On
Jun 21, 2013
Leia
Asked
Note: This answer was provided prior to the change to planDisney and may still contain references to Disney Parks Moms Panel.
Experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.
“
1st Visit! What ticket type for a 1 day visit to Magic Kingdom with a 2.5 yr old? Itinerary ideas?
I reserved breakfast with Cinderella b4 park open but would like to visit dwtn disney for dinner as well and come bck for the eve & fireworks. Feasible”
Hi Leia,
Welcome to the Moms Panel! I think every first visit to Walt Disney World should start at Magic Kingdom. If I understand correctly, you are going to be there only one day, so a base ticket will be the way to go. And, at 2 1/2, your child won't need to pay for admission.
By entering before the park opens for breakfast, you will be able to maximize your time. You can get great pictures on an empty Main Street USA as you make your way to Cinderella Castle.
After you eat, I suggest that you concentrate your time first in Fantasyland, which will have the most appeal to your child. Ride Dumbo, Winnie the Pooh, it's a small world, Peter Pan's Flight and Under the Sea -- Journey of the Little Mermaid.
At Pete's Silly Sideshow, you can meet Donald, Daisy, Minnie and Goofy. Ariel greets guests in her grotto. And, in August, you may want to cool off at the Casey Jr. Splash 'n Soak Station.
In the rest of the park, make sure you make time to see Mickey and some of the princesses at the Town Square Theater near the front of the park. Other ideas to please a little one: Tom Sawyer Island, Country Bear Jamboree, Mickey's PhilharMagic, Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin, the Magic Carpets of Aladdin, Jungle Cruise and, depending on how adventurous they are, Pirates of the Caribbean.
It is feasible to leave Magic Kingdom, have dinner at Downtown Disney and return for the evening parade and fireworks. But it will take a big chunk -- at least three to four hours -- out of your day.
Given all that there is to see and do, and the fact that you have only the one day, I would be more inclined to spend all of my time at Magic Kingdom. Or, if you want to leave for a dinner break, I would look at the restaurants at the nearby resorts, accessible by monorail or boat.
I hope that helps. I'm limited on space but please let me know if I can offer any more advice. Enjoy!
Wilma