My Disney

A Parent’s Guide to Magic Kingdom with Kids

Embark on an unforgettable adventure to the Magic Kingdom with your children! This comprehensive guide offers everything parents need to know to ensure a magical and stress-free experience.

Magic Kingdom is one of the best Disney parks for little ones. It has over 20 attractions with no height requirements, playgrounds/play areas, and interactive ride queues, and lots of character meets.

 

I’m at Disney almost every day and my biggest tips for parents are: 

  • Take breaks every 2 hours
  • If possible do not wait more than 30 minutes for a ride
  • Start with face characters first and then move over to mask characters 
  • DO NOT start with a scary ride. Start with a calm ride and then ease your way into the rough rides 
  • Meet characters early. 
  • Only plan one character dining experience a day. They can be a lot for little ones.
  • Pack toys and snacks. They will be your best friends. 

Early Entry Strategy

Best rides to head to first for little ones:

These are the rides I would first as these are the rides with the highest wait times during the day. You can select the order you would like to do them depending on your family’s needs.

1.Early Entry/Rope Drop ……………..

Early Entry is a perk for Disney Resort guests (staying at a Disney Resort). This gives Disney Resort Guests access to the rides at Magic Kingdom 30 minutes before the park opens to the general public. New policy just started this week. It allows guests to enter Tomorrowland early (45 minutes before Early Entry) walk around and join the attraction queues ahead of Early Entry. To see if your hotel is included check this list  ⇒CLICK HERE  

 

Important Note: If these rides have over a 40-minute wait time head to other rides and then head to these rides at the end of the night after the fireworks. 

Do Not Use Your Early Entry Time on the Following Rides

  • Prince Charming Carrousel, 
  • Mickey’s Philharmagic, 
  • Mad Tea Party, 
  • Tomorrowland Speedway, 
  • Tomorrowland Transit Authority People Mover, 
  • Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress.

These Attractions usually have low wait times throughout the day. 

Important Note:

Only Fantasyland and Tomorrowland are open during Early Entry. Here is the list of the rides open in each land.

Fantasyland

Tomorrowland

Rope Dropping ……………..

What is Rope Drop you might ask as you hear so many people suggest rope dropping. Well let me explain rope drop is when one of lands or park opens for the day. They remove an actual rope from each area to let guest in, therefore technically you could even rope drop early entry.

Rope dropping basically means being at the park before it opens to be there for cast members to drop the rope and let guests in. If you don’t have Early Entry (staying offsite) I recommend getting to Magic Kingdom at least an hour before it opens and here is why.

Do Not Rope Drop the Following Rides/Attractions (these usually have lower wait times):

  • Prince Charming Carrousel
  • Mickey’s Philharmagic,
  • Mad Tea Party
  • Dumbo the Flying Elephant
  • Tomorrowland Speedway
  • Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
  • Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress.                     

Important Note:

Magic Kingdom will let everyone inside the park an hour before the park opens, no matter where you are staying. Everyone is allowed inside Main Street and the shops are open. I always recommend to get there at least an hour before the park opens to take pictures in front of the castle, shop, get coffee, and take advantage of the low rope drop wait times.

Rope Dropping Strategy:

Best rides to head to first for little ones:

  • Peter Pan’s Flight
  • Jungle Cruise 
  • The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh 
  • Under the Sea Journey of the Little Mermaid

These are the rides I would first as these are the rides with the highest wait times during the day. You can select the order you would like to do them depending on your family’s needs.

  • Main Street USA
  • Fantasyland
  • Tomorrowland
  • Adventureland
  • Frontierland
  • Liberty Square

Main Street USA

This is the main area of Magic Kingdom. There aren’t any rides here but you can find the castle, shopping, shows, parades, food and coffee. Most stores on Main Street open an hour before the park opens and an hour after the park closes. You can also find some of the best shows at Magic Kingdom and parades like :

Best spot for Parades is either in Frontierland across from Westward Ho or in front of Town Square Theater.

Best Spot to see Happily Ever After: for me the best spot is right in front of the castle find the star on the floor and that is my favorite spot. For less crowds head to Casey’s Corner. 

The New Night Time Parade starts on Main Street and ends in Frontierland 

Entertainment

  • The Dapper Dans
  • Casey’s Corners Pianist
  • Main Street Philharmonic
  • Flag Raising

Character Meets

  • Meet Mickey at Town Square
  • Elena 

Shows/Parades

  • NEW!!!!!! Disney Starlight Dream the Night Away Parade-
  • Let the Magic Begin (morning welcome show)
  • Festival of Fantasy Parade
  • Adventure Friends Cavalcade
  • Mickeys Magical Friendship Faire
  • Happily, Ever After
  • Frozen Holiday Surprise (only available during the Holidays)

Attractions

Omnibus and Antique Vehicles Rides

Fantasyland

If you have Little Ones Fantasyland is the land for you. It is the land with the most attractions with no height requirements, which means even babies can get on these rides and also with the most character meets. This is one of the lands open for Early Entry.

Disney Pro Tip: If you have little ones this is the best area to start in it has the most rides with no height requirements.

 

Fantasyland Rides

  • Under the Sea Journey of the Little Mermaid
  • Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
  • The Barnstormer (35”)
  • Severn Dwarfs Mine Train (38”)
  • Dumbo the Flying Elephant
  • Mad Tea Party
  • It’s a Small World
  • Peter Pan’s Flight
  • Prince Charming Carrousel

Fantasyland Experiences

  • Mickey’s Philharmagic (4D movie)
  • Enchanted Tales with Belle (interactive show)
  • Casey Jr. Splash N Soak Station (water play area)
  • Smellephants on Parade in Storybook Circus- this is an interactive search-and-sniff experience 

Character Meets and Greet

  • Meet Ariel at her Grotto
  • Meet Cinderella, Tiana, Rapunzel and other Princess at Princess Fairytale Hall
  • Pete’s Silly Sideshow( Minnie, Goofy, Donald and Daisy)
  • Anastasia and Drizella
  • Peter Pan
  • Mirabel
  • Tigger
  • Winnie the Pooh

Fantasyland Tips:

 

  • This area is the land with the most character meets.
  • Best place to park your stroller is by the Prince Charming Carousel. It’s right in the center of so many rides.
  • There is a really nice playground inside the Dumbo ride and a splash pad outside the same area.
  • You can take the train from Fantasyland to Frontierland or Main Street. You can find the Fantasyland station at the back of Storybook Circus, directly behind the Barnstormer
  • Pinocchio Village Haus has a wishing book where you can write your wish so it comes true
  • You can also interact with guests on It’s a Small World. There are tables that face the ride and signs to show the guests to interact with you
  • Make sure you stop at Cinderella’s Wishing Well it’s so pretty and you can drop a coin and make a wish. It’s on the side of the castle
 
 
Must Do Attractions:
  • Peter Pan’s Flight
  • Seven Dwarfs Mine Train 
  • Many Adventure of Winnie the Pooh 
  • Under the Sea Journey of the Little Mermaid
  • Enchanted Tales w/ Belle 

Best View of Parades:

Tomorrowland

Tomorrowland is one of the lands open during Early Entry and it has a very futuristic vibe. It houses one of my favorite rides the Peoplemover.

