Fireworks at Magic Kingdom; brother and sister; mom
  • On Jan 22, 2025
    Donovan from FL Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    Hello I am going to be at Disney with my husband, 5 & 2 year old 1/31-2/2. We’re planning on Epcot Friday & magic Kingdom Saturday & Sunday. We want to be in both parks right when they open. What time should we arrive? It is our first time.

    Hey there, Donovan thanks for stopping by planDisney. Let me tell you, it is an honor to be able to help you as first-time visitors. Thank you for trusting us to help, let's get started!

    The Walt Disney World Resort is like a second home to me. My first visit was in between your 5 and 2 year-old, and I actually remember parts of it. EPCOT is your first park and it opens at 9 a.m. on that Friday. My recommended time to arrive to be inside the park for opening is the very least 8:30 a.m. Between getting to the gate, going through security, and making sure to plan for hiccups with toddlers, 30 minutes is a fair amount of time. As for Magic Kingdom Park, the trip from the Ticket and Transportation Center to the Magic Kingdom gates is a little bit longer. I tend to arrive an hour before the park opening time which is 8 a.m. on Saturday, and 9 a.m. on Sunday. This allows you time to board the tram from the parking lot, and then pick your transportation to "The Most Magical Place on Earth." You can take the Monorail which is really cool. But for me, I will always recommend the Ferryboat. If you are one of the first to board, head straight to the back. Once the boat starts the trek you will see Cinderella Castle in the distance, and the kids reactions should give the day a real magical start. 

    When you first arrive at the Magic Kingdom walking down Main Street U.S.A. is quintessential Disney in my opinion. And getting that castle picture with the family is a treasure you will cherish for years to come. But on that second day I would say to ride down Main Street in style. You can find the Main Street Vehicles picking up guests at the bottom of Main Street. If you see a vehicle parked, head on over and make some small talk with the driver. Let them know its your first time visiting and riding with them. These Cast Members are some of the warmest souls I have encountered and are very welcoming. You will feel like a celebrity and give you a different vantage point of that same walk from the day before. Another pro-tip I would like to offer is making sure your little ones stay on schedule. Naptime is so important during regular days, on park days they are even more important. Please schedule some time in the car or back at your hotel. I take those same breaks as a big kid, because I know that I will not be a happy camper when those wonderful nighttime spectaculars are happening. A 2-hour break will make the end of your night that much easier for both kids and parents alike. My last piece of information is to go make sure you get your 1st visit pins. These will let everyone know you are new to the parks and they will wish you welcome and sometimes even find some extra pixie dust for your trip. 

    I hope your first visit is memorable and magical, I am excited for you and your family. If you have any other questions or need any other recommendations visit us again at planDisney.com.

    See ya real soon, 

    Jeremy A.

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Meet the Panelist: Jeremy, New Jersey

Bright Suns travelers! I'm Jeremy from Jersey, a lifelong Disney fan. Father to 3 amazing kids, and husband to my wife of 16 years. I've been sharing the Walt Disney World Resort with my family for 19 years to join in the wonder and joy the parks have brought me my entire life. Consider me here to help with all you travel questions from Batuu to Cinderella Castle. Whether it's teenagers, toddlers, or your middle-aged cousins. Helping you find your version of magic is my mission. Learn More About Jeremy

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