On a recent trip to Florida I decided it would be a good idea to visit Walt Disney World since it had been quite a few years since my last visit. My time was limited, so I had to choose one park to tour. Most of my clients like to visit the Magic Kingdom, making my decision easy. I discovered there is a science to tackling the Magic Kingdom in just one day.
Most people don’t realize how large the Disney World complex really is. It is the world’s largest and most visited recreational resort. The Walt Disney World complex encompasses over 30,000 acres or 47 square miles and includes four theme parks, two water parks and 26 hotels. In addition Disney offers several golf courses, a downtown area, sports complex, and a speedway.
When arriving by car it is a good idea to arrive at the main entrance to Disney at least one hour prior to the park opening. Park hours change constantly, so be sure to check the website (www.waltdisneyworld.com) for the hours during your stay. It takes quite a bit of time to drive from the main gate, park the car, and get to the entrance of the park. There are several steps to getting into the Magic Kingdom. First, you have to pay for parking at the main entrance, and then drive to the lot and park. Next, a tram takes you to the ticket counters, security check area and entrance gates. Then you have a choice of transportation to the Magic Kingdom, either the monorail or the ferry. We chose the monorail as I think the lines were shorter and the monorails move quicker than the ferries.
It is best to have a park map prior to arriving (this can be downloaded from the website) so that you can discuss with your family the attractions they would like to see most. Located on Main Street, before reaching Cinderella’s castle you will see a big board on the left side of the street. This board will tell you which rides will be closed for the day, which offer the Fast Pass, and waiting times for the most popular rides. There is always a cast member at the board to answer questions and give directions.
The Fast Pass is a wonderful and free option that Disney offers on about 9 of their attractions. The way it works is that you scan your entrance ticket at the Fast Pass kiosk at the ride you are interested in. A Fast Pass ticket prints out with a one hour time frame in which you are to return to the ride. When you return during that time, instead of waiting in a long line you are directed to a shorter line, and usually walk right on the ride. I highly recommend using this option as much as possible. The one catch is that you can only get a second Fast Pass toward the ending time on your first one.
Some of the most popular rides are Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, Peter Pan, and Space Mountain. If the information board shows any of these with a low wait time I suggest visiting them first. Then it is important to carefully choose which rides you will use a Fast Pass on and plan your day accordingly.
I hope these tips help you to make the most of your day at Disney. With so many Disney options, it is best to seek a professional’s help to ensure the best vacation for your family. For more information, contact us at 847-966-0800 or visit our website at www.completetvl.com.
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