Disney Pro Tip: Purple Flag. If you have 2 kiddos that want to drive the car in Tomorrowland Speedway as a cast member for a purple flag and they will place it in the back of your vehicle so you can go 2x and both kiddos can drive the car


Tomorrowland Rides

  • TRON Light cycle/ Run (48”)
  • Tomorrowland Speedway (32”)
  • Space Mountain (44”)
  • Tomorrowland Transit Authority Peoplemover
  • Astro Orbiter
  • Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin-closed until 2026

Tomorrowland Experiences/Shows

  •  Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor (indoor interactive show
  • Carousel of Progress (indoor show)
  • NEW!!!! Galactic Blast

Character Meets and Greet

 

  • Stitch

Tomorrowland Tips:

  • There is a shortcut by TRON that will take you back to Fantasyland
  • If your kiddo needs a nap go on the Peoplemover it is a slow-moving ride that will help rock your kiddo to sleep
  • Tomorrowland has Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café it is quick service and perfect for picky eaters
  • If you are looking for an ice cream treat head to Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies

Adventureland

This land is where you will find of the most popular rides the Jungle Cruise and you will also find a small area for little ones to cool off. It also has one of the best places to purchase Dole Whip Ice Cream.

Adventureland Rides

  • Jungle Cruise
  • Magic Carpet of Aladdin
  • Pirates of the Caribbean

Adventureland Shows/Experiences

  • Enchanted Tiki Room (show)
  • Swiss Family Treehouse
  • A Pirates’ Adventure – Treasures of the Seven Seas (free
    interactive scavenger hunt)
  • Adventureland Misters (small area to cool off)

Character Meets and Greet

  • Jack Sparrow
  • Jasmine
  • Aladdin 

Adventureland Tips:

  • You can get the best Dole Whip treats here in Aloha Isle
  • There are misters across from the Magic Carpets of Aladdin
  • If you need an activity for your little ones without having to wait in line head to Swiss Family Treehouse. There is also an amazing view at the top

Frontierland

Frontierland is one of the most underrated lands at Magic Kingdom. Cast members are so engaging in this land and there are so many activities for the whole family. It’s a nice place to get away from the crowds. This is also where all the parades at Magic Kingdom start so it’s a perfect place to view the parades.


  • NEW!!!!!! Disney Starlight Dream the Night Away Parade- this parade ends at Frontierland. Which is different than all the other parades. 
  • All of the parades start in Frontierland and end on Main Street 

Frontierland Rides

  • Big Thunder Mountain (40”) -currently closed
  • Tiana’s Bayou Adventure (40″) 

Frontierland Shows/Experiences

  • Country Bear Jamboree
  • Festival of Fantasy Parade
  • Adventure Friends Cavalcade
  • NEW!!!!!! Disney Starlight Dream the Night Away Parade- 

Character Meets and Greet

  • Country Bears

Fronrtierland Tips:

 

  • If you see a yellow square stand inside and cast members will cheer for you
  • There is a Train Station stop here ( this stop is currently closed)
  • The parades start in Frontierland. This is one of my favorite places to see the parades.

Liberty Square

This land is one of the most unique areas because when they built it they made it just like it would be during the land’s era. For example, it is the only land that doesn’t have bathrooms and the dates on the buildings are actual historical dates. It also has my favorite ride in all of Magic Kingdom Haunted Mansion.

Liberty Square Rides

  • Haunted Mansion

Liberty Square Shows/Experiences

  • Hall of Presidents 

Character Meets and Greet

Liberty Square Tips:

  •  You won’t find bathrooms in this land
  • Sleepy Hollow is located here and it’s one of my favorite places to eat breakfast
  • You can purchase a customized Parasol here for $20

  • Main Street USA
  • Fantasyland
  • Tomorrowland
  • Adventureland
  • Frontierland
  • Liberty Square

Main Street USA

This is the main area of Magic Kingdom. There aren’t any rides here but you can find the castle, shopping, shows, parades, food and coffee. Most stores on Main Street open an hour before the park opens and an hour after the park closes. You can also find some of the best shows at Magic Kingdom and parades like :

Best spot for Parades is either in Frontierland across from Westward Ho or in front of Town Square Theater.

Best Spot to see Happily Ever After: for me the best spot is right in front of the castle find the star on the floor and that is my favorite spot. For less crowds head to Casey’s Corner. 

The New Night Time Parade starts on Main Street and ends in Frontierland 

Entertainment

  • The Dapper Dans
  • Casey’s Corners Pianist
  • Main Street Philharmonic
  • Flag Raising

Character Meets

  • Meet Mickey at Town Square
  • Elena 

Shows/Parades

  • NEW!!!!!! Disney Starlight Dream the Night Away Parade-
  • Let the Magic Begin (morning welcome show)
  • Festival of Fantasy Parade
  • Adventure Friends Cavalcade
  • Mickeys Magical Friendship Faire
  • Happily, Ever After
  • Frozen Holiday Surprise (only available during the Holidays)

Attractions

Omnibus and Antique Vehicles Rides

Fantasyland

If you have Little Ones Fantasyland is the land for you. It is the land with the most attractions with no height requirements, which means even babies can get on these rides and also with the most character meets. This is one of the lands open for Early Entry.

Disney Pro Tip: If you have little ones this is the best area to start in it has the most rides with no height requirements.

