*This is part 1 of several posts devoted to All Things Magic Kingdom*
At the mention of Walt Disney World® Resort, for many, the fanciful image of Cinderella’s Castle immediately comes to mind. Located within Magic Kingdom Park, it is an iconic landmark that really makes you feel like you have arrived at Disney World. Upon arrival, after you’ve made your way through security check and the ticket entrance, you will find yourself entering “The Most Magical Place on Earth”.
Magic Kingdom is a very large theme park with a variety of entertainment options. Immediately you have many choices- do you stop and meet Mickey? Or walk up Main Street for a photo in front of the Castle? Head to an attraction? Luckily, there is no wrong answer here! But the very first thing you should do is pick up a Guide Map and Times Guide, available in several locations but most definitely at the park entrance. These will help ensure you do not miss anything you really want to see. From parades, stage shows, and fireworks to character meets, rides, and unique dining and shopping options, Magic Kingdom has plenty to see and do, and too much to describe in one blog entry!
It is virtually impossible to experience all of Magic Kingdom in one day. If you are limited on time at Magic Kingdom, here is a breakdown in MY OPINION of must do Attractions, as well as ones that are ok to skip over. I am sure some will disagree with these. How can I put Dumbo on the “If There Is Time” list?! Well, this list is geared towards the middle range of guests- adults and children who meet all the height requirements. This list would look a bit different for those traveling with toddlers. Please note for this post, while always GREAT and highly recommended experience, I am excluding all character meet and greets, parades, stage presentations, shopping and dining experiences. Instead, this list focuses only on the attractions that are rides and shows. These are grouped according to the individual “land” locations within Magic Kingdom, clockwise (to the left when facing Cinderella’s Castle), beginning with Adventureland. Attractions with Fast Pass availability are denoted with (FP+).
Adventureland
Must Do’s:
Jungle Cruise (FP+)
Pirates of the Caribbean (FP+)
Skip It:
Swiss Family Treehouse
Enchanted Tiki Room
Do if Time Permits:
Magic Carpets of Aladdin (FP+)
Frontierland
Must Do’s:
Big Thunder Mountain (FP+)
Splash Mountain (FP+)
Skip It:
Country Bear Jamboree
Do if Time Permits:
Tom Sawyer Island
Walt Disney World Railroad
Liberty Square
Must Do’s: Skip It: Do If Time Permits:
Haunted Mansion (FP+) Liberty Square Riverboat Hall of Presidents
Fantasyland
Must Do’s:
Mickey’s Philharmagic (FP+)
Peter Pan’s Flight (FP+)
Under the Sea ~ Journey of the little Mermaid (FP+)
Seven Dwarf’s Mine Train (FP+)
Many adventures of Winnie the Pooh (FP+)
“it’s a small world” (FP+)
Skip It:
Casey Jr Spash N Soak Station
Prince Charming Carrousel
Do if Time Permits:
Mad Tea Party
Enchanted Tales with Belle (FP+)
Dumbo (FP+)
Barnstormer (FP+)
Tomorrowland
Must Do’s:
Monsters, Inc Laugh Floor (FP+)
Space Mountain (FP+)
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin (FP+)
Skip It:
Stitch’s Great Escape
Astro Orbiter
Do if Time Permits:
Tomorrowland Speedway (FP+)
Peoplemover
Carousel of Progress
Note, that with SO MUCH to see and do at Magic Kingdom, arriving before park opening is key to accomplishing all you would like to do. And realistically, it would involve staying very late as well. Be sure to allow for leisurely paced meals and snacks to rest up between park touring.
Watch for All About the Magic Kingdom, Part 2- Character Meets, coming soon!