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Contrary to popular opinion, Disney World isn't just for kids. There's plenty of things to do and see that go beyond just the lovable characters and Dumbo; and one of the best parks for adults is Hollywood Studios.

Today's post will provide you with a touring plan, a loose outline, for seeing the best of Hollywood Studios in a day. Also be sure to check out our other Touring Plans page for more!

1. Arrive about 20 minutes before rope drop, especially if you're visiting during a busy time of year!

2. Quickly grab FastPasses for Rock n' Roller Coaster.

3. Next hurry over to Toy Story Midway Mania and ride before the line gets too long. Even though this is a popular kid's attraction, adults enjoy competing against one another for the top score too!

4. Now head over to Star Tours for a spin through a galaxy far far away. If you can, take several trips because each time you never know who you might meet or where you will end up!

5. Make your way back to Sunset Boulevard to ride the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror! We encourage repeated rides too!

6. Is it time to use those FastPasses yet? If so, go ahead and ride Rock n' Roller Coaster. If not, grab some breakfast at Starring Rolls or the Writer's Stop.

7. Check a Time's Guide to see what time some of the park's shows are performing. For adults, we recommend Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular and the American Idol Experience. If you're traveling with mostly women, check Beauty and the Beast - Live on Stage; or with mostly men, Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show.

8. Head over to the Backlot and check out the Backlot Tour! For a really memorable experience, volunteer to be part of the demonstration! If there are any major attractions you want to ride again, go ahead and grab some FastPasses.

9. Make reservations in advance and enjoy lunch at either 50's Prime Time Cafe or the Brown Derby, enjoyable places for adults!

10. If you're a fan of animation, check out the Magic of Disney Animation and perhaps take the writing class? Also take some time to explore Walt Disney: One Man's Dream! You won't be disappointed!

11. Definitely make time to ride the Great Movie Ride to take a journey through classic movies!

12. Do a little shopping on Hollywood Boulevard and have some dinner at either 50's Prime Time Cafe or the Brown Derby, wherever you didn't eat for lunch.

13. If Fantasmic is going to be shown that night, and if it sounds appealing to you, go ahead and get in line. Otherwise take some time to ride some of your favorite attractions again.

 
 
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Okay, so you and the kids have only one day to experience Animal Kingdom's best. What do you do? Check out our Touring Plan!
 
Touring Plans are loose outlines for how guests can maximize their time and Disney magic with minimum waits and hassle! Today's post will tell you how to tackle Animal Kingdom with kids if you only have one day! For more plans, check out our Touring Plans tab above

1. Arrive before park opening! If you can, book a reservation for Donald's Safari Breakfast at Tusker House before park opening. If you can, then you will already be in the park before it opens, have a full stomach, and your kids will have already met some great Disney characters!

2. Once the park opens, immediately head towards Asia to grab FastPasses for Expedition Everest. If your kids are too small or not interested, skip ahead to the next number; but if you have kids that meet the height requirement, we recommend you try this ride. It's not as scary as other coaster or Tower of Terror, and you only see the audio-animatronic Yeti for a moment. However, it is thrilling and there a moments of darkness. For a successful experience, know what your kids can handle; and if you choose to ride this attraction, just get FastPasses for now and ride later.

3. Head to Africa and jump aboard Kilimanjaro Safaris. All ages will enjoy this attraction so no worries here!

4. If you grabbed FastPasses for Expedition Everest, head back to Asia and ride! If the line is still short, go ahead and ride it again as it will get crowded later on.

5. If it's really hot, and you don't mind being wet, go ahead and ride Kali River Rapids if you can.

6. Now visit the Maharajah Jungle Trek to see some great animal exhibits in what appears to be the ruins of an old Asian palace. You may even see Tigers!

7. Check a Times Guide to see if Flights of Wonder is showing soon. If it is, go ahead and check this show out. Young and old will enjoy!

