We all make mistakes on vacation. Tackling the World’s largest theme park on vacation is no easy task. It is easy to make plenty of mistakes if you are visiting the Magic Kingdom. Thankfully most errors do not mean our vacation is ruined, but they can mean we do not enjoy our day as much as we should. These are our Top Magic Kingdom Mistakes for 2020. Avoid these mistakes to have a great vacation at the most Magical Place on Earth.
Not creating a plan for the Magic Kingdom
You must make a plan of what you intend to do in the Magic Kingdom. There is just too much to do at the Magic Kingdom to manage without a plan. Your planning must start early to make sure you get those key FastPass+ & Advanced Dining Reservations.
Our Guide to the Magic Kingdom has information on all the attractions available at the park.
You attempt to do the Magic Kingdom in 1 day.
The Magic Kingdom is a massive theme park with lots of attractions
If your vacation only allows for 1 day at the Magic Kingdom make a list of your must-do attractions.
You can’t access the park Wi-Fi.
Don’t even consider entering a Walt Disney World Park in 2020 without access to Wi-Fi. The My Disney Experience App is your essential guide to wait times, maps, showtimes & a lot more. Plus you can reserve Fastpass+ & make dining reservations on the App.
Not making FastPass+ reservations before you visit the Magic Kingdom
FastPass+ is Disney’s attraction reservation system. FastPass+ allows you to book attractions in advance of your arrival at the Magic Kingdom. Your reservation allows you to join a much shorter line so you can experience the ride quicker. If you don’t use FastPass+ you will spend a more extended period in standby lines.
You can book 3 FastPass+ reservations before you visit the Magic Kingdom. Once your
We have created a Guide to M
Know height requirements before you visit the Magic Kingdom
If the kids can’t ride Splash Mountain, let them know in advance rather than getting turned away in the line. Disney does strictly enforce height restrictions. If the kids are too small, you can use a rider switch to allow the rest of the party to ride.
We have created guides to Rider Switch and Height Requirements at the Magic Kingdom which have further information.
You didn’t realize how much walking the kids had to do
Sure they don’t need a stroller when you visit the local park, but for many small children, they will walk a lot more than back at home. Be ready to hire a stroller for all under 5s and some older kids too. Kids will get tired & grumpy at the Magic Kingdom.
Plus, cranky kids often lead to even crankier adults.
Not bringing park essentials
Make a list of what you need to take with you to the park e.g. a camera, phone, autograph book, poncho. Make sure you don’t forget the sunscreen & a good hat. Plus you will need access to plenty of water. Remember to not take too much as you will be carrying it all day.
Pack your bag the night before and recheck it in the morning. Click here if you want to learn what we take into the parks.
You arrive after early Extra Magic Hours
Arriving after early Extra Magic Hours is a big mistake. The park will be busy, and the lines will be very long.
If you are not staying at a resort that has access to Extra Magic Hours don’t visit the park unless essential.
Not having a break.
Don’t underestimate how much there is to do in the Magic Kingdom. Plus, the Florida heat can be unforgiving. It is easy to burn-out if you are not careful. Take your time & plan to have plenty of breaks.
Many guests will take a break during the mid-afternoon when the park is at its busiest and hottest.
One option is to consider returning to your hotel for a few hours. If you decide to stay in the parks, make sure you take plenty of time out & don’t skip meal breaks.
Not planning dining reservations in advance.
Advanced Dining Reservations at the Magic Kingdom open 180 days in advance, and the most popular venues book up fast.
The Magic Kingdom does not have a huge selection of table service restaurants. Don’t expect to get a favorite dining location on the day, especially during free dining. If standby reservations are available, you will often experience very lengthy waits.
Spending too long in the shops.
“The park is now closed but wait the shops are still open!”
Need a souvenir? Why waste ride time during the day?
The shops on Main Street USA stay open for 1 hour after the park advertised closing time.
Doing every attraction in order.
Yes, you might want to experience everything at the Magic Kingdom, but usually, it is impossible. Do you want to miss Space Mountain for The Country Bear Jamboree?
If time is limited you may need to skip the odd attraction. Here are some attractions we would consider skipping at the Magic Kingdom if time is short.
Not staying for the night.
The Magic Kingdom is even more magical at night, plus there is unique
Often waits will be shorter later in the day for the most popular attractions, which is a great reason to stay late
Not checking park opening times.
Park opening times vary daily throughout the year. If you are visiting between late August & December, there will be Halloween or Christmas Parties in The Magic Kingdom on select dates. Parks will close early on these dates for guests without party tickets.
Make sure you check opening times before you visit. Click the link to get all the latest Walt Disney World Park Hours.
Try to avoid visiting the Magic Kingdom on major holidays
The Magic Kingdom is at its busiest during summer and public holidays. The parks during these times are busy, very busy. Remember, this is the World’s most popular theme park.
However, you can still have a great time, but be prepared for added crowds. Our Guide to Avoiding Crowds at Walt Disney World has further information.
Are you wondering what is the best time to visit Walt Disney World in 2020? It isn’t as simple as you think. Our Blog on when to visit Walt Disney World in 2020 will help you with the answer.
Do you have any other Magic Kingdom Mistakes to avoid? Why not leave us a comment below?
Read More Magic Kingdom Tips
Our Guide to the Magic Kingdom is full of useful information that will help you get the most from your day.
If you want to learn more about Walt Disney World, visit our Ultimate Guide to Walt Disney World
Don’t carry water, food outlets will give you a cup of iced water free. Just ask. Saves you carrying bottled water that will quite quickly become warm. Cast members will advise you where the nearest location to get water.