You have 1 free day in Orlando and want to visit the most magical place on earth? How much can you experience in one day? Today, we’ll tell you how to get the most magic out of your one day at Magic Kingdom.
One Day in Magic Kingdom
- Is Magic Kingdom really a one-day park?
- To Genie+ or not to Genie+?
Magic Kingdom Attractions
Genie+ Individual Attraction: Seven Dwarves Mine Train
Lightning Lane Attractions
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
- Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin
- Dumbo the Flying Elephant
- Haunted Mansion
- “It’s a small world”
- Jungle Cruise
- Mad Tea Party
- Magic Carpets of Aladdin
- Mickey’s PhilharMagic
- Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor
- Peter Pan’s Flight
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- Splash Mountain
- The Barnstormer
- The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
- Tomorrowland Speedway
- Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid
- Space Mountain (Until August 2022)
- Parade viewing (Festival of Fantasy)
Planning Your Day
- Advice for Individual Attraction preparation
- Lightning Lane Selection
- When to get to the park, how to use that first hour of so…
- Advice for the different areas of the park (Adventureland, Frontierland, Liberty Square, Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, Mainstreet, and Castle Hub)
- Attractions
- Shows
- Snacks or Dining
- Dining at Magic Kingdom
Question: What is Your Must-Do if you have One Day at Magic Kingdom?
Please let us know in the All Things Travel Podcast Facebook group!
Start Making Your Magical Memories!
Ryan and Shayne are both Travel Advisers with Creating Magic Vacations, an authorized Disney Vacation Planner. Feel free to reach out to us for a free quote and to start making magical memories.
- Contact Ryan at DisneyTravelDad.Com.
- Contact Shayne at Shayne.fun.
Where in the World is All Things Travel?
- Wichita Falls, Texas
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Episode 104 Transcripts
Episodes are transcribed with artificial intelligence,s so there are likely some highly amusing translations!
Shayne: Hello and welcome to All Things Travel. You have one free day in Orlando and want to visit the most magical place on earth. How Much can you experience in one day today? We’ll tell you how to get the most magic out of your one day at magic kingdom, you’re listening to All Things Travel episode 104 original air date, April 13th, 2020.
Ryan: So Shayne, we have done several episodes about the different parks at Walt Disney world. And our approach has been, you have one day to experience of them. However, is magic Kingdom really? A one day park.
Shayne: No, it’s not, but if you have that one day, it’s still the one I would pick.
Ryan: Yeah, I think this is the one that’s going to be the most challenging, especially if you’re going with your family and you have younger children or it’s overall your first one or second trip to Walt Disney world. You’re going to want to spend more time here, but I think we can do it. I think we’ve got some suggestions to make that one day really.
Shayne: Oh, yeah. If you have one day to spend anywhere in Orlando and just the one day, this is still the place to spend it.
Ryan: But first shade before we get to the most magical place on earth, where in the world is All Things Travel?
Shayne: Wichita Falls, Texas.
Ryan: Ooh down in your neck of the woods,
Shayne: Yes, it is about, I think it takes about two hours to get there. I don’t know how many miles that is. I have driven that several times because Wichita falls is the home of the Hotter Than hell Hundred bike ride every August.
Ryan: All right. We’re glad that you’re listening in Wichita Falls.
Reach out to Shayne or I either via Facebook or email becauseShayne got a nice little thank you gift for being featured on the show.
Shayne: and to make sure that you never miss an episode of our travel tips, travel ideas, or travel stories. Be sure to subscribe All Things Travel.
Ryan: All right, Shayne. So Magic Kingdom has tons of different areas and attractions and shows and dining and shopping opportunities.
Shayne: Wow.
Ryan: about today. My first question with all of these epic days at Disney though, is his magic kingdom, a genie plus park or not a genie plus park.
Shayne: I’m going to go with yes, just don’t let it, have you running back and forth.
