What is the best way to spend a day at Magic Kingdom?
Arrive before opening, ride your top picks first, take a midday break and stay for the evening. In 2026 the top picks include the returned Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and the updated Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin.
Reporting says Magic Kingdom is again the best park for Lightning Lane, with 18 Lightning Lane attractions and about a dozen worth considering.
What changed
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad reopened May 3, 2026. Its height requirement dropped from 40 to 38 inches.
- Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin reopened with new vehicles, blasters and scoring.
What is closed
The Walt Disney World Railroad runs a shorter route between Main Street, U.S.A. and Fantasyland and skips Frontierland while the park expands. Tiana's Bayou Adventure closes for refurbishment November 2 and is expected back in December 2026, and Carousel of Progress is closed until late spring 2027. See the closures guide.
Plan the day
- Arrive early. See the rope drop strategy.
- Ride your top three first.
- Take a midday break.
- Stay for evening shows and shorter lines.
During the holidays, check the Christmas guide for party nights.
Check Disney's own pages
- Magic Kingdom Park
- Walt Disney World: Tiana's Bayou Adventure
- Walt Disney World: Walt Disney World Railroad
Disney prices, policies and availability change, so check Disney's own pages before you book.