 

Fantasyland Rides

  • Under the Sea Journey of the Little Mermaid
  • Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
  • The Barnstormer (35”)
  • Severn Dwarfs Mine Train (38”)
  • Dumbo the Flying Elephant
  • Mad Tea Party
  • It’s a Small World
  • Peter Pan’s Flight
  • Prince Charming Carrousel

Fantasyland Experiences

  • Mickey’s Philharmagic (4D movie)
  • Enchanted Tales with Belle (interactive show)
  • Casey Jr. Splash N Soak Station (water play area)
  • Smellephants on Parade in Storybook Circus- this is an interactive search-and-sniff experience 

Character Meets and Greet

  • Meet Ariel at her Grotto
  • Meet Cinderella, Tiana, Rapunzel and other Princess at Princess Fairytale Hall
  • Pete’s Silly Sideshow( Minnie, Goofy, Donald and Daisy)
  • Anastasia and Drizella
  • Peter Pan
  • Mirabel
  • Tigger
  • Winnie the Pooh

Fantasyland Tips:

 

  • This area is the land with the most character meets.
  • Best place to park your stroller is by the Prince Charming Carousel. It’s right in the center of so many rides.
  • There is a really nice playground inside the Dumbo ride and a splash pad outside the same area.
  • You can take the train from Fantasyland to Frontierland or Main Street. You can find the Fantasyland station at the back of Storybook Circus, directly behind the Barnstormer
  • Pinocchio Village Haus has a wishing book where you can write your wish so it comes true
  • You can also interact with guests on It’s a Small World. There are tables that face the ride and signs to show the guests to interact with you
  • Make sure you stop at Cinderella’s Wishing Well it’s so pretty and you can drop a coin and make a wish. It’s on the side of the castle
 
 
Must Do Attractions:
  • Peter Pan’s Flight
  • Seven Dwarfs Mine Train 
  • Many Adventure of Winnie the Pooh 
  • Under the Sea Journey of the Little Mermaid
  • Enchanted Tales w/ Belle 

Best View of Parades:

Tomorrowland

Tomorrowland is one of the lands open during Early Entry and it has a very futuristic vibe. It houses one of my favorite rides the Peoplemover.

Disney Pro Tip: Purple Flag. If you have 2 kiddos that want to drive the car in Tomorrowland Speedway as a cast member for a purple flag and they will place it in the back of your vehicle so you can go 2x and both kiddos can drive the car


Tomorrowland Rides

  • TRON Light cycle/ Run (48”)
  • Tomorrowland Speedway (32”)
  • Space Mountain (44”)
  • Tomorrowland Transit Authority Peoplemover
  • Astro Orbiter
  • Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin-closed until 2026

Tomorrowland Experiences/Shows

  •  Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor (indoor interactive show
  • Carousel of Progress (indoor show)
  • NEW!!!! Galactic Blast

Character Meets and Greet

 

  • Stitch

Tomorrowland Tips:

  • There is a shortcut by TRON that will take you back to Fantasyland
  • If your kiddo needs a nap go on the Peoplemover it is a slow-moving ride that will help rock your kiddo to sleep
  • Tomorrowland has Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café it is quick service and perfect for picky eaters
  • If you are looking for an ice cream treat head to Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies

Adventureland

This land is where you will find of the most popular rides the Jungle Cruise and you will also find a small area for little ones to cool off. It also has one of the best places to purchase Dole Whip Ice Cream.

Adventureland Rides

  • Jungle Cruise
  • Magic Carpet of Aladdin
  • Pirates of the Caribbean

Adventureland Shows/Experiences

  • Enchanted Tiki Room (show)
  • Swiss Family Treehouse
  • A Pirates’ Adventure – Treasures of the Seven Seas (free
    interactive scavenger hunt)
  • Adventureland Misters (small area to cool off)

Character Meets and Greet

  • Jack Sparrow
  • Jasmine
  • Aladdin 

Adventureland Tips:

  • You can get the best Dole Whip treats here in Aloha Isle
  • There are misters across from the Magic Carpets of Aladdin
  • If you need an activity for your little ones without having to wait in line head to Swiss Family Treehouse. There is also an amazing view at the top

Frontierland

Frontierland is one of the most underrated lands at Magic Kingdom. Cast members are so engaging in this land and there are so many activities for the whole family. It’s a nice place to get away from the crowds. This is also where all the parades at Magic Kingdom start so it’s a perfect place to view the parades.


  • NEW!!!!!! Disney Starlight Dream the Night Away Parade- this parade ends at Frontierland. Which is different than all the other parades. 
  • All of the parades start in Frontierland and end on Main Street 

Frontierland Rides

  • Big Thunder Mountain (40”) -currently closed
  • Tiana’s Bayou Adventure (40″) 

Frontierland Shows/Experiences

  • Country Bear Jamboree
  • Festival of Fantasy Parade
  • Adventure Friends Cavalcade
  • NEW!!!!!! Disney Starlight Dream the Night Away Parade- 

Character Meets and Greet

  • Country Bears

Fronrtierland Tips:

 

  • If you see a yellow square stand inside and cast members will cheer for you
  • There is a Train Station stop here ( this stop is currently closed)
  • The parades start in Frontierland. This is one of my favorite places to see the parades.

Liberty Square

This land is one of the most unique areas because when they built it they made it just like it would be during the land’s era. For example, it is the only land that doesn’t have bathrooms and the dates on the buildings are actual historical dates. It also has my favorite ride in all of Magic Kingdom Haunted Mansion.

Liberty Square Rides

  • Haunted Mansion

Liberty Square Shows/Experiences

  • Hall of Presidents 

Character Meets and Greet

Liberty Square Tips:

  •  You won’t find bathrooms in this land
  • Sleepy Hollow is located here and it’s one of my favorite places to eat breakfast
  • You can purchase a customized Parasol here for $20

Extra Tips for a Magical Trip.

Best Rides for Little Ones. These Are Our Favorites.

The land with the most rides with no height requirements is Fantasyland, but there are other rides throughout the park that are perfect for little ones as well. Here are our favorite ones:

  • Jungle Cruise
  • Peter Pan’s Flight
  • It’s a Small World
  • Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
  • Under the Sea- Journey of the Little Mermaid
  • Dumbo the Flying Elephant
  • Haunted Mansion*
  • Magic Carpets of Aladdin
  • Prince Charming’s Regal Carrousel
  • Peoplemover

*This ride can be a little scary for little ones. The entire ride is dark and full of ghosts, but my 3-year-old loves it.

Best Shows for
Little Ones

  • Enchanted Tales with Belle
  • Mickey’s Philharmagic (4D movie)
  • Festival of Fantasy Parade
  • Adventure Friends Cavalcade
  • Mickeys Magical Friendship Faire
  • Happily, Ever After
  • Frozen Holiday Surprise (only available during the Holidays)
  • NEW!!!!!! Disney Starlight Dream the Night Away Parade-

Rides with Interactive
Queues

  • Haunted Mansion
  • Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
  • Dumbo the Flying Elephant
  • Under the Sea- Journey of the Little Mermaid
  • Peter Pan’s Flight

Best Attractions for Naps (these attractions will help your little one fall asleep )

  • Peoplemover
  • The Carousel of Progress
  • Hall of Presidents

Scariest Rides for Kiddos

  • Astro Orbiter
  • Haunted Mansion (not necessarlity scary, but if your kiddos are afraid of the dark and ghosts be a little careful with this ride)
  • Pirates of the Caribbean- it is very dark and it has a drop at the start of the ride.