Ryan: I totally agree. I think if you’re going to spend the money, especially if you have one day to experience this park, genie plus is well worth it. Even if you can use it for just a couple of things. It is worth the expense to have it. So to, to remind you of this, the individual attraction selection at magic kingdom right now is seven dwarfs mine train, and up until August space, mountain has been moved down to the regular lightening lane attractions.
am sure once Tron is done in 2020, whatever. That’s going to be an individual attraction, but right now, seven dwarfs mine train. At least the summer is the only one lanes, else. You’ve got a whole long list, including some of the shows. So you’ve got monsters in class four.
You’ve got.
things like parade viewing of the festival fantasy in the afternoon and almost every single other ride at magic kingdom falls in that whitening lane list.
So that begs the question. How do we manage the first bit of the day, let’s say shame that we happen to be staying on property and it’s 7:00 AM. We can get on genie. Plus what would you suggest?
Shayne: This is really going to get down to personal preferences. There’s a
Ryan: It really is? I think more than any other park. Absolutely.
Shayne: Since we can use Seven Dwarfs Mine Train for an individual attract. Before that I might rope drop Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, not mine. I would definitely rope try Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.
But in this case, get that as an individual attraction. And depending on your favorite movie or favorite ride or favorite character pick something for that? For example, Haunted Mansion is one of my favorite attractions. In all the parks. So that would be my first that’s where I would head first is to Haunted Mansion.
Ryan: Yeah. As we’ve said in shows before, you pick your top two or three and then. Sure that your first Lightening Lane is one of those and then you rope drop another one. So for instance, one that my family often ropes drops, even though it’s counterintuitive. If you haven’t been to Disney often is Peter pan.
Because for whatever reason, I don’t know if it’s the Q or the system ride backs up like crazy. If you’re not going to get a Lightening Lane for that one, either first thing, or later in the day, you’re going to want to rope drop that immediately. Jungle Cruise has often been that way, especially after the new movie has come out, it’s grown in popularity.
And so that would be one that I would head to if I wasn’t into the roller coasters, if I’m big into roller coasters. And if I’m lucky enough to be on property, I’m heading straight back to Splash mountain and Big Thunder Mountain railroad and taking one of those off the list.
First thing, and getting Lightning lane for the other one.
Shayne: What is it about Peter Pan? It seems like we’re always surprised that it’s has such long lines and it’s so popular yet. right there. Also wanting to ride it.
Ryan: know it’s just it to me. It’s one of it’s one of those nostalgia rides. I like Haunted Mansion. I’m not a Haunted Mansion fan like you and some of our other friends are, but for me, there’s just. That flying over London, flying over Neverland.
The first time we took my parents with us when we were adults, my dad asked, are we going to be riding that ride where you fly over London? was like, it was one of those things where, I think as our family, we had been to Magic Kingdom more than twice if only one time.
And that’s the ride that he remembered. So there’s just a couple of those things. I think you’re right. Shayne It’s really based on your preference. you’re going to be with small kids, doing some of those fantasy land rides becomes really important, whether it’s, Peter Pan’s flight, whether it’s a Small world, whether it’s the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, or if you’re with older folks or people who aren’t as into that much, it’s doing those bigger rides, like Haunted Mansion or, the rollercoasters or things like that.
So let’s talk about each of the areas of Magic Kingdom. And I want to break this down attractions that we love. Shows that may be there that we like. And if there are any particular snacks or dining that we want to highlight in that area, let’s start with Adventure Land.
So if we’re going counter-clockwise, we’ve left Main Street and we’re turning into Adventure Land. What’s the attraction that has to be on your list Shayne?
Shayne: After Haunted Mansion, in our family, we all agree that our second favorite attraction is Pirates of the Caribbean and we just love the pirate.
Theming, love the getting out of the heat into the dark. We love the store. We could spend way too much time searching for all the Pirates of the Caribbean merchandise in the store. When we exit that is our favorite
Ryan: yep. I agree. I think for me, if you’re looking at Adventure Land. The two that hit the list are pirates of the Caribbean and Jungle Cruise. I think that if you. Are. Spending one day at Magic Kingdom and especially if you have not had a lot of experience at Magic Kingdom, you’re crazy. If you don’t hit these two rides, they’re both classics.
