How to do Magic Kingdom in Half a Day with Kids
Last Updated on January 20, 2025 by Allison Lancaster
It can be really hard to do everything in Disney World, and sometimes, a tight schedule means you only have half a day in a park. It is possible to see and do everything that you want to do in a short amount of time – it just requires a little bit of extra planning. I’m sharing with you some of my best tips on how to do Magic Kingdom in half a day with kids!
Get there Super Early
Did you know that all of the Disney World Parks, including Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and Magic Kingdom, open about 30 minutes before their scheduled time? The exact amount of time varies, but this helps the park avoid congestion as people enter the park. Because of this, I recommend arriving at Magic Kingdom super early, about 45 minutes to an hour before the published opening time. This will give you plenty of time to park and get from the Transportation and Ticket Center to Magic Kingdom and catch that early entry time, too.
Pay for VIP Parking
If you’re staying off-site, I recommend paying for VIP Parking, which will help you get even more of a head start. It certainly can be a premium charge (about $45 to $50 per day), but at a park like Magic Kingdom, it will help you save major time. The arrival experience at Magic Kingdom is usually the longest, and VIP Parking puts you just a few steps from the Transportation and Ticket Center.
Pack Snacks and Drinks
If you want to save a little extra time throughout the day, pack all of your snacks and drinks. Not only does this save you a ton of money, but it also saves time from having to locate, pay for, and pick up food. Bring along easy stuff like granola bars, pretzels, peanut butter and jelly, crackers, and water bottles – whatever your kids can eat on the go! You can even munch on things while you’re waiting in line, which is another timesaver.
Make a “Must Do” Ride List
Make a list of five rides that you MUST do, and make sure to get on those rides! Is your kid really into a specific movie or character? Make those particular rides a priority and do them first thing in the morning. This way the lines will be shorter and you’ll be less stressed knowing you accomplished what you really wanted to. Popular attractions like Peter Pan’s Flight, Space Mountain, Jungle Cruise, Pirates of the Caribbean, Small World, and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad are great choices. If you have time for more rides after that, then it’s a bonus!
Utilize Lightning Lane Options
Take advantage of the Lightning Lane options to minimize wait times. Use the Lightning Lane multi-pass for multiple rides or individual Lightning Lanes for specific attractions. This is a great way to bypass long lines and maximize your time in the park.
Rent a Stroller
The average person walks approximately 10 miles a day at Disney World! That’s a lot of walking, especially for little kids. I recommend renting a stroller, which costs about $15-$30 a day, depending on if you need a single or double stroller. No more chasing the kids! You’ll be able to strap your kids in and zoom around the park way faster. This will also save you lots of time on lugging your personal stroller in and out of the car or dealing with a stroller on the bus.
Character Experiences and Meals
For a memorable experience, consider including a character meal or a character meet. Options like Adventures of Winnie the Pooh and Magic Carpets of Aladdin offer young kids great interactions. Additionally, make sure to visit Main Street for iconic train rides and enjoy the atmosphere of Disney Springs or Universal Studios for some added fun.
It may sound impossible, but you can have a great time and do it all at Magic Kingdom in half a day with kids. It just requires a little bit of extra planning and an early start. Every minute is precious, and these tips will help you save time here and there!
It may sound impossible, but you can have a great time and do it all at Magic Kingdom in half a day with kids. It just requires a little bit of extra planning and an early start. Every minute is precious, and these tips will help you save time here and there!