Parties at Magic Kingdom

  • Mickeys Not So Scary Halloween Party TBD
  • Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

  • This is a special ticketed event in the Magic Kingdom. In order to attend this party, you have to purchase a ticket to the party. It is not included in your Magic Kingdom ticket. ** Important Note: Magic Kingdom closes at 6pm on party days. If you have a party ticket, you can enter the park at 4:00pm. I highly recommend getting there at 4pm to take advantage of the extra time in the park.
  • The party starts at 7pm but you are allowed inside at 4pm. I recommend getting there at 3:30pm
  • Eat Dinner before the party starts
  • DO NOT  book any sit down dining reservations. It will take up a lot of your time.
  •  Fantasyland has the most character meet and greets. 
  • Focus on the rides from 4pm-7pm.
  • The least crowded place to see the parade is in Frontierland and across from Tonys Town Square Restaurant
  • If you can, stay for the later parade and Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular Show they are the least busiest
  • Pack a larger bag to carry all your candy. You will get a lot of candy.
  • There are 3 rides with a Halloween Twist Mad Tea Party, Space Mountain, and Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor 
  • I would start trick or treating in Adventureland. Most people start in Fantasyland
  • The Haunted Mansion ride usually has a show in the queue 
  • If you want to meet Jack his line goes down later at night or head there at 4:30pm
 
 
 

 

 

 

Character and Locations *rare characters

Main Street U.S.A

  • Mickey Mouse 
  • Jack Skellington & Sally

Fantasyland

  • Alice*
  • Anastasia & Drizella
  • Ariel
  • Prince Eric*
  • Belle* 
  • *The Mad Hatter 
  • *Queen of Hearts 
  • Daisy Duck
  • Donald Duck: 
  • Eeyore
  • Piglet- *
  • Tigger
  • Winnie the Pooh 
  • Goofy
  •  Tweedledee & Tweedledum

Adventureland

  • Abu
  • Aladdin & Jasmine: 
  • Genie*
  • Moana: Near the Enchanted Tiki Room *
  • Captain Jack Sparrow-

Liberty Square

Frontierland

  • Big Al
  • Shaker 
  • Wendell

Tomorrowland

  • Stich

Shows/Parades and Times

Mickey’s Boo To You Parade

Times: 

  • 8:15pm 
  • 11:15pm 

Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular Showtimes:

Disney's Not So Spooky Spectacular

  • 10:00pm
  • Other Shows :
    • Disney Jr. Jam at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe- love this
      party kids get to dance and interact with Disney Jr. characters.-Located in
      Tomorrowland
  • NEW!! ZOM-BEATZ Located in
    Tomorrowland 
  • The Cadaver Dans Barbershop Quartet- located in
    Frontierland 
  • New!! Storybook Circus -DJ Ringmaster- 2 separate treat trails and Disney Characters

Party Schedules: 2 Options

Party Schedule Option 1 (best options for little ones)

  • 3:30pm- arrive at the park 
  • 4pm- Check in and Get Wristbands
  • 4:30pm-Meet Jack 
  • 5pm-6pm-Dinner 
  • 6pm-7pm- Attractions and Rides
  • 7-7:50pm- Trick or Treat and Character Meets 
  • 7:55pm: Head to Frontierland or the Entrance of Magic Kingdom to grab a spot
    for the parade. (do not watch the parade by Cinderella’s Castle-it is too
    chaotic)
  • 8:45pm-9:45ish- Check out the special rides overlay and trick or treat,
    character meets
  • 9:45pm: Head to Main Street for fireworks: Disney’s Not So Spooky Spectacular
    (starts at 10pm) 
    Do not Leave after the Fireworks- stay to see Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular
    at 10:35pm
  • 11pm-12am-continue trick or treating, attractions, and character meets. (or head home)

Option 2 Here is the schedule I would follow:

  • 3:30pm arrive at Magic Kingdom 
  • 4pm-check in and have dinner 
  • 5:30pm-7pm- rides/character meets 
  • 7pm-9:35pm-trick or treat, character meets, shows inside
    like Disney Jr. Jam, The Cadaver Dans Barbershop
  • 9:45pm-head to Main Street for the fireworks- Disney’s Not
    So Spooky Spectacular 
  • 10pm-Disney’s Not So Spooky Spectacular 
  • 10:35pm-Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular 
  • 11:15: Boo To You Parade
  • Finish rides attractions and trick or treating until 12am

  • This is a special ticketed event in the Magic Kingdom. In order to attend this party, you have to purchase a ticket to the party. It is not included in your Magic Kingdom ticket.  ** Important Note: Magic  Kingdom closes at 6pm on party days. If you have a party ticket, you don’t need a park reservation for Magic Kingdom that day and you can enter the park at 4:00pm. I highly recommend getting there at 4pm to take advantage of the extra time in the park

Tips for MVMCP

  • If a certain character is a priority to you get in line before the party starts and the lines are a lot shorter 
  • Make a plan. You can’t see it all. So, make sure you have an idea of what you want to do. I definitely recommend all the shows in front of Cinderella’s Castle, the fireworks, and the parade. 
  • Check the weather forecast before you go and be prepared. 
  • If you want to do rides during the party, I recommend focusing on the rides with a Holiday Twist. 
  • The party starts at 7pm but you are allowed inside at 4pm. I recommend getting there at 3:30pm
  • Eat Dinner before the party starts
  • DO NOT  book any sit down dining reservations. It will take up a lot of your time.
  •  Fantasyland has the most character meet and greets. 
  • Make sure you take advantage of the Magic Shots 
  • Focus on the rides from 4pm-7pm.
  • The least crowded place to see the parade is in Frontierland and across from Tonys Town Square Restaurant. It doesn’t snow in Frontierland- If you want to see the snow head to Main Street 
  • There are 5 attractions with Holiday Twist 
    • Space Mountain, 
    • Tomorrowland Speedway,
    •  Mad Tea Party
    • Jingle Cruise 
    • Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor 
  • If you want to meet Jack his line goes down later at night and they also let you start meeting him before the party starts 
  • You can ask for more than one cookie at each location 
  • The following attractions are closed during the party: 
    • Mickey’s PhilharMagic, Carousel of Progress, Hall of Presidents, Country Bear Jamboree, and the Enchanted Tiki Room 
  • If you can stay until the end of the party, crowds start to decrease after the fireworks

