Kay Writes:
"I would like to know info for senior citizen traveling alone...re rides, food, how far do you walk from one park to another in Magic kingdom and are there shortcuts to get there..R#R will be closed when I am there in November."
"I would like to know info for senior citizen traveling alone...re rides, food, how far do you walk from one park to another in Magic kingdom and are there shortcuts to get there..R#R will be closed when I am there in November."
Thank you for your question Kay! I want to start by addressing the question of getting around the park. If the train is down during your visit you will get a unique opportunity to explore the nooks and paths of The Magic Kingdom! If you typically take the train from land to land you might be missing some key details throughout the park. Lets start with the main entrance. Disney offers a nostalgic car ride from Town Square (entrance of the park) to the front of Cinderella's Castle. You will be dropped off at the newly designed main hub of The Magic Kingdom. Now, Disney's website says it operates from 9:00AM - 10:15AM so if you plan to take advantage of this unique opportunity... arrive early! Stick around the stage in front of Cindrella's Castle and catch the live character show called Dream-Along with Mickey! It's a quick little 20 minute production that will give you that special Disney feeling to start your day off right. Check show times when you arrive at the park, or online before you arrive. If the next show is more than 20 minutes away you can always come back for another show time.
Although it might seem like you are saving a lot of walking by skipping Main Street U.S.A., the walk is not as long as you would imagine. Main Street uses a tactic called Forced Perspective. The road feels a lot longer because of the tricks played on your eyes as you make your way down. In actuality it is only 850 feet long from the train station to the castle! All of the Magic Kingdom is only on 107 acres... While you travel down Main Street U.S.A. make sure you look at the names on the windows. Recognize any of them?
Each Disney Park has electric conveyance vehicle (ECV) rentals available! Many guests take advantage of this and it allows them to explore all areas of the park with ease. If you believe that it will be difficult for you to enjoy the park because of all of the walking required... Please, please, please take advantage of the provision provided at the front of each park. The cost equals out to be $50 per day if you rent directly from Disney. (Or about the price of 1 corn dog...JK) However, if you are staying in the Orlando area a few days I would recommend renting from a local mobility company. Many places will deliver directly to your home, or local hotel and the prices will be much more affordable. If you are staying on Disney property you will find that all Disney transportation is extremely accommodating making it easy to get you and your vehicle to and from each location.
Additional information can be found here:
ECV Rentals - Walt Disney World
Additional information can be found here:
ECV Rentals - Walt Disney World
Another part of your question ask about walking between "the parks at Magic Kingdom". To clarify that for your readers I believe you mean "the lands" of Magic Kingdom... Adventureland, Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, Etc. Pictured above is the main Hub. The design of Walt's park was so unique and forward thinking that many people duplicate this spoke and wheel design in theme parks around the world. At the top of the picture you will find the stage I mentioned earlier. This is also where the car drops you off that I mentioned earlier. From this central hub you can visit most of the lands with ease with the exception of Frontierland and New Fantasyland.
Whether you decided to rent a ECV or walk makes no difference at this point. What matters is how effectively you travel through the park. Each land is connected by a variety of pathways, and many shortcuts. Personally I start my day with Adventureland. That said... make sure you select your FastPass+ to match the path you will be taking through the park. This is like planning a road trip. You don't just hop in the car and hope for the best. You study the map, draw a line and navigate. Here's my suggested route:
Along the outlined route I set above you will find every major attraction. In order you will find my favorite rides as you make your way along:
(I say "my" favorite rides because I will leave some out that I like to skip, but you might like)
Begin with breakfast at The Crystal Palace (Reservation Required)
Dole Whip (yes, this IS an attraction... lol)
Jungle Cruise
Pirates of the Caribbean
Splash Mountain
Thunder Mountain
I skip most of Frontierland at this point... but I do walk through the shops.
Haunted Mansion
Its worth stopping at the Rapunzel Bathrooms next to this attraction
It's A Small World (If you like that)
Peter Pan's Flight
Philharmagic
7 Dwarfs Mine Train
Be Our Guest Restaurant (make a reservation accordingly for lunch)
Gaston's Tavern (Try Lefou's Brew)
Under The Sea - Journey Of The Little Mermaid
Stop at the Big Top Souvenirs store in Story Book Circus - Pick me out something nice ;)
Mad Tea Party
Tomorrowland Speedway
Space Mountain
Carousel Of Progress
Tomorrowland Transit Authority
Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin
Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor
By this time you will be back where you started and its a great time to find a spot for the nighttime entertainment. If you saved a FastPass+ for the fireworks you can check in at the designated location and watch all 3 events back to back. By that of course I am referring to the Main Street Electrical Parade, Celebrate the Magic (a really cool projection show on Cinderella's Castle), and Wishes Nighttime Spectacular.
The shops up and down Main Street U.S.A. remain open later so save your shopping for when you leave. Looking for more tips on parade spots or dining? Check out my other posts!
I hope this helps you plan your trip. Like and share on facebook!
(I say "my" favorite rides because I will leave some out that I like to skip, but you might like)
Begin with breakfast at The Crystal Palace (Reservation Required)
Dole Whip (yes, this IS an attraction... lol)
Jungle Cruise
Pirates of the Caribbean
Splash Mountain
Thunder Mountain
I skip most of Frontierland at this point... but I do walk through the shops.
Haunted Mansion
Its worth stopping at the Rapunzel Bathrooms next to this attraction
It's A Small World (If you like that)
Peter Pan's Flight
Philharmagic
7 Dwarfs Mine Train
Be Our Guest Restaurant (make a reservation accordingly for lunch)
Gaston's Tavern (Try Lefou's Brew)
Under The Sea - Journey Of The Little Mermaid
Stop at the Big Top Souvenirs store in Story Book Circus - Pick me out something nice ;)
Mad Tea Party
Tomorrowland Speedway
Space Mountain
Carousel Of Progress
Tomorrowland Transit Authority
Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin
Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor
By this time you will be back where you started and its a great time to find a spot for the nighttime entertainment. If you saved a FastPass+ for the fireworks you can check in at the designated location and watch all 3 events back to back. By that of course I am referring to the Main Street Electrical Parade, Celebrate the Magic (a really cool projection show on Cinderella's Castle), and Wishes Nighttime Spectacular.
The shops up and down Main Street U.S.A. remain open later so save your shopping for when you leave. Looking for more tips on parade spots or dining? Check out my other posts!
I hope this helps you plan your trip. Like and share on facebook!