They’re both must do’s in my book. Any shows here the Tiki bird room, is that, does that on your must-see
Shayne: I would dare to must-see, but it’s definitely worth checking out depending on how many attractions you have on your list that you want to see
Ryan: Yeah. And the, and this is not on the Lightning Lane, so that may make it easier to get into. For me, this is about once every five trips, we wander into the Enchanted Tiki room. I don’t need to every time, but it’s certainly fun.
Shayne: hear that song?
Ryan: Exactly, exactly. Although my son is right now, he’s taking ukulele lessons and that’s actually one of the songs that they’re learning.
So that’s so we may, when we go in a few weeks, we may need to actually go in there just so he can hear that song playing. If it comes to snacks or dining in this area, for me, I’ve got two main recommendations. One is a Dole whip. If you’ve heard me talk about Disney food at all, you know, I’m addicted to Dole whips or whatever specialty item they tend to have there.
And then also for a sit-down restaurant, my family has really fallen in love with the Skippers Canteen. It’s a really cool menu. It’s a really cool restaurant. I would highly recommend it. And so far it’s gotten a little under the radar as far as reservations. So it’s usually not hard to get a reservation there.
Shayne: That Dole Whip is delicious it’s one of my favorite desserts in all the parks.
Ryan: So now we’re rounding the corner and we’re heading to Frontier Land, shayne. I already mentioned splash Mountain and Big Thunder Railroad. I think those are must do’s in this area. else for you?
Shayne: I’m a huge fan of Big Thunder Railroad it’s I love the theming, riding through the mountain with
Ryan: Yeah,
Shayne: mining themes. That’s it’s just a lot of fun.
Ryan: It’s really cool.
Shayne: Now you might want to, depending on when your is, you might want to ride Splash Mountain before the theming changes. Dr. is my favorite villain.
So I’m looking forward to him getting
Ryan: Yup. Yup.
Shayne: on the redone ride. But if you want to see the current Splash Mountain before changed, you might want to check that out pretty early.
Ryan: Yeah, absolutely. Absolutely. I think as far as Adventure Land, you’ve got Tom Sawyer Island which my kids certainly enjoyed when they were younger. I don’t know if we need to go back out there now that I have teenagers. As far as shows go, I would say show adjacent Frontier Land is a great place to watch the parade because everybody congregates up by the castle and there’s a lot less people here, you can get a lot closer to the parade route. I honestly have not been to the Country Bear Jamboury since going back to Disney net as.
I know that people love it, but that’s just not something that I’ve done. But it certainly, like you said, it’s a way to get out of the hot sun enjoy some time and see some classic Disney. Dining here for me comes down to Pecos bills. My family almost always go to pay, goes to Pecos bills a quick service meal is really good bang for your.
Shayne: I’m going to have to say my dining for Main Street, because there’s one place that we pretty much stick to in magic.
Ryan: All right. So let’s keep wandering and we get to Liberty Square. There are a couple things here, but not the biggies. You’ve got a few shows or you’ve got the boat ride with the paddle wheel ferry, which is really cool, but there’s really not a lot drawing you here. Ride.
Shayne: and for me, in addition to the ride, the Haunted Mansion, I also love the store memento
Mori.
Ryan: Yeah.
So you would have haunted mansion and his is here is technically here in Liberty square.
Shayne: yeah. And for me, that store is almost an attraction because other than the Pirates of the Caribbean store, one of my favorite places to shop.
Ryan: As far as shows here, you’ve got some street shows the popup from time to time. And you also of course have the Hall of Presidents, which is something that if you haven’t had the experience with that, it’s not on the lightening. It’s something you can pop in shows are running all throughout the day. So you’ll want to check that out.
There’s some good shopping in this area with the Christmas store and whatnot. And then dining for me. Is there’s really two places I look for here. There’s sleepy hollow, where you can get some really good, quick service items. And then there is a quick service restaurant. The Columbia, your Harbor house is really good.
As far as if you’re looking for dining I think what you’re hearing a lot is quick service is really the way to go here at Magic Kingdom when it comes to this.
