Disney World is the Most Magical Place on Earth.
We can’t lie; we know that sometimes Disney World can feel like the Most Stressful or Confusing Place on Earth. But don’t worry, that is why we are here: to help you make your vacation easier! Disney World is home to four distinct theme parks, but one of them reigns as the most stressful park that even our reporters try to avoid it. There are four reasons why we find the original Disney World theme park to be the most stressful.
In 1971, Magic Kingdom was the first park to open at Disney World. While this park is the first and it can be exciting to finally see the castle or end the day with fireworks, sometimes, it does not feel so magical.Â
The Transportation and Ticket Center
Before you get to walk down Main Street, U.S.A., you need to go through the Transportation and Ticket Center. After you park and take a tram, you will arrive at the Magic Kingdom security area.Â
Once you are through security, you would think you made it, but wrong! You are still over a mile away from the Magic Kingdom. In order to get to the front gates of the park to scan your ticket, you need to either take the Ferry Boat or the Monorail. The entire Transportation and Ticket Center process can take a long time, so make sure to plan accordingly, especially if you are planning on taking advantage of Early Theme Park Entry or plan to Rope Drop.
While we can’t make the Transportation and Ticket Center disappear, we can give you a few tips. First, as mentioned above, plan accordingly. Give yourself extra time to arrive at the front gates of Magic Kingdom.Â
Sometimes, there is a third method of transportation from the Transportation and the Ticker Center to the front of the Magic Kingdom. Occasionally, during times with the highest crowd levels, Disney may provide a bus to Magic Kingdom from the Transportation and Ticket Center, which can be faster than taking the Monorail or Ferry.Â
4 Disney World Transportation CHEATS We Use All the Time
If you want to avoid the Transportation and Ticket Center altogether, you can do so by booking a Minnie Van, which is a personal ride service that can be booked through the Lyft app. The Cast Member driving you will drop you off right near the front gates where the busses drop off. This leads us to another tip! If you are staying at a Disney Resort, you can take bus transportation to the Magic Kingdom, and it will drop you off at the bus station which is right by the front of the park.
How to Get to Magic Kingdom As Fast As Possible
If you are staying at a Monorail hotel, you can take the resort line into the park and avoid the Transportation and Ticket Center, or you can even walk to the park!
It is Hard to Do Everything in One Day
There is A LOT to do in the Magic Kingdom, and it can be hard to do all your must-dos in one day.
Set expectations before you go into the park with some goals in mind of what you would like to see and do. Once you get through your must-dos, you can use extra time to explore other things in the park.
If your trip allows, you can do multiple days at the Magic Kingdom to make sure you are getting to experience everything that you want.
If you are staying at a Deluxe Resort, make sure to check the My Disney Experience app to see when the Magic Kingdom is offering Extended Evening Hours. This allows you to stay in the park two hours past closing. The park tends to empty, and lines for rides are shorter than usual, making it a great way to squeeze in more during your day at Magic Kingdom.
Quick Service Dining Options are Less Than Ideal
Now, we are not saying all the food in the Magic Kingdom is bad, but it can be hard to find a good quick service spot, especially when you compare it to the options at EPCOT.Â
12 PM in the Magic Kingdom, it can be crazy. People are rushing to refuel and get lunch, restaurants are crowded, and you can’t find a table. It can just be a whole mess.
It’s Official. This is the BEST Quick Service Restaurant in Magic Kingdom.
We actually like to leave the Magic Kingdom for lunch! The three Monorail hotels have great dining options, and it is easy to hop on the Monorail resort line.Â
Not only can you find better dining options at the resorts, but it is a nice way to relax, get some AC, and take a break from the crowds.
Why 12PM Has Become a NIGHTMARE in Magic Kingdom
Fantasyland Stroller Parking Can Be Crazy
Disney World has designated stroller parking spots around all four parks. Strollers cannot be brought through the lines of attractions and must be parked prior to getting in line.
There are exceptions to this rule, as those who need to can get a “Stroller as a Wheelchair” tag at Guest Relations to use their stroller as a mobility device in attraction lines.Â
Ultimate Guide To Strollers At Disneyland And Disney World 2024
The Fantasyland stroller situation can be stressful. To make sure you can keep track of your stroller, park it in a designated parking area. Cast Members will move your stroller to the correct place if you park it elsewhere, so make sure you park it in the proper location in the first place.
Some strollers look alike, so make sure to have a tag or even tie a ribbon on your stroller so you can easily find it and not take the wrong one.
How NOT to Lose Your Stroller at Disney
While Magic Kingdom is an iconic part of any Disney World vacation, it is also the most stressful of the four parks. However, make sure to use these tips the next time you visit to help make your experience a little less stressful! For more tips like these, continue to follow along with AllEars!
What do you do to help make your day at Magic Kingdom less stressful? Let us know in the comments!
Magic Kingdom is not a one day park–never was. If you only have one day–prioritorize and plan. What’s the most important–attractions, shows, and restaurants? Plan accordingly. They had been running the same day time parade for 14 years, so we skip it. Sometimes we ride attractions during the fireworks. Enjoy the Magic Kingdom, she started it all.