Welcome to planDisney, Lindsey! You're planning to visit the
Walt Disney World Resort during a great time of year. I mean, a first visit with a 1-year-old at
Magic Kingdom Park during
Halloween season? Does it get any better than that? I don't think so!
When it comes to how long you should plan on being at Magic Kingdom, it all depends on your family, and especially your little one. I would plan to get to the park when it opens, which is typically 8:30 a.m. for Guests staying at a
Disney Resorts Collection Hotel and 9 a.m. for all other Guests. Just keep an eye on the
calendar, as times have not yet been announced for your dates and they are subject to change once they are. I would plan to enjoy some attractions and shows until about lunchtime. Then, either go back to your hotel for a break or book an advance dining reservation for lunch so your child can take a nap and your group can relax. Then, get back to it. On a
Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party date as a non-party Guest, you typically have until 6 p.m. to enjoy the park, which my friends with little children have repeatedly said is plenty of time when visiting with an infant. So, will you get to experience
every attraction at the park? Likely not, but any longer would likely be too long for a first visit with a child so young. If you're interested in shorter wait times, you can also consider purchasing
Lightning Lanes to potentially get more done in less time.
Of course, every family is different, and as a teacher, I know that every
child is different. If yours can hang in there and you feel you'd need more time, you can always look into visiting on a date during which a party is not taking place. It's also important to remember that while Disney World is a treat and parents sometimes feel that their child doesn't have to stick to their routine on special occasions, your child is still your child when in the park. If they're used to a nap, they'll likely want a nap. If they eat at a certain time, they'll likely want to eat at that time. And some children can break from their routines within reason, while others simply cannot. You know your child best, so use that knowledge to help decide how long you stay and what you do. And it's good to know that the
Baby Care Center at the park is a great spot in case you and your little one need a break from the hustle and bustle, need a quiet space, or simply need a comfortable place to regroup before heading back out for more fun.
Lindsey, make sure you follow along with the
Disney Parks Blog for any announcements about offerings that will be available when you visit the resort. I personally can't wait for the Foodie Guide from
Disney Eats for the Halloween Party, which typically mentions some treats available all day, not just party exclusives. If you have any other questions,
I'm happy to answer them.
May your day be practically perfect in every way,
Matt