What to Do on a Crowded Day at the Magic Kingdom

Lately, there doesn’t seem to be very many low crowd days at Disney World, especially at the Magic Kingdom.  With the holidays, school breaks, and runDisney events, there is no shortage of crowds.  Aside from taking advantage of early morning theme park hours and extended evening theme park hours or using Genie+, here are a few ways to make a crowded day at the Magic Kingdom more enjoyable.  

Grab a Treat and Take in the Atmosphere

In the morning, most guests will rush off to go for a ride.  However, this can be the perfect time to get a treat for breakfast from Main Street Bakery or Main Street Confectionery and soak in the atmosphere.  Eat your treat on the hub grass with a perfect view of Cinderella Castle, or sit at one of the tables by the Plaza Restaurant for a similar view.  Listen to the Dapper Dans, Main Street Marching Band, or the pianist at Casey’s Corner.

Enjoy Low Wait Attractions or Ride During the Parade

Some of the most thrilling rides will have a long wait, but there are usually a few attractions that you can enjoy with a relatively short wait time.  Head to Tomorrowland for classics like Carousel of Progress and the Tomorrowland Transit Authority People Mover.  Or visit Mickey’s PhilharMagic in Fantasyland.  Wait times are often 20 minutes or less for these attractions, even on busy days.  

Mobile Order Lunch in Advance

At peak lunch time around noon, the quick service restaurants can be packed.  It can even be hard to place an order for the window of time that works best for you.  To get ahead of the crowds, place your mobile order in advance via the My Disney Experience app.  

Don’t Leave Immediately After Fireworks

As soon as Happily Ever After ends, there is a mass exodus along Main Street.  Instead of trying to fight your way through the crowds, take your time exiting the park.  Get a final treat, or go browse the gift shops until the crowds die down.  You can even catch one last ride as long as you get in line before the official park closing time.  After all, Disney resort transportation, including the monorail, ferries, and buses, continue to run an hour after park closing.  

Dreaming of visiting the Magic Kingdom?  Rent DVC points to stay at the Grand Floridian, Polynesian, Bay Lake Tower, Boulder Ridge, or Copper Creek to be closest to the magic!