8 Things You Should Definitely Do When You Arrive at Magic Kingdom

It’s easy to get side tracked by beautiful balloons or a store filled with Disney merchandise as soon as you arrive at Magic Kingdom. But what is the best thing to do when you first arrive at Magic Kingdom? Here are 8 things you should definitely do upon arriving at the most magical place on earth.

8. Bask in the Magic of Main Street U.S.A

Main Street is the perfect introduction to Magic Kingdom. It transports guests back in time to a simpler place full of whimsy, and eventually leads guests to a world of adventure, fantasy and magic. But don’t rush down Main Street, fight the urge to run to the other lands, and take just a few extra moments to look up and all around you. You’ll find hidden gems and nods to the Imagineers who helped created this park. There are the Citizens of Main Street to watch as they sing and dance, there are shops to walk through, snacks to indulge in, and multiple photo opportunities. You can always return to Main Street, but there’s just something about basking in the magic on Main Street s you first enter the park.

7. Go to Guest Services

If you’re celebrating something special, head to Guest Services upon your arrival and get a free celebration button. There are a number of buttons available, such as a Happy Birthday button, there are buttons to celebrate engagements or if you’re on your honeymoon, and there are buttons for first time visitors. There are even buttons where you can fill in exactly what you are celebrating, and when you are at Magic Kingdom there is always something to celebrate.

6. Ride a Jitney

Or an omnibus, a horse-drawn street car, or an old fire engine. These classic vehicles from the turn of the 20^th century will take guests back in time as they travel down Main Street. From 9:00 am until 10:15 am guests can take a one-way trip to Cinderella Castle or Town Square. Because these vehicles only operate during limited hours in the morning, and it’s such a unique experience to be had at the Magic Kingdom, you really need to make it a priority upon arriving at the park in the morning.

5. Meet a Character

There are so many wonderful character meet and greets at Magic Kingdom, and some can have long line ups, especially the princesses. Meeting a character when you arrive at Magic Kingdom can really make the magic come alive. Near the entrance of the park is the Town Square Theater where guests can meet Magician Mickey, and he even talks! This is one of the best Mickey Mouse meet and greets and a great first stop at Magic Kingdom.

4. Get a Snack

Snacks are a quintessential part of the Magic Kingdom experience, especially those shaped like Mickey. Everyone has their own favorite Disney snack, and getting your hands on one of those as soon as you arrive is often is a great way to set the tone for your day. Some people head to the Confectionary to get a baked good, others head to Aloha Isle for a Dole Whip, but there are also Mickey Ice Cream Bars, popcorn or funnel cakes. Whatever snack you crave, make that your priority when you arrive. It’s guaranteed instant satisfaction as soon as you take that first bite!

3. Get in Line

Before you arrive at the Magic Kingdom know which attractions you simply must ride that you don’t have a FastPass+ reservation for, and then pick one of the more popular rides to head to as soon as you get to the park. First thing in the morning is your best chance at a short line for classic and popular attractions like Space Mountain, Peter Pan’s Flight, The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, or The Jungle Cruise. These are just a few of the more popular rides that can get quite long standby lines as the day progresses. Save yourself some time and get in line when you arrive.

2. Have Breakfast

This one takes a little bit of planning. Make an advance dining reservation for breakfast at the Crystal Palace, Be Our Guest or Cinderella’s Royal Table. It’s possible to make a breakfast reservation at any of these restaurants before Magic Kingdom officially opens. It’s the perfect way to get in early to the park and enjoy a quieter Main Street and a delicious breakfast.

1. Get a Castle Picture

Seeing the castle, be it for the first time, or the hundredth time, is always a magical moment. It can make you believe in dreams coming true, or make you feel at home, so getting that iconic photo in front of the castle is definitely something you should do when you arrive at Magic Kingdom. There are PhotoPass Photographers along Main Street to take your photo with the castle in the background, so do it as soon as you can and you’ll have those memories forever.