Magic Kingdom Park
Opened on October 1, 1971, the Magic Kingdom has been called “The Most Magical Place on Earth.” The theme park covers over 107 acres with six themed lands. Whether you want to meet a Princess or travel down the jungle rivers, there are plenty of sights and sounds that appeal to all ages. For these reasons, the Magic Kingdom is the top attraction in the Walt Disney World complex.
Since the park is laid out like a wheel, it’s pretty easy to get around the Magic Kingdom. Cinderella Castle is the icon of the park. In front of the Castle, you will find the “Hub” with its lush greenery and a statue honoring Walt Disney. From this point, there are spokes (or pathways) that lead to the six themed lands.
Main Street U.S.A.
Inspired by Walt Disney’s hometown of Marceline, Main Street U.S.A. is a re-creation of small-town America in the early 20th century. You can everything from a barbershop, town hall, fire station, and unique shops. All the buildings are built at a 7/8 scale, and they use forced perspective to appear full size as you walk down the street.
Fun fact: Make sure to look up and view all the windows on the buildings. These windows serve as credits to honor those who contributed to the park. Walt Disney has three windows by the Railroad Station, Main Street Cinema, and the Plaza Restaurant.
You might think that Main Street U.S.A. is just a throughway to get to your favorite attraction, but think again! It is divided into three distinct areas: Town Square, the Main Street, and the Central Plaza. The barbershop quartet known as the Dapper Dans performs at the top of the railroad station or via horse-drawn carriage.
If you need help with your trip to the Magic Kingdom, then you will want to head over to City Hall. Guest Services is located in the building, and the Cast Members can assist with a variety of issues.
Attractions:
- City Hall
- Main Street Vehicles
- Walt Disney World Railroad: Refurbishment
- Town Square Theater (Mickey Mouse)
- Harmony Barber Shop
Dining:
- The Plaza
- The Crystal Palace
- Tony’s Town Square Restaurant
- Casey’s Corner
- The Main Street Confectionary
- The Plaza Ice Cream Parlor
- Main Street Bakery (Starbucks)
Shopping:
- The Main Street Confectionary
- The Crystal Arts
- Disney Clothiers
- Emporium
- Uptown Jewelers
Miscellaneous:
Take an audio tour of Main Street USA
Adventureland
A wooden planked bridge takes you over to the entrance of Adventureland. With its mixture of wild animals, untamed jungles, and desert oasis, you can find many of the Magic Kingdom’s most popular attractions, such as the Jungle Cruise, Pirates of the Caribbean, and the Enchanted Tiki Room. Adventureland is also the home of one of the non-Disney icon, the Orange Bird.
Fun fact: Some of the best snacks (Dole Whip, Orange Swirl, and Cheeseburger Egg Rolls) in the Kingdom are located in Adventureland. When you arrive in the morning, take a left at the hub.
Adventureland is quite peaceful in the morning as everyone rushes to Fantasyland and Tomorrowland. You will want to take a few minutes and see how Imagineers blended the various architectural styles (African, Caribbean, Polynesian, and Southeast Asian) into one cohesive land.
Attractions:
- Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room
- Jungle Cruise
- Swiss Family Treehouse
- Magic Carpets of Aladdin
- Pirates of the Caribbean
Dining:
- Aloha Island
- Jungle Navigation Co. LTD. Skipper Canteen
- Sunshine Tree Terrace
- Tortuga Tavern
- Spring Roll Snack Cart
Shopping:
- Plaza del Sol Caribe Bazaar
Frontierland
Thrilling rides and other assorted adventures of the Wild West are located in Frontierland. You can tackle the “wildest ride in the wilderness” or find your laughing place on Splash Mountain.
One hidden spot is tucked away on Tom Sawyer Island. You will have to take a raft to the isle, but it is one of the most peaceful places in this hectic park.
The most popular dining establishment is the quick service spot, Pecos Bill Tall Tale In & Cafe. You can grab your favorite entree as you load up on the “fixins“ bar like cheese and salsa.
Attractions:
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
- Country Bear Jamboree
- Frontierland Shootin’ Gallery
- Splash Mountain
- Tom Sawyer Island
- Walt Disney World Railroad – Frontierland Station
Dining:
- Aunt Polly’s Dockside Inn (seasonal)
- Golden Oak Outpost
- Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Cafe
- The Diamond Horseshoe
- Westward Ho Refreshments
Shopping:
- Frontierland Trading Post
Liberty Square
Walt Disney loved the American spirit and her history. Liberty Square celebrates the colonial heritage with many period details. Guests can learn about the Executive Branch at the Hall of Presidents or hang out with some grim grinning ghosts at the Haunted Mansion.
From Liberty Square, you can get to Frontierland, Fantasyland, and the Castle’s hub.