Character and Locations *rare characters

Main Street U.S.A

  • Mickey Mouse 
  • *Jack Skellington & Sally

Fantasyland

  • *Cinderella & the Prince 
  • Elsa
  • Alice
  • Anna
  • Ariel & Prince Eric 
  • Belle
  •  Daisy Duck 
  • Donald Duck 
  • Eeyore 
  • *Rapunzel & Flynn Rider 
  • *Santa 
  • Peter Pan
  • Piglet 
  •  Aurora & Prince Phillip 
  • *Scrooge 
  • Snow White 
  • Tigger 
  • Elena 
  • Mirabel 
  • Minnie Mouse 
  • *Tweedledum 
  • *White Rabbit 
  • Winnie the Pooh 
  • Santa- Storybook Circus 

Adventureland

  • Abu 
  • Aladdin 
  • *Genie
  • Jack Sparrow 
  • Jasmine 
  • *Moana 

Liberty Square

  •  *Mary Poppins 
  • *Tiana & Prince Naveen 

Frontierland

  • Big Al 
  • Shaker 
  • Wendell 

Tomorrowland

  • Stich 

Attractions Available During the Party

Shows/Parades and Times

Frozen Holiday Surprise at 6:15 & 8:15pm

Santa’s Christmas Carnival- Inside Storybook Circus 

Club Tinsel (located in Tomorrowland)

Disney Junior Jingle Jam (located inside Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café)

Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration

  • 7:40 PM,
  • 9:25 PM,
  • 10:35 PM
  • 11:55 PM

Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas Parade

  • 8:30 PM 
  •  11:00 PM

Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show

  • 10:00 PM.

Party Schedules: 2 Options

Party Schedule Option 1 (best options for little ones)

    • 3:30pm- arrive at the park 
    • 4pm- Check in and Get Wristbands
    • 4:30pm- Dinner 
    • 6pm-7pm- Attractions and Rides
    • 7-7:30pm- Character Meets/collect cookies 
    • 7:40pm: Head to Main Street for The Frozen Holiday Surprise and stay for the parade. (if possible do not watch the parade by Cinderella’s Castle-it is too
      chaotic, try to go further down Main Street)
    • Grab a snack on Main Street head closer to Cinderella’s Castle for Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration at 9:25pm
  • Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show(starts at 10pm)
  • 10pm-12pm- Holiday rides/cookie collection/characters
  • 12am-1am-Shop
 
This schedule is the best if you want your little one to see all the Holiday Entertainment. If something is not a priority for you, you can replace it.

Option 2 Here is the schedule I would follow:

  • 3:30pm arrive at Magic Kingdom 
  • 4pm-check in and have dinner 
  • 5:30pm-7pm- rides/character meets 
  • 7pm-9:35pm-collect cookies, character meets, photos

 

  • 9:45pm-head to Main Street for the fireworks- Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show(starts at 10pm)
    • 10:35 Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration
  • 11pm- Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas Parade
  • 11:30pm-12Am Finish rides attractions and anything else in your list until 12am
  • 12-1am- Souvenir shopping

  • Mickeys Not So Scary Halloween Party August 9th-October 31st 2024
  • Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

  • This is a special ticketed event in the Magic Kingdom. In order to attend this party, you have to purchase a ticket to the party. It is not included in your Magic Kingdom ticket. ** Important Note: Magic Kingdom closes at 6pm on party days. If you have a party ticket, you can enter the park at 4:00pm. I highly recommend getting there at 4pm to take advantage of the extra time in the park.
  • The party starts at 7pm but you are allowed inside at 4pm. I recommend getting there at 3:30pm
  • Eat Dinner before the party starts
  • DO NOT  book any sit down dining reservations. It will take up a lot of your time.
  •  Fantasyland has the most character meet and greets. 
  • Focus on the rides from 4pm-7pm.
  • The least crowded place to see the parade is in Frontierland and across from Tonys Town Square Restaurant
  • If you can, stay for the later parade and Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular Show they are the least busiest
  • Pack a larger bag to carry all your candy. You will get a lot of candy.
  • There are 3 rides with a Halloween Twist Mad Tea Party, Space Mountain, and Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor 
  • I would start trick or treating in Adventureland. Most people start in Fantasyland
  • The Haunted Mansion ride usually has a show in the queue 
  • If you want to meet Jack his line goes down later at night or head there at 4:30pm
 
 
 

 

 

 

Character and Locations *rare characters

Main Street U.S.A

  • Mickey Mouse 
  • Jack Skellington & Sally

Fantasyland

  • Alice*
  • Anastasia & Drizella
  • Ariel
  • Prince Eric*
  • Belle* 
  • *The Mad Hatter 
  • *Queen of Hearts 
  • Daisy Duck
  • Donald Duck: 
  • Eeyore
  • Piglet- *
  • Tigger
  • Winnie the Pooh 
  • Goofy
  •  Tweedledee & Tweedledum

Adventureland

  • Abu
  • Aladdin & Jasmine: 
  • Genie*
  • Moana: Near the Enchanted Tiki Room *
  • Captain Jack Sparrow-

Liberty Square

Frontierland

  • Big Al
  • Shaker 
  • Wendell

Tomorrowland

  • Stich

Shows/Parades and Times

Mickey’s Boo To You Parade

Times: 

  • 8:15pm 
  • 11:15pm 

Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular Showtimes:

Disney's Not So Spooky Spectacular

  • 10:00pm
  • Other Shows :
    • Disney Jr. Jam at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe- love this
      party kids get to dance and interact with Disney Jr. characters.-Located in
      Tomorrowland
  • NEW!! ZOM-BEATZ Located in
    Tomorrowland 
  • The Cadaver Dans Barbershop Quartet- located in
    Frontierland 
  • New!! Storybook Circus -DJ Ringmaster- 2 separate treat trails and Disney Characters

Party Schedules: 2 Options

Party Schedule Option 1 (best options for little ones)

  • 3:30pm- arrive at the park 
  • 4pm- Check in and Get Wristbands
  • 4:30pm-Meet Jack 
  • 5pm-6pm-Dinner 
  • 6pm-7pm- Attractions and Rides
  • 7-7:50pm- Trick or Treat and Character Meets 
  • 7:55pm: Head to Frontierland or the Entrance of Magic Kingdom to grab a spot
    for the parade. (do not watch the parade by Cinderella’s Castle-it is too
    chaotic)
  • 8:45pm-9:45ish- Check out the special rides overlay and trick or treat,
    character meets
  • 9:45pm: Head to Main Street for fireworks: Disney’s Not So Spooky Spectacular
    (starts at 10pm) 
    Do not Leave after the Fireworks- stay to see Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular
    at 10:35pm
  • 11pm-12am-continue trick or treating, attractions, and character meets. (or head home)

Option 2 Here is the schedule I would follow:

