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Magic Kingdom may be the most popular theme park of Walt Disney World Resort, but it’s one that should be generally avoided at the beginning of the week…
Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, is one of the most populated vacation destinations in the world.
With visitors traveling from all over the globe to experience Disney’s largest theme park campus, it’s good to know some ins and outs before you blindly take a hard-earned week off from your daily life and enjoy “The Most Magical Place on Earth.”
Credit: Flickr/Brian McGowan
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Disney World never stops – not for a little rain, not for big holidays, and certainly not for weekends. It takes a big storm or global event to get Mickey Mouse to close the gates!
With this in mind, it’s easy to assume that there is no real schedule for Disney World’s week.
You’d be wrong in assuming that, though, because even though Disney World makes a ton of its own rules, the majority of guests still follow a normal Monday through Friday schedule.
Mondays at Magic Kingdom
When it comes down to it, you’re probably going to want to avoid going to Magic Kingdom on Monday.
Credit: Christian Lambert, Unsplash
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The idea of Walt Disney World is pretty wrapped up in the essence of Magic Kingdom. When people say they’re going to Disney World, they have Magic Kingdom in mind. Some people don’t even realize there are another three parks to explore as well until they start looking into a real vacation!
That being said, the park will usually be the most crowded of the parks as opposed to EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom, but Monday is the absolute worst! Most people’s work weeks ended the Thursday or Friday before. They traveled over the weekend and, of course, want to start their Disney trip off with a bang at Magic Kingdom.
Credit: Disney
Magic Kingdom is notorious for being the first stop on most itineraries, so avoid that by going midweek!
Start with the less popular Animal Kingdom on Monday and enjoy the spacious greenery of nature. After that closes, spend the night at Magic Kingdom if you must!
But whatever you do, don’t attend Magic Kingdom’s Monday morning rope drop. You’re setting yourself up for a grumpy morning and inflated wait times as everyone rushes to be the first one on Space Mountain.
Credit: Disney
Advice From an Expert
Think you’re stronger than the Monday Magic Kingdom surge?
Don’t take it from me – take it from a former Marine, former Disney VIP Guide, turned private theme park tour guide in Florida! Michael Hewell of the exclusive and successful Michael’s VIPs told Business Insider, “Never go to the Magic Kingdom on Monday. Most Americans get off work Friday, rest Saturday, fly Sunday, and that’s always their first park.”
Credit: Disney
Hewell is known for his understanding of theme park visitor trends and for using the ins and outs of the Florida Disney Parks to get the most out of every experience. Check out his story HERE.
So, while you may still insist on putting Magic Kingdom at the top of your vacation schedule, consider the drawbacks! Overcrowding, long wait times, higher stress, and overall competition.
If you think you’re down to tame the beast that is Magic Kingdom Mondays, you’re a braver soul than I. And I wish you the best.
Credit: Brian McGowan, Unsplash
Have you experienced the Magic Kingdom Monday surge? What’s your stance on when to visit? Tell us about it in the comments below!
