing first. Before going you should have a general plan as to what parks you are going to each day. We were flexible with our plans because you have to be when traveling with little ones. But my best piece of advice for first times is to download the app. The Disney World App is linked to your entire Disney vacation plan (packages, photos you take with princess, fast passes, a map with current wait times and GPS directions to get you there). So you can plan out your vacation according to your families’s interests, age, and abilities.
Our plan of action
Day 1: Register Bands at night to take advantage of timing/lines
Day 2: Magic Kingdom
Day 3: Disney Hollywood Studio
Day 4: Epcot
Day 5: Magic Kingdom
*Note we did not do Animal Kingdom.
When planning our fast passes (remember they can be reserved 60 days prior to ensure you get the rides you want) we discussed two options. We wake up leisurely and head to the parks with lunch in tow and spend all day/night at Disney and come back for bedtime so our fast passes could be back to back. Option two was to head there first thing in the morning (Magic Kingdom open at 9 am) so our first fast pass was around 10 am, head back around noon to refresh then back to the parks around 3:30 for a 4:00 fast pass and back to the camp grounds around 8pm.
As a group, we decided it would be best for our families to head to the parks first thing in the morning (so wake up time was 6:45 a.m. out the door no later than 8:00 am). Then head back Fort Wilderness for lunch and afternoon naps. So our fast passes were typically 10 am, 12 pm, and 4 pm.
There is magic everywhere
Magic Kingdom was for sure my favorite park throughout the Disney World “State” as Colette called it. There is so much to do and so little time but do not let that stress you out! I could not believe how much was going on around us at all times. Even when we were walking to our next fast pass location, we were entertained by live performances, character sightings, and fireworks. Colette and I got a little caught up in the magic and decided to stay and wait 60 minutes to meet princesses while the little ones headed back for naps. Which, I’ll be honest, did end in tears because it was a BIG day, but still worth it.
Favorite Magic Kingdom Rides/Events
Meeting Princess at Fairytale Hall
Prince Charming Regal Carousel
Make sure you get a good spot for the 3:00 pm Festival of Fantasy Parade. People tend to stand in their spots for this parade about 30 minutes prior, and I would say the best spot is right as they go over the bridge and make a left turn towards the castle.
Transportation
One thing that important to note, make sure you plan your mode of transportation well. There are really only two ways to get to Magic Kingdom. If you drive, the Magic Kingdom Transportation and Ticket Center parking lot opens about 2 hours before the park’s official opening. After paying a fee or show your resort slip you’re directed to a parking space, then transported by tram to the TTC, where you catch either a monorail or a ferry to the park’s entrance. So you need to allot for that time (make sure to pack snacks and busy bags for this as I found it to take an hour itself to get to Magic Kingdom after security and getting on the boats).
One thing we did not prepare for
I have to say that we did not pack well enough for the forecasted weather we had while in Orlando. The weather was supposed to be in the high 60s and one day was supposed to be 78 degrees. So we left the winter coats and sweatshirts at home and just packed a carry on bag for each of us, big mistake. But my brother in law was well prepared and we were all layered up (in men’s size XL clothing we made it fashionable). So prepare for any kind of weather!
Up next:
Meal planning and our day at Hollywood Studio! If you follow me on IG you can see my videos under highlights! #DisneySMC
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