How To Spend Your Downtime At Magic Kingdom

Days at Magic Kingdom can become quite busy when you spend your time running from attraction to attraction and catching Lightning Lane reservations. While it is important to many guests to fill up their itinerary in order to make the most of their Disney day, even the busiest of guests might find themselves with some occasional downtime. If you find yourself with some time to spare in between experiences then consider these ideas on how to spend your downtime at Magic Kingdom.

Catch a Show, Parade, or Cavalcade

Magic Kingdom is a park that is known for its entertainment. If you find yourself with some downtime then chances are good that you will be able to catch Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire, a stage show at Cinderella Castle featuring several characters that runs periodically throughout the morning and through to late afternoon. This musical spectacular is a great way to see all of your favorite characters in their element on stage.

If you find yourself needing time to fill around noon or 3pm then line up for the Festival of Fantasy Parade. This parade of Disney magic occurs daily at noon and 3pm. Guests begin lining up about 30 minutes to an hour beforehand, but you can almost always snag a last-minute viewing spot somewhere along the route!

Magic Kingdom will occasionally have unscheduled character parades called cavalcades in which random characters will appear on floats and parade down Main Street. If you hang out on Main Street long enough you never know who you might see.

Spend Time Shopping

Magic Kingdom is home to some great stores, and what better way to spend your downtime than shopping it away! The Emporium is one of Magic Kingdom’s standout stores and is located on Main Street. This store has everything you need for yourself and anyone back home. Another unique store within Magic Kingdom is Memento Mori, located in Liberty Square near Haunted Mansion. This store contains exclusive Haunted Mansion merchandise that you can’t find anywhere else.

Explore The Little Details

Magic Kingdom is a park that is rich in detail. When you take some time to appreciate the little moments you will truly feel the Disney magic that so many love. Some of my favorite details in the park include the Cinderella Wishing Well which is located on the pathway behind the castle closest to Tomorrowland. This wishing well features a beautiful sculptures of birds and references to the classic Disney film. Coins that are tossed in this well are donated to children’s charities.

Another detail that so many enjoy is the Sword in the Stone located near Prince Charming Regal Carousel. This is not only a great photo opportunity but also an opportunity to pull the sword from the stone if you are lucky enough.

The pianist that performs at Casey’s Corner is another great detail to see during your visit. These performances take place periodically throughout the day and the pianist plays familiar Disney tunes in a ragtime fashion.

Grab a Coffee or a Snack

Downtime at Magic Kingdom is the perfect time to visit Main Street Bakery. This is not only a full service Starbucks but also a full-service bakery selling delicious treats that are exclusive to Magic Kingdom. The menu here is everchanging so you never know what you might find.

There are so many snack opportunities throughout the parks. Whether you are looking for classic snacks like the Mickey pretzel, or unique snacks like the Cheeseburger Spring Rolls, you definitely won’t regret spending your downtime by eating!

Find a Quiet Area to Relax

One of my favorite ways to spend my Magic Kingdom downtime is by finding a quiet spot to relax and enjoy the ambiance of the parks. Some of my favorite spots for relaxing are the Castle Hub Grass, the rocking chairs in Liberty Square, Main Street Train station, and Tom Sawyer Island.

What do you do with your downtime at Magic Kingdom? Let us know in the comments below!

Featured Photo: Megan Woodard