8. Now make your way back over the bridge to Dinoland U.S.A. You will come across Finding Nemo - The Musical which isn't our favorite show; but if you have big Nemo fans in your household, it may be worth checking it out. If not, keep heading into Dinoland.

9. Let the kids run around in the Boneyard. It's a really cool playground area; and the Dig Site is especially cool!

10. Unless you have really brave kids, skip Dinosaur! Check out Primeval Whirl, it's really the only cool attraction in this section; but it may be good only for older kids as little ones may find the rapid spinning and drops a little too rough.

11. If you're getting hungry for lunch, you may want to check out Tusker House if you didn't eat here for breakfast or Flame Tree Barbecue. If you just want something on the go, visit Tamu Tamu Refreshments.

12. Since it's probably the heat of the day, take your time exploring Discovery Island. Visit the shops, take some pictures, and explore Discovery Island Trails. If you have brave kids, and if you're brave yourself, you can check out It's Tough to be a Bug. It's a funny show and the queue area is pretty cool, but it can get creepy and there are moments of complete darkness.

13. Make your way over to Camp Minnie-Mickey to see the Festival of the Lion King. This is a great show, especially for kids; but be warned it's very popular. There are also greeting trails here where you can get pictures and interact with some great Disney characters!

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14. Be aware of what time it is so you can catch Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade! This parade winds its way through many parts of the park so you can check it out almost anywhere; but if you want a good view, pick a spot early.

15. Now head into Africa where you can enjoy the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail. Like Maharajah Jungle Trek, this is walking trail featuring animal exhibits. it's great for kids since you can go at your own pace; and at the end, you get to see Gorillas!

16. If you have some extra time, hop aboard the Wildlife Express Train to Rafiki's Planet Watch. Here you can see how animals are cared for and other exhibits. Do be warned that this area is a good distance away from the rest of the parks; and if your kids are already tired and restless, it might be good to skip this and find a cool area to relax or let the kids unwind.

17. If it's time to think about dinner, consider one of the options we recommended for lunch. Also, depending on what time of year you're visiting, Animal Kingdom may close very early, sometimes even at 5 o'clock. If this is the case, squeeze in as much activity as you can and eat later. However, if the park is open later, grab dinner here and then ride or see an attraction that you have missed or want to experience again.

18. Make your way towards Animal Kingdom's exit about 30 minutes before park closing if possible and explore the Oasis, Animal Kingdom''s entrance. There are plenty of small exhibits tucked around this area to see and it's worth exploring!

As always, remember that Touring Plans are outlines, not schedules to be followed minute by minute. Make this plan work for you and your family, relax and enjoy, and have a magical day at Animal Kingdom!

 
 
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So you have one day to see the best of Disney's Hollywood Studios with your kids, what do you do? Check out our Touring Plan of course! Our Touring Plans strive to provide you with a loose outline for tackling the parks in a day with minimum waits and time to eat and relax as well.

Hollywood Studios is known for its thrill rides, such as Star Tours, Rock n' Roller Coaster, and the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. Some kids really enjoy these types of attractions, but others don't. We have listed these attractions on this Touring Guide; but if you and your kids aren't interested, just skip over it or take turns watching the kids with your spouse.

1. Arrive at park opening. This is always a rule when you only have one day, and especially true at Hollywood Studios due to the extremely popular attractions here.

2. Immediately head towards Toy Story Midway Mania for a FastPass. This ride almost always has REALLY long waits; and FastPasses can often disappear before lunch! If you and your kids really enjoyed this attraction, go ahead and ride it again and maybe grab a FastPass for later.

3. Immediately head towards Sunset Boulevard to ride Rock n' Roller Coaster. This attraction is very popular and it often runs out of FastPasses before the day is out. If you haven't got FastPasses yet, this is a good attraction to get one for if the line is too long or you want to ride it again later.

4. Next, head next door to ride the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. Warning: while this just a drop ride, the scenery, story, and some special effects make it scary even for adults; but if you can brave it, it's one of the best rides in all of WDW. If the line is still short after you ride Tower of Terror, go ahead and ride it again.

