Category — i. Itineraries for Walt Disney World

(Note: this is from the Disney World Genie+ Itinerary.)

SUGGESTED APPROACH TO DISNEY’S ANIMAL KINGDOM

Disney’s Animal Kingdom combines the all-ages appeal of the Magic Kingdom with the repayment to intellectual curiosity that once was a key value of Epcot.

Its rides and shows appeal to almost everyone, but the park best showcases itself to those who also bring an interest in animals—real, imagined, and/or blue–and to those who can linger in and explore its themed environments and animal displays.

The best attractions at Disney’s Animal Kingdom are Flight of Passage in Pandora, Kilimanjaro Safaris in Africa, Expedition Everest in Asia, and DINOSAUR in Dinoland USA. In the next group are Festival of the Lion King in Africa, in Dinoland Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond and, on especially hot days, Kali River Rapids in Asia.

All of these rides are accessible via Disney’s new paid systems, “Individual Lightning Lane” (currently Flight of Passage) or Genie+ (the rest). Among the other rides available in Genie+, most notable is Na’vi River Journey—a more minor ride, but one whose lines can quickly build due to its location close to the wildly-popular Flight of Passage.

A smaller group of these rides is available to those eligible for Early Entry. Not on the Early Entry list are Kilimanjaro, Kali, Lion King, and Nemo.

Given current guest preferences and wait patterns, the most time-efficient way to visit Disney’s Animal Kingdom is to see Flight of Passage via Individual Lightning Lane, Na’vi River Journey during Early Entry, and to use Genie+ for a few other rides, with your highest priorities for Genie+ being Kilimanjaro Safaris, Expedition Everest, Festival of the Lion King, and Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond.

While you can successfully do all of Disney’s Animal Kingdom in one long day, a more relaxing (and forgiving) approach divides it over two days. In my suggested itinerary, with one exception you see the three central and eastern lands—Discovery Island, Asia, and Dinoland USA–on Day One, and the western lands Pandora and Africa on Day Two. The exception is Flight of Passage in Pandora, which I have you seeing via Individual Lightning Lane on Day One—because as sequenced, Day One has much more flexibility for fitting Flight of Passage into the flow of your visit, and if you really wish to, Day Two is designed so you can visit Flight of Passage again via Early Entry or Individual Lightning Lane.

DISNEY’S ANIMAL KINGDOM DAY 1: TUESDAY AGENDA

Your visit to Disney’s Animal Kingdom begins today. After you have done the logistics tasks in the early morning, the rest of your morning is free to sleep in and goof off, after which you will go to the park and see its Discovery Island, Dinoland USA, and Asia sections, interrupted by a trek to Pandora to see Flight of Passage.

LOGISTICS

• At 7a, book a time via Individual Lightning Lane for Flight of Passage. Aim for your window to begin 5p or later, and no earlier than noon.
• Today you do not need to use either Genie+ or Early Entry.

AT THE PARK

Arrive at the tapstiles at Disney’s Animal Kingdom by noon. Your plan today is to see all the attractions in the center and on the east side of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and in addition Flight of Passage in Pandora via Individual Lightning Lane. You will complete your visit to Disney’s Animal Kingdom on another day.

Today’s itinerary has a fixed beginning and end, but is otherwise not much structured, as much will depend on both the timing of your Flight of Passage window, and also how well the times of the shows you will be seeing line up against your general progress.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is generally open until either 7p or 8p. Regardless, an arrival at the turnstiles of around noon will set you up for a relaxing day, with plenty of time to both see the attractions and explore the various trails.

You wish to see this afternoon and evening several shows that operate at fixed times, and also another seasonal minor show that, if available,  does not begin until after sunset. For the schedule for each, before your trip click the links below, or see your My Disney Experience app. Note when they show, and the last shows for each.

• Feathered Friends in Flight (typically 30 minutes after the hour from mid-morning until mid-afternoon)
• Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond (scheduled Nemo showtimes most days are 11a, 12 noon, 1p, and   2.30p, with later afternoon shows some days)
• Tree of Life Awakenings (seasonal; if showing, typically begins about half an hour after sunset)

(At the links, click the calendar icon to get to your date, and then click “View All Times.”)