  • 3:30pm arrive at Magic Kingdom 
  • 4pm-check in and have dinner 
  • 5:30pm-7pm- rides/character meets 
  • 7pm-9:35pm-trick or treat, character meets, shows inside
    like Disney Jr. Jam, The Cadaver Dans Barbershop
  • 9:45pm-head to Main Street for the fireworks- Disney’s Not
    So Spooky Spectacular 
  • 10pm-Disney’s Not So Spooky Spectacular 
  • 10:35pm-Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular 
  • 11:15: Boo To You Parade
  • Finish rides attractions and trick or treating until 12am

  • This is a special ticketed event in the Magic Kingdom. In order to attend this party, you have to purchase a ticket to the party. It is not included in your Magic Kingdom ticket.  ** Important Note: Magic  Kingdom closes at 6pm on party days. If you have a party ticket, you don’t need a park reservation for Magic Kingdom that day and you can enter the park at 4:00pm. I highly recommend getting there at 4pm to take advantage of the extra time in the park

Tips for MVMCP

  • If a certain character is a priority to you get in line before the party starts and the lines are a lot shorter 
  • Make a plan. You can’t see it all. So, make sure you have an idea of what you want to do. I definitely recommend all the shows in front of Cinderella’s Castle, the fireworks, and the parade. 
  • Check the weather forecast before you go and be prepared. 
  • If you want to do rides during the party, I recommend focusing on the rides with a Holiday Twist. 
  • The party starts at 7pm but you are allowed inside at 4pm. I recommend getting there at 3:30pm
  • Eat Dinner before the party starts
  • DO NOT  book any sit down dining reservations. It will take up a lot of your time.
  •  Fantasyland has the most character meet and greets. 
  • Make sure you take advantage of the Magic Shots 
  • Focus on the rides from 4pm-7pm.
  • The least crowded place to see the parade is in Frontierland and across from Tonys Town Square Restaurant. It doesn’t snow in Frontierland- If you want to see the snow head to Main Street 
  • There are 5 attractions with Holiday Twist 
    • Space Mountain, 
    • Tomorrowland Speedway,
    •  Mad Tea Party
    • Jingle Cruise 
    • Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor 
  • If you want to meet Jack his line goes down later at night and they also let you start meeting him before the party starts 
  • You can ask for more than one cookie at each location 
  • The following attractions are closed during the party: 
    • Mickey’s PhilharMagic, Carousel of Progress, Hall of Presidents, Country Bear Jamboree, and the Enchanted Tiki Room 
  • If you can stay until the end of the party, crowds start to decrease after the fireworks

Character and Locations *rare characters

Main Street U.S.A

  • Mickey Mouse 
  • *Jack Skellington & Sally

Fantasyland

  • *Cinderella & the Prince 
  • Elsa
  • Alice
  • Anna
  • Ariel & Prince Eric 
  • Belle
  •  Daisy Duck 
  • Donald Duck 
  • Eeyore 
  • *Rapunzel & Flynn Rider 
  • *Santa 
  • Peter Pan
  • Piglet 
  •  Aurora & Prince Phillip 
  • *Scrooge 
  • Snow White 
  • Tigger 
  • Elena 
  • Mirabel 
  • Minnie Mouse 
  • *Tweedledum 
  • *White Rabbit 
  • Winnie the Pooh 
  • Santa- Storybook Circus 

Adventureland

  • Abu 
  • Aladdin 
  • *Genie
  • Jack Sparrow 
  • Jasmine 
  • *Moana 

Liberty Square

  •  *Mary Poppins 
  • *Tiana & Prince Naveen 

Frontierland

  • Big Al 
  • Shaker 
  • Wendell 

Tomorrowland

  • Stich 

Attractions Available During the Party

Shows/Parades and Times

Frozen Holiday Surprise at 6:15 & 8:15pm

Santa’s Christmas Carnival- Inside Storybook Circus 

Club Tinsel (located in Tomorrowland)

Disney Junior Jingle Jam (located inside Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café)

Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration

  • 7:40 PM,
  • 9:25 PM,
  • 10:35 PM
  • 11:55 PM

Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas Parade

  • 8:30 PM 
  •  11:00 PM

Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show

  • 10:00 PM.

Party Schedules: 2 Options

Party Schedule Option 1 (best options for little ones)

    • 3:30pm- arrive at the park 
    • 4pm- Check in and Get Wristbands
    • 4:30pm- Dinner 
    • 6pm-7pm- Attractions and Rides
    • 7-7:30pm- Character Meets/collect cookies 
    • 7:40pm: Head to Main Street for The Frozen Holiday Surprise and stay for the parade. (if possible do not watch the parade by Cinderella’s Castle-it is too
      chaotic, try to go further down Main Street)
    • Grab a snack on Main Street head closer to Cinderella’s Castle for Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration at 9:25pm
  • Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show(starts at 10pm)
  • 10pm-12pm- Holiday rides/cookie collection/characters
  • 12am-1am-Shop
 
This schedule is the best if you want your little one to see all the Holiday Entertainment. If something is not a priority for you, you can replace it.

Option 2 Here is the schedule I would follow:

  • 3:30pm arrive at Magic Kingdom 
  • 4pm-check in and have dinner 
  • 5:30pm-7pm- rides/character meets 
  • 7pm-9:35pm-collect cookies, character meets, photos

 

  • 9:45pm-head to Main Street for the fireworks- Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show(starts at 10pm)
    • 10:35 Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration
  • 11pm- Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas Parade
  • 11:30pm-12Am Finish rides attractions and anything else in your list until 12am
  • 12-1am- Souvenir shopping

3. Playgrounds/Play Areas .......

Here are the best spots for your little ones to run around and play and get a break from the crowds.

Fantasyland

1. The Standy Queue of the Dumbo Ride – it is an indoor playground your kiddos can play inside while waiting in line and it located in Fantasyland (currently closed)

2. Casey Jr. Splash Pad- located in Fantasyland. This is perfect for hot days you can let your little ones run around and get wet

3. Line Queue for Many Adventures of Winnie the Poohthis is a huge outdoor play area available as you wait in line. This is located in Fantasyland

4. Across from the Little Mermaid Ride there is a DVC kiosk- It has a little play area for kiddos and it’s always empty. (FYI DVC Kiosks throughout the parks sometimes have little play areas for kiddos)

Adventureland

1. Adventureland Misters- you can find these across from the Magic Carpet ride in Adventureland. It’s perfect for little ones to cool off. 

