Magic Kingdom.
Or to the super Disney fans, “Home”.
This park has been capturing the hearts of fans since it was the first park to be opened in Disney World on October 25, 1971.
Magic Kingdom is divided into 6 wonderfully fun and creative lands : Main Street U.S.A, Adventureland, Frontierland, Liberty Square, Fantasyland and Tomorrowland.
The lands are arranged in a wheel with Cinderella’s iconic castle in the center.
Despite popular belief, most guest do not automatically go right. They tend to disperse throughout the crowd as there are multiple walkways in and out of the lands.
Within the lands there are fantastic shows, parades and attractions that consistently help to make Magic Kingdom the most popular theme park in the world. You absolutely want to visit this park on your next trip.
Though the park is based on fantasy and childhood nostalgia, it is popular with both kids and adults with plenty of activities!
There is truly something for everyone at this park and it’s so easy to stay from rope drop to the closing fireworks show (or do the park 2 or 3 times in one vacation!)
Let’s discover some important information and the top 5 things you need to know and do in Magic Kingdom.
**Just a note, this isn’t everything- that would be very long. Just 5 important things you need to know!**
Important Magic Kingdom Info
Before we get started, let’s talk about how to get to Magic Kingdom.
You can access it several ways. If you are staying at a resort, you can access it by bus, and depending on the resort, you can also access it by monorail or the boats.
If you are coming from the ticket and transportation center (if you drove or got an uber) you can come over by the Ferry, or the monorail (and occasionally a special bus that goes from the ticket and transportation center to a special drop off at Magic Kingdom.
#1 The Best Rides to check out at Magic Kingdom
The Magic Kingdom is home to many classic rides. Over the years, the park has expanded to include new rides and attractions, so our picks are a combination of new and old!
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train was the last attraction to be added to the New Fantasyland in 2014. The ride travels from deep inside the mine, outdoors and back again all while the guests ride in a mine train car.
All the dwarfs are inside the mine working hard and beautiful gems can be seen glowing all around. This small coaster allows guests to feel as if they’ve stepped into the classic Snow White story.
Space Mountain
The huge indoor roller coaster is a Disney World favorite. You’ll blast off into outer space, flying through the dark. Catch sights of stars, comets and meteors as you make your way towards a wormhole! The soundtrack is out of this world!
see a full list of rides for babies, toddlers and pregnant women here.
#2 Let’s talk about shows and entertainment
Once Upon a Time and Happily Ever After
These are two separate shows, but on most nights they are given together just before park closing. Once Upon a Time is a 14- minute musical and projection show that is displayed on Cinderella’s Castle.
Scenes from beloved Disney movies are projected on the castle as dialogue and songs accompany. The castle is really transformed during this show and at times, you’ll forget about it all together.
Happily Ever After is the grand finale and the famous Disney firework show. The theme of the show is about finding the courage to chase your dreams!
The castle digitally transforms with the help of projection and lighting. An original song gives way to classic Disney movie songs, all within the theme of being brave and becoming who you are meant to be!
All of this is going on while spectacular fireworks are displayed culminating with a huge finale. Grab a snack and gather around the castle early for these shows because they are not to be missed!
Parades and other events
Magic Kingdom is famous for it’s parades! They have the festival of fantasy parade, the trolley parade in the morning and afternoon, and the rain parade for when it’s wet outside.
They also have dance parties parades and dancing shows on Cinderella’s Castle Stage.
# 3 All the yummy eats and instagrammable food
Food in the Magic Kingdom can be as fancy as a meal in Cinderella’s Castle at the Royal Table or quick and easy turkey legs from Prince Eric’s Village Market.
Or maybe you just want a classic Disney World snack, like Dole Whip from Aloha Isle, you really can’t go wrong with whatever you choose!
Plus, Disney has been on a kick the last few years, and especially in 2019, with lots of cool themed limited edition items! You can’t go wrong with a snack from Disney World.
Need gluten free treats instead? Discover these top 5 gluten free sweet treats!
Crystal Palace
Surprisingly, there aren’t too many places to dine with characters in the Magic Kingdom. Crystal Palace is a charming restaurant that offers buffets for breakfast, lunch and dinner and a chance to meet the beloved characters from Winnie the Pooh.
Serve your plate high with carved meats, house-made soups and delicious desserts. Each character will make a stop at every table to take pictures and sign autograph books, no need to stand in line!
Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe quick Serve
Pecos is famous for its on the go food like nachos, wraps and rice bowls. This place is Tex-Mex and my favorite thing to eat is a rice bowl! They also have lots of other delicious eats for everyone from picky eaters to foodies.
I could list all the yummy restaurant options at Magic Kingdom, but that requires a post of it’s own. Just know you are in good hands (even if the food does carry a higher price tag! and no, you can’t find prices online, they are seasonal and change regular!).
#4 All the souvenirs!
Magic Kingdom is one of the best places to grab some awesome merchandise from Disney World. I would say that the only other places that might be better is World of Disney in Disney Springs.
Each of the parks has a large store with lots of great items (even the resorts have cool themed merchandise!) but Magic Kingdom certainly beats the all! They are one of the best places to shop (and window shop!) in all of Disney.
# 5 Other places you need to know about!
Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom is an interactive scavenger hunt that is free for Magic Kingdom guests. You must try to stop Hades and his gang of Disney villains from finding 4 enchanted crystals.
The Firehouse on Main Street U.S.A has a map, spell card and Sorcerer’s Key Card to help you locate the Magic Portals and perform the spells needed to foil Hades’ evil plan!
Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station is located in the New Fantasyland near the Dumbo rides.
The small circus train is a fun splash pad area for kids and adults to play and cool down in. Stay awhile or run right through for a quick refresher!
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is a salon where boys and girls can be made over to be their favorite prince or princess. From head to toe, your little one gets to choose hairstyles and costumes to make them look as special as they are!
It’s located inside Cinderella’s Castle and the stylists are all Fairy Godmothers in training! Call (407) 939-5277 to book an appointment.
How to handle the weather at Magic Kingdom
Let’s talk real quick about the weather. I only mention this because Florida can be a pain sometimes.
While you can happily grab most of the things you might need at the Disney Stores, it’s a smart idea to bring some items a long just in case.
It’s highly recommended to bring ponchos and a stroller cover.
It’s also a good idea to have items like fans, hats, and sunglasses.
Even when its cooler, the sun is still brutal.
Learn about the top things to do when it rains, so you don’t get caught off guard.
Check out how to beat the heat, crowds and humidity at Disney Resorts.
See you at the Parks
With all the characters to meet, parades to watch and stores to browse, make sure you carve out enough time to really take in all that the Magic Kingdom has to offer!