Fit these shows and Flight of Passage into the general steps below

• Begin your visit by wandering in through the Oasis, checking out anything that interest you.
• Make your way to the Tree of Life, and see It’s Tough to be a Bug.
• Sample the nature trails around the Tree of Life, and view as many as you wish.
• Have lunch at Flame Tree Barbecue
• Move to Dinoland USA and see DINOSAUR
• Ride Triceratops Spin
• (You are near Nemo, so double check the next show for Nemo.)
• Make your way to Asia
• Double check the time for Feathered Friends in Flight, which you are now near, and fit it in with the below
• See the Maharajah Express Jungle Trail
• Ride Kali River Rapids
• If wait times are low, ride Expedition Everest.
• If you’ve seen all the shows, consider dinner. In Asia, Yak & Yeti Local Food Cafes is a good choice. If it’s time for you to start making your way to Pandora, Harambe Market in Africa and Satu’li Canteen in Pandora are also popular options.
• Explore Pandora
• Ride Flight of Passage using your Individual Lightning Lane
• If you still have plenty of time before sunset, and the wait time is comparable with the time until sunset, get in line for and see Na’vi River Journey. Na’vi River Journey is on your itinerary for your second day at Animal Kingdom, but seeing it now will simplify that day.
• Return to the Tree of Life and see Tree of Life Awakenings
• If you did not see it earlier, or if you did and you wish to re-ride, see Expedition Everest (you can enter the line up until a minute or two before the posted park close).

PREVIEW OF TOMORROW

You will sleep in, and then spend the first of two days at Magic Kingdom.

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(Note: this is from the Disney World Genie+ Itinerary.)

SUGGESTED APPROACH TO MAGIC KINGDOM

Magic Kingdom is the quintessential Disney theme park, and the heart of Walt Disney World.

Inspired by the original Disneyland, it presents iconic attractions ranging from Dumbo to Space Mountain. Loved by all ages, it is especially popular with younger guests.

My pre-COVID itineraries included dining on Magic Kingdom days at four table service venues—two in Magic Kingdom and two in nearby resorts: Chef Mickeys at the Contemporary, Cinderella’s Royal Table and Crystal Palace in the park, and Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue at Fort Wilderness. As a result of all this table service time, and the fixed points they added to schedules, my itineraries for Magic Kingdom pre-COVID included three comfortable days.

Given limitations coming out of COVID, I don’t particularly recommend any table service reservations on park days. Thus, for those tall and mature enough to enjoy everything in the park, and willing and able to use Genie+ and Early Entry, all its best can be seen in two days. If you choose to add back in some of this dining, you may wish to add the third day back. Thursday is open for such an addition (if you target in-park dining, you will also need another ticket day, and a park reservation for Thursday).

Magic Kingdom has both more attractions and a wider range of attractions than any other Disney World theme park. For first time visitors with kids old enough to enjoy everything, favorites will almost certainly include many of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, evening fireworks show (Disney Enchantment until April 2, Happily Ever After thereafter), Enchanted Tales with Belle (when it re-opens February 19), the afternoon Festival of Fantasy parade, the Haunted Mansion, Jungle Cruise, Peter Pan’s Flight, Pirates of the Caribbean, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, and, when it opens April 4, 2023, TRON Lightcycle Run.

All of these rides that are currently open except for the evening fireworks show are accessible via Disney’s new paid systems, “Individual Lightning Lane” (currently Seven Dwarfs Mine Train) or Genie+ (the rest). Among the dozen or so rides not on the list above but also available in Genie+, most notable for kids old enough to enjoy everything are Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, “it’s a small world,” Mickey’s PhilharMagic, and The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh.

Magic Kingdom does Early Entry differently than any other Disney World park. First, only two of its lands are open for Early Entry—Tomorrowland and Fantasyland. Second, almost every ride in these lands is open during Early Entry—in Fantasyland only character meets are not available, and in Tomorrowland only Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor is not open. Since Fantasyland has many very short duration rides just a short walk apart, you can knock off several rides there during Early Entry, so long as you avoid Seven Dwarfs.

Given current guest preferences and wait patterns, until Ton opens the most time-efficient way to visit Magic Kingdom is to see Seven Dwarfs Mine Train via Individual Lightning Lane, and Peter Pan, Winnie the Pooh, and Space Mountain during or right after Early Entry. Then use Genie+ for a few other rides, with your highest priorities for Genie+ being first Jungle Cruise, and then the other more popular rides outside of the Early Entry lands—Big Thunder Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Haunted Mansion. Genie+ can also save you time at Magic Kingdom on other rides, so long as you pick nearby enough rides that you don’t dissipate the wait saving by extra walking. It can also save time at the Festival of Fantasy parade for those looking for a great viewing spot, as it will permit a good viewing spot without needing to line up along the parade route so early.

Because seeing everything takes two days, and because of the value that comes from avoiding extra walking, it’s best to mostly divide the lands at Magic Kingdom over your two days. In my itinerary, Day 1 is largely focused on an afternoon and evening visit to Adventureland and Frontierland, capped off with the evening fireworks. Day 2 is largely focused on Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, and Liberty Square, and begins with Early Entry.

