- Mar 13, 2024
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There’s no denying that the Magic is Disney World’s most iconic park. After all, the Magic Kingdom WAS Walt Disney World when the resort first opened in 1971. Therefore, it can be tempting to plan hit the Magic Kingdom FIRST THING when you arrive at the “Most Magical Place on Earth.”
Mickey!
However, we’d argue that you should resist the temptation to go to the Magic Kingdom first, as we’ve got a BETTER plan.
Okay, so here’s what you want to do: go to Animal Kingdom on your first full park day. Now, hear us out. We KNOW you’re going to want to see Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom and get those magic feelings when you take that first step onto Main Street, U.S.A. BUT we think going to Animal Kingdom FIRST is way better.
Animal Kingdom
First, if you’re traveling with kids who’ve never been to Disney World before, starting in Magic Kingdom can be SUPER overwhelming — seriously, it is a LOT. There is SO much to see and do: tons of rides, loads of characters, and a lot of moments that can result in full-on sensory overload for kids and adults alike.
Magic Kingdom can be overwhelming
However, Animal Kingdom has a whole other vibe. This is the most CHILL park of all four of Disney World’s parks. Plus, there are things to see and do that won’t overload your senses. There are rides, of course, but there are also walking trails to see animals that are downright peaceful and not full of lights, sounds, and smells just EVERYWHERE like in the other parks.
Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail
Sure, there aren’t a lot of rides in Animal Kingdom, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t things to do. In addition to the walking trails, there’s the underrated Affection Section at Rafiki’s Planet Watch, where you can pet some of the animals that call Animal Kingdom home. There’s even a drawing class in this part of the park where you can learn to draw a Disney character. Like we said, CHILL. It’s a great way to ease you and your kids into the whole Disney World thing.
Affection Section
This easy pace is the perfect way to start your Disney World trip. Honestly, we prefer to save Magic Kingdom for our last day because by then, we’re ready to tackle Disney World’s most overwhelming park, plus it’s a great way to end the magic on a high note (especially if you stick around for the Happily Ever After fireworks).
Happily Ever After fireworks in Magic Kingdom
Are we biased when we tell you to start your Disney World vacation in Animal Kingdom? Probably. It IS AJ’s favorite park, and well, a lot of us on the Magical Guides team are inclined to agree. So when you visit Disney World, consider making Animal Kingdom your first day, and you can thank us later. Stay tuned to Magical Guides for more.
Which park do you usually start your Disney World vacation in? Let us know in the comments!
Mickey!
However, we’d argue that you should resist the temptation to go to the Magic Kingdom first, as we’ve got a BETTER plan.
Okay, so here’s what you want to do: go to Animal Kingdom on your first full park day. Now, hear us out. We KNOW you’re going to want to see Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom and get those magic feelings when you take that first step onto Main Street, U.S.A. BUT we think going to Animal Kingdom FIRST is way better.
Animal Kingdom
First, if you’re traveling with kids who’ve never been to Disney World before, starting in Magic Kingdom can be SUPER overwhelming — seriously, it is a LOT. There is SO much to see and do: tons of rides, loads of characters, and a lot of moments that can result in full-on sensory overload for kids and adults alike.
Magic Kingdom can be overwhelming
However, Animal Kingdom has a whole other vibe. This is the most CHILL park of all four of Disney World’s parks. Plus, there are things to see and do that won’t overload your senses. There are rides, of course, but there are also walking trails to see animals that are downright peaceful and not full of lights, sounds, and smells just EVERYWHERE like in the other parks.
Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail
Sure, there aren’t a lot of rides in Animal Kingdom, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t things to do. In addition to the walking trails, there’s the underrated Affection Section at Rafiki’s Planet Watch, where you can pet some of the animals that call Animal Kingdom home. There’s even a drawing class in this part of the park where you can learn to draw a Disney character. Like we said, CHILL. It’s a great way to ease you and your kids into the whole Disney World thing.
Affection Section
This easy pace is the perfect way to start your Disney World trip. Honestly, we prefer to save Magic Kingdom for our last day because by then, we’re ready to tackle Disney World’s most overwhelming park, plus it’s a great way to end the magic on a high note (especially if you stick around for the Happily Ever After fireworks).
Happily Ever After fireworks in Magic Kingdom
Are we biased when we tell you to start your Disney World vacation in Animal Kingdom? Probably. It IS AJ’s favorite park, and well, a lot of us on the Magical Guides team are inclined to agree. So when you visit Disney World, consider making Animal Kingdom your first day, and you can thank us later. Stay tuned to Magical Guides for more.
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Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
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Which park do you usually start your Disney World vacation in? Let us know in the comments!
