by Kenneth Black

Created on: August 28, 2008   Last Updated: January 31, 2010

The Magic Kingdom is the gold standard in the theme park world. Every year, it repeatedly takes home the prize as the most visited theme park ever built, and the competition isn't even close.

In fact, some years, the stiffest competition is its sister parks. Yeah, of course there is room for improvement, but changes must be carefully planned and focus group tested. You don't normally mess with the best in the industry unless you are sure you will gain an even greater hold on your competition.

Seven different lands comprise the Magic Kingdom: Main Street, USA., Adventureland, Frontierland, Liberty Square, Fantasyland, Mickey's Toon Town, and Tomorrowland. Each one carves its own unique niche in the place where dreams come true (as Disney's marketing campaign so aptly states).

Enjoying your visit to the Magic Kingdom depends on a variety of factors. First, a good imagination is a must. Next, it is recommended you suspend your sense of "reality." A keen eyes may be able to spot a number of the techniques used to create the visual and auditory feast presented for your amusement. (Countless others are not as easy to discover). Third, looking a things through the eyes of a child will mean both you and your kids will have a much more magical experience.

That notwithstanding, there a variety of strategies you can employ to beat the crowds, or at least deal with them.

Crowd Strategies
Your strategy for how you get through your day at the Magic Kingdom (preferably with your sanity intact) depends on a number of things. Are you staying on the property? How many kids do you have and how old are they? What about your level of fitness and ability to handle the heat (especially in the summer)? What will the crowd levels be for the time of year you are going? These, and various others, all have an impact on your trip.

Understanding these key elements can be the difference between walking on some rides and waiting an hour or longer.

Typically, the best advice is to be at the gate as soon as it opens (usually 9 a.m.). In fact, getting there before it opens is recommended. An opening show is often held on the platform of the train station. This can be one of the final opportunities to make sure you have your plan in place and that your group is all on the same page.

If traveling with children preschool age to early grade school, you're best bet is to head directly to Fantasyland, located just behind Cinderella's Castle. With a little good fortune (Disney would call it magic),

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