2. Swiss Family Treehouse- this area takes you up to see the tree house. Note there are a lot of steps to this activity. This is located in Adventureland

Tomorrowland

1.Misting Stations 

4.Dining/Character Dining

Best Quick Service Places to Eat with Picky Eaters or Kiddos that Have Allergies:

  • Pinocchio Village Haus- Fantasyland (allergy friendly & great for picky eaters ) . This place also nhas tables that face It’s a Small World and they have signs to hold up and interact with guests on the ride.
  • Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe- Tomorrowland- (Picky Eaters )
  • Columbia Harbour Café – Liberty Square (allergy friendly)
  • Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Café (allergy friendly)

**If you are looking for a healthy option on the kid’s menu, check the items that say Kids’ Disney  Check Meals *****

Favorite Character Dining:

  • The Crystal Palace
  • Cinderella’s Royal Table 
  • 1900 Park Fare 

Extra Tips:

  •  For Cinderella’s Royal Table I recommend a lunch or dinner as the kids breakfast is not worth the cost.
  • If you have little ones Chef Mickey’s can be a little too loud and chaotic. 
  • If you are booking a character breakfast try not to be the latest time as sometimes it can feel rushed.

This is one of my favorites. You get to eat inside Cinderellas Castle and you meet Cinderella and other Disney Princesses. This is available during breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This requires a reservation and these reservations are a little hard to get.

This is located in Fantasyland and it is inside Beat’s Castle, although this is considered a character dining you don’t meet any characters. Beast makes an appearance, but you aren’t able to meet him and interact with him like other character meals. It is a table-service lunch and dinner which includes a prix-fixe, 3-course menu featuring French-inspired dishes. This does require a reservation. 

 This is located on Main Street and they offer breakfast, lunch and dinner and it is a buffet. You can meet Eeyore, Tigger, Pooh, and Piglet. This is another one of my favorites, especially for little ones. This requires a reservation 💗

Character Dining on Monorail Resorts

 This is located inside the Contemporary Resort. Although it isn’t inside Magic Kingdom it is relatively close you can hop on the monorail resort to get here. You can have breakfast or dinner buffet with Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Pluto, and Donald. This requires a reservation.

This is located at the Polynesian Resort. Although it isn’t inside Magic Kingdom it is relatively close you can hop on the resort monorail to get here. This is family style breakfast with Lilo and Stich.

Reminder: Characters are only available during breakfast. 

This is located inside the Grand Floridian. You can have breakfast and Dinner here. You can meet Tiana, Cinderella, Aladdin, and Mirabel

5.Magic Kingdom Freebies

  • Pixie Dust at Sir Mickeys or Bonjour Village- a fairy godmother will sprinkle magic glitter on you with a special wand.
  • A Pirate’s Adventure: Treasures of the Seven Seas: head over to Adventureland and sign up for a free 5-part interactive scavenger hunt where you’ll track down treasure and open secret passages throughout Adventureland and collect a prize at the end. 
  • Honorary Jungle Cruise Skipper: You can get selected to be an Honorary Jungle Skipper and given a free souvenir card. 
  • Celebration Buttons- you can pick these up at Guest Services
  • Smellephants on Parade- interactive search-and-sniff experience—perfect for noses of all ages! Each participant gets a map and stickers and as you find all 8 smellelehant statues you place the stickers on the map. 
  • Tram cards- you can ask Cast Members on the tram if they have any cards and they will give you cute little tram cards that are great for little ones to collect.

Here is the best part of it the adult using the Lighting Lane can bring someone with them. So someone in your party can ride a second time and this time with a Lighting Lane.

Rider Switch is Available on the Following Rides:

  • TRON Lightcycle Run 
  • The Barnstormer 
  • Big Thunder Mountain Railroad 
  • Seven Dwarfs Mine Train 
  • Space Mountain 
  • Tomorrowland Speedway
  • Tiana’s Bayou Adventure 

6. Rider Switch?

What is this? This is the best way that parents and other members of your family can enjoy the bigger rides even with little ones.

So How Does it Work:

Rider Switch, is a service provided by Disney World that allows guests with young children or those who cannot or do not want to ride certain attractionons to take turns experiencing the ride without waiting in line multiple times.

Here's how it typically works:

1. Family Composition: Suppose you have a family group consisting of adults and children where some members (such as young children) cannot or do not want to ride a particular attraction due to height restrictions, health concerns, or personal choice.

2. Requesting Rider Switch: When you approach an attraction, let the cast member at the entrance know that your group wants to do a Rider Switch. They’ll guide you through the process.


3. Process: Usually, one adult from your group waits with the non-riders while the rest of the group (adults or older children) enters the line and experiences the ride.

4. Switching: After the first group completes the ride, they meet up with the waiting adult(s) and exchange roles. The adult(s) who initially waited with the non-riders can then accompany the waiting child(ren) to the ride entrance without waiting in the regular queue. This second group can typically enter through the Lighting Lane line minimizing their wait time.

Rider Switch is a great way for families to ensure that everyone gets to enjoy Disney attractions without doubling the wait times. It’s a complimentary service offered to make the Disney experience more accommodating for families with varying interests and needs.

Best Place to wait during Rider Switch and keep the Kiddos Entertained:

  • TRON Lightcycle Run 
    • Casey Jr. Splash Pad (you can take a secret walkway that’s next to TRON to this area) 
    • Dumbo Ride Playground 
  • The Barnstormer 
    • Casey Jr. Splash Pad (you can take a secret walkway that’s next to TRON to this area) 
    • Dumbo Ride Playground 
  • Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
    • The Train  
  • Seven Dwarfs Mine Train 
    • Winnie the Pooh Ride Play Area 
  • Space Mountain 
    • Peoplemover, Carousel of Progress
  • Tomorrowland Speedway
    • Peoplemover, Carousel of Progress

7. Lightning Lanes to Book

This is a paid service at Disney World that allows guests to access Lightning Lane entrances for select attractions, and reserve access to certain entertainment options. It allows you to skip the standby line at some attractions. It is a daily fee per park and per person. There is a multiple park option if you have a park hopper ticket. 

If you want more information on lightning lanes it can be found in a separate guide called Lightning Lanes Guide. These are just the basics.

Lightning Lanes for Little Ones

Here is the order I would book the Lightning Lanes at Magic Kingdom. This strategy is for little ones. I’m only going to be using the no height requirements attractions.

Tier 1:

  1. Peter Pan’s Flight (once you scan in to your first lightning lane book Jungle Cruise)
  2. Jungle Cruise 
 
Tier 2: 
  • The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh 
  • Under the Sea- Journey of the Little Mermaid 
  • Haunted Mansion 

The rest of the attraction I would select as they become available.

8. Babies/Stroller Tips

Baby Center

The Baby Center at Magic Kingdom is located on Main Street next to the First Aid right by the Crystal Palace. It is an air-conditioned location that is fully staffed and features lots of helpful amenities for families with babies, toddlers, and kids. They include the following:

We love stopping by to take breaks they have seating for parents and children and they always have a movie or cartoons playing.

