7 Things Disney Insiders Do At Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World

7. Plan Extra Transport Time: For guests driving their own car to the Magic Kingdom, it’s really important to remember that the parking lot is not directly in front of the park like it is at Epcot and the others. You actually park at Ticket and Transportation Center and from there take either the ferry or the monorail to Magic Kingdom. Always build in extra time when driving to Magic Kingdom, especially when you’re getting there for rope drop, a fastpass, or a dining reservation. You don’t want to miss something because you didn’t plan properly!
6. Arrive at Rope Drop: A lot of folks want to sleep in on vacation. That’s fine for them, because it means the park is less crowded for the rest of us in the morning! Early morning is one of the least crowded, and coolest parts of the day (similar to late night in the park). But if you make it to the park before it even opens, you be treated to the Welcome Show. Help Mickey and his Main Street friends open the park for the day. This is a must-see on every trip for my family.

5. Get in Line for Food Early: Magic Kingdom has some really fun counter service restaurants (my favorite is Columbia Harbour House). But the lines at counter service restaurants can be as long as the attractions! To avoid long lines and crowded tables, eat at off times. Get in line for lunch around 11:00 or after 1:00. For dinner, get in before 5:00 or around 8:00. This way, you can get in and out, and back to the fun!
4. Ride the Train Across the Park: The Walt Disney World Railroad traverses the perimeter of Magic Kingdom. It has stations on Main Street, in Frontierland (above the Splash Mountain queue), and in Fantasyland (past Dumbo). Riding the railroad around the whole park is a nice, relaxing way to see the attractions, while getting off your feet for a little bit (and maybe even get the kids to take a nap!). But have you ever just used the railroad as a way to get across the park? Don’t fight crowds, ride the train instead!
3. Take a Break: It’s so easy to get caught up in the attractions, the shows, the parades, and the food of Magic Kingdom. We’re all guilty of it. Remember to take a break from all the excitement. It will rest your feet and lift your spirits. You could head back to your hotel for a nap or swim. But you don’t need to go all the way back to your hotel if you don’t want to. Have a long sit down lunch. Get some ice cream mid-afternoon. Take a loop around the resort monorail line. Or head to a nearby resort and relax in a comfy chair.
2. Visit Tom Sawyer’s Island: Tom Sawyer Island if a whole section of the park that many guests never see! Guests need to take a log raft across Rivers of America to get there, so lots of people don’t think it’s worth the “hassle.” This not-so-hidden-gem has so much to explore: Harper’s Mill, Injun Joe’s Cave, and Fort Langhorn. This is a great place to let the kiddos run around and play. I like to take a picnic lunch here, there are tables on a covered patio. You get a weird satisfaction in seeing the crowds across the river, without actually being in the crowds!

1. Shop After Hours: We all love to shop. Whether it’s a new shirt, a special souvenir, or holiday gifts, there is something for everyone at Magic Kingdom. But don’t spend valuable time during the day on shopping. You should be seeing shows, or experiencing attractions during regular park hours. The shops on Main Street will stay open for an hour after the park officially closes. This is your shopping time. While everyone else piles out of the park and waits in a never-ending queue for buses, monorails and ferries, you’ll be shopping. At first, the stores will be insanely busy. Just be patient. The stores will empty out and you’ll be able to shop in peace, and then leave the park with little wait!