DISNEY
There is nothing more magical than walking into the Magic Kingdom (or any disney park) with your kids. I have being going to Disney World my entire life and it truly holds a special place in my heart with the most amazing memories from my own childhood. Being able to bring my own babes with us is a whole new level of magic that I will cherish forever. Now all that being said there is no question Disney is overwhelming at the best of times. Throw in a pandemic and if it is your first visit, the magic could quickly turn into madness. But don’t worry, that’s why I’m here. I’ll do my very best to share our insider Disney knowledge throughout this blog to help navigate your perfect Disney day.
A few things have changed since we were last there in January of 2020. We had a little bit of a learning curve and there are definitely some things we could have added, or subtracted, from the day. First thing that is different from pre-covid is “Fast Pass Plus” is gone and has been replaced with “Genie +.” What is this you ask? Fast passes were introduced into the parks to give guests the ability to pre-book time slots on popular rides and attractions at different times throughout the day. It was a huge advantage when planning your day. Genie + is similar but not, in my opinion quite as good. Firstly it is an added charge of $15 a ticket, which in the scheme of what you spend in the day isn’t a huge deal, but still. Secondly, you can only book attractions the morning of your park visit and you can only book one at a time. What does this mean? It means you have to get to the beginning of your time slot before you are able to book another lightning lane pass through Genie +. This isn’t a huge deal but it can be a bit of a pain when trying to best navigate your day and the busy attractions. If none of this is making sense just shoot me a DM, I will do my best to help! But basically something that was free and better managed before now costs money and isn’t quite as good. However, all that being said, I would still make the purchase, anything to help the day run a little smoother is worth it!
Now let’s move onto the good stuff. This trip we chose to only go to Magic Kingdom as we knew it would be a big deal for the littles and park hopping (going to more than one park in a day) just did not seem like a realistic or fun expectation for the day. Also, with Covid you cannot go to your next park until 2pm. This might not seem like a big deal but often when we would park hop in the past we were going to some of the smaller parks for a few specific attractions and then wanted to move on with our day. But, anyways, that is besides the point. Magic Kingdom, IMO, is where you are going to get the biggest bang for your buck with your kids. Of course every park is full of magic but the Magic Kingdom has all that classic Disney excitement that really cannot be beat. There are tons of rides that even your littlest guests can participate in. There are the most character meet and greet opportunities as well if that is something your kiddos care about. Meeting Mickey Mouse this time was a highlight of our day. Watching the boys be in absolute awe of him was almost too much for my heart to handle. MK will bring out the kid in all of you, even your grumpy husband (trust me).
Here is a list of our favourite attractions at MK, why we love them and the best times to go to them:
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin - This my dad’s favourite and a never miss for us. Head here early to avoid any lines and don’t worry about wasting a lightning lane pass on it. Great for kids of all ages!
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh - If you have littles this one is a must do. Usually manageable wait times if you head there before lunch time or after dinner (before lunch for us since we left by dinner).
Peter Pan’s Flight - For me this one has me on nostalgia alone. It is a classic MK attraction, but for some reason always has the longest wait times. Get the lightning lane pass if you want to ride this one without waiting 70+ minutes in line.
Haunted Mansion - If your kiddos are little and scare easily this might not be the ride for them but it is another MK classic that we usually make an effort to get to.
People Mover - The most basic of basic rides. A simple, as per the name, people mover, that takes you around Tomorrowland. Honestly we always use this as a “break” ride when you just need five minutes to sit down. The line-up is usually non-existent and it just gives you a few minutes to chill.
It’s a Small World - Another classic. Absolutely nothing special but at the same time, so special (IYKYK). Typically this ride does not have huge wait times, especially during parades and other special events, so just pop by occasionally and hop in line whenever it is shortest (anything less than 30 minutes you are golden).
Mickey’s PhillarMagic - The perfect spot to rest and cool down in some AC if it is a hot day. A 4D presentation starring the mouse himself. Beau found this one hysterical this time so it was so fun watching it with him. Best of all it is literally never busy so you know you won’t be stuck in a long line!