Now we have hit the biggie. Shayne we’ve gone under the Archway. We’ve passed the Rapunzel bathrooms and we are now in the heart of fantasy land and there is an attraction lovers delight here. There is classic Disney all around.
Shayne: No backing up just a couple of steps. You just reminded me that’s one of my favorite places to just sit. I would almost say one of my favorite restrooms to use, but I love that little Rapunzel area there with the purple and yellow flags. I.
Ryan: it’s really neat. It’s one of those things where, you’re reminded over and over with Disney that they put attention to detail where they don’t always have. It’s like they take a restroom spot
Shayne: Yeah.
Ryan: it cool. all they had was restaurants, people will be okay with that.
Shayne: And you want something else to be there because it’s so cool there, but then you’re just like, okay, settle for this being
the coolest restaurant in the park
Ryan: and there’s picnic tables there. So it’s a good spot to sit down and have a snack and have a re you know, especially because it’s between two lands, as you’re mapping out your day, you can stop there for 10 minutes, use the restroom, sit down, have a snack, refill your water bottle.
It’s a good transition spot,
Shayne: yeah, I agree. I wanted to cover that cause I just love that little
area. And so now we can.
Ryan: No, you’re absolutely right. in Fantasy Land, you’ve got the, it’s a Small World. You’ve got Peter Pan, you’ve got under The Sea with Little Mermaid, you’ve got Winnie the Pooh. You’ve got all sorts of stuff. You’ve got the Prince Charming Carousel, a lot of this.
If you’re traveling with small kids, you’re going to want to hit several of these either with the wait times or with the lightening.
Shayne: Yeah, this is a pretty packed area with a lot of the classical Disney decor
Ryan: Yeah. And I would say if you’re not as interested with this area, avoid it at all costs early in the morning. Seriously it’s really packed here when it comes to attraction. So save this. If you’re not a fantasy land lover, this is a later afternoon area for me.
Shayne: Which was one of the really nice things right after the reopening was when you could wander through this area of fantasy land without the huge crowds in the
Ryan: And partially, because at least for the first couple of times that I went to Disney after the reopening, there weren’t stroll wars
Shayne: Yeah.
Ryan: because little kids weren’t going to Disney. And that was really an interesting way to approach Disney.
Shayne: But what are a couple of our favorite attractions there? Peter Pan’s Flight in Seven Dwarfs Mine Train it’s. You’ll probably end up spending some time there.
Ryan: Yeah. So in this area, this Shayne, has one of my favorite shows in all of Disney properties. I love Mickey’s PhilharMagic.
Shayne: Oh yeah,
Ryan: It is so good. I have to see this every time I go to Walt Disney.
Shayne: I agree. I’m right there too. Yeah. I love that show.
Ryan: Don’t sleep on the shows, make sure you take the time to check those out, here. There’s some really good quick service spots. Gaston’s Tavern for the cinnamon rolls. You’ve got Fryers Nook has some really good, quick service, breakfast and lunch options. And then you’ve got one of the most covered.
You’ve actually got two of the most coveted dining spots. For table service, you’ve got Cinderella’s Royal Table and Be Our guest dining at lunch and dinner. Very popular.
Shayne: i enjoy walking by the through the castle. I enjoy that kind of hub there, do all the, for all the parks. I love that little area there, but as far as dining goes, not my favorite place to eat, but that cinnamon roll is quite delicious.
Ryan: It’s pretty darn good. It’s pretty darn good. So now Shayne, we’re headed to an area you might not be familiar with, or remember it’s the Storybook Circus area. And this for me is one that I often forget about, unless I’m going someplace specifically there, this has Dumbo, this has. The Barnstormer, which is our family’s first ride ever Disney and also the shortest ride at Disney at 42 seconds. And that also has the train hub here. So what would you suggest here for folks?
Shayne: I’m a big fan of the kid-friendly rollercoaster, even as
Ryan: Yeah.
Shayne: So that the Barnstormers is one of my favorites. I like the kind of circus carnival feel of
Ryan: It is really good. And one thing that if you’re not familiar with Disney and Magic kingdom, if you have small kiddos and it’s a super hot day and it fits your parenting style, let me put it that way. They have a really good splash pad area where your kids can just absolutely Get soaked and burn off some good.
