Hey there, Marlene! Welcome back to planDisney. I know that you're getting your (Donald) ducks in a row for your summer vacation at
Walt Disney World Resort, and I'm here to talk strategy for how to make the most of your time at
Magic Kingdom Park.
A first-time visit to The Most Magical Place on Earth is always so special. Be prepared to get a little misty-eyed the first time you step onto Main Street, U.S.A. and see Cinderella Castle in all it's glory! Magic Kingdom has a perfect mix of iconic Disney attractions and new experiences that the whole family is sure to love.
I'm glad you're thinking ahead to
Lightning Lane passes, as these are a great way to prioritize some of your must-do attractions and skip the standby lines. Typically when our family visits, we purchase Lightning Lane Single Pass for
TRON Lightcyle / Run or
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. I really like to experience both of these attractions after dark, so don't fret if the only times available are later in the day.
I also recommend getting Lightning Lane Multi Pass. At Magic Kingdom, Multi Pass is a two-tier system that allows you to select three attractions. Guests can choose up to one experience from a group of attractions that are generally quite busy, and two (or all three) from the other eligible attractions. Since
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad recently reopened, it is
very popular and the lines can get quite long, so I would definitely prioritize that as your first-tier selection. As for your other two selections, you can't go wrong with any of the available options!
Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin is always a family favorite, and
Haunted Mansion and
Pirates of the Caribbean are classic rides that you won't want to miss.
If you get an early start, you should be able to visit plenty of other attractions even without Lightning Lanes. I also recommend checking out some indoor options like
Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor (my personal favorite!) and
Mickey's PhilharMagic. They're really fun, and a great chance to get off your feet and enjoy some air-conditioning!
Marlene, since you're staying at a
Good Neighbor Hotel, you'll be able to purchase Lightning Lanes 3 days before your check-in date, beginning at 7:00 AM EST. Be sure that you have the most up-to-date version of the
My Disney Experience app and be ready promptly at 7 for your best chance of snagging your passes!
I hope this information is just what you were looking for, and I'll be wishing on the Evening Star that you can get those Lightning Lanes! Please come see us again at planDisney anytime if we can help with any other questions to make your vacation extra-magical.
See Ya Real Soon!
Susan