5. As head back down Sunset Boulevard, check the times for Beauty and the Beast: Live on Stage. This show is only shown several times a day and is a must-see if traveling with your own little Disney princess! If a show is close to starting, go ahead and see it!

6. Next, make your way towards Star Tours. While this is somewhat of a thrilling attraction, it's much more tame than Rock n' Roller Coaster or Tower of Terror. This is a must-see for the little prince in your family.

7. Nearby is Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular! This is a great show full of action and comedy! Check the times while you're here; and if a show is about to start, go ahead and see it. If not, return for another showtime later.

8. It's probably time to be thinking about lunch. If you're in the mood for something quick, check out ABC Commissary or the Backlot Express. However, if you're looking for a good meal with a great experience, we recommend Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater or 50s Prime Time Cafe, the latter two being nearby.

9. Now make your way towards Muppet Vision 3-D for a show the whole family will enjoy; and then head towards the Streets of America. This is a great place for kids to run and explore, as well as a great place for photo ops!

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10. From here, see if Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show is getting ready to peform. If they are, go ahead and watch. Afterwards, hop on the Backlot Tour for a demonstration of how action scenes are shot and a tour of props and vehicles used in popular films before witnessing a special effects display yourself! This attraction is relatively tame and almost all kids enjoy it.

11. Now head into Pixar Place, where Toy Story Midway Mania is located, to see if there are any characters roaming about and maybe do a little shopping as you head towards the Great Movie Ride. This attraction takes you on a trip through scenes of famous films. There are few scenes that can be a little scary; but most kids should be fine. Also note the time that Hollywood Studios parade will start. If you are interested in seeing it, get a spot about 30 minutes before hand.

12. Next, head towards Animation Courtyard to watch Voyage of the Little Mermaid, a really great show! Also, if you have toddlers, check out  Disney Junior - Live on Stage where they can see popular television characters.

13. Afterwards, check out the Magic of Disney Animation where you will be treated to a fun interactive film starring a Disney animator and Mushu from Mulan! Afterwards, you will be taken to a fun interactive area to play games and get pictures with some Disney characters. There's also an art class here that's fun for elementary age kids, teens, and adults. Be sure to take your time here, take advantage of the A/C, and the comfy benches!

14. Now check out Walt Disney: One Man's Dream. This will be fun, educational, and relief from the heat for both adults and kids; and here you are free to explore at your own pace. Also, if you are concerned your little one may not be able to sit through the movie at the end, you can skip it and exit through the entrance.

15. If you or your kids have seen the Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian, check out this attraction by the same name. It's a walk-through attraction that puts you into a scene from the film and gives you a look at behind the scenes.

16. If you're getting hungry for dinner, visit one of Hollywood Studios quick service locations or have dinner at the Brown Derby, Mama Melrose's, or any of the restaurants we mentioned for lunch that you didn't visit. Just remember that you need an ADR (advance dining reservation) for a table service restaurant.

17. Afterwards, take time to use your FastPass if you haven't already or revisit an attraction that you missed. If the kids need to run around a bit, visit "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids" Movie Set Adventure. Here your kids can experience what it's like to shrunk as they run, climb, and play around giant legos and Play-Doh! If your kids are old enough to enjoy American Idol, check out The American Idol Experience where you listen to guests who have auditioned earlier compete against one another in a replica studio of the one you see on television!

18. If Fantasmic is showing during your day at Hollywood Studios, be sure to get in line about hour before showtime. This is an amazing show that adults and kids will both enjoy! If not, or if you still have extra time, be sure to visit the teriffic shops on Hollywood Boulevard!

Remember not to schedule every minute of your day at Hollywood Studios. Our Touring Plans are just guidelines to help you enjoy your day, not to cause stress. Remember to let the magic happen and enjoy your day at Hollywood Studios!