Shayne: Have fun with that. I don’t like to get wet, but y’all
Ryan: Yeah, I know. I know. And that’s why I said if it fits your parenting style
there,
Shayne: liked the way you phrase that.
Ryan: so heading. Past the circus area, then you get into the Tomorrow Land. So you’ve got the transition there with the teacups ride. And then you’re into tomorrow land.
If you’ve survived the stink of the Tomorrow Land Speedway, which I cannot stand and get to the pure Tomorrow Land, you’re in a completely different area of Disney. That’s really good.
Shayne: I kinda like the smell of that,
Ryan: Oh, I hate it. I absolutely hate it.
Shayne: It’s just that tire and gas smell. I
Ryan: no. I hate it. I, if they could change those to electric cars, that would be such a cool or attraction in my.
Shayne: it’s not going to surprise me at all to see it. Either change to electric cars or to go away completely.
Ryan: So as Shayne and I said at the beginning, once Tron is constructed, that will be in this area. And that will certainly be an Individual Attraction to pick up. But there’s a lot going on here tomorrow land. You’ve got obviously Space Mountain, you’ve got Buzz Lightyear. You’ve got the people mover. You’ve Got the Astro Orbiter. you’ve got the Carousel of progress. You got a lot going on here.
Shayne: i guess that’s one of the things that makes Magic Kingdom, a great park, but a tough one to do in a day.
There’s a lot, just in this Tomorrowland area, there’s so much to do.
Ryan: And again, just said, with Mickey’s Phil-Har-Magic, don’t sleep on the monsters Inc. Laugh for if you like shows, if you want to, if you like corny dad jokes, if you want to get out of the sun for awhile, this is well worth your time.
Shayne: We’d mentioned before, I think with Epcot, how about some of the attractions of the future we’re past these days. And it was about time for them to be redone. And Tomorrow land is a little, when it was built, it was probably futuristic. Now it
Ryan: Yeah.
Shayne: what futuristic looks like.
In the seventies,
Ryan: I like it.
I it’s kind of kitschy to To me. It’s like the kitschiness of power of the Polynesian resort. In Tomorrow land version, right? Like it’s just it’s I kinda like it. It’s fun. Space, Mountain is fun. Buzz late years fun. There’s just, there’s a lot of good things here.
Yeah, it’s just, it’s attraction heavy. Carousel progress is a really good show, especially if you’re into Disney history, it’s one of the classics. It came from the same. World’s Fair that it’s a small rural came from dining to be quite honest here. I don’t do a lot of dining in tomorrow.
So now Shayne. We are headed to Main Street and the castle hub really doesn’t have anything itself, but it is a really good place for photos. It’s a good place to hang out. You’ll also catch a lot of those cavalcades around that area. So you definitely want to check that place out.
As far as part of your touring of Magic Kingdom, do not forget, like you said, to walk through the castle so you can see those mosaics that are really nice. And also don’t forget to go around the cast,
uh, to the, to the right, as you’re looking at it, to see the Wishing Well, That is something that people often forget about.
photos. Great kind of perspective. Away from the crowds.
Shayne: And I would take a little bit of time to walk all the way around the castle to catch it from all the angles that you can see it from.
Ryan: yeah, absolutely. So now we’re at Main Street. Tell us where your favorite place to eat is.
Shayne: This is one of my favorite places in the world. I love the mini corn dogs at
Ryan: Aha. I’ve got a confession.
Shayne: Yeah.
Ryan: been to Casey’s Corner
Shayne: I could see that. You have a more refined palate, far more refined palate than
Ryan: That’s a nice gentlemen way to say that I’m a foods. But no
Shayne: would never say
Ryan: I definitely, I’m all for trying them. It’s just, it just, hasn’t made the cut yet. There’s other snacks at magic kingdom that I enjoy better.
Shayne: It’s a simple food. It’s. Pretty ARKit, typical theme park
Ryan: Sure.
