10 Things To Do First When You Get Into Magic Kingdom

You’ve dreamed, you’ve planned, and now it’s actually happening! You’re at MAGIC KINGDOM! The monorail soars by, the Cast Members are smiling, and you’re scanning your MagicBand to gain access. Take those first steps into the park and get ready to experience a fun-filled day! But, what are the first “to-dos” on your Magic Kingdom itinerary? Check out ten things below that we feel are some great choices to get your Magic Kingdom day rolling!

1 – Take a Deep Breath and SMILE!

Chance are you’ve worked many hours to save money and are using vacation days to make this day happen. After your long Disney vacation countdown, YOUR day has finally arrived. Take a deep breath, pat yourself on the back, smile, and let that inner child out! It’s going to be a glorious day despite unexpected changes in plans, rain, or whatever else may unfold. Get ready to delight in the magical day ahead!

2 – Slowly Stroll down Main Street U.S.A.

A day full of rides and entertainment awaits! There’s only one way to enter Magic Kingdom, however, and that’s right down Main Street U.S.A. So, instead of rushing by the beautiful architecture and Cast Members waving their large Mickey hands – slow down to enjoy the stroll. Guests are allowed to enter Magic Kingdom’s Main Street U.S.A. before the rest of the park officially opens, so there is no need to rush through Main Street if you’re able to arrive before the rest of the park opens.

3 – Purchase Ears/Hats

If you haven’t purchased a set of Mickey or Minnie ears in advance of your trip, this is a perfect thing to do when you first arrive at Magic Kingdom! You have a few options on Main Street USA. You can purchase and have Mickey Ears embroidered at Box Office Gifts at Town Square Theater. The Emporium is another great place to find a wide selection of ears and hats.

4 – Admire the Disney Brothers

A statue called the “Partners Statue” of Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse is situated perfectly in front of the Cinderella Castle. Not only is this a great spot for the ideal Magic Kingdom photo, but it offers a perfect moment to stop and remember the brilliant mind that thought up Walt Disney World and all its magic! Take your admiration one step further and visit the “Sharing the Magic” statue of Walt’s brother, Roy Disney, with the sweet Minnie Mouse. This statue is located in Town Square and nestled sweetly on a bench for a great photo op. Walt Disney World may not have been if it wasn’t for Roy Disney!

5 – Take Photos and Relax in the Plaza Gardens

The Plaza Gardens are the beautiful grassy areas located just past Main Street U.S.A., near the Cinderella Castle hub. In the early morning, there is usually plenty of space to spread out and relax before beginning your hustle through the park. This is a great opportunity to take family photos with the Castle in the background, stretch out and relax, and even let the kids run around a little.

6 – Watch the Opening Ceremony

Start off your Magic Kingdom day right with “Let the Magic Begin”! This opening ceremony takes place roughly five minutes before park opening on the stage in front of Cinderella Castle. Mickey Mouse and several of his friends welcome guests to a magical day at Magic Kingdom. It’s a short and sweet show but really sets the stage for the excitement you can expect throughout the day.

7 – Go Left

As the Opening Ceremony ends, you’ll see the crowds primarily push right or straight through the Castle to reach either Seven Dwarfs Mine Train in Fantasyland or Space Mountain in Tomorrowland. Don’t go with the crowds! In fact, the best way to go first thing in the morning is left towards Adventureland. This will give you a chance to hit multiple attractions in Adventureland and Frontierland before the crowds arrive.

8 – Or – Head to Seven Dwarfs Mine Train or TRON Lightcycle / Run

If you want to ride Seven Dwarfs Mine Train or TRON Lightcycle Run, going left might not be the best choice, as mentioned in #7. If Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is an attraction you really want to ride, you need to follow the crowds and go ahead and get in line. The line only gets lengthier as the day goes on, so knock this one out first. This is especially true if you are a Disney resort guest. With Early Theme Park Entry, you can access Fantasyland and Tomorrowland thirty minutes early. We recently did this with great success! We headed straight to Seven Dwarfs Mine Trail and only waited fifteen minutes! Just be sure to be there even early to line up at the Fantasyland Bridge! Or line up on the Tomorrowland Bridge and head straight to TRON!

9 – Enjoy a Snack

It may still be early in the day, but you’re at Magic Kingdom, after all! One of the first things we do when we get into Magic Kingdom is to enjoy a snack. Aloha Isle opens bright and early with the park, so go ahead and have a Dole Whip for breakfast! Starbucks coffee, Pretzels, Mickey Ice Cream Bars, Popcorn… take your pick and start snacking early!

10 – Be the First Guest at Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe

If you aren’t in a huge rush to hit all of the rides, a fun first stop is the Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe located in Liberty Square. If you are among the first guests, you may be asked to decorate the Christmas tree! This is an especially memorable experience for kids. Plus, the Cast Members will give you a free ornament to remember your experience. Our daughter loves hanging the ornament she received for decorating the tree on our Christmas tree each year.

What do you do first when you get into Magic Kingdom? Whatever it may be, we hope it sets the stage for a magical day!