 
 
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Contrary to popular opinion, Disney World isn't just for kids. There's plenty of things to do and see that go beyond the characters and Dumbo; and one of the best parks for adults is Epcot.

Today's post will provide you with a touring plan, a loose outline, for seeing Epcot's best in a day. Also be sure to check out our other Touring Plans page for more!

1. Arrive at park opening. This is a golden rule for guests who only have a limited amount of time to spend at Disney; and especially for guests who only have one day per park!

2. Immediately head towards Soarin'. This is one of the best attractions in WDW, and a big hit with adults! If you want to ride this attraction later, grab a FastPass for later.

3. Next, make your way across Future World towards Test Track. This attraction is fun for kids; but it's also great for adults. The automotive theme is fun; and it's also great for adults who like a fun ride, but nothing intense like Rock n' Roller Coaster or Tower of Terror.

4. Now you can head back across Future World towards the Seas with Nemo and Friends. The small dark ride which transports you into the pavilion is aimed towards kids, but it's pretty and the special effects with Finding Nemo characters swimming in a real tank with real fish at the end is cool. Once you exit the ride, take your time exploring the different tanks and exhibits.

5. If you're interested in a light lunch, head back to the Land pavilion for lunch at Sunshine Seasons and a relaxing and interesting cruise in the Living with the Land attraction. If you want to have lunch at a restaurant, wait and eat in the World Showcase, preferably Le Cellier if you can. Be sure to make Advance Dining Reservations if you're planning on eating at a restaurant as soon as you book your trip. Regardless, check out Living with the Land attraction at the Land. It's not the greatest attraction by any standards; but it's informative, enjoyable, and many consider it a hidden gem. Keep your eye out for the MIckey shaped veggies!

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6. Head towards Club Cool, located near at the rear of Future World. This Coca-Cola themed building has soda fountains with soda from all over the world! The best part is you can taste these samples for free as much as you want! Warning: one tastes really bad; but we won't tell you which! You can also shop some really cool Coca-Cola merchandise here!

7. Head towards World Showcase. If possible, be there when it opens at 11 o'clock. We recommend beginning in Canada and making your way around the lagoon counter clockwise.

8. At Canada, visit the shops and the waterfalls near the rear of the pavilion. The movie is okay, but not a priority.

9. At the United Kingdom, be sure to visit the shops here as well. There is some great merchandise available here. Also, stop for some fish and chips at the Yorshire County Fish Shop stand. If you would like to relax, venture near the back of this pavilion to a secluded, garden area for a break.

10. The shopping at France is also excellent. Be sure to spend some time here as well. The Eiffel Tower background also makes for a great photo op; and there are two restaurants here to take advantage of. There's also a fantastic pastry shop here, Boulangarie Patisserie, that is definitely worthy of attention!

11. Morocco is a really beautiful pavilion and definitely a cultural experience. Be sure to explore this pavilion as they are many nooks and crannies, as well as unique dining and shopping opportunities.

12. Japan offers Japanese architecture, koi ponds, and a massive shop selling great Japanese merchandise, the Mitsukoshi Department store. There's also great history to be found here, along with two places to eat!

13. The American Adventure pavilion is themed after the early days of United States' history with colonial architecture and Williamsburg influences. It's home to one of the best shows on property, the American Adventure, featuring audio-animatronic representations of famous American heroes. It's fantastic and inspiring and adults will definitely enjoy it. If you arrive early enough, you may get to see the Voices of Liberty, a talented singing group, perform before the show just inside the building. Also be on the lookout for The Spirit of America Fife and Drum Corp who play at the pavilion; and if you are eating at the Liberty Inn counter service restaurant, they may march inside and play a number before taking a break. There's also some shopping here too.

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14. Italy's pavilion offers beautiful architecture, even a gorgeous fountain and a bell tower. There are also some great places to eat here, whether you're in the mood for pasta or pizza! This is definitely a great area for a photo op.

