Magical Mornings at the Magic Kingdom

One of my favorite things and times is the morning of a visit to the Magic Kingdom.  There is such a sense of anticipation in the air, and a well planned strategy for morning touring can really pay off in enjoyment of one's day.  

One of the biggest choices to make is "How will I get there?" and that truly is one of the largest obstacles for visitors.  Guests located at one of the monorail hotels (Contemporary and Bay Lake Tower, Polynesian, or Grand Floridian) have their choice pretty much made for them to take the monorail, although it is a super short walk from the Contemporary hotel.  Bus service from other hotels drops guests off right in front of the MK and should be boarded an hour early at the hotel to ensure being at the park gates at opening.  For those driving, parking at the Ticket and Transportation center produces two choices: monorail or ferry boat.  Both eventually will be crowded, but the ferry is the better choice early in the morning.  The view of the castle is beautiful, it is a short and peaceful ride, and typically the wait is much shorter than trying to board the monorail first thing in the morning.

The key is getting to the park gates at least 15-30 minutes before opening.  Guests can often ride two or three attractions plus get a set of FASTPASSES before most stragglers even show up at the park.  Skip the shopping and food on Main Street USA and come back to eat later once the crowds have pushed through.  Many touring guides will suggest strategies for specific rides early in the morning; my advice is to go ride the things you really want to do first.  Grab a FASTPASS for the headliner attractions like Space Mountain or Dumbo and ride some of the other attractions before using your FASTPASS.  Don't stop visiting attractions until the lines reach greater than 20 minutes per ride.  Once they do, its time for a break and refreshment.

While the cinnamon buns at the Main Street USA Bakery are really tasty and quite a meal all in their own, I prefer to stop at a little snack shop in Liberty Square overlooking Cinderella's castle called Sleepy Hallow.  The waffle's are a great treat and a great way to replenish energy for those who skipped or had a light breakfast.  Once refreshed, scouting out a few attractions with waits less than 30 minutes is the best way to finish out the morning.  Use a smart phone app or look at information boards around the park to get a feel for which way the crowd is moving and what is open.  Use another FASTPASS as well to bypass the lines.  

The last key to making the day great?  GET OUT!  Leave the park by lunch time and head back to the hotel or to someplace you can relax, take a swim, and get a bite to eat.  Let the late crowd struggle through the midday heat and return later in the afternoon for more rides, food, fun, and of course fireworks.  A good way to time your return is to be back an hour or two before sunset during non-summer months, and after the afternoon thundershower during the summer.  The rain always scares off many people who do not realize it rains at 3:00PM everyday in Florida.  It always amazes me at the number of people limping out dragging their families behind them at dinner time completely drained from the sun and heat of the day, while going in the return gates are the people who showed up early, conquered the park in the morning during the light crowds, escaped the heat and lines in the afternoon, and are refreshed and ready to enjoy a nice evening in the happiest place on earth!