Fun fact: If you are looking for a bathroom, then you are out of luck. In keeping with the Revolutionary era, you will not find any indoor plumbing in this land. Colonial Americans would throw their wastewater into the street, and it would form a river. When you walk through the area, you will notice brown cement, and that represents the “dirty” water in the street.
Attractions:
- The Hall of Presidents
- Haunted Mansion
- Liberty Square Riverboat
Dining:
- Liberty Tree Tavern
- Columbia Harbor House
- Sleepy Hollow Refreshments
- Liberty Square Market
Shopping:
- Memento Mori
- Liberty Square Portrait Gallery
- Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe
Fantasyland
Fantasyland is the quintessential “Disney” experience filled with princesses, pixies, and flying elephants. You can find classic attractions like Peter Pan’s Flight and it’s a small world here. There are three parts of Fantasyland: one with the older attractions, Enchanted Forest (“new” Fantasyland), and Storybook Circus.
There are princesses galore in Fantasyland, and you can meet them at Princess Fairytale Hall, Ariel in her Grotto, and Belle at Enchanted Tales.
For those wanting to find the best bathrooms on property, you will want to head over to the Tangled-inspired restrooms by Peter Pan’s Flight. There are also phone chargers located near this area.
One of the longest lines in the park is at Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. Many guests will rope drop and head first thing in the morning. It is typical to see wait times at several hours for the attraction.
Attractions:
- “it’s a small world”
- Dumbo the Flying Elephant
- Mad Tea Party
- Mickey’s PhilharMagic
- Peter Pan’s Flight
- Prince Charming Regal Carousel
- Princess Fairytale Hall
- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
- The Barnstormer
- The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
- Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid
- Walt Disney World Railroad – Fantasyland Station
Dining:
- Be Our Guest
- Gaston’s Tavern
- Cinderella’s Royal Table
- Prince Eric’s Village Market
- Pinocchio’s Village Haus
- Storybook Treats
- Cheshire Cafe
- The Friar’s Nook
Shopping:
- Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
- Big Top Souvenirs
- Bonjour! Village Gifts
- Fantasy Faire
- Hundred Acre Goods
- Sir Mickey’s
- Tinker Bell’s Treasures
Tomorrowland
Take a look at the “future that never was” in Fantasyland. Over the past year, the land is slowly transforming from the ‘90s steampunk look to a more futuristic clean facade.
In the land of tomorrow, you can find the oldest Disney attraction. The Carousel of Progress dates back to the 1964’s World Fair. Another fan favorite is Space Mountain, and it has been attracting fans since 1975.
Big changes are on the way for Tomorrowland. TRON Lightcycle Run will be debuting in time for Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary in 2021.
Attractions:
- Astro Orbiter
- Buzz Lightyear Spin
- Carousel of Progress
- Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor
- Space Mountain
- Tomorrowland Speedway
- Tomorrowland Transit Authority
Dining:
- Auntie Gravity Galactic Goodies
- Cool Ship
- Tomorrowland Terrace
- Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe
- The Lunching Pad
Shopping:
- Star Traders
- Ursa’s Major Minor Mart
Special Events
The Magic Kingdom hosts several special events throughout the year, including Villains After Hours and Disney After Hours events. The two most popular special events include:
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party: Late Summer/Fall
Ghosts and goblins take over the Kingdom as guests enjoy fun parades, fireworks, and special treats.
Mickey’s Very Merry Very Christmas Party: Late Fall/Winter
Celebrate the holidays with Mickey and friends as the Magic Kingdom transforms into a winter wonderland.
Transportation
Walk: If you are staying at the Contemporary Resort, there is a pathway that will lead you to the Magic Kingdom. Eventually, a walking path from the Polynesian and Grand Floridian will be completed so that guests can enter the park on foot.
Boat: Guests staying at the Grand Floridian, Polynesian, Wilderness Lodge, and Fort Wildnerness all have access to boat transportation from their resorts to the Magic Kingdom.
Bus: Disney Transportation is free, and you can take a bus from any Disney theme park or resort. The buses will drop you off right at the Magic Kingdom’s entrance so that you can avoid the Ticket and Transportation Center.
Monorail: The Contemporary Resort, Polynesian Village Resort, and Grand Floridian are all connected by monorail. You can also take the monorails at the Ticket and Transporation Center from the parking lots to head to EPCOT or the Magic Kingdom.
Car: If you prefer your own transportation, then there is plenty of parking at the Ticket and Transportation Center. You cannot drive up to the entrance of the park. All guests will have to take a ferry or the monorail to the entrance. If you are a guest at one of the WDW resorts or an Annual Passholder, then parking is free. Otherwise, you can expect to pay a parking fee.