Pirates of the Caribbean - I will tell you this ride has been switched up a little as I believe the Johnny Depp version of Jack Sparrow cannot be used anymore for whatever reason so it isn’t as great as before. But it was a crowd pleaser for the boys and another fun easy one to pop into at some point during the day. Again another ride that shouldn’t have too long of a wait if you plan it correctly.
The Barnstormer - This is the goofy roller coaster and one that Beau (who is 3 1/2) was able to ride with Chris. A great introductory coaster for your littles to love!
My two personal favs that I have not been on in ages because of being preggo . . .
Space Mountain
Splash Mountain
** if your babes are still too small to ride these it might be best to sit them out until the entire family can go but if you are going with just adults or have bigger kids these are both classic HAVE to do attractions and definitely ones you will want to have lightning lane passes for!
There are lots of honourable mentions and things I am leaving out but those are probably all the things we try and do every visit! The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is one that you will want to do with any “bigger” little kids and that you definitely need a lightning lane pass for as the line can easily be 90+ minutes at any time of the day. I am going to leave a question box over on the gram for anyone who wants to ask specific questions on any and all of this!
Shall we discuss food next? Obviously, yes. Eating your way around MK is also one of my personal favourite things to do and here is what you need to know . . . Anything mickey shaped just tastes better. Do not leave the park without a mickey pretzel. Plan to have more than one ice cream in the day, it is just not reasonable to limit yourself to one. And if you want to have a sit down lunch or dinner pre-book it the minute you are able (I believe it’s 180 days in advance but this could have changed with Covid, double check and book, trust me!). It will come as no surprise if you know me that I highly recommend having a meal at the Beast’s castle. I think lunch is where you get the best value, it is never going to be a “cheap” experience at any park restaurant but the food is honestly delicious and it is all apart of the memories, right? If your spouse does not complain about how much money you spent at least 3 times throughout the day, well, you’ve picked a winner, I don’t know what else to say LOL. Also please if you go to the Beast’s Castle get the “grey stuff” it actually is delicious. Be sure to visit the Main Street Confectionery on your way out and grab some cotton candy and other speciality disney treats to enjoy on the way home. Hmmm, what am I missing. OH Storybook Treats is a go to for ice cream, along with the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor. The Sunshine Tree right when you walk into Adventureland has Dole Whip and if this is something you have not tried, don’t question me, just go get some. MK also recently added a Starbucks to their Main Street lineup and I do not care what. you say Starbucks tastes best at Disney World and that is that. Again there are way too many delicious things, I could go on for days, ask any of your food questions over the gram, I’ve got you!
This blog could truly go in a million directions and I could offer you a slew of different avenues to take throughout your day depending on what you want and who you are with. But let us not forget the other three amazing parks that are well worth the trip if you have the time.
Adults - If you find yourself childless at WDW drink your way around the world at Epcot, thank me later.
Hollywood Studios - This is actually one of my personal favourite parks as a whole. I have very fond childhood memories here. A lot has changed since the last time we have been here as they have a ton of new attractions so I suspect it is even better than ever. Please go on Tower of Terror for me. It is just a must-do!
Animal Kingdom - For me I never find this park is a day long event but I would love to bring the boy’s here next year as there is a lot of great interactive things for kids. If you do go be sure to go on the Safari, it is actually amazing, and if your kiddos are a little bigger the Everest roller coaster is a blast!
I know I am likely missing so many important things but hopefully this gives anyone heading to Disney a good start on planning. If you take away anything from this just make sure you plan your day. Of course be willing to deviate from the plan but a general idea of what you want to accomplish helps it all run smoothly. Highly recommend staying for the fireworks at the end of the night (I believe they usually start at 8PM but that could vary throughout the year). They are the perfect end to a day of magic! Please hit me up with any other questions babes, you know where to find me. Have the best week cuties!
xo
