Welcome to
planDisney Erin! Thanks for bringing us your question, I love planning attractions ahead of time so this is right up my alley.
Magic Kingdom Park is probably my favorite place on the face of the earth. A close second is whatever field in New Jersey I'm playing baseball on during the spring and summer. But meeting friends at this kind of park is way more exciting than hanging out in Jersey. As an Annual Passholder visiting from another state means you can visit whenever you want. Your friends staying inside the magic will have access to
Lightning Lanes 7 days before and if you are not on the reservation there is no way to ensure you will have the same times. If you can be added to the reservation this would ensure having the same times, as you would not have to wait until 3 days before your visit. If you are not able to do that, the good news is after that first Lightning lane of the day is used you can then start to align the rest of your selections. Just make sure you connect in the
My Disney Experience App. Use the "Friends and Family List" in the Profile section. Select "Add a Guest" and after that make sure you select your party when one person is making the next Lightning Lane selection. You will be on your way to sharing the rest of the day together. Just do the same thing once that second Lightning Lane attraction comes off, and the third.
I had mentioned earlier this is my favorite place, let alone park. Some of my favorite and absolute musts are instead of walking down Main Street U.S.A., catch a ride. There is nothing like being escorted to
Cinderella Castle past all the hustle and bustle of the crowds. The
Main Street Vehicles will take you on a one way trip to the castle. Fun fact, you will feel like a celebrity as you pass by the other guests who are on foot. So I advise to wave to the onlookers during your stylish ride.
I hope you have an awesome time with your friends at Magic Kingdom and please tell Mickey I said hello. He loves to hear from me, at least that's what I believe in my heart.
See ya real soon,
Jeremy A.