MAGIC KINGDOM DAY 1: WEDNESDAY AGENDA

Your visit to Magic Kingdom begins today. Your morning includes logistics tasks but is otherwise free. At the park you will see the attractions in Adventureland and most of those in Frontierland, with a side trip to Fantasyland to see Seven Dwarfs Mine Train via Individual Lightning Lane. Your last scheduled event is the evening fireworks show, Disney Enchantment until April 2, and Happily Ever After beginning April 3. If you are eligible for Extended Evening Hours, you may wish to stay for these as well.

LOGISTICS

Before 7a, buy Genie+.

Right at 7a, start looking at Genie+ return times for Jungle Cruise, aiming for a return time noon or later. Most days they will be later than noon as soon as you look, and if so, book immediately. Otherwise, book Seven Dwarfs (see below) then check back on Genie+ for Jungle Cruise every few minutes and as soon as return times cross noon, book Jungle Cruise.

Book Seven Dwarfs Mine Train via Individual Lightning Lane for a window of around 2-3p or 3.30-4.30p.

Exactly two hours after official park open (official park open will most likely be 9a or 8a, so two hours after will be 11a or 10a) check the Genie+ return times for each of Pirates of the Caribbean, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and Haunted Mansion. Book whichever of these has the latest return time. (You pick the latest as this is the ride most likely to sell out of Genie+ availability by the time you get to pick your next one.)

Today you do not need to use Early Entry. If you are eligible for Extended Evening Hours, you may wish to stay for these as well.

AT THE PARK

Eat an early lunch in your hotel, and arrive at the tapstiles at Magic Kingdom by noon. Your plan today is to see almost all the attractions in the west side of Magic Kingdom (Tom Sawyer Island is the exception, reserved for Day 2), and in addition Seven Dwarfs Mine Train in Fantasyland via Individual Lightning Lane. You will complete your visit to Magic Kingdom on another day.

Today’s itinerary has a fixed beginning and end, but is otherwise not much structured, as much will depend on both the timing of your Individual Lightning Lane and Genie+ windows. You should enter the park with ILL for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, and Genie+ for Jungle Cruise and one other ride. As the day wends on, book Genie+ for whatever is available that you have not already booked among Pirates of the Caribbean, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and Haunted Mansion.

You can book your next Genie+ whenever the first of these two events happens: two hours have passed since you booked your last one, or you have fully tapped in to a ride via Genie+.

In Adventureland, your goal is to see the following:

• Jungle Cruise
• The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
• Pirates of the Caribbean*
• Enchanted Tiki Room
• Swiss Family Treehouse

In Frontierland, your goal is to see

• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad*
• Country Bears Jamboree

In Liberty Square, your goal is to see

• Haunted Mansion*

Among these, fit in your ILL for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

You should enter the park with Genie+ for Jungle Cruise, and with another Genie+ for one of the three asterisked rides. As soon as you are eligible, add Genie+ for the other two asterisked rides.

Most will end their day with the evening Fireworks show (Disney Enchantment through April 2, Happily Ever After beginning April 3), best seen from the half of Main Street that’s closer to the Castle.

If you are eligible for Extended Evening Hours, you may wish to stay for these as well. Revisit your favorite rides from today, or the rides in other lands.

PREVIEW OF TOMORROW

You have the day off.

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(Note: this is from the Disney World Genie+ Itinerary.)

MAGIC KINGDOM DAY 2: FRIDAY AGENDA

(For the general approach to Magic Kingdom, see the beginning of Magic Kingdom Day 1.)

Your complete your visit to Magic Kingdom today. You don’t need Individual Lightning Lane today unless you wish to re-ride Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, but will be using both Genie+ and Early Entry. Your goal today is to see the attractions in Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, and Liberty Square, to see the afternoon parade Festival of Fantasy, and to complete your visit to Frontierland by seeing Tom Sawyer Island.

Your key Genie+ priorities today are Space Mountain, Haunted Mansion (unless you were able to see it on your first day at Magic Kingdom) and the Festival of Fantasy parade, where Genie will give you a better view with probably less time parked in your spot. Other Genie+ bookings over the course of your day may well save you time so long as they are within a reasonable walk, so look for nearby Genie+ availability as you become eligible for them.

LOGISTICS

Before 7a, buy Genie+.

At 7a, book Space Mountain via Genie+.

AT THE PARK

Be at the tapstiles by at least thirty minutes before Early Entry begins.

Enter the park, make your way to Peter Pan’s Flight, and ride.

Go to The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh and ride it.

