Magic Kingdom on my first day?

[misti]

Hi I'm new here!
I go to WDW for the first time in November and think I should go to MK on my first day? What does everyone think? I have kids 10, 12 and 5 what rides should I head for first to create the most memorable first impression?
Thanks Misti

 

[Coree]

Hi, Misti! Welcome to WDWMagic!

I always like to start my trip with Magic Kingdom on the first day, especially since you have kids. Seeing the castle for the first time is totally magical. MK can be kind of crazy on weekends and Mondays during peak season, but depending when you are going in November hopefully you can avoid the crowds a bit.

As for rides to head for first it depends a lot on your family. Fantasyland is probably the most "kid friendly" (other than Toon Town) and you can go right through the castle to get there. Definitely get a FastPass for the Pooh ride because that tends to be a pretty long line if the park is busy at all. There are tons of other classic rides too throughout the park that I wouldn't miss (like Space Mountain, Buzz, Big Thunder, Pirates, Splash, etc.) but it really just depends on what you like.

 

[RU42]

Welcome Misti

I think the MK is a great first day park. I like to set the stage, build up the excitement. So I suggest the Train followed by Tomorrowland Transit Authority. Both give you birds eye views and make the excitement grow.

From there - go wild!

RU

 

[goofyman]

Welcome!

MK first day..the onl way to go!!:sohappy:

 

[bhg469]

watch out for the fire hydrent in fron of the haunted mansion, its dangerous if you dont pay attention to it

 

[T1nker_Bell]

i would suggest all the rides in fantasyland EXCEPT Snow White. Snow White is known to scare younger children, and might freak out your five year old. My brother went on it at 5 and then refused to go on any other rides. Go as early as you can. Not only are the lines shorter (you may be able to go on dumbo twice), but disney characters are also more accessible.

 

[Katherine]

Welcome to WDWMagic!

We always go to MK on the first day. If your kids are into video games definantly check out Buzz Lighteryear Space Ranger Spin it is a lot of fun. Have a great time!

 

[ajrwdwgirl]

Just a thought, since you have kids you may want to take them to EPCOT first. That way you get the "educational" park out of the way first. I personally love EPCOT but sometimes kids find it a little boring because there aren't as many rides. I think that the kids will love it all though!

 

[rosie.ca]

i usually do epcot first but magic kingdom is loads of fun and there is so much to do! however it may tire your kids out a bit if they aren't used to theme park excitement and can be a bit of a sensory overload

 

[wannabeBelle]

Well from a person who has done almost every park at least once on the first day of my trip......I am really not sure. The first thing I would look at is what time are you getting into Disney?? If you arent getting in until later and the hours for the MK park that day are pretty early, you may feel a tad rushed to check out everything, which DEFINITELY isnt the way for the kids to first do the MK. It is such a magical place though. Assume a closing time of 7pm, depending on the time of month you go, but that might be about correct. If you are getting to Disney earlier in the day, by all means go for it!! Hop on the Monorail and watch your kids faces light up. I have done that with my friends kids and it was AMAZING!!!! I would highly recommend O'Hanas in the Polynesian for Dinner afterward, although getting home by bus might involve a transfer at Downtown Disney. Hope this helps!!!Any other questions, please post and we will answer if we can!!!! Belle

 

[2much2do]

Hate to go against the grain but as a cast member who is at the parks a lot, all I can say is Saturday, Sunday and Monday are horrible at MK. Even during the slow season. Apparently, everyone is much like us on these boards. They wanna see the castle and feel the magic first thing. Most people who fly start their vacations Friday after work or Sat, so Sat or Sunday are very busy first days for these folks. The people who drive to Disney, might not get there till Sunday, thus Monday is crowded. Nothing zaps the magic away for me and my family but overly crowded parks. So my advice is: if your first day will fall into any of the above named days of the week, go someplace else (MGM, perhaps???) and leave MK for Tuesday!

 

[Mary Ellen]

Originally posted by ajrwdwgirl
Just a thought, since you have kids you may want to take them to EPCOT first. That way you get the "educational" park out of the way first. I personally love EPCOT but sometimes kids find it a little boring because there aren't as many rides. I think that the kids will love it all though!

