Traditions and parks: Magic Kingdom

[The Mighty Tim]

Tradition dictates that POTC is the first ride in MK of the trip and the last ride in MK of the trip. Since MK is usually the first and last parks visited in the trip, this usually means that POTC is the first and last ride of the entire trip.

This, however, was broken on the latest trip, when our last park of the trip was EPCOT instead (Three Caballeros being the final ride). However, POTC still remained the first and last MK rides.

 

[tracyandalex]

So I've been thinking about this for like 6 or 7 minutes and I can't come up with anything that I would consider a tradition at MK. We have our favorite rides that we try to hit every time, but none that we have to do. I guess the closest thing we have is the parties. We alternated between MNSSHP and MVMCP.

 

[ChevisMickey]

So, for us our two traditions started out with us working around openings at EPCOT and DHS due to fastpasses and lines.

In EPCOT we have to arrive at opening. I will head over to the Land for Soarin' fastpasses, and then meet everyone over at Test Track. Even before the queue was interactive for TT we would do this. Now it is a bonus to be able to make our vehicles while in the line for the ride. We head back over to the Land to Sunshine Seasons for some breakfast before using our fastpasses on Soarin'. Then over to the Seas. After that we let the crowds, lunch, and any events dictate our path. Years ago when the World Showcase would open we would always start over in Mexico to end at Canada, but now we have so many other things that plan our route, including dining and what beers the family is in the mood for at the time (frozen beer in Japan lately).

At DHS the mornings revolve around TSMM, ToT, and RnR. A quick stop at RnR for fastpasses, followed by a light sprint over to TSMM to wait in line (from short with EMH to decent on weekends) gets those out of the way and ready. Back to RnR with the fastpasses. Then to ToT for fastpasses first, regular line second. By then our daughter is ready for the 10:30 BatB show. From there we go where we feel like for the rest of the day!

 

[ChevisMickey]

So I've been thinking about this for like 6 or 7 minutes and I can't come up with anything that I would consider a tradition at MK. We have our favorite rides that we try to hit every time, but none that we have to do. I guess the closest thing we have is the parties. We alternated between MNSSHP and MVMCP.

We've gone to each, once. The MNSSHP we usually miss when we come in early November, and the MVMCP we get in too late those Friday dates. If we went around Thanksgiving more the MVMCP and touring the decorations at the different resorts would be a great tradition.

 

[Figments Friend]

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I tend to visit the Parks in order of when they opened when i am around for a few days in FL.


MK is always the first full day...usually stay from open to close.
The day starts with a visit to the Kona Cafe for breakfast. It is a nice way to begin a full day, and the relaxing mood at the Poly is a far cry from the chaotic surroundings at larger establishments or trying to grab a bite once in the Park.


I like to try to arrange it so i will be able to take the riverboat over to the MK instead of other options, as it really sets you up in a great mindset.
You feel a real sense of *arrival* with that voyage across the Lagoon.

So many Guests totally miss this....they are in too much of a hurry to really stop and appreciate the little things.

Dole Whips ( multiples ), riding BTMR about 5 times, and seeing The Country Bear Jamboree are all always-experiences.

Depending on my mood, i sometimes will hop the monorail over to EPCOT in the late afternoon for a few hours, usually post-Parade and then return in the evening for night shows.

ALWAYS take the monorail to EPCOT...pretty much a must.
It was great back when you could ride in the front cab with the Pilots, but alas, that had to be changed. Nothing beats arriving at EPCOT while staring out of the front nose of the monorail directly at SSE.
Absolutely awesome.

The second full day is usually spent at EPCOT.
Again, open to close pretty much.
This Park has always been my *home away from home* and i gravitate back towards it many times during a visit. I spend most evenings there, if not MK. Whatever Park i am in during the day, chances are in the evening i am right back on my *home* turf.

Third day is usually split between DHS and EPCOT. Usually stay at DHS until the afternoon Parade (now defunct ) and take one of the Friendship launches over to EPCOT.
This is a really nice way to make the journey between these two Parks. A scenic cruise..and you can check out the various Resorts strewn about that waterway.
Just don*t do it if you plan to stay very late ( EMH late) at EPCOT, as you will not be able to get back to the DHS parking lot by the same way. You will have to walk the 45/50 trek between International Gateway (EPCOTs *back door* Entrance) and DHS. Not all that bad, as the walk is very nice too.


Fourth day is all about DAK until close...then hop to EPCOT later. DAK is all about the live shows, Safari, and just walking around enjoying the little treaded walkways.
I miss the evening EMHs at DAK, as that Park really is beautiful in the evenings. The lighting is quite nice.

Final day in town i am usually at MK, and after the 3pm Parade i usually turn tail and head back home.

There are certain places i like to visit and take in a meal...usually every visit.

Watching certain Parades, Shows, and attractions from certain seats or sitting areas is also one of my quirks. I went over my choice *attractions seats* in a earlier thread.

I tend to visit only during certain times of year as well.
Right now that tends to be January and September.

 

[ChevisMickey]

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Third day is usually split between DHS and EPCOT. Usually stay at DHS until the afternoon Parade (now defunct ) and take one of the Friendship launches over to EPCOT.
This is a really nice way to make the journey between these two Parks. A scenic cruise..and you can check out the various Resorts strewn about that waterway.
Just don*t do it if you plan to stay very late ( EMH late) at EPCOT, as you will not be able to get back to the DHS parking lot by the same way. You will have to walk the 45/50 trek between International Gateway (EPCOTs *back door* Entrance) and DHS. Not all that bad, as the walk is very nice too.

Last November we did not even think about this when we hit EPCOT coming from DHS in the evening and took the launch over. We left EPCOT and were on the boat at the Boardwalk stop when the skipper asked the last four groups which resorts we were headed to. Two of the groups were getting out at the Swan and Dolphin, while another group echoed their need to get out at DHS, where they, and we, parked. The CM started to tell us that we were SOL when he remembered that that night was the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon. The busses were way behind schedule to and from EPCOT, so instead of sending us back to EPCOT for the busses he made a call and took our groups to DHS to avoid a long wait for a bus, or the walk. It was several hours after the studios had closed, and the skipper and his mate were about to get off of work, so it was a magical Disney CM moment that we all really appreciated.

 

[SMS55]

We always arrive the evening before. We visit DTD after dinner and walk around to feel like we are finally in Disney. We will always go to MK the next morning. We always start in Adventureland. We tend to go clockwise so we'll go on Jungle Cruise first. If not we'll move on to Pirates and after we get do the two mountains in Frontierland it will be open. After that we wing it. On our last night we'll go back to MK. Something about it at night. Watch the parade and fireworks and ride a few more rides.

 

[ddbowdoin]

Magic Kingdom the 1st day regardless of where we are staying. As much as I love Epcot and the other gates it isn't disney until you cross into the MK.

 

[tracyandalex]

We've gone to each, once. The MNSSHP we usually miss when we come in early November, and the MVMCP we get in too late those Friday dates. If we went around Thanksgiving more the MVMCP and touring the decorations at the different resorts would be a great tradition.

DD4 loves to trick or treat around MK and we love to hit the F&W. We just think Christmas at the World is soo beautiful that we have to keep going back. The older DD4 gets the more she gets into the events so that makes it a little different for us each time.

 

[WDW95]

Always go to MK first and always go to Tomorrowland first. Buzz always seems to be our first ride. The afternoons are usually spent in Frontierland and Splash Mountain.

Second park is Epcot usually and always end up at the Land first. Afternoons are spent dining in World Showcase and walking around it.