TRAVEL GROWN GUIDE TO THE

MAGIC KINGDOM

Before you arrive checklist

Review your plans in your Disney app.

Review the Magic Kingdom map to know which way to go when you arrive.

Review Park Closures

Try the 3 - 2 -1 method.

Choose 3 attractions you want to prioritize. Choose 2 experiences (character meets, fireworks) Pick one dining reservation. You dont have to pick a table service, but plan out at least one meal.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Transportation:

Your Morning at Magic Kingdom

CAR

You have two parking options: Standard ($25/day) or Preferred ($45–$50/day). If you’re staying at a Disney Resort, standard parking is free! Parking lots open 90 minutes before Early Entry—so if Early Entry starts at 8:30 AM, you can park as early as 7:00 AM.

After parking, you’ll either walk or take a tram to the Ticket & Transportation Center (TTC). From there, you’ll go through security and then choose between a ferry (10 minutes) or a monorail (15 minutes) to reach the Magic Kingdom gates.

BUS

All Disney Resort guests can use the complimentary bus system to go directly to the park entrance—no need to stop at the TTC! Buses don’t require car seats, but you will need to fold up your stroller. You can check bus times in the My Disney Experience app under your resort tab, but expect them to start running 90 minutes before park opening.

MONORAIL

If you’re staying at one of the three monorail resorts (Grand Floridian, Polynesian, or Contemporary), you can hop right on the monorail to Magic Kingdom. Bonus: The Grand Floridian and Contemporary also have walking paths to the park!

RIDESHARE

Using Uber or Lyft?

Magic Kingdom is the only Disney park that does not allow regular rideshares to drop off directly at the gate. Instead, your driver will drop you off at the Ticket & Transportation Center, where you’ll need to take the ferry or monorail to the park.

Minnie Van Upgrade: Want a direct drop-off? Book a Minnie Van through the Lyft app! A Disney Cast Member will drive you straight to the entrance, and each van comes with two car seats included—perfect for families.

EARLY ENTRY

Early Entry is a Disney Resort guest perk that allows on-property guests to enter any park 30 minutes before the official opening time. Not sure if you’re eligible? Check this list to confirm!

To access Early Entry, a Cast Member will scan your MagicBand or ticket at the end of Main Street (on the right). Look for the EARLY ENTRY sign!

During Early Entry, only Fantasyland and Tomorrowland are open, including:

“it’s a small world”
Astro Orbiter
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
Mad Tea Party
Mickey’s PhilharMagic
Peter Pan’s Flight
Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
Space Mountain
The Barnstormer
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Tomorrowland Speedway
Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid
Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress

Magic Kingdom lets EVERYONE onto Main Street 45 minutes before Early Entry begins—no matter where you’re staying!

For example, if the official park opening is at 9 AM:

• 7:45 AM – All guests can start scanning in and entering Main Street

• 8:30 AM – Early Entry begins for Disney Resort guests

What You Can Do Before the Rides Open:

• Snap empty castle photos

• Grab a coffee

• Get in position to rope drop your first ride

ROPE DROPPING

“Rope Drop” is Disney lingo for the moment a park or land officially opens for the day. When the rope is removed (or “dropped”), guests can start heading to their first attractions.

Where You’ll Be Held for Rope Drop:

• Tomorrowland: At the end of the bridge near Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor

• Fantasyland: Between Cheshire Café and Cosmic Ray’s—ideal if you’re heading to Seven Dwarfs Mine Train or other Fantasyland rides

Best Attractions to Rope Drop:

🚀 If you have Early Entry:

• Tomorrowland: Space Mountain

• Fantasyland: Seven Dwarfs Mine Train & Peter Pan’s Flight

🌿 If you don’t have Early Entry:

• Adventureland: Jungle Cruise

Magic Kingdom Morning Timeline

🕖 7:00 AM EST – Everyone can try to join the free virtual queue for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.

🚌 90 Minutes Before Park Opening – Disney buses start running. Other transportation options (monorails, boats) typically begin at least an hour before official park opening. Check the My Disney Experience app for exact times.

🏰 60–75 Minutes Before Park Opening – All guests can scan into Magic Kingdom and explore Main Street, U.S.A. (Rides won’t be open yet, but it’s a great time for castle photos and coffee!)

🎢 30 Minutes Before Park Opening – Early Entry begins! Disney Resort guests can scan in and enjoy select attractions in Fantasyland and Tomorrowland before the park officially opens.

ATTRACTIONS

A quick overview of the six lands across Magic Kingdom

Fantasyland

Rides:
The Barnstormer (35”)
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
"it's a small world"
Mad Tea Party
Peter Pan's Flight
Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (38”)
Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Under the Sea - Journey of the Little Mermaid

Experiences + Shows:
Casey Jr Splash N' Soak Station
Enchanted Tales with Belle
Mickey’s Philharmagic
Meet Ariel at her Grotto
Meet Cinderella and Tiana at Princess Fairytale Hall
Pete's Silly Sideshow
Tomorrowland

Rides:
Astro Orbiter
Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin
Monster’s Inc. Laugh Floor
Space Mountain (44”)
Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
Tomorrowland Speedway (32”)
TRON Lightcycle / Run (48")

Experiences + Shows:
Carousel of Progress
Adventureland

Rides:
Jungle Cruise
Magic Carpets of Aladdin
Pirates of the Caribbean

Experiences + Shows:
Swiss Family Treehouse
Enchanted Tiki Room
A Pirate’s Adventure - Treasures of the Seven Seas
Frontierland

Rides:
Big Thunder Mountain (40")
Tiana's Bayou Adventure (40")

Experiences + Shows:
Country Bear Jamboree
Tom Sawyer Island
Liberty Square

Rides:
Haunted Mansion

Experiences + Shows:
Hall of Presidents
Liberty Square Riverboat
Main Street USA

Experiences + Shows:
Meet Mickey at Town Sq. Theatre
Let the Magic Begin (welcome show)
Mickey’s Celebration Cavalcade + Adventure Friends Cavalcade
The Dapper Dans
Festival of Fantasy Parade
Happily Ever After