All the Best Magic Kingdom Shortcuts to Save Time and Effort in the Park

If you’re reading this for your first visit to Magic Kingdom, hooray! You just saved yourself and your family tons of steps. If you’re reading this compliments of spending days in the park, hooray to you, too! You’re saving yourself and feet some literal footwork. Here are the easiest & best Magic Kingdom shortcuts to save you time and effort when visiting Walt Disney World. 

On my first visit to Walt Disney World (WDW), I remember the look in The Kid’s eye when she saw Cinderella Castle for the first time. I remember how we purchased the Deluxe Dining Plan and it seemed all we did was eat. And I remember how exhausted I was – and how much my feet hurt by the last day! So, being the researcher that I am, I looked for shortcuts in Magic Kingdom to save steps and spare my feet. 

These days, my family and I take advantage of every shortcut we can, so I’m sharing the best and easiest ones with you. Enjoy!

Just in case you need to get your bearings, here’s the link to the full Magic Kingdom map.

Note: There is one shortcut that I intentionally left off on purpose (the back way from New Fantasyland to Tomorrowland). Right now, you’re unable to use it compliments of Tron coaster being built. Will update as necessary.

1. Main Street U.S.A. 

Many times we want to walk straight down Main Street U.S.A. to see a great view of the castle or to take advantage of complimentary Memory Maker photos compliments of being a Disney Annual Passholder. 

But then there are times when there’s a parade or it’s ding dang hot. By walking straight through The Emporium shops on the left side of the street as you’re walking toward Cinderella Castle, you avoid congestion and get cooled off. 

Location: Main Street U.S.A. from The Emporium to the alternate entrance to Casey’s Corner

When Magic Kingdom was built, the Imagineers added fun details for guests to find. Here’s the scoop on the coolest secrets on Main Street U.S.A.

2. Magic Kingdom Shortcuts: Aloha! (Isle)

If you want to walk the main path through Adventureland to Frontierland, no problem. But, if you’re in a hurry or want to save time, there’s a shortcut directly by Aloha Isle and its famous Dole Whip Floats. 

Location: Between Aloha Isle and Aladdin Characters Meet and Greet in Adventureland. In Frontierland, it’s between Country Bear Jamboree and Frontier Trading Post.

My favorite Quick Service restaurants include Aloha Isle – here’s the scoop on the rest of the best Counter Service restaurants at Disney World straight from the experts. 

3. It Smells Like Country Cooking

One of my fave table service restaurants in Walt Disney World is Diamond Horseshoe because I can get a delicious, family-style meal there any time of year. But, directly to its right is a great cut from Liberty Square to Adventureland and back. 

Location: To the right of Diamond Horseshoe Restaurant near the FastPass+ kiosk and restrooms. On the Adventureland side, it’s beside the Sunglass Hut and the underpass at the restrooms. 

4, 5, & 6. Three Sides to Cinderella Castle

Say you’re in front of Cinderella Castle and you want to get directly behind it to Fantasyland. Depending on which side of the castle you’re on, you have several options to get there:

Cinderella Castle Left Side – There’s a walkway that leads to Prince Charming Regal Carrousel. You’ll walk by Cinderella’s Fountain – look for the crown when you bow down to get a drink. 

Cinderella Castle Right Side – You’ll walk by Merida’s meet and greet and the wishing well. 

Through Cinderella Castle – After the castle shows are finished for the day, the walkway through Cinderella Castle opens up and you can walk straight through. For me, this is the most-direct route back to Fantasyland.

Need the scoop on all the meet and greets in Magic Kingdom? Here’s a list of every meet and greet character and Disney Princess in Magic Kingdom and where to find them. 

7. Magic Kingdom Shortcuts: The Purple Wall

Have you seen the famous Purple Wall? Believe it or not, it’s a great shortcut for Tomorrowland. You’ll avoid the main route and it tends to be shady so I think it’s cooler, too. 

Location: At Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant and beside the Purple Wall. Most days, the restaurant is closed but you can still take advantage of the cut through. 

Did I miss your favorite shortcut at Magic Kingdom? Please reach out on social media or leave a comment below!

Disclosure: All image clips are from Google. Thanks, Google!