Shayne: think. And I can see someone skipping it, so someone with a refined pallet such as yours, I can see someone skipping it, but it’s yeah, it just it’s. It’s our favorite.
Ryan: So as far as Main street, really, to be honest, this is going to be where you’re going to be doing a lot of shopping perusing. There’s A Starbucks there’s the confectionary with different candies are there. I would say my number one tip for Mainstreet is don’t miss it because you want to take time to, to appreciate not only shops and the different things, but also the architecture is just amazing.
The attention to detail is amazing, but hit it on your way out. get trapped on your way in.
Shayne: It is so easy to spend a lot of time there.
So
Ryan: Yeah.
Shayne: something you want to spend that time. It’s all shopping and you’re going to want souvenirs. And even if you go in.
like I do, I usually go into a place as a minimalist saying, I don’t want a lot of souvenirs. And then I go into the stores and I want everything. And I don’t want to go eat a bunch of junk food. And I was wondering to the bakeries and all the shops and I want to eat and drink everything. But Yeah.
in addition to that wall, all of that is going on. You’ve got the architecture with a lot of forced perspective. So just, it looks bigger and taller than it really is.
And then in all the windows and doors and on the sides of the edifices, there’s all this, the Easter eggs and all the signs are
Ryan: Yeah.
Shayne: much. There that you could miss if you’re rushing through it.
Ryan: Yeah. It’s a good place to hit on your way out, pick up some souvenirs, pick up some snacks to take with you stop at the confectionery and pick up some snacks to have to extend your Disney trip, if you will. Like we said, I think magic kingdom is all about priorities.
What are the must do. And then looking for the icing on the cake, if you will, after those must-haves are done.
Shayne: That’s a great way to phrase that it’s not going to be a must-do, but it’s definitely going to be the icing that you want
Ryan: Yeah.
Shayne: way out for the day.
Ryan: So let’s wrap this up, Shayne, what’s your top piece of advice for having an epic day at magic?
Shayne: It all starts with.
Ryan: Okay.
Shayne: to you, you want to get those top few attractions in the morning and then the rest of the day the icing on the cake. So you got to decide that for yourself, we want to hit Seven Dwarfs mind train. Definitely. Cause it’s one of the more Mine rides in the parks.
then whether you’re into Haunted Mansion or the Fab Five or the Pirates, pick those attractions that you want to hit. I’m trying to get them early and then Spending the rest of the time, just enjoying so much to see all the details. Don’t rush your way through it. Trying to check a bunch of items off your list.
Ryan: So for me, I’m going to take a different tack than I have with any other park. To me, magic Kingdom in one day is a marathon
because I want to be there for rope drop. I want to be there for the parade and the afternoon. And I want to be there for fireworks at night
Shayne: Yeah.
Ryan: because to me, I have to hit all three of those things to really maximize my time.
So I know more than any of the other parks. I’m going to be a Magic Kingdom from sunup to sundown, and I’m going to soak it all in baby. Cause it is just Disney magic.
Shayne: And you said earlier about not forgetting the show’s good way to make sure that you can finish this marathon
Ryan: Yeah.
Shayne: a little time indoors cooling off and
Ryan: Yep.
Shayne: in the dogs. Let your
Ryan: Yeah, it’s a marathon. And I think Magic Kingdom really supports that with the number of shows. There are the amount of shopping there is, the number of attractions, the number of quick service, and even some table service options that we really like. There’s a lot of character interactions that you can do.
You can really spend an entire day here at Magic Kingdom and have an epic Disney day.
Shayne: Probably why it’s so many people’s favorite.
Ryan: As you know, Shayne and I are travel advisors with Creating Magic Vacations, an authorized Disney planner, and we would love to help you plan an epic day to Magic .Kingdom and all the other parks at Walt Disney world, you can reach out to us at me, ryan@creatingmagicvacations.com.
That’s R Y a N or shayne@creatingmagicvacations.com. That’s S H a Y N E.
Shayne: Most families are confused and overwhelmed when planning a vacation, we work with you to plan a trip that’s perfect for your interests and saving you time, money and stress.