This is Part 3, the final post of the series devoted to All Things Magic Kingdom.
As the first two parts of this series mention, there is A LOT to do at the Magic Kingdom. So many attractions and tons of characters can easily fill your entire day. As the famous saying goes- “But wait- there’s MORE!” Adventure is plenty in the Magic Kingdom! There really is something for everyone. Here are some “extras” you can do. Most are free with park admission. If there is a fee, I note it below.
SORCERERS OF THE MAGIC KINGDOM
With Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom, this interactive scavenger hunt is fun for the whole family! Stop by the Firehouse on Main Street USA to sign up. It is free and included with your park admission! You will receive a Sorcerer Key Card, a map, spell cards and training on how to unlock Magic Portals to thwart Hades’ attempts to take over the Magic Kingdom. Each person who is in your party is eligible for a pack of cards; even if only one person is really going to play, sign up everyone to get a nice collection of cards. You will use the map to locate portals throughout the park and battle evildoers with your spell cards. Each mission takes about 20-30 minutes to complete. Once you complete a mission, you can get another pack of spell cards for free at your next visit to Magic Kingdom!
MAKEOVERS!
Pirate League and Bibbity Bobbity Boutique are both fun makeover experiences for children for an additional fee. At the Pirate League, located in Adventureland near the Pirates of the Caribbean entrance, guests 3 years and older can receive the pirate or mermaid treatment (packages range from $40-$80). Or head inside Cinderella’s Castle to the Bibbity Bobbity Boutique where children 3-12 can receive princess/knight treatment (packages range from $20-$200). Reservations are necessary and can be made 180 days in advance. Click Pirates League or Bibbidi Bobbidi for more information.
Alternatively, you can get a haircut at the Harmony Barber Shop, by a state licensed cosmetologist, complete with a sprinkling of pixie dust. This is among the best values in all of Disney World with adult cuts costing only $19! A child’s first haircut package is only $25 and includes commemorative Mickey ears and a certificate. Click here for additional information. Reservations are strongly recommended.
PARADES
The Festival of Fantasy Parade runs daily each afternoon and is currently the only full parade experience opportunity at Disney World. The colorful floats and abundance of characters makes this a fun, magical experience to add to your day. I highly recommend saving some time to view it.
In addition, there is a Move It, Shake It, Dance and Play It! Street Party which is parade-like with giant festive floats that stop in front of the castle for a dance party before returning back down Main Street. This is a fun and unique opportunity to dance and interact with characters. Note: they do not sign autographs or pose for pictures.
LIVE SHOWS
If you arrive before the park opens, you can witness the wonderful Welcome Show – a 10 minute daily opening ceremony featuring Mickey and Pals with a very memorable song. It is a great way to start your day!
Mickey’s Royal Friendship Fare is a daily stage show performed at Cinderella’s Castle. You can get an up close view of this whimsical show featuring familiar and original songs, dancing and fireworks with several viewing opportunities per day. Check the Times Guide for specifics during your visit.
Captain Jack Sparrow’s Pirate Tutorial occurs several times a day in Adventureland. This live outdoor stage show requires some audience participation! About four randomly selected children (raise your hand if you want to participate) will be called to the stage to learn all the skills needed for a career in piracy, including sword fighting and oath taking.
FIREWORKS
Most evenings nearing closing time, weather permitting, guests will fill the castle hub area to view WISHES- the nighttime spectacular display of fireworks. This impressive show tells a story, narrated by Jiminy Cricket and the Blue Fairy, with beautiful lights and colors that enhance the storyline of the show. It is a definite MUST SEE! TIP: Select a viewing location near the Tomorrowland Bridge to see Tinkerbell fly right over your head! If crowds aren’t your thing, you can enjoy a relaxed seat view from the tables between Space Mountain and the Tomorrowland Speedway. The story and music are pumped through speakers all around the park.
Not exclusive to Magic Kingdom, additional options in the “Things to Do” category include Penny Pressing, Pin Trading, Snacking and Shopping. I’ll address those is a future blog. As you might imagine, this park warrants at least 2 days of your visit to get to experience most of the offerings. I would go so far as to recommend 3 days if you are lucky enough to be staying over a week.
Enjoy your journey in the Magic Kingdom!