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Magic Kingdom

Magic Kingdom Basics

Last updated: July 10, 2023

Arriving at Magic Kingdom

FROM INSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD If you're staying at the Contemporary or Bay Lake Tower, it's a short walk to the Magic Kingdom.


If you're staying at the Grand Floridian Resort or Polynesian Village, use the Magic Kingdom monorail.


If you're staying anywhere at Wilderness Lodge or Fort Wilderness you can take a boat or bus. (Note that monorails and boats don't run when lightning is in the area; Disney will provide bus service instead.)


Guests at other Walt Disney World resorts can reach the park by bus.


All Disney resort guests are dropped off at the park's entrance, bypassing the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC), except those at the Swan, Swan Reserve, and Dolphin. Guests at these hotels are dropped off at the TTC and must take the monorail or ferry to the park.


DRIVING If you're thinking about driving to the Magic Kingdom, consider having a taxi or ride-hailing service drop you off at either the Contemporary or the Grand Floridian Resort instead, especially if you are arriving after park opening.


It may cost slightly more this way, but it's significantly faster. Otherwise, you'll encounter lines for parking, trams, security, and the monorail or ferry. This can take an hour or more on busy days.

Getting Around Magic Kingdom

You'll find stroller, wheelchair, ECV/ESV rentals, and locker rentals are on your right, just inside the entrance.


On your left as you enter Main Street, U.S.A., is City Hall, the center for information, lost and found, and guided tours.


Main Street, U.S.A. ends at the Central Plaza, also known as "The Hub". From here are paths to five other lands: (clockwise from the left) Adventureland, Frontierland, Liberty Square, Fantasyland, and Tomorrowland.


Cinderella Castle, at the entrance to Fantasyland, is the Magic Kingdom's visual anchor. It's a great place to meet up with your group if you get separated - just be clear about whether you're meeting at the front or the back of the castle

Rope Drop at Magic Kingdom

'Rope Drop' refers to cast members using a length of rope to hold back crowds until the park opens. After the rope is dropped, guests can head to their first ride.


Arriving at the Magic Kingdom 30-60 minutes before official opening ensures the shortest possible waits for rides.


On-site guests who want to take advantage of Early Theme Park Entry should arrive at the park entrance 60 minutes before official opening (that is, 30 minutes before Early Entry) on all days.


Once in the park, you'll find most of the rides in Fantasyland and Tomorrowland running. Rides in Adventureland, Frontierland, and Liberty Square may start operations closer to the park's official opening time.


Off-site guests (who aren't eligible for Early Theme Park Entry) should arrive 30 minutes before official opening on all days.

Is Lightning Lane Worth Paying For at Magic Kingdom?

The Magic Kingdom might be the easiest park to recommend using Genie+ for. We think Genie+ is worth the cost here if you meet any of these criteria:


  • You'll arrive at the park after Early Theme Park Entry begins (that is, you won't be at the park as soon as it opens). This includes off-site guests (who aren't eligible for Early Theme Park Entry) and on-site guests who want to sleep in.
  • You won't be using a touring plan.
  • You're visiting during anything other than the slowest time of year (see our Crowd Calendar).

See the list of Magic Kingdom attractions that benefit most from Genie+ and Lightning Lane arrow

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Basics for Other Walt Disney World Parks

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