How to Become Invisible in The Magic Kingdom: Making Disney World Your Secondary Apartment

It’s going to happen. You are a CP with a free self-admission pass to every Disney World park. You haven’t been to Disney since you were like … seven. And now you have unlimited access that you definitely want to take advantage of. And some days you are going to have the Disney itch to frolic and make merry in the parks, but all your roommates and friends are working. Whatever will you do to satisfy the need for pixie dust and Mickey bars without looking like the loser who awkwardly has to tell every attractions cast member that you are a party of one??

Welcome to the quick and simple guide of how to become invisible in the Magic Kingdom. I am writing this because I have a ton of experience with this dilemma from my first program, and I learned how to make the most of a day in the parks by myself like a pro. I took advantage of that self-admission pass, and ended up falling in love with my days alone in the Kingdom. And now I want to share this special sort of Disney outing with you! So here are the steps for avoiding crowds, blending in, and basically using the Magic Kingdom as your secondary apartment.

Step 1: Hub Grass Picnic

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I’m sure if you’re any sort of Disney parks fan, you know all about this basic fad. But basic and fad it is for good reason! There is no better place in the park to sit down, relax, and absorb the magic of Mainstreet USA and all that is Disney World. So pack a sandwich, or Chik Fil A, or Chipotle, or a whole pizza for all I care (I had a friend who actually did this). And have yourself a nice picnic, knowing that your food is cheaper or more plentiful than anyone else sitting there, because you have the luxury of bringing in such boisterous items and not being tied down to an open to close park day.

Step 2: Tom Sawyer Island

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Tom Sawyer Island makes for a great reading or journaling or drawing or meditating nook! With many places to hide, and a porch by the water, it is the perfect mixture of atmosphere and serenity.

Step 3: Charge Phone at Storybook Circus

After all the Snapchatting, Instastorying, and Instagramming you did of your picture-perfect Hub Grass picnic (don’t deny it), your phone battery may be running on the low side. So make your way up to the back of Fantasyland and give your phone a quick charge in the Storybook Circus rest area, where you will be as far away from the heart of the crowds as you can be! You should people watch in the meantime. It feels rewarding to watch all those guests having a magical time, with the special secret in your heart that you make that happen on a daily basis.

Step 4: Time For a Stroll

Did you know that there is a great place to take a little walk in the back of the park? Starting just by the Fantasyland Train Station stop, is a tree-lined walkway that will lead you all the way to Tomorrowland! Just be careful if you are sensitive to cigarette smoke, because along that walkway you will find a small designated smoking area.

Step 5: People Mover

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Now that you’re in Tomorrowland. It is time to do the most Cast-Membery attraction there is: The People Mover! The most relaxing ride in the park. So you can sit back, bask in the fact that this is your crib, and occasionally call out random peoples’ names from high up and see if any strangers on the ground look up. We call it: castmembering.

Step 6: Take a Nap on Carousel of Progress

Not that it isn’t a great attraction (I love me some “Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow”). But in contrast to the sunny Orlando heat, the Carousel of Progress is blissfully cool and dark. With a twenty minute run time, and cushy seats, this is an excellent place to take a nap! (It is also really great when your starry-eyed family and friends come to visit and want to do a whole park day. Suggest this attraction to them midway through the day so you can refuel and handle their excitement for the second half).

Step 7: Rest and Respite with Starbucks on Mainstreet

Starbucks pretty much speaks for itself. You’ll need a little pick me up from your afternoon nap. And there is a wonderful hidden little nook on the right side of Mainstreet just between the Pandora Jewelry store and the Crystal Arts store for you to sit. If you listen closely, you may even hear voice lessons and dance class going on in the upstairs window above you!

Step 8: Go back to the Hub Grass to enjoy a little end of the day Castle Show and MISI.

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You can’t have a Disney day without enjoying these classic festivities! I love watching these shows from afar in the Hub Grass when I am more in the mood for people watching, but feel free to jump up and join in the party too! Because when the Move it Shake it Dance and Play it Street Party comes down the street, its hard to keep from singing and dancing along.

Step 9: Climb the Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse and see if you can get a good view for the fireworks from there.

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I’ve actually never tried this one but have always wanted to. Astro Orbiter is a great second choice if you can manage timing your wait time and ride in the range of the twenty minutes of fireworks. If any of you try this, let me know how it is/if you can see the fireworks!

Step 10: Gaston’s Tavern is your Steak ‘n’ Shake

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I mean, it’s kinda true. The tavern is a superb nighttime hangout. Get a cinnamon roll. Or a Lefou’s brew. Maybe your friends are off work by now and can meet you there! Hang out and talk as long as you like.

And then when you’re done, you can walk back through an almost empty Fantasyland. And there is a certain, special sort of magic that hovers over the ground when there is almost no one left in the park but yourself. The quiet under the tinkling music, the warm glow of the lights that put you inside a fairytale. It feels safe, and special, almost as if it all belongs to you. Don’t you just wish you could … lie down on Mainstreet, cuddle up with your Mickey plush, and go to sleep?

So there you have it! A way to do Disney, without doing Disney. During my first program this little routine of mine really grew my emotional connection with what Disney World is, and made me love it even through the hot, sweaty crowds and long lines of the summer season. Being quiet and alone with it enough made appreciate the integrity of its detailed design and really understand Walt’s vision for this sanctuary of sorts. Even if I rode no rides or met no characters or ate no Mickey bars, I sat by the water or the castle, and journaled in Magic Kingdom, because it was a wonderful place I just needed to be – my home away from home. And I hope it can be that for you too.

Happy “castmembering!” And share and subscribe if you found this useful!

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