Best Disney Park to Start: Which One Should You Visit First?

When planning your first trip to Disney World, a massive theme park resort in Orlando, Florida, featuring four major parks, multiple hotels, and entertainment districts. Also known as Walt Disney World, it's the most visited vacation destination on the planet. But if you’ve never been, where do you start? Most families and first-time visitors land at Magic Kingdom, the original and most iconic Disney park, featuring Cinderella Castle, classic rides, and parades that define the Disney experience. It’s not just the most popular—it’s the most intuitive. You don’t need a plan to feel the magic here. The castle, the music, the fireworks—they hit you right away. That’s why it’s the best Disney park to start.

Starting with Magic Kingdom gives you a solid foundation. Once you’ve felt the energy of Main Street, U.S.A., ridden Pirates of the Caribbean, and watched the castle light up at night, you’ll know exactly what Disney is supposed to feel like. That makes your next visits to Epcot, a park focused on global culture and future technology, with pavilions from 11 countries and iconic attractions like Spaceship Earth, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, home to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Toy Story Land, and thrilling rides like the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, or Disney’s Animal Kingdom, a blend of wildlife conservation, safari rides, and Avatar-themed lands way more meaningful. You’ll know what to expect, what to skip, and what’s worth the extra time. Plus, Magic Kingdom is the only park that offers Disney After Hours, a special ticketed event that lets you ride popular attractions with almost no wait after regular park hours. That’s a game-changer if you’re trying to maximize your time without the crowds.

Don’t get fooled by the myth that you should save Magic Kingdom for last. That’s the advice people give when they’ve been a hundred times and are tired of the same old. But if you’re new? Start with the magic. It’s the heartbeat of the whole resort. You’ll find the best deals on hotels in Kissimmee, a city just minutes from Disney World, known for affordable vacation rentals and easy access to all major attractions, and you’ll save hundreds by skipping Orlando’s pricier options. You’ll also learn how to use the 120-minute rule, a Genie+ trick that lets you book your next Lightning Lane as soon as your current one’s return time is over two hours away to ride more in less time. And if you’re visiting in the right month, you’ll dodge the worst crowds and score the best weather. The posts below cover all of it—how to plan your first day, what rides to prioritize, when to arrive, and how to make the most of your time without burning out. You’re not just picking a park. You’re setting the tone for your whole trip. Start with Magic Kingdom. You’ll thank yourself later.