15. Germany's pavilion makes you feel as if you stepped back in time into a fairytale. Enjoy the plaza with the clock tower that sounds every half hour and some of the best shops selling cuckoo clocks, soccer products, steins, toys, and more! Also be sure to stop at Karamelle Kuche for a sweet treat!

16. China's pavilion is stunning and peaceful. There's quite a bit to explore; and history buffs will enjoy the variety of Chinese history that's on display here. There's also two different places to eat here if you're in the mood for Chinese food. Shoppers will also enjoy the vast House of Good Fortune store. It's a great place to browse and explore.

17. Norway's pavilion is one of my favorites. Norway is home to one of the best character meals at WDW, Akershus Storybook Dining, where you can feast on tasty Norwegian fare while visiting with Belle, Aurora, Snow White, and Cinderella! Norway is also home to a ride, Maelstrom. It's a boat ride that takes you through Norway's history and mythology, along with a few thrills thrown in. Some adults may find it rough and jerky; but if you don't mind that, it's fun and a great way to cool off. Be sure to visit Norway's great shops and  the Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe for some school bread, a famous Norway treat! Also, be sure to explore the the Stave Church. It may appear closed but go ahead and try the door to see some of Norway's history!

18. Mexico's pavilion is unique in comparison to the others in that most of it is located inside of an ancient Aztec pyramid. Inside of the pyramid, there are some historic displays and an open air market that looks like you're outdoors in Mexico at sundown. There's also a restaurant next to this market that gives you a picturesque view of a smoking volcano in the distance and this pavilion's boat ride, Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros! This ride isn't the best, but it's a nice way to get off your feet.

19. When exploring World Showcase, be sure to take your time. For adults, World Showcase is the highlight of this park. Also, be sure to talk to some of the Cast Members in the World Showcase as they are actually from the countries represented here. They enjoy talking to guests about their culture; and it's a fun way to learn!

20. Once you have completed your tour around World Showcase, use your FastPass if you haven't already. It's also a great time to do a little shopping in Future World at MouseGears, a huge Disney store that's one of our favorites. Finally, be sure to ride Spaceship Earth, the attraction located inside of Epcot's giant icon! If you have already done this, and it's not time for dinner yet, take a Friendship boat from the dock between France and the United Kingdom to the Yacht and Beach Club or Boardwalk resort.

21. Now is the time to be thinking about dinner. Any restaurant in World Showcase is a good choice. Just be sure to make an ADR (advance dining reservation) before your day at Epcot. After dinner, be thinking about if you want to see Illuminations, Epcot's nightly firework display. Be sure to pick a great spot in advance. However, if you're not interested in watching and haven't visited Yacht and Beach Club or the Boardwalk yet, now is a great time as it is beautiful at night!

22. Remember that the bus stops and monorail ramps are very crowded right after Illuminations, so be prepared for this if you have tired feet. Also be aware that Future World closes early. Some guests prefer to hang around the park until after the crowds disperse as Disney transportation runs for quite awhile after the park closes.

Remember not to schedule every minute of your day at Epcot. Our Touring Plans are just guidelines to help you enjoy your day, not to cause stress. Remember to let the magic happen and enjoy your day at Epcot!

 
 
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Okay, so you and your kids have only one day to experience Epcot's best. What do you do? Check out our Touring Plan!
 
Touring Plans are loose outlines for how guests can maximize their time and Disney magic with minimum waits and hassle! Today's post will tell you how to tackle Epcot with kids if you only have one day! For more plans, check out our Touring Plans tab above.

1. Arrive before the park opens. Despite the crowd of people that may be waiting at the gate, the park won't be nearly as crowded inside as it will be around noon.

2. Immediately head towards Soarin'. It's a really popular attraction and usually has a long line, and for good reason!  Soarin' is thrilling, but not scary so if kids are tall enough they should enjoy it! If you want to ride this attraction again later, grab a FastPass while you're here.

3. Next, cut across Future World to Test Track. This is another great attraction that is also known for long lines. This attraction has a few more thrills and suprises that may frighten kids; but they are few and very brief; and most kids don't have a problem. If you haven't got any FastPasses yet, grab some here in case you want to ride it again later.