Make your way swiftly into Tomorrowland and check the standby wait for Space Mountain. If things have gone smoothly so far, this wait should be short. If waits are short, ride it, and afterwards, if it is Genie+, decide whether to keep your Genie+ or cancel it and replace it with another ride. If you do replace it, your priority is Haunted Mansion—or Festival of Fantasy, if you saw Haunted Mansion on Day 1.

In Tomorrowland see in this order Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, Astro Orbiter, Tomorrowland Speedway, Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor, Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover, and Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress.

You should be close to eligibility for more Genie+ eligibility now or during the above. When you are eligible, prioritize Haunted Mansion or Festival of Fantasy on the conditions noted above.

In Fantasyland, see Mad Tea Party, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, The Barnstormer, Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid, Enchanted Tales with Belle (re-opens February 19), Prince Charming Regal Carrousel, Mickey’s PhilharMagic, and “it’s a small world.”

Doing them in roughly this order will minimize walking, but lunch, your Genie+ at Haunted Mansion, and possibly other Genie+ may re-route you.

What happens next depends on what time it is, when the afternoon parade is scheduled on your visit (this itinerary assumes a 3p parade is showing), and when the last boats go to Tom Sawyer Island.

By this point you should be into early or mid-afternoon. If it’s mid-afternoon, if you do not have Genie+ for Festival of Fantasy, grab a viewing area near the part of the parade route in Frontierland by half an hour before the parade is scheduled to begin. If you do have Genie+, arrive in the Genie+ viewing area a few minutes before the parade is scheduled to begin. Then do Tom Sawyer Island, and see the attractions in Liberty Square (see next para) after that.

If it is earlier in the afternoon, fit Festival of Fantasy in around some of the Liberty Square attractions Hall of Presidents, Haunted Mansion (via Genie+, unless you saw it on Day 1) and The Liberty Square Riverboat. Note that both the Hall of Presidents and the Liberty Square Riverboat begin on the hour and the half hour. Be sure to leave time for Tom Sawyer Island—you can see the Hall and/or the Riverboat after Tom Sawyer Island.

And you are almost done! The one remaining attraction is the Walt Disney World Railroad. Board it from either the Frontierland or Main Street Station (whichever is closer) and ride it to the Main Street station, circling most or all of the park.

PREVIEW OF TOMORROW

You will complete your visit to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, with an early start.

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(Note: this is from the Disney World Genie+ Itinerary.)

DISNEY’S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS DAY 2: SECOND SATURDAY AGENDA

(For the general approach to Hollywood Studios, see the beginning of Hollywood Studios Day 1.)

You complete your visit to Disney’s Hollywood Studios today. Your day is shaped into two parts, with an early morning visit to see some key rides, a break for napping or swimming back at the hotel, then a return to the Studios to knock off some Genie+ and any ILL rides that have later returns, plus any shows you have missed.

Do the logistics tasks in the early morning, and head to the Studios for Early Entry.

You may have to do the 7a chores while on your way to the park. Almost everyone present at Early Entry will be targeting Rise of the Resistance—you will have seen it on Day 1 via ILL, so will be targeting Slinky Dog Dash and Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway instead. After that, you will complete the other rides in Toy Story Land and see other rides nearby in this section of the park.

Your morning will end with a show or two, depending on what is available early— Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular Show, with its first show commonly at 10.45a, and For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration, with its first time commonly at 9.30 or 10.30a, would each be good choices. Seeing both (Indy at 10.45, Frozen at 11.30) will make your afternoon/evening return simpler, but will require both luck and some fast walking, so is unlikely.

LOGISTICS

Before 7a, buy Genie+.

At 7a, if you wish to see it again, or if the ride broke on Day 1, book a time via Individual Lightning Lane for Rise of the Resistance. If you are lucky, take a morning booking; otherwise take a late afternoon booking. You may have little in the way of choices…

On Genie+, check the return times for Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run and, if you missed either on Day 1 or want to re-ride, Tower of Terror and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster (the Coaster will be closed for refurb from February 20 to the “summer” of 2023). Most who are not Star Wars fans would prioritize one of the Sunset Boulevard attractions, but major Star Wars fans simply must do the Millennium Falcon ride, and it becomes the highest priority for them.

Two hours after official general public park open—that is at 10.30a for an 8.30a park open most days–come back to Genie+. Most days you will be able to book at least one other high priority ride (Millennium, Tower, or Rock ‘n’ Roller) for later afternoon or early evening.

Today, Early Entry is fundamental to your strategy.

AT THE PARK

Arrive at the tapstiles at Disney’s Hollywood Studios no later than 45 minutes before Early Entry begins (for example, if the general public opening is 8.30a, this will mean a 7.15a arrival for an 8a Early Entry).

