Magic Kingdom Guide: How to Re-experience Walt Disney World

Want to know how to re-experience Walt Disney World? This Magic Kingdom Guide will help you prepare for your Walt Disney World trip and optimize your experience in Disney’s flagship theme park.

This post may contain affiliate links. We may receive a commission if you click and purchase something. Please see our disclosure policy for more details.

Walt Disney World is not like we remember. In the current pandemic era, Disney has made a lot of changes in order to get permission to re-open its gates this summer. There’s no telling if the parks will remain open as they are, but if you are planning an upcoming trip, you’ll need to prepare to experience the parks in a whole new way. This Magic Kingdom Guide will help you prepare for your Walt Disney World trip and optimize your experience in Disney’s flagship theme park.

Getting In

The first hurdle you’ll have to get over on your Magic Kingdom day in Disney World is getting past security. Usually, this is just a minor inconvenience but new policies seriously threaten your ability to enter. Make sure you have the appropriate attire and you are following the rules. In addition to previous policy guidelines, you must have an approved face covering and nobody in your party can have a temperature above 100.4 degrees.

In addition to the temperature check at security you need the right reservation to get into the park. Undated tickets require registration through Park Pass to ensure entry into the park. This is an added measure to maintain the capacity limits that keep the Magic Kingdom open.

Using the My Disney Experience App

The My Disney Experience app is free to download and it’s an absolute necessity. Not only do you get real-time info about the Magic Kingdom and an interactive park map, but you can also get navigational help and manage mobile check-ins and food orders. When you check in for a dining reservation, use the app and you will be texted by the host when your table is ready, or use mobile order at quick-service restaurants to save time and reduce contact.

Magic Kingdome Guide: Before You Go

Planning your Disney World trip is not like it used to be. The window for dining reservations starts only 60 days out from your arrival. You must have both a park ticket and a Park Pass reservation in order to make a dining reservation. Also, note that Fastpass is no longer an option. It’s a good idea to study your My Disney Experience Magic Kingdom Map to see the hourly trends in wait times. Stay up to date on what offerings are available as well as they are subject to change. Remember that currently, there are no Character meet-and-greets, no fireworks, and no parades.

Rules to Remember

Disney focused on three things when reopening the Magic Kingdom. Cast Members enforce social distancing and ground markers help indicate how to wait in attraction queues. Masks are required and temperature checks keep guests with fevers outside of the parks. In addition, Disney stepped up sanitation measures and updated various guest interactions to be contactless when possible. When at the Magic Kingdom, be sure to read all signage and comply with policy guidelines to ensure your safety.

Be prepared for some serious changes that may cut down on some of the magic. Disney dismantled interactive queues and built plastic barriers in necessary locations, including some vehicles like the Jungle Cruise boats. The Stretching Room in the Haunted Mansion no longer stretches and similar alterations appear all over the park.

Overall navigating the park is very easy to do. You will have the best experience just by making the right preparations before you arrive. What do you look forward to most in the Magic Kingdom on your next visit? Will you be returning to Disney World anytime between now and 2021?