4. After Test Track, head towards the The Seas with Nemo and Friends for a kid friendly Finding Nemo attraction and a pavilion featuring a variety of exhibits and tanks displaying ocean life.

5. Next, head towards the Land pavilion (where Soarin' is) to ride Living with the Land and to have lunch at Sunshine Seasons! If you are in the mood for a heavier lunch, made an advance dining reservation and dine at Le Cellier in Canada, Les Chefs de France in France, or Akershus Storybook Dining in Norway!  Do remember that World Showcase opens later than Future World, usually at 11 o'clock.

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6. After lunch, head towards the World Showcase. Since you are on the right side of the park, we recommend you begin with Canada. Be sure to wander through the shops and explore the rockwork and waterfall behind the pavilion.

7. After Canada, continue to make your way through World Showcase, all of the countries are worth a visit so try not to skip any! Do take your time and take frequent breaks, especially with kids, because World Showcase is over a mile long! Be sure to browse the shops, grab a snack, and get some pics of characters who are often found out and about World Showcase.

8. There are several things in the World Showcase that you have to do when traveling with kids. First of all, you must visit the miniature train display in Germany; and in the United Kingdom, browse the toy store featuring famous children books and toys. Also be sure to visit the American Adventure show. It's incredible and a great way to recharge as you sit in cool A/C!

9. After your trip around World Showcase, now is a great time to use your FastPass if you haven't; and to ride Spaceship Earth, (aka the giant golf ball). This ride is educational, but it usually keeps kids attention; and they will enjoy being able to tell their friends at school they were inside Epcot's icon! You should also visit MouseGear, a huge Disney store that offers a vast variety of merchandise.

10. You also need to be thinking about dinner. If you are in the mood for something light, we recommend Sunshine Seasons if you haven't ate there already. However, if you want a table service meal, there is a wide variety of restaurants in World Showcase to satisfy every taste and preference. There is also a great character meal inside of the Land pavilion featuring Mickey and the gang. It's called the Garden Grille and it actually rotates!  Just be sure to make an ADR for all of these in advance.

10. After dinner, you need to start thinking about Illuminations, Epcot's nighttime firework display. If you want to watch it, we recommend getting a spot by the lake near the entrance to World Showcase closest to Future World. This is because a mass of people will flood into Future World and towards the gates after the show resulting in long lines for the buses/monorail. If you are staying at Yacht and Beach Club or the Boardwalk Inn, keep this same strategy in mind but position yourself near France and the United Kingdom pavilion, as this is the entrance/exit for the boats that take you back to these resorts.

11. If you're not that interested in Illuminations, or if there is still some time until the show begins, take a stroll around World Showcase at night for beautiful scenery and a whole new experience. In our opinion, Illuminations isn't as interesting for kids as Wishes is at Magic Kingdom. Therefore, if you have drowsy kids, it may be a good a idea to leave before the show for a relaxing ride back to your resort without dealing with the crowds.
As always, remember that Touring Plans are outlines, not schedules to be followed minute by minute. Make this plan work for you and your family, relax and enjoy, and have a magical day at Epcot!

 
 
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Several days ago, we started a new series showcasing touring plans for guests who only have one day to spend at a park. We previously showed you how to tackle the Magic Kingdom with kids in a day; and today we will show you how to do the same, but this time without kids. If you are traveling with teens or adults, this is the touring plan for you. Let's begin!

1. Arrive before park opening. If you want to ride Magic Kingdom's most popular attractions with minimum waits, and especially if you only have one day, arriving early is necessary.

2. Once you enter the park, head straight towards Tomorrowland  to ride Space Mountain. This attraction is notorious for long lines and is a Magic Kingdom staple, so the earlier the better. If you want to ride it again later, grab a FastPass while you're here.

