Why 12PM Has Become a NIGHTMARE in Magic Kingdom

Have you ever tried to visit Magic Kingdom at 12 PM?

Yeah, we have, too, and it is not always that fun. In fact, it has become a crowd nightmare, and we think we know why. We go to Disney World every day, and when we have to visit the Magic Kingdom in the middle of the day, not only do we dread making our way from the Transportation and Ticket Center to the Magic Kingdom entrance, but we also know that once we get inside it is going to be crowded.

A lot goes on at the same time, mid-day in Magic Kingdom, and one of the biggest factors is the fact that it is lunchtime. Everyone is scrambling to get their mid-day fuel to help them power through a park day. This means that once the clock strikes 12 PM you can expect quick-service locations to be super crowded. 

I Ate Lunch at 12 PM in Magic Kingdom. Zero Stars, Do Not Recommend.

So, how do you avoid the lunch rush? If you are in Magic Kingdom to start your day, we suggest dining at off-hours. Eat lunch before the 12 PM rush or wait until the lunch rush is over to eat. 

Remember, to save time, you can schedule your Mobile Order in advance, as Mobile Order times start to get taken during the lunch rush. 

Our Best Tips for Mobile Order in Disney World

Now, we are not saying that all quick-service food in Magic Kingdom is bad, but it is just not always our favorite. One thing we love to do is actually leave Magic Kingdom for lunch, which we know may be shocking. 

When we know the lunch rush is about to hit, we head to the Resort Monorail Line and have lunch at either the Contemporary, the Polynesian, or the Grand Floridian. All three of these resorts have great quick-service options. Not only do you get a break from the crowds and a potentially better meal than the one you would have in the park, but you also get a break from the heat! 

Magic Kingdom also tends to get crowded mid-day as people decide to park hop to the park that is normally open at the latest. Now, this is changing since we are in party season for the holidays in Magic Kingdom, but in the normal season, Magic Kingdom tends to be the park that is open later. 

Magic Kingdom is also home to the iconic Happily Ever After fireworks show. Many people start to flock to Magic Kingdom mid-day to ensure that they can enjoy the park before saving a spot for the fireworks. 

To recap, if you want to avoid the lunch rush crowds, we suggest dining in off hours, leaving the park for lunch, and park hopping after the lunch rush is over. Remember to check the My Disney Experience app for park operating hours, as Magic Kingdom will close at 6 PM on select nights from now until the end of the year to accommodate partygoers attending Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.

Also, be aware that as party season starts, people will start to arrive at the Magic Kingdom around 4 PM, as that is the time that partygoers can enter before the party officially starts at 7 PM. 

When it comes to 12 PM at Magic Kingdom, have a plan and follow these tips to help make the mid-day lunch rush a little less stressful. As always stay tuned to AllEars.net for more Disney news, tips, and updates!

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Do you leave the parks for lunch to avoid the crowds? Let us know in the comments!

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