Disney’s Magic Kingdom is the epitome of the most magical place on Earth. Right as you walk through the admission turnstiles, past the Main Street USA train station, and arrive at the foot of Cinderella’s Castle, your heart is sure to buzz with happiness while a childlike wonder surges through your veins. It’s time to explore every inch of this park!
Top Attractions and Rides
At the heart of the Magic Kingdom stands Cinderella’s Castle, which acts as the central hub to the park’s five distinctive lands: Liberty Square, Adventureland, Frontierland, Fantasyland, and Tomorrowland. Each of these lands are filled with rides and attractions, and with so many types of rides, there is sure to be at least one that is perfect for you.
For the Thrill-Seekers
Experience adrenaline pumping weightlessness at Space Mountain, where high-speed pods whisk you up an indoor elevated railway to a sudden drop and loops you through numerous topsy turvy turns in the dark, really creating a sense that you’re zooming through space.
Experience other themed coasters like a thrilling outback country mine-tunnel ride at Big Thunder Mountain, or get soaked at Splash Mountain, a wooden log boat ride that travels along various streams before plunging you down a steep incline for a splashing good time.
For the Young and the Young at Heart
For the Toy Story fans, compete with your friends and family as you shoot at bad aliens while your spaceship spins its way through the star trail at Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger.
Fly over the streets of London to Neverland with Peter Pan and the lost boys at Peter Pan’s Flight, or dive deep under the sea at The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Undersea Adventure to find Ariel and her underwater friends.
This ride might not be for the easily spooked. Arouse your curiosity and follow a spirited tour of the eerie Haunted Mansion.
For the Chill
Arguably one of the most classic Disney rides, It’s A Small World brings you on an international boat journey as you navigate through different cultures and continents, all full of little people singing and dancing to a catchy tune.
Come aboard Aladdin’s Magic Carpet ride, or watch the Prince Charming Regal Carousel light up at night and ride one of Prince Charming’s troop of horses.
Must-Eats at the Magic Kingdom
Be Our Guest Restaurant
From a hearty French breakfast of quiche and other pastries, quick lunchtime turkey sandwiches served with Pommes Frites, and a 3-course grand dining experience at night, this restaurant simply offers some of the best food in the park. However, if you want to try these delicious dishes, be sure to make a reservation well in advance of your visit to the park, as walk-in diners are often turned away from this popular Beauty and the Beast themed restaurant.
The Crystal Palace
Dine here for an “all-you-care-to-enjoy” character buffet experience and be greeted by some of the friends from the Hundred-Acre Wood, like Winnie the Pooh, Piglet, and Tigger. Reservations are recommended as well.
Dole Whip Float
The snaking queue at Adventure Land probably belongs to the dole whip shack of Aloha Isle, where they serve up the perfect union between icy-cold creamy soft serve and a cup of tangy citrus juice.
Mickey Waffles
An iconic snack of Disney World, these warm and fluffy waffles come in the shape of Mickey’s head, topped with dollops of whipped cream and generous toppings of fruity puree, which can be found at Sleepy Hollow. If sweets are not for you, the chicken waffle is delish as well!
Casey’s Corner
Located along Main Street USA, this eatery serves up the best hot dogs in the Magic Kingdom, with a range of tasty toppings that are best enjoyed while admiring the ‘Happily Ever After’ fireworks at night.
Outside of these locations, there are tons of other fantastic restaurants and snack shacks located across Magic Kingdom. What’s more, you’ll be surprised with what new limited-time-only quick bite items that the park comes up with from time to time.
Shows and Great Entertainment
Other than rides, Magic Kingdom also offers a mix of indoor and outdoor programs for its guests. Catch stage shows at Country Bear Jamboree, Monsters Inc Laugh Floor, and Mickey’s PhilharMagic.
All throughout the park, Disney characters will appear for meet and greet sessions, which are perfect opportunities for you to get an autograph or a picture with your favourite character. Be sure to refer to your Disney World App for character appearance timings.
Street entertainment is available throughout the day, and what is a visit to the Magic Kingdom without watching one of the parades? Check out the showtimes and grab a spot to watch day parades such as Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade and Move It! Shake It! MousekeDance It! Street Party.
At night, snag the best spot in front of Cinderella’s Castle for an 18-minute long spectacular (and possibly tear-jerking) fireworks display. This must-view event on your Magic Kingdom checklist features a stunning display of projection mapping on the castle, complemented with world-class pyrotechnics, lasers, and searchlights!
Also, the Disney company are experts when it comes to holiday-themed performances and grub, so whatever time of the year you decide to visit, you’re sure to have a jolly good time!
Getting to the Magic Kingdom
Guests can take the Disney shuttle buses, which are provided for guests staying in the resort and partner hotels outside the resort. Guests may choose to drive and park in Magic Kingdom’s huge parking lot, though the parking fees for a full day can be very high. Alternatively, you can consider private hires like Uber or Lyft.
Tips
1. Celebrate your birthday or other important days of your life here at Disney World! Cast members would love to celebrate the moment with you, so to stop by Guest Relations or an indoor merchandise location and ask for a complimentary celebratory button.
2. Plan your time efficiently at the theme park with fast passes available to all guests on the Disney World App. Download the handy app and refer to it for information like parade timings and attraction waiting times.
3. Consider staying at the Disney Resort as hotel guests are entitled to ‘Extra Magic Hours’. Enjoy smaller crowds and shorter waiting times at rides during these special extended hours.