3. Next, make your way towards Frontierland and jump aboard Splash Mountain. If the line is still short, go ahead and ride it again before moving on to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad next door.

4. Now make your way towards Adventureland to ride Pirates of the Caribbean and the Jungle Cruise. Also, if you're feeling up to it, explore the Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse.

5. If you're getting a little hungry, or it's time for lunch, stop at the Main Street Bakery for a quick snack or pastry or head to Casey's or the Plaza for lunch. Both of these eateries offer great food for a decent price.

6. If you picked up a FastPass for Space Mountain and haven't used it, now would be a good time. From Main Street, make your way towards Tomorrowland. Once you've used your FastPass, or if you haven't at all, go ahead and pick up FastPasses for Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin; but if the line is short, just go ahead and ride it! While this is a ride geared towards younger kids, it's a lot of fun to compete against friends and family members!

7. Next visit the Monster's Inc. Laugh Floor, it's hilarious! Skip Stitch's Great Escape (it's not that great), and then visit the Carousel  of Progress. From there, slow down a little and relax on the Tomorrowland Transit Authority.

8. Now continue to take it easy as you stroll through the park on your way to Liberty Square. As you pass through Fantasyland, feel free to ride some attractions if the lines aren't too long. The attractions here are geared towards kids; but Peter Pan's Flight and even "it's a small world" is enjoyed by all ages. If the lines are long, get a FastPass if you can. One attraction you must do here sometime during your day is Mickey's Philharmagic; but there usually isn't much of wait so it can be seen anytime.

9. As you walk from Tomorrowland to Liberty Square, be sure not to rush so you can enjoy the details. Then, once you arrive in Liberty Square, visit the Hall of Presidents, shop at their great stores (especially Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe), and maybe even take a cruise on the Liberty Belle Riverboat. You can also grab a delicious snack at Sleepy Hollow while you're here.

10. From Liberty Square, venture back into Frontierland to enjoy its shops and scenery and do the same at Adventureland. This would also be a great time for a Dole Whip! If you haven't had one already, that is.

11. Venture back into Main Street U.S.A to do some shopping and explore what this section of the park has to offer. This area is full of history and details, so be sure to pay attention! If it isn't 3 o'clock yet, find a great spot to watch the parade. If this is a priority to you, find a spot and hang out there about 45 to 30 minutes before 3 o'clock.

12. After the parade is a good time to visit any attractions that you didn't get to before or that you want to ride again! Also, if you haven't used your FastPasses, now may be a good time. If you have missed the parade, and its later in the evening, have nice dinner at Tony's or the Crystal Palace on Main Street U.S.A., or at Liberty Tree Tavern in Liberty Square. Just be sure to made advance dining reservations before you visit for one of these locations. If you are looking for a lighter or cheaper meal, visit Columbia Harbour House or Cosmic Ray's. You can also take the monorail to one of the Disney deluxe resorts for a meal.

13. After dinner, you need to start thinking about the evening parade and Wishes, the nightly fireworks display. If the parade isn't that big of a deal to you, skip it and use the time to ride some attractions. Lines are often shorter during this time period and the outdoor attractions are a whole new experience at night! However, if the parade is important to you then you need to be thinking about a good spot. You can watch the parade in Frontierland, Liberty Square, and Main Street U.S.A.

14. Even though Wishes takes place in the sky, you still need to have a good spot to fully enjoy Wishes in all of its glory. We recommend Main Street, even though its crowded. The bridge over Tomorrowland is also a great spot because Tinkerbell flies just overhead!

15. Remember that as soon as the last firework explodes, there will be a massive flood of people for the exit resulting in clogged and crowded bus stops, boat docks, and monorail ramps. Either position yourself near the exit for a quick escape or chill in the shops and grab a snack until the crowds die down. Transportation continues even after the park closes.

As we said in our previous post, these touring guides are not schedules to be strictly followed. Disney is about having fun with your family and loved ones. Strict schedules and stress doesn't make for a magical day. So use this as a guide, enjoy, and have a magical day at the Magic Kingdom!

