Disney's Magic Kingdom

Where dreams become reality.

Without doubt the 'Magic Kingdom' is Disney's most popular and recognized Theme Park and probably the prototype for all Theme Parks that followed - it started it all. If you're visiting Walt Disney World for the first time, or if you only have time to visit one of the Disney Theme Parks - this is a 'must see' or a 'must do' on your visit. Especially, if you have children.

Out of all the Theme Parks in Disney World, Magic Kingdom is probably the most interesting as far as navigating to the main gate. First you pull into their Parking Lot and are parked astonishingly quickly, while the whole time, the masses motor by, and with you. Then you board a motorized tram to the ticket area, and that's where you'll encounter the first of many lines throughout the day.

If you already have your theme park tickets, you can bypass this area. If not, you'll have to wait like everyone else to buy your tickets...

Once clearing this point, go straight to ride the Monorail, or go left to board the ferry that takes you across the lake that separates the ticket area from the main entrance. If you've never taken the Monorail before, best that you take this to the Magic Kingdom first, as not only will you get a good view of the area, but you'll also be taken directly through the atrium of the 'Contemporary Resort' (Yes, we said 'through,' you actually cut right right through the Resort!).

You can also use this method on the way back, but it will take you on a different route. We suggest that you take the Monorail to the Magic Kingdom when you first arrive, and then take the ferry back when you return - it just gives you two unique perspectives of the area, both completely different from each other...

If you would rather ride the ferry when you arrive, just go left when clearing the ticket area - You might have to wait a few minutes for it arrive, but generally, there are always two of the three in operation.

Whether you go straight to the Monorail to wait it line there, or whether you turn left to wait in line to take the ferry. This will be your first view of the Magic Kingdom. As all of sudden, there it is, high atop a hill in the distance. And dominating everything in this 'lakefront panorama,' the centerpiece of it all, Cinderella's Castle!

You've arrived at last!

 

Highlights at the Magic Kingdom include:

Adventureland
Part of the six distinct Themed Areas Adventureland will be on your immediate left after passing through the 'Main Street USA' area. This is also the way that you'll enter all the Themed Areas of the Park unless you take the Walt Disney World narrow gauge steam located at the main entrance. The train only makes three stops on it's mile-and-a-half journey around the perimeter of the Park - Frontierland, Mickey's Toontown Fair and then 'Main Street USA' again.

Depending on the time that you arrive, using the train to position yourself may be a good strategy to use, as it allows you to work from the back of the Park to the Front. But this strategy may only work if your main interests are in the back of the Park such as Frontierland, Fantasyland or Mickey's Toontown Fair. Usually works best first thing in the morning. Ride the rides first, and then a get 'Fast Pass' to ride it again, or vice-versa. Worked for us!

Adventureland houses two Disney favorites, 'The Jungle Cruise' and the 'Pirates of the Caribbean' Boat Ride.

Tomorrowland
Like any of the Themed Areas of the Magic kingdom, you'll need to first pass through 'Main Street USA' to get to Tomorrowland, but instead of taking a left like you did with Adventureland, you'll be taking a right instead.

Tomorrowland also has a few 'Thrill Rides' such as 'Space Mountain,' a fast turning Roller Coaster set in complete darkness. And don't forget about the 'ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter, which can be pretty intense for children and some adults. Parents should use their own discretion with any accompanying children that might meet the height requirements here...

Even then, there's still plenty to choose from such as the more 'leisurely rides' of 'Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin,' 'Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress,' 'Tomorrowland Transit Authority,' 'Tomorrowland Indy Speedway' and the 'Astro Orbiter' which takes place high above Tomorrowland.

For the family, we'd recommend all of the above. Especially, the 'Tomorrowland Transit Authority' ride. In fact, you may want to do this first, it will help you that much more in getting your bearings here. You might even ride it twice...

Mickey's Toontown Fair
Definitely a setting for the younger members of your party. Meet Mickey and his friends and even see Mickey's Country Home! It's sure to amuse and delight. The main ride here is the 'Barnstormer at Goofy's Wiseacrefarm' where you'll board Goofy's Cropduster on a mini-roller coaster ride through Goofy's cornfield!

Frontierland
For our International viewers, at Frontierland, you'll find a bit of the 'Old West' and the nostalgia of the 'American' landscape representative of years long since past...

Remember the strategy we referred to earlier as taking the train from the entrance of the Park to the back of the Park and then starting from there? - This would be the place we'd recommend you try this. Especially if you're looking for 'Thrill Rides' or just to get a jump on the crowds as the train will drop you off here as its first stop, and from here, you're only steps away from 'Splash Mountain' and the 'Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.' Both are the two of the most popular rides in this section of the Park.

Liberty Square
Nestled in between Frontierland and Fantasyland, they are three attractions here to choose from: 'The Hall of the Presidents,' The 'Haunted Mansion' and the 'Liberty Belle Riverboat' - a boat ride that's sure to give you a unique glimpse into the 'Rivers of America.'

Fantasyland
Lots to choose from here. Especially, for the children of your party. Some of the main highlights include: 'Cinderella's Golden Carrousel' (Built in 1917), 'Peter Pan's Flight,' 'Snow White's Scary Adventures,' 'The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh' and probably one of the most popular 'Family Rides' within the Park - 'It's a Small World,' a ride that's not to be missed and one that's sure to be a highlight of your day!

To help you utilize your time, let's talk about strategy again. If you wanted to start from this area of the Park. Take the train first to Mickey's Toontown Fair (2nd stop), and then just follow the northern perimeter of the Park into Fantasyland...

In summary:
If you're 'ride-oriented' you can probably cover all the main Themed Areas of the Magic Kingdom within the course of 1-day, all depending on the lines. But if you really want to do the Magic Kingdom justice, a second day may be needed as there are many arcades, shows, parades, novelties and shops that are tucked away in its various nooks and crannies. Even some attractions that you're sure to miss as there are way too many for us to cover here, nor will you be able to cover everything yourself. To do this, you would either have to buy another 1-day ticket, or use your 'Walt Disney World Hopper Pass.'

We've been there dozens of times, and we're still discovering things that have always been there...
 

Time Needed to Visit: Allow 2-Days maybe 3

Minimum Height and Age Requirements:

52" (1.32 Meters) or taller: Tomorrowland Indy Speedway (to Ride Alone)

44" (1.12 Meters) or taller: ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter, Space Mountain

40" (1.02 Meters) or taller: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Splash Mountain

Minimum age of 3 required to ride: Barnstormer at Goofy's Wiseacrefarm