Now, I didn't come up with the following theories while sitting at home on my couch. With more than two dozen Walt Disney World visits under my belt, I've developed most of my touring tips by making every possible mistake. I've also interviewed hundreds of kids, in lines and as they were leaving rides, about their favorite attractions. But in order to road test these ideas even further, I recently went to Orlando with my kids--Leigh, 13, and Jordan, nine--and with my cousin Kabee, whose daughters, Rachel and Lea, are five and two. Between us we covered every age category and experience level from Disney veteran to Disney tenderfoot, and had a terrific time. It helps if you remember these four things:
ARRIVE EARLY: Ride major attractions early in the morning, take a break in the afternoon when crowds and temperatures peak, and return to the park in the evening.
PICK THE RIGHT DAY: If you're staying in a Walt Disney resort, visit the Magic Kingdom on one of the designated "extra magic hour admissions," when resort guests are allowed into the park a full 90 minutes ahead of day guests. Information on which park is featured on what morning is included in your hotel check-in package. Early entry provides your best chance to ride classics like Space Mountain and Dumbo with minimal waits. If you're visiting during the off-season, be sure to go on a night when the light parade SpectroMagic is running; during summers and holidays, SpectroMagic runs more frequently. (Daily parade and show times are listed on the theme-park map given out when you purchase tickets.)
CHOOSE THE RIGHT TIME OF YEAR: If possible, go "off-season"--during the early spring or fall, avoiding summer and holidays. Although no part of the Magic Kingdom can ever truly be described as uncrowded, you may encounter half as many people in February or October as you might in July or August.
RIDE THE RIGHT STUFF: Unlike at Epcot, Animal Kingdom or Disney-MGM Studios, where many attractions can be enjoyed by the whole family, having a great day at the Magic Kingdom depends on choosing attractions that are age-appropriate for your kids. Read on for tips on meeting the characters.
(For age-specific itineraries and other related stories, see the following links: Magic Kingdom in a day with kids of all ages, kids ages 2 to 5, kids ages 6 to 9, kids ages 10 to 13, the attractions at the Magic Kingdom and touring without the kids.)
Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Updated June 2005.
