1-Day Itinerary for Magic Kingdom: Rope Drop to Park Close
When people think of Disney World they tend to think of the Magic Kingdom and Cinderella Castle. Most, if not all, Disney World vacationers take AT LEAST one day to explore this iconic park.
While Magic Kingdom is the smallest of the four Disney World theme parks, it’s also the most popular. If you plan to spend only one day, you definitely need a plan!
That being said, I’ve put together a sample 1-Day Itinerary that will allow you to see and do many of the popular Magic Kingdom attractions, but not all of them. Everyone does the parks differently, so feel free to make modifications that suit your family’s needs.
If you plan to spend two days at Magic Kingdom, which I highly recommend, you may want to check out this 2-day Magic Kingdom Itinerary.


Photo: Disney
1-Day Magic Kingdom Itinerary: Morning
Arrive one hour prior to park opening and take in the Let the Magic Begin show in front of Cinderella Castle. This is a great time to get your Castle selfies as well since the crowds aren’t as large.
Pro Tip: Go left! Most park-goers will start by going right toward Tomorrowland because Americans drive on the right-hand side of the road. I have you starting in Adventureland, which is to the left of Cinderella Castle to avoid the early crowds.
Head to the left, toward Adventureland at Rope Drop, and make your way to the attraction you want to do first. I would suggest Jungle Cruise or Pirates of the Caribbean.
Other popular Adventureland attractions include Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room, Swiss Family Treehouse, and The Magic Carpets of Aladdin. You will likely not be able to do them all, so prioritize favorites, and use your My Disney Experience app to monitor wait times.
After you’ve experienced Adventureland, walk over the bridge in front of Splash Mountain and you’re in Frontierland.
Frontierland has Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Moutain Railroad are for guests at least 40″ inches tall. If you purchased Genie+ these would be great selections. You may not be able to do both if the lines are long.
1-Day Magic Kingdom Itinerary: Afternoon
At this time if you’re feeling snacky, check out Sleepy Hollow Refreshments in Liberty Square. Liberty Square has some delicious Table Service restaurants (reservations recommended) as well as The Hall of Presidents, which is an air-conditioned show, great for quiet time or to wait out the rain. There is also the Haunted Mansion, which can be scary for the little ones, but is a fan favorite.
After a snack or lunch make your way behind the castle to Fantasyland. I highly recommend doing Peter Pan’s Flight or Seven Dwarfs Mine Train first, as those are the most popular in that area. Again you can use your My Disney Experience app and Lightning Lane choices to make this go faster.
Pick a few other Fantasyland attractions and then move on. These attractions include Under the Sea~Journey of the Little Mermaid, Prince Charming Regal Carrousel, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, The Barnstormer, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Mad Tea Party, “it’s a small world”, Enchanted Tales with Belle and Mickey’s PhilharMagic.
1-Day Magic Kingdom Itinerary: Evening
As you wrap up Fantasyland, make your way over to Tomorrowland. You can stop for a quick bite to eat at Pinocchio’s Village Haus in Fantasyland or The Lunching Pad in Tomorrowland for dinner. Both are quick-service locations, so no reservation is required.
After dinner, some of the Tomorrowland attractions before fireworks. These include Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, Astro Orbiter, Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor, The People Mover, Space Mountain, Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress, and Tomorrowland Speedway.
Stake out a place for fireworks. While someone holds your spot make sure to stop at The Emporium for all your souvenir needs, then say “See ya real soon” to Mickey at Town Square Theater on Main Street, USA.


Photo: Disney
End your day with a view of the castle and take in the fireworks before heading back to your Disney resort.
If there are evening park hours, after the fireworks, this is the perfect time to ride the popular attractions with little to no wait time. The last admission onto a ride is 10 minutes before the park closes.