The Magic Kingdom is so called for a reason – the amusement park has been mesmerizing and captivating its visitors since it opened in 1971. On the seven different lands of the Magic Kingdom , you'll find a vast selection of restaurants, rides, shops and live entertainment that only Disney can provide. Dedicate a day to exploring all the Magic Kingdom has to offer – you won't be disappointed by what you find.
One of the best ways to get acquainted with the Magic Kingdom is to take a tour of the park and its seven “lands.” Disney's Welcome to the Magic Kingdom tour is a great option, whether you're on your first or your fiftieth trip to the park. Everyone enters the Magic Kingdom through Main Street U.S.A. , a street lined with shops and restaurants that look like relics of the Victorian era. At the end of Main Street U.S.A. stands Cinderella's Castle, the world-famous Disney icon. Forking off from Main Street U.S.A. are the Magic Kingdom 's six other lands. In Adventureland, pirates and pillagers rule. Liberty Square pays tribute to colonial America . Tomorrowland features spaceships and futuristic rides. In Fantasyland, fairy tales come to life. Frontierland harks back to the Wild West. Mickey's Toontown Fair is home to Disney's beloved cartoon characters. Finding your way around the park can be tricky at first; consult a map to figure out how to get from place to place.
Rides at the Magic Kingdom are designed to please thrill-seekers young and old. Little ones love Peter Pan's Flight, where they set sail on a flying ship that floats above the mermaids, alligators and pirates of Never Land . Dumbo the Flying Elephant is a classic children's ride, letting youngsters control how high or low they want their own big-eared elephant to soar. Older kids will delight in Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, a roller coaster that mimics the rip-roaring mine trains of the Old West. The truly adventurous should head to Space Mountain , an indoor roller coaster that shoots riders up to 180 feet into the air. Though the coaster roars through darkness, try to keep your eyes open – the meteors and stars shining above are sights not to be missed.
Everyone should experience It's a Small World, one of the Magic Kingdom 's most famous attractions. Since the 1960s, the ride has symbolized the harmony achieved by different cultures working together. Miniature boats whisk riders off on a musical tour of the nations. Hundreds of animatronic figurines, clad in dress representative of the world's cultures, sing Disney's signature song, “It's a Small World,” in a grand chorus. The ride is quite possibly the only way to travel “around the world” in a matter of minutes.
Cinderella's Castle is the crowning jewel of the Magic Kingdom . This is the attraction that first-time visitors to the park dream of seeing – it is the symbol of Disney's magical empire. Standing at 180 feet tall, the graceful towers and spires of the castle can be seen from all over the park. Inside, Italian glass mosaic murals immortalize the fairytale of Cinderella. Nearby, hop on the horses of Cinderella's Golden Carousal, a ride that has been a Fantasyland favorite since 1917. After sunset, the Castle becomes the backdrop for the Magic Kingdom 's famous fireworks show. Take a seat at the Cinderella Wishing Well and watch the Castle glow against the night sky.
Hungry? The Magic Kingdom offers a variety of dining options for those who want a break from the rides. The Plaza Restaurant is a popular place to go for dinner or lunch. Located in the heart of Main Street U.S.A. , the Plaza serves up classic burgers, leafy salads and grilled sandwiches in a charming, Victorian-style dining room. Save room for dessert – the Plaza's ice-cream creations are Magic Kingdom favorites. Cosmic Ray's Starlight Café is the perfect place to go if you want to grab a quick bite to eat. The Tomorrowland eatery carries on the land's futuristic theme with its Blast-off Burger, Cosmic Chicken and Starlight Soups and Salads. Feast on tacos and nachos at Frontierland's El Pirata Y El Perico Restaurant, a tribute to the West's Mexican heritage.
For the signature Magic Kingdom dining experience, make a reservation for breakfast at Cinderella's dining hall. The legendary lady and the rest of her regal family serve guests eggs, French toast, waffles and other delicious breakfast treats. Dining at Cinderella's Royal Table is the closest you can get to being in the fairy tale yourself.
The Magic Kingdom 's parades are spectacles not to be missed. During the day, the Share a Dream Come True Parade marches down Main Street U.S.A. and into Frontierland, turning the heads of all those it passes by. The Parade is a tribute to those Disney moments that were immortalized in films and cartoons years ago. Atop brightly colored floats, dazzling performers dance around Mickey Mouse and his famous friends. Spectators sing along to theme songs from Disney movies as they wave to their favorite characters. At night, the Magic Kingdom presents SpectroMagic, where floats and characters adorned by half a million lights illuminate the darkened amusement park. Pixies, flying horses and flower gardens from Disney movies past come to life in this spectacular event that you have to see to believe.
To appreciate all the Magic Kingdom has to offer, you'll need to spend the better part of a day there. The park is normally open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, but check their calendar for early closings and special hours. From the Walt Disney Dolphin Resort Hotel , the Comfort Inn Lake Buena Vista , and the Caribe Royal Suites and Villas , the Magic Kingdom is just a short drive away. No doubt, after a day at the Magic Kingdom , you'll come back to your hotel just a little bit cheerier – the park has a way of charming all its visitors. |