When you are let in for Early Entry, immediately head to Slinky Dog Dash in Toy Story Land and ride it.

Then walk back to Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway and ride it.

Then backtrack and see the other attractions in Toy Story Land—Toy Story Mania, and if it looks fun, Alien Swirling Saucers.

One of two entrances to Galaxy’s Edge is by Alien Swirling Saucers. Walk through Galaxy’s Edge and at its other exit turn right and see Muppet Vision 3D.

Next see Star Tours.

If the timing is right, see the 10.45a showing of the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular Show, and then—if you can move quickly enough, and have some luck—the 11.30 showing of For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration.

The schedules for each are at the links:

• Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular Show
• First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration

If you have managed to see these last two attractions, and if you have no later Genie+ or ILL bookings, then see Walt Disney Presents, and your day is done.

Otherwise, take a break and return to the park later in the day to see the shows, Walt Disney Presents, and any Genie+ or ILL you have booked. Later in the day, Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular Show typically has its latest shows at 3.15p and 4.30p, and the Frozen Sing-Along Celebration is on the half hour, with its last show at 6.30 or 7.30p.

PREVIEW OF TOMORROW

You will have an early start as you complete your visit to Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

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(Note: this is from the Disney World Genie+ Itinerary.)

DISNEY’S ANIMAL KINGDOM DAY 2: SECOND SUNDAY AGENDA

(For the general approach to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, see the beginning of Animal Kingdom Day 1.)

You complete your visit to Disney’s Animal Kingdom today. You don’t need Individual Lightning Lane today, but will be using both Genie+ and Early Entry. Your goal today is to complete your tour of Pandora, and see Africa.

LOGISTICS

Before 7a, buy Genie+.

At 7a, book Kilimanjaro Safaris via Genie+. Your return time should be around 9a.

AT THE PARK

• Be at the tapstiles by a few minutes before Early Entry begins.
• Enter the park, make your way to Navi River Journey, and ride.
• Go to Africa.
• If the park opens to the general public at 8a, see Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail, then use your Genie+ on Kilimanjaro (Gorilla Falls typically opens at 8.30a on days the park opens at 8a).
• If the park opens to the general public at 9a, use your Genie+ on Kilimanjaro, then see Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail.
• As soon as you tap in to the second point at Kilimanjaro, book Genie+ for Festival of the Lion King (or “A Celebration of Festival…). Shows typically begin on the hour with the first at 10a and the last on the late afternoon. See this for the schedule.
• Next, if your Genie+ booking for Festival of the Lion King is not for the next show, then check the line for the next show, and enter it if it looks reasonable.
• Consider fitting in a visit to Rafiki’s Animal Watch via the Wildlife Express Train (the only way to access this very minor attraction). Between waiting for and riding the train in each direction and spending half an hour at the Planet Watch, this could take more than an hour. If you have to choose between the Festival of the Lion King and Rafiki, most find Rafiki’s Animal Watch very skippable.

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DISNEY WORLD NEXT WEEK: MARCH 26 TO APRIL 3, 2022

The material below details next week’s Disney World operating hours, parades, early entry, extended evening hours, and fireworks.

OPERATING HOURS AT WALT DISNEY WORLD 3/26-4/3/22

Magic Kingdom will be open from 9a-11p every day

Epcot will be open from 8.30a through 9p 3/26 through 4/2, and 10a-9p 4/3

Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be open from 8.30a-9p every day

Disney’s Animal Kingdom will be open from  7.30a-8.30p every day

EARLY ENTRY AT WALT DISNEY WORLD 3/26-4/3/22

• Magic Kingdom: every morning
• Epcot: every morning
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios: every morning
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom: every morning

EXTENDED EVENING HOURS AT WALT DISNEY WORLD 3/26-4/3/22

• Magic Kingdom: 3/29
• Epcot: 3/28

PARADES AT WALT DISNEY WORLD 3/26-4/3/22

Magic Kingdom’s afternoon Festival of Fantasy parade will show at noon and 3p every day.

FIREWORKS AND EVENING SHOWS AT WALT DISNEY WORLD 3/26-4/3/22

• At Magic Kingdom, the Disney Enchantment evening show is scheduled at 9p every night
• At Epcot, the Epcot evening show Harmonious is scheduled at 9p every night
• At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, a minor evening show, Wonderful World of Animation, is scheduled at 9p every night. An even more minor evening show, Disney Movie Magic, shows at 8.40p every night

SHOW SCHEDULES FOR WALT DISNEY WORLD 3/26-4/3/22

See Steve Soares’ site here. Click the park names at its top for show schedules.

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