Since its inception, the “all-nighter” at Magic Kingdom and Disneyland Park has become a staple for Disney fans and a sort of Disney Milestone. On May 22nd, be prepared for more Frozen festivities when the Magic Kingdom kicks off “The Coolest Summer Ever!” How awesome is it to say that you have spent twenty-four straight hours inside the Magic Kingdom? Also, remember that an average work day is about eight hours and that seems to never end; so how exactly do you spend twenty-four straight hours with a few thousand of your closest friends? As a “twenty-four hour event” veteran, let me share ten “Frozen” tips that will get you through an “all-nighter” Disney style.
#1. Let it Go!
Something we all very often forget is to be patient with people inside the parks. I am constantly reminding myself inside the parks that I do this all the time and not everyone passed Theme Park Etiquette in School. Patience is even more important when the big day comes because it is Memorial Day weekend and the parks are extremely crowded and you have many people who are also trying to make it to the twenty-four hour mark. If you lose your cool early on then the whole day could go downhill.
#2. Do you want to build a snowman?
Just like in any race you ever ran or any test you ever taken the “slow and steady” mantra still applies. You have twenty-four hours inside the park. Do not rush to finish everything as soon as possible because one, it is possible to ride all the big rides within the first couple of hours and two, because you may become bored and your motivation could go right out the window. Don’t be afraid to build a snowman or ride your bike around the halls, you have plenty of time, pace yourself!
#3. We finish each other’s… Sandwiches!
It is generally thought that life is better with company and the all-nighter at Magic Kingdom is no exclusion. My second event, The “Rock Your Disney Side 24 Hour Event” was much more successful than my first because I brought someone who had the same end goal as me. We both wanted to see the sunrise in Magic Kingdom the next morning and having someone there with you to keep you motivated definitely helps.
#4. Some people are worth melting for… Just not this second.
I am positive that we have all seen what happens inside the parks when someone does not keep hydrated. The Florida heat can be overwhelming if you are not used to it. It is EXTREMELY important that you are drinking water consistently. Ice water is free in all the Disney Parks so take advantage of one of the few things Disney hands out at no cost. However, I realize many people are not favorable towards Florida tap water. If you fall in this category then maybe my next tip will appeal to you.
#5. I got it; I got it! …I don’t got it; I don’t got it.
This tip applies to everyone, even the people who like Florida tap water. Personally, I do not let any of my friends or family accompany me in the parks if they insist on bringing a bag. However, when you are in a theme park for an entire day my policies change. Pull out your old Jansport and fill it up! Some items you may want to bring include a reusable water bottle (For you non-Florida tap water lovers), deodorant, a toothbrush and toothpaste, extra phone chargers, a change of clothes, and even a jacket. It may seem strange to bring a toothbrush to a theme park or a jacket in the middle of May but, your breath after twenty-four hours is definitely not apart of the “Disney Magic” and a jacket can be used as a pillow or a blanket in case you need to visit the “Tommorowland Transit Authority Nap-Mover.”
#6. Be prepared for anything. And should you encounter the queen, you are to put an end to this winter. Do you understand?
Tip #6 will start off with a little anecdote, the party in 2014 brought us a certain roller coaster that will remain unnamed. I came into the park knowing that this unnamed roller coaster would be having its grand opening so I decided to head straight to this roller coaster and the rest of my party went straight to Starbucks on Main Street, USA. Little did they know that they would miss the opportunity to be on the first train to leave the mine! (Cough, cough Seven Dwarfs Mine Train). Why is this relevant you ask? I think it is important for you and your group to have a plan, I am not saying that this should be about minute-to-minute itineraries but you should head into the Magic Kingdom with an idea of what you want to accomplish. This year my goal is to do EVERYTHING in the Magic Kingdom. Every ride will be ridden, every show will be shown, every parade will be paraded, and every character will be met. This may seem ambitious but I have got twenty-four hours and every inch of Walt’s park to experience. Maybe you want to ride Splash Mountain twenty-four times in a row or catch Space Mountain with the lights on, whatever your goal may be go for it; it’s your day!
#7. I mean, sure, I’ll let you tag along.
Tip #3 was about bringing a friend with you to the party but do not be afraid to meet people while you are there. Magic Kingdom is the most magical place on earth but the park can also be the friendliest place on earth. Disney fans are some of the coolest people you will ever meet and you automatically have a huge thing in common. The best part being, you do not have to try to justify why are you are staying in the park for so long; they completely understand.
#8. …You hesitated.
The “Rock Your Disney Side 24 Hour Event” in 2014 brought us the crown jewel of New Fantasyland, The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. Certainly the Mine Train was new for all of us but there may be something you have never experienced before and this is the perfect time to broaden your horizons. I tend to consider myself “Raised at Disney World” because I have always lived close to the parks and many of my childhood memories involve Disney Parks and Resorts. That being said, there are still things I have never done in the Magic Kingdom and things I have not done in a very long time (I’m looking at you Stitch’s Great Escape!). Maybe for you it is Tom Sawyer Island or The Carousel of Progress, attractions that seem to become overlooked in a typical day at Disney but are classic to Disney and are apart of the culture that we are so fond of. Do not hesitate to visit Animatronic Abraham Lincoln or go where the birds sing words and the flowers croon because you have got time to kill and these attractions need love too! (Low wait times are also a pro.)
#9. The only one crazy enough to be out in this storm is you, dear.
Sure, six in the morning is early but that’s not the kind of early I’m talking about. In a normal Disney day you are rushing from attraction to attraction and sometimes you may snag a good spot for a parade/firework show a few minutes before it begins. Well, why don’t you snag a great spot? Pacing yourself is a huge tip and a way you can pace yourself is showing up an hour to and hour and a half early for Festival of Fantasy or WISHES and relaxing along Main Street, USA enjoying the people and the details. In this case, you have a perfect way to force yourself to relax and you have a fantastic viewing location sans a FastPass! You never know what special magic you may find when you have the time to enjoy the Kingdom!
#10. Hang in there Joan!
Twenty-four hours may seem like a long time when you think about constantly being over-stimulated or always being around other people and that’s because it is. A whole day is a long time and it is easy to become discouraged and want to retreat back to the comfort of your room at the resort but you can do this! Once WISHES is over, the vibe of the park changes; there are dance parties, character meet and greets, and everyone is out for a good time. A Magic Kingdom filled with Disney fans hopped up on Starbucks and Turkey Legs is much different than the Magic Kingdom you are used to. You can do this, I promise it will seem hard but it is well worth it, I have faith in you!
Until next time remember, there’s a great big beautiful tomorrow, just a dream away!
About the Author: Dwight describes his childhood as being “raised by Disney World” with most of his memories as a child taking place inside a Disney Park or Resort. He enjoys seeing newbies discover the Disney magic and introducing them to the parks we call home. Find him in the parks, or on Facebook and Instagram!