I agree - If you plan on going to EPCOT I would do it first. If you do MK first and them EPCOT the kids may be very disappointed that it's not like the MK.

 

[no2apprentice]

Mary Ellen has a good point about a let down, which may revolve more around the 5 year old than the older two. I have not taken a 5 year old to the parks, my youngest was 9 when we first went. But, I've always felt that MK was the hardest on us. There is alot of criss-crossing you'll have to do, to get in all the rides in, trying to use fast pass, going someplace where everyone is happy eating, etc., etc., etc.

I guess you'll need to evaluate how attached the five year old might get with the character CM's, the rides based on traditional Disney films, and the other attractions that are very child friendly.

Whatever you decide, take lots of film (or memory cards).

 

[RU42]

Just to give a different view - I like Epcot a little later in the week because it is not as intense as MK - walking, sights, sounds, etc. A little of a sensory break.

You just need to prepare the kids for what to expect at Epcot versus a MK.

RU

 

[GalacticGobbler]

Welcome,

Make sure to take plenty of time to soak in your first stroll down Main Street USA. I wish I could see it again for the first time. I think whatever you do you will have a great time.

 

[Epcot is my fav]

Yes i would go to MK first....this is always where we begin our trips!!!!!!!!!! ya cant go wrong there

 

[Captain Cab]

Since you or your children haven't been to WDW before, do not go to Epcot first. The reason is simple. Many people who have not been to WDW tend to visualize the Magic Kingdom as the "main" theme park. After all, it was the first Disney park in Florida, it has the most rides, and the Magic Kingdom is usually focused the most in the WDW tv commercials. If you go to Epcot first your children may have a hard time concentrating on the park from all the anticipation of the next day's trip to the Magic Kingdom. It's better to have a hectic (but fun) day at the Magic Kingdom followed by a calm day at Epcot.

As for the Magic Kingdom planning, definitely try to arrive in the park atleast 30 minutes prior to opening. Once open, head directly through Cinderella's Castle and straight into Fantasyland. Go ahead and ride Winnie the Pooh, and if everybody liked it grab a Fast Pass for another ride. While waiting for Fast Pass ride Dumbo, Peter Pan, and Snow White (make sure the 5 year old knows that it may be quite scary). By the time you're finished with Fantasyland it's probably best to head to Frontierland for a trip on Splash and/or Thunder Mountain (again, the rides may be too intense for a 5 year old), and then progress through Adventureland and through the rest of the park.

An important tip for today's trips to WDW is to learn how to get the most out of Fast Pass. It's a great concept developed by Disney, and it can help you get on a ton of popular rides and shows.

 

[kennyj29]

Hi Misti - Welcome!!!

When do you get there? Is it the weekend? If it's the weekend DO NOT GO TO MK first!!! This is your first trip there and you should go during the week so the kids can take it all in without the horrible crowds!! If I were you, I would take the kids to Animal Kingdom first. It's a fun park for the kids, not as crowded and they will love the atmosphere over there.

 

[CamCodey]

Hi!

We have that rule as well. Do not spend the entire day at MK on Sat, Sun or Mon.

A suggestion, though, if the MK is on one of these days, the first of your trip:

Make PS at Cinderella's or Crystal Palace FIRST seating of the am. Try Cindy's first and if you don't get in, ask for Crystal Palace.

Enjoy breakfast there, maybe get in a ride or two & when it starts getting packed....park hop!

That way your family will get the first sight of Magic Kingdom AND if your seating is at 8am before the park opens you get to stroll down Main Street with hardly anyone there! A FANTASTIC photo opportunity, too!!

Whatever you decide it will definitely be a memorable one. Don't forget to get pics of your entire family at each of the parks icons (Cinderella's Castle, Spaceship Earth (best taken in front of the fountain), Sorceror Mickey's Hat, and the Tree of Life. Please don't hesitate to ask a complete stranger to take your picture.

 

[Sir Hiss527]

Hi, Welcome to WDWMAGIC!

Yes I agree, Magic Kingdom is a great park to go too first. Check out all the Mountains, Fantasyland, and check out both parades "Share a Dream come True", and "Spectromagic". Other than Have a Great Time!

-Sir Hiss527-

"Toad Lives!":king: