Disney Starlight parade float with Cinderella's Castle in the background at nighttime
  • On Jul 26, 2026
    Paulina from Sinaloa Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    I have early entry at Magic Kingdom on Sept 12. What attraction should I visit first and what itinerary maximizes rides, character meets, the parade and fireworks? Should I buy Lightning Lane for this date?

    It's so good to see you again, Paulina! I'm so glad you're asking your planning questions here at planDisney. Our merry band of panelists stands ready to assist our fellow guests with all sorts of questions, from park itineraries to snack suggestions. It looks like you're working on your perfect Magic Kingdom day, and I'm ready to give you my top tips that will help you win the day.

    Early Entry at Magic Kingdom will allow you to experience attractions thirty minutes prior to the general public operating hours on the day you visit. It's important to know which attractions are available, and you can see a full list on the Early Theme Park Entry page. There are a few rides to prioritize during this period, and I suggest choosing an attraction that is likely to have a longer standby queue later that day. I usually make a beeline for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, but others may tell you to choose Peter Pan's Flight or Space Mountain. Ultimately, I want you to choose a ride that makes you happy! You may be able to do a few rides during this early time frame, especially if you choose some that have lower wait times.

    Once you're done with your first attraction you could finish up the other rides in Fantasyland or Tomorrowland, depending on where you started out. Once the park opens for all guests, you may want to make your way to Frontierland for Tiana's Bayou Adventure or Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. The calculus of your park itinerary planning will be different if you do choose to purchase Lightning Lane passes. Lightning Lane Multi Pass will allow you to pre-book three attractions prior to arrival, and reduce wait time throughout the day. The attraction list for Magic Kingdom can be found on the Lightning Lane page. You can also purchase Lightning Lane Single Pass for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train if you don't want to go there first thing after rope drop or wait in the standby queue.

    Some of my other must-do attractions at Magic Kingdom include Haunted Mansion, Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin, and TRON Lightcycle / Run. I also love the entertainment and streetmosphere, which includes a visit to Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room and performances by the Dapper Dans and the Casey's Corner Pianist. If you're looking to meet characters, I suggest choosing experiences that include character performers rather than waiting in line for dedicated character meet & greets. You can accomplish this by checking out Enchanted Tales with Belle or booking character dining at The Crystal Palace or Cinderella's Royal Table. Also, you can see tons of characters at the two parades offered at Magic Kingdom: the Festival of Fantasy Parade and Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away. Performance and appearance times for parades and character meet & greets are all available in the My Disney Experience app.

    Finally, cap off your perfect Magic Kingdom day by taking in the incredible fireworks and projection show, Happily Ever After. Try to snag a spot in the central hub at the end of Main Street, U.S.A. for the best view.

    Please visit us again for more tips and tricks, Paulina! We're here to make planning your visit simple and stress-free.

    Stay magical,
    Scott
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Meet the Panelist: Scott, North Carolina

Hiya pal! I’m Scott, a husband and father of two small children from North Carolina. When I’m not trading pins, scarfing down pretzels, and enjoying my favorite attractions in the parks, I work as a librarian at a large public university. I love connecting my patrons with books and resources, and I can’t wait to provide you with the best Disney information, strategies, and tips that I’ve got in my collection! Learn More About Scott

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