Why 3:35PM Is the Most Stressful Time in Magic Kingdom

We just learned a new lesson about Magic Kingdom.

Now, we’ve been to Magic Kingdom at rope drop, and we’ve even been on very busy days, as well as at night during fireworks. but we recently discovered that arriving at Magic Kingdom at 3:35PM is particularly stressful. But why? Well, it has everything to do with the parade.

Every day at 3PM, the Festival of Fantasy Parade makes its way through Magic Kingdom. This gorgeous parade is a MUST-SEE for a lot of Disney World visitors, so people will stake their spots along the parade route hours in advance just to get a good view of it.

Watching the parade

The parade ends at the top of Main Street, U.S.A., (by the train station) at about 3:35PM. So if you’re on this part of Main Street AFTER the parade, you’re going to suddenly find yourself surrounded by people as the crowds begin to disperse.

Even some time after that, folks are still hanging out around Main Street, milling around in the shops, and making their way further down the street, so it’s going to be crowded.

Ride lines also seem to be affected because they tend to get longer right after the parade ends as people rush to attractions (pro tip: ride during the parade for a shorter wait time).