The Magic Kingdom, this is my favorite park! Here is the second in the series on how to work the parks when on a limited time schedule. You have to read the first installment on the very simple and basic plan I have devised, and in the following articles I will list the attractions that will require a fastpass, the attractions that do not offer, or need fastpass and point out the "In-betweens" with a brief synopsis of each, so now armed in advanced with this information you will be able to plan your WDW trip and the whole family will be able to see their favorite attractions or shows. Remember, this "guide" is for the newcomers to WDW and folks making their second trip.
Here is the list of the attractions that if you want to ride, you will need fastpass, especially in the busy seasons at WDW:
TOMORROWLAND
1- Stitch's Great Escape
2- Space Mountain
3- Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin
FANTASYLAND
1- Peter Pan's Flight
2- Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
FRONTIERLAND
1- Big Thunder Mountain
2- Splash Mountain
ADVENTURELAND
1- Jungle Cruise
Now the above attractions, the average wait time is about 40minutes to an hour. The exceptions are Buzz Lightyear and the Jungle Cruise. Sometimes the lines are sproatic, the wait times are 20minutes or less, but both attractions move pretty quick because the attraction ride vehicles (Boats and Ride buggies) move at a constant pace, so you may not need fastpass for these!
The next attractions do not offer fastpass. Both are long time Disney classics: THE HAUNTED MANSION in Liberty Square and the Hot revamped PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN. Now the Haunted Mansion queue lines sometimes look long and the time may say 40minutes, but the line moves briskly and my wife and I never waited more than 20minutes tops here, and we probably have rode it 999 times! Now the Pirates of the Caribbean are a different story. Since the revamped attraction opened officially on July 7th, the lines have been an average of 45minutes to an hour. So get your fastpass for your favorite attraction and you will just have to tough this one out, but it is worth every minute of wait time. (Read my Soft Opening Review of Pirates). Tip for Pirates. There are two queue lines going in. As you enter, use the left line, it is shorter. Tip for the Haunted Mansion. After entering the foyer with the picture of the Master of the House changing from a young man to a skeleton, either side are the entrance doors. When they open, enter and go under the picture of the young girl with the parasol. That is where the door will open to the Doom buggy area! Once in, stay to the left against the wall, you will avoid the bulk of the guests.
Next is the list of the "In-betweens". After reviewing them, you can make your decisions on where to go while waiting for your Fastpass time to come up. Remember, there is little or no wait for these!
MAIN ST, USA
1- Town Square Exposition Hall. Here in the rear you will see "Milestones in Animation". There is a small Movie theater showing three of Walt's Cartoons, which are considered Milestones. "Steamboat Willie, Flowers and Trees (Walt's first color cartoon and the first to win an academy award) and Mickey Mouse's first color cartoon, "The Band Concert.
2- The Walt Disney World Railroad. Stations are at Main St, Frontierland and Mickey's Toontown fair. Once on board, you can stay on as long as you like, great old time train ride around the Magic Kingdom.
ADVENTURELAND
1- Swiss Family Robinson Tree house- Walk through and see this amazing treehouse.
2- Enchanted Tiki Room-Under New Management. See Walt's first use of Audio-Animatronics, cute 15 minute show with Largo and the rest of the Birds.
FRONTIERLAND
1- Tom Sawyer Island- Take a raft over and walk the small island, see caves, forts and walk across rope bridges. Great place for the kids.
2- Country Bear Jamboree- This is a great country music show for all ages! It starts every 19 minutes. The bears inside have to be seen and heard to appreciate!
LIBERTY SQUARE
1- Hall of Presidents. This is one show that should not be missed. Disney is so rabid with detail (In all their attractions) that the braces that FDR wears are the exact copy he wore, right down to the screws! Starts every half hour.
2- Liberty Square Riverboat- Although still under refurbishment till September, A nice ride on the river for all.
FANTASYLAND
1- It's a Small World- Perennial favorite-A slow boat ride through the countries of the World with that song that stays with you for the rest of the day! No longer that a 20 minute wait.
2- Mickey's Philharmagic- My favorite 3D show! See Mickey and Donald (Mostly Donald) as Donald tries to be the leader of the band. Even if the lines are long, the show is every 15 minutes and the theater holds 480 guests, you will get in. Tip: Sit far back from the screen as possible. Too close and the view will be cramped and further away, the 3D effect is better.
3- Snow White's Scary Adventures- Cute adventure for the kids. This attraction is very popular, the wait times are an average of 30minutes.
MICKEY'S TOONTOWN FAIR
This is a walk-through land, where you can visit Mickey and Minnie's House, Meet Mickey Mouse and Charactors, kids can play on Donald's boat and There is a small Kiddie coaster called the "Barnstormer at Goofy's Wiseacre Farm. Perfect place for The "Kid" in all of us.
TOMORROWLAND
1- Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress- Walt introduced this attraction at the New York World's Fair in 1964. Follow the Progress of an American family from the turn of the century to the present. Humor fun for all
2- Tomorrowland Transit Authroity- Take a slow 10 minute ride through Tomorrowland on your personal TTA ride vehicle. Great attraction to kick back and enjoy a breeze-filled tour of Tomorrowland.
3- Astro Orbiter-This is a fun ride up In the sky, but the lines are usually 30minutes before you enter the attraction, mainly because an elevator is used to get guests up to the attraction platform and only so many can fit.
4- Tomorrowland Indy speedway- Here you can drive your own Indy car around a large track. The time for this is an average of 20 to 30 minutes long. But the lines are sproatic, sometimes you might get on in as little as 10minutes..
And last but not least, let's not forget the parades and fireworks! "Share a Dream Parade", daily at 3:00pm, SpectroMagic, beautiful light parade, Wednesday and Friday at 8:00PM, the rest of the week at 8pm and 11pm and "Wishes" fireworks spectacular, Wednesday and Friday at 9:00pm, rest of the week at 10:00pm. Note: This is the summertime schedual. Times will change in the winter months.
Now that is the Magic Kingdom broken down in it's basic form. There are several items and events I did not mention in the interest of brevity. All the aformention is what I consider the "Major" attractions, but that is my opinion, but I believe I covered the majority most would like to see. Remember, we are talking about a short visit, maybe two days at the Kingdom, and even with this guide, the average guest will not be able to take it all in, there is that much offered. Remember to plan your trip, get those maps and make a fun project out of it with the family. What you do not see this trip, I'm sure you'll be back to catch the rest! Next week I'll cover MGM.