Since Disney World is celebrating its 50th Anniversary this past year, let’s take a closer look at the magic in Magic Kingdom- where it all began. Throughout the past year until March 31, 2023, the Walt Disney World Resort has been celebrating those 50 years with a lot of added Magic. The centerpiece is the original place where it all began.
First, for any Disney related travel plans, let me encourage you to utilize the service of a travel professional that specializes in Disney Destinations.
The Magic Beginnings of This Theme Park
Magic Kingdom was born of the ideas of Walt Disney himself after his experience with Disneyland Resort in California. It was brought to fruition by a team of very talented imagineers and Walt’s brother, Roy Disney. Unfortunately, Walt passed away before the park was completed, but his spirit is alive and well everywhere.
When most people think of Disney World, they think of iconic Main Street, USA leading up to Cinderella Castle. Some of the attractions are duplicated from Disneyland such as It’s a Small World, Pirates of the Caribbean, Splash Mountain, and Haunted Mansion just to name a few. However, Disney World is much different than Disneyland in many ways.
How Magic Kingdom is Very Different Than the Rest
The attractions that are duplicated are “tweaked” from the originals in Disneyland. Some in good ways, some others are arguably “less”. In the case of Space Mountain, the original is in fact the one in Disney World. The two parks are not at all replicas of each other and each offer guests of each very different experiences.
Magic Kingdom Park also has the greatest number of attractions, and the most iconic rides and entertainment in comparison to the other Disney theme parks. It’s fair to say that there is something to experience around every (Casey’s) corner and in every (Friar’s) nook and (Sleepy) hollow of the space (Mountain) that makes up this theme park.
Can We Skip to the Good Part?
Where can your imagination sore? That’s the challenge at Magic Kingdom. The theme park is made up of “lands” in and around the centerpiece of Cinderella Castle. Cinderella Castle itself is a place where little ones can have a magical make-over dressing up as their favorite princess at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. You can also dine with Princesses at Cinderella’s Royal Table.
It was recently announced that All of princesses will be returning to this character dining experience as of February 28,2023. For the latest news on theme park experiences this week, read about it in This Week in Theme Park News.
Here I will be breaking down the basics of Magic Kingdom. If you would like to plan your best day at Magic Kingdom and find tips and tricks on how to do that, you can check out How to Maximize Your Day at Disney’s Magic Kingdom.
Main Street USA Holds Magic at Magic Kingdom
Main Street USA is modelled after Walt Disney’s hometown of Marceline, MO. This is where you start. If you aren’t counting riding that cool monorail or ferry boat from the Transportation and Ticket Center. (The parking area).
Walking down Main Street toward the castle can be an emotional experience. It’s that damn pixie dust in your eyes, I’m sure. Lined with turn of the century merchant shops and trolley tracks, Main Street is the quintessential Disney World family photo stop, and there are Disney Photographers a plenty to help you capture your moment.
You can grab a coffee and a pastry for breakfast at Main Street Bakery, listen to the Dapper Dans sing there acapella harmonies, shop for some Disney merch, and watch the opening stage show. At night, the fireworks will thrill you right in this spot to end your day.
Lastly, each evening on Main Street, Disney Cast Members and a selected Veteran perform the Flag ceremony at sundown.
It would be silly of me to suggest that this is all there is to do in this area of the park, but in an effort not to write a 5-page article, these are just some highlights.
Adventureland at Magic Kingdom
Just to the left of Cinderella Castle, is Adventureland. Adventureland is where you’ll come across pirates, including Jack Sparrow in person. You can enjoy a ride on the Jungle Cruise and then head over to The Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen for an adventurous bite. There are some unique and delicious choices inside this tucked away treasure.
This is also where you can try a Dole Whip, the iconic Disney treat. It is available in many varieties and flavors. What else? You will also get to ride the Magic Carpets of Aladdin after you watch an entertaining animatronic show in the Tiki Room.
Frontierland at The Magic Kingdom
Just beyond that is Frontierland. Frontierland is Disney World’s Wild West with attractions like Splash Mountain (soon to be reimagined into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure). You can also ride Big Thunder Mountain and watch The Country Bear Jamboree (currently under a new transformation).
Hungry? Grab some tacos at Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Café or try a churro at the Frontierland Churro Cart.
You will also be able to meet your favorite Country Bear outside the shooter style arcade here. Pro tip- grab a seat for one of the parades here. It’s the best place to catch the magic! However, recently we learned at D23 2024 that this area of the park will see an expansion to a include a Cars Land and beyond Big Thunder Mountain, a new Villains themed land will open. Find out all the details HERE.
