Disney Magic Kingdom Tips

Understand that off-season trips come with an upside and a downside. While hotel rates are cheaper and the lines are shorter inside the parks, off-peak season is also when Disney decides to take some popular rides off-line for maintenance. In addition, the parks close earlier and events like parades and even the fireworks shows may not be held.

Plan ahead if you want to sneak in some golf while the family heads for the Magic Kingdom. The best days to get a tee time are Monday through Wednesday between the departure and arrival of the weekend crowds. Afternoon tee times are easiest to get because the heat is worse later in the afternoon.

Avoid certain rides even if you have kids. Stitch's Great Escape can be too scary for very young children while at the same time being too boring for everybody else. Forget about Indy Speedway in Tomorrowland as well. The Jungle Cruise can't compete with the Animal Kingdom, so if you have plans to visit the Animal Kingdom as well, avoid the Jungle Cruise. Skipping the lines at these rides will give you a better chance to fit in the really good rides.

Pick a spot in Frontierland or Liberty Square for watching the Magic Kingdom parades. Throngs gather on Main Street, so you can usually snag a top spot in Liberty Square and get an excellent view of the entire parade.

You will be admitted into the Magic Kingdom's Main Street, U.S.A. a full half-hour before the opening of other sections of the park, such as Fantasyland and Tomorrowland. Decide which section of the park has the attractions you most want to ride without waiting in line and get a head start. There will be a rope holding guests back. If you want to get at least one ride on Space Mountain without waiting in line, be at the bridge to Tomorrowland and wait there until the rope drops to give you access.