 
 
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So you have one day to do the Magic Kingdom and you want to do as much as you can, without becoming too exhausted and still be able to enjoy the scenery. So what do you do?

Fear no more! A Glass Slipper Vacation’s Touring Plans provide with flexible schedules or outlines to maximize your time and get as much done as you can. In the next few days, we will show you how to tackle the Magic Kingdom in a day with young kids and then without.

Today, were are going to tell you how to enjoy the Magic Kingdom with young children. Ready? Here we go!

~Arrive at the Magic Kingdom before the park opens. The small, opening show is a great way to kick off a day of magic and it's exciting for the kids. You can also book an early ADR at Cinderella’s Royal Table or the Crystal Palace for two fantastic character meals, photo ops, treasured memories, and some energy before you hit the pavement.

~Head straight through Cinderella Castle and into Fantasyland to take a ride on Peter Pan’s Flight, “it’s a small world”, Dumbo, and The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh.

Tip: Disney characters are common during morning hours, so be sure to take time out to visit with them and snap a pic. Most likely, they won’t be there very long.

~Next, head into Frontierland to ride Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. If your kids don’t meet the height requirement or a little wary of their thrills, head into Adventureland.

~Ride Pirates of the Caribbean, Jungle Cruise, and, if the line is short, the Magic Carpets of Aladdin.

~If you’re getting hungry or in need of a break, head to Liberty Square for a light but delicious lunch at Columbia Harbour House. However, if you’re still full from breakfast, cut across the hub and make your way towards Tomorrowland to pick up a FastPass for Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin; but if the line is short, go ahead and ride it!

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Tip: During your lunch, regardless what time you eat, relax! You have already accomplished some of the Magic Kingdom’s top priorities. Also, when traveling with kids, rest is key to a good day both for your children and you.

~Take some time to explore Main Street U.S.A. and do a little shopping. If it’s around 2 o’clock, go ahead and pick a spot on the curb to watch the parade. This is a great time to grab a snack or dessert to enjoy due to the close proximity of the Main Street Bakery and Confectionary. IIf your kids in a stroller, it's also a great opportunity for them to catch a few winks.

Tip: If you can, pick a spot that’s in front of an open shop door to catch some cool relief from the heat.

~After the parade, head back into Tomorrowland to experience Monster’s Inc. Laugh Floor, the Carousel of Progress, and the Tomorrowland Transit Authority.

~Now it’s time to slow down and relax on some of the Magic Kingdom’s more leisurely attractions. From Tomorrowland, venture back into Fantasyland to see Mickey’s Philharmagic. Afterwards, spend some time in Liberty Square and take in the Hall of Presidents before moving back into Adventureland to see the Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse.

~Time to eat! If you are looking to eat at a restaurant, you are going to need an ADR so plan this schedule around your reservation time. However, if you are looking for a counter service meal, you will be more flexible.

Tip: For table service restaurants, we recommend Tony’s on Main Street U.S.A. or Liberty Tree Tavern in Liberty Square. For counter service locations, give Casey’s or Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café in Tomorrowland a try.

~After dinner, you need to be thinking about the parade and fireworks. For first time guests, Main Street makes nighttime displays all the more magical; but if that doesn’t work out, you can catch the parade in Liberty Square or the fireworks at the bridge that leads from the hub into Tomorrowland. After the parade, you can either stay put or find a better place to watch the fireworks and then wait. This is a great time for little guests to rest their tired feet and nap.

Tip: We recommend viewing the fireworks from Main Street, near the exit. The view is that like from a postcard and you have close access to the exit. As soon as the fireworks are over, a mass of people will flood towards the exit and clog the lines for the buses and monorail for quite some time, making it a late night if you have tired youngsters.

Remember, a minute by minute schedule is not the way to do the Magic Kingdom. A plan is necessary, especially if you have only one day; however, treat this as an outline because part of the magic of Disney is enjoying the details and the little magical moments with your family!