Liberty Square
Next on your journey, you will be strolling through the streets of Liberty Square in an 18th Century America. It’s difficult to miss the large steamboat on the river. It announces its presence with a loud blast of its horn. Take a ride.
You can also be haunted by ghosts in Liberty Square inside the Haunted Mansion. This is one of many favorite attractions. There are opportunities to shop in tiny village stores like the Ye Old Christmas Shop.
Lastly, here is where you can visit the Hall of Presidents for a bit of American History. If you are looking for a Mickey shaped snack or a funnel cake, Sleepy Hollow Refreshments has all you are craving. Waffles are good any time of day!
Fantasyland and New fantasyland are Magic in Magic Kingdom
Fantasyland and New fantasyland are a combined area just behind the castle. This “fairground” fit for the royals is where the littlest ones (and some of us grown adults) can take a ride on Peter Pan’s Flight. This is where you can sail in a boat with the children of the World in It’s a Small World or fly with Dumbo. The Barnstormer- a junior rollercoaster, is a perfect introduction to mild roller coasters for your littles. Maybe you can then graduate to the Mad Party Teacups.
Also, step inside Sir Mickey’s merchandise location and enjoy a free magical moment! Get yourself “pixie dusted” by cast members at request. A little sprinkle of Tinkerbell’s magic will make your day even sweeter.
New Fantasyland is where you can join Ariel, Winnie the Pooh, the 7 Dwarves in their mine, or eat with the Beast inside his castle. Be Our Guest restaurant (Beast’s Castle) is one of the most popular dining experiences in the park. Currently it is open as a table service restaurant, but hopefully it will return as a quick service location for lunch and breakfast again.
Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom
Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom is the last land in the theme park and easily accessible from both to the right of Main Street. You can also reach it as you make your way around from the rest of the park. This was Walt’s vision of the future, in the mid-20th century. This is where metallic seemingly solar powered palm trees and futuristic architecture greet you, and where you can ride Space Mountain.
Space Mountain is an indoor dark rollercoaster through Space. If this high intensity rollercoaster is too much, try the People Mover where you will take a relaxing ride through the land. The People Mover gives you views inside Space Mountain and the Carousel of Progress attractions. Carousel of Progress? This attraction was introduced at the 1964 World Fair in New York by Walt Disney Himself. It takes you on the progression of technology and the vision of it for the future.
You can also try your hand and compete against your friends and family at the shooter style attraction that is Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin. Laugh along with Mike Wazowski and the rest of Monsters Inc on the Laugh Floor.
If traveling through space and time makes you hungry, enjoy a burger and fries at Cosmic Rays while listening to the galactic tunes of Cosmic Ray DJ style. You can also just pick up a snack at Auntie Gravity’s.
Wrapping up the Magic in Magic Kingdom
This is most undoubtedly an incomplete summary of all the things to do at Magic Kingdom. I haven’t even touched on the number of Character Meet and Greets where you can hug Mickey and Friends at Town Square Theater, or the Princesses at Fairy Tale Hall.
There are also several other dining and quick service locations such as Crystal Palace Restaurant, or Colombia Harbor House. In addition, there are numerous quick service locations throughout the park. Mobile order a Magic Kingdom snack or enjoy a meal at one of the parks top restaurants!
Lastly, Magic Kingdom offers guests the opportunity to experience the parks through VIP tours like the Keys to the Kingdom Tour. This tour takes private groups both around the park and backstage to learn the history and magic behind the park.
Are You Planning a Trip to Disney World?
This is part of a series of articles I’m doing on the breakdown of each Disney World Theme Park. Take a closer look at The Best of Animal Kingdom, or How to Maximize Your Day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios for highlights on those parks. Please also check out Why Epcot in Disney is a Hidden Gem or Disney Springs- Beyond the Theme Parks to find out all you need to have a great vacation!
My goal as a travel planner is to help YOU do all the things that you want and even some you may not have thought about. The fact is that you won’t be able do and see everything on 1 or even 5 trips to the most magical place on Earth. It’s just far too much. BUT…It is possible to do those attractions and experiences and that are most important to you.
Are you thinking about your next vacation? Reach out to DizN Vacations! Their team of experienced and knowledgeable advisors can help you book and build your best trip yet. You can also submit a free no obligation quote request to start planning your vacation right away.
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