First Haircut

You can get your kiddos first haircut or just a haircut at Harmony Barber Shop located on Main Street. Haircut prices start at $20. The first haircut package is $28 and includes the haircut, commemorative Mickey Ears Hat, keepsake lock of hair, and an official milestone certificate.

Quiet Areas

Magic Kingdom is the busiest park at Disney World and there are times it can get a little overwhelming for little ones. Here is a video that shows my favorite quiet areas at Magic Kingdom. These are my favorite areas to get away from the crowds and also perfect for naps.

Stroller Tips:

I definitely recommend a stroller for kiddos. Especially if they are under 7 years old. I personally don’t recommend the Disney Strollers because they are hard and not very comfortable. They also don’t recline when kiddos fall asleep. FYI: Cast Members can move your stroller to make room for more or if it’s parked in the wrong location. There are designated stroller parking areas. 

Here are my Stroller Must Haves: 

  • Stroller Rain Cover 
  • Tagalong (to help your little stay next to the stroller) 
  • Fairy Lights (to help identify your stroller at night)
  • Stroller Flag/Something to help identify your stroller

These are in my Amazon Store in Section 9 of this guide. 

Stroller Rules:

  • Strollers larger than 31” (79 cm) in width and 52” (132cm) in length are not permitted. Stroller wagons are also not permitted.
  • Strollers are not allowed on escalators. Use of strollers is permitted on elevators and ramps,  available at certain locations.
  • A child must be removed from his or her stroller while riding on a parking lot tram.
  • Do not leave personal belongings in an unattended stroller.
  • Strollers may be moved by a Cast Member due to operational needs.

Going Through Security with a stroller:

Do these 3 things Before You Head to Security:

  • Make sure everything is cleared from underneath your stroller, remove all bags, umbrellas, toys, foo, coolers, etc., before you head to security.
  • Remove all your electronics and anything containing metal and set them on your stroller caddy. This includes phone chargers, battery packs, sunglass cases, makeup compacts.
  • Open up your sunshades on your stroller and now you are ready to head to security

Heading to security:

  • The adult pushing the stroller will go to the stroller security check point. Everyone else will go through the regular metal detector line. Your family will be separated. Don’t worry you won’t need tickets yet. I suggest handing all the stuff from the stroller to the people heading through the regular metal detector.
  • Once its your turned to be checked they will check your stroller caddy and the stroller. They will ask you to leave your kiddo on the stroller as you walk through the metal detector. The stroller and your kiddo will not go through the metal detector. There is one exception if your kiddo is old enough to walk, they will make you take your kiddo through the metal detector with you.
  • If you the metal detector detects anything they will send you to a second checkpoint if not you are free to join the rest of your party.

Disney Stroller Rental

Single Stroller (recommended for children 50lbs or less)
Daily: $15
Multi-Day: $13 per day
Double Stroller: (recommended for children 100lbs or less
Daily: $31
Multi-Day: $27 per day

Third party stroller companies to rent strollers, cribs, playpens etc. from:

9.Park Must Have for Kids

Park Must Haves for kiddos

I will include a link to my Amazon Storefront where I have all my park must haves

Amazon Storefront Link

10. Resort Hopping with Little Ones

If you are considering resort hopping and not sure which resorts are the best and easiest to access for kiddos here are my favorites. The best way to get to the resorts without any dining reservations is to take Disney Transportation from Disney Springs.

The skyliner resorts are definitely my favorite resorts for kiddos and the reason why is because you have multiple resorts within reach and all of them have activities for kiddos. The resorts listed below are my favorites:

  • Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
    o They have a Nemo Playground, Cars Land, Little Mermaid Section, and Lion King. It makes for great pictures and kiddos have so much fun here
  • Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
    I Love their playground and they have an area called Caribbean Cay that has lounge chairs and is very peaceful and quiet. I love taking breaks here. It is perfect for naps.
  • Disney’s Riviera Resort
    o They have outdoor games for kiddos to play with and beautiful wall art of Peter Pan and Rapunzel
  • Disney Boardwalk
    o This is my favorite and it’s a perfect resort to end the day in. They have free live entertainment and you can watch the EPCOT fireworks from here.

** there is a skyliner scavenger hunt you can also do. You pick up the Scavenger Hunt inside any of the Skyliner resorts. ***

My Favorite things to do at other resorts:

  • Contemporary, Polynesian, and the Grand Floridian you can watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks from here. My favorite location is the Contemporary. During the holidays they also have  gingerbread décor at the Grand Floridian and Contemporary.
  • Fort Wilderness Resort Campground: they have pony rides for little ones and horseback riding for adults. Pony rides are walk on and horseback riding requires reservations. Chip and Dale Sing a Long this is so much fun. During Halloween and Christmas guests decorate the campgrounds.
  • Animal Kingdom Lodge: you can see the Safari animals roaming around for free and they also have the Strings of Memories Activity where you go around the resort doing different activities with cast members and when you finish each activity you collect a bead. You can collect 8 beads in total.
  • All resorts have a movie under the stars. We pack snacks and drinks and go watch a movie. It’s one of our favorite things to do.
    The Disney Resorts that have playgrounds: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/recreation/playgrounds/
  • You can also watch the Electric Water Parade from all the Monorail resorts, Wilderness Lodge, and the Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground. 

11. Maximize Your Day With Little Ones

Here is how to maximize your day at Magic Kingdom with kids under 6. Start in Fantasyland. This is the land with the most attractions and characters for little ones. Make sure to head to Enchanted Tales it is a great show. Take a break in one of the play areas.  Next head to Main Street to see the Festival of Fantasy Parade. Stay on Main Street to see Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire. After Main Street head over to Adventureland. Then over to Frontierland. Final spot to head to is Tomorrowland and then head over to Main Street for Happily Ever After (fireworks). 

 

If Characters are a priority Fantasyland is the land with the most characters available. 

My biggest tips for parents are: 

  • Take breaks every 2 hours
  • If possible do not wait more than 30 minutes for a ride
  • Start with face characters first and then move over to mask characters 
  • DO NOT start with a scary ride. Start with a calm ride and then ease your way into the rough rides 
  • Meet characters early. 
  • Only plan one character dining experience a day. They can be a lot for little ones.
  • Pack toys and snacks. They will be your best friends. 

Park guides

Magic Kingdom

Animal Kingdom 

Hollywood Studios

Lightning lane

Kids guides

Magic Kingdom with Kids

Animal Kingdom with Kids

Hollywood Studios with Kids

Epcot with kids

other guides

mickeys not so scary Halloween Party Guide

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party