Magic Kingdom

Magic Kingdom - Walt Disney World Theme Park In many ways, the Magic Kingdom is where the torch of Disney brand loyalty is passed on to a new generation, and it is probably the best example of how well the Walt Disney World theme parks operate. The Magic Kingdom theme park is particularly good at updating treasured classic attractions, replacing rides before they become too obsolete, and introducing a steady stream of new characters based on the latest Disney and Disney-Pixar movies and television series.

Behind the scenes of Disney’s Magic Kingdom, cast members (as all Disney theme park employees are called) put up seasonal decorations, pick up litter, and carefully tend to the landscaping that gives the park so much of its character. Visitors walking up Main Street USA ultimately pause to have their picture taken (either by a cast member or by someone in their own party) in front of the iconic Cinderella Castle.

And while some things stay the same, other areas of the park are always changing to keep up with the times. Princess Tiana, the character from the new Disney animated film The Princess and the Frog, started making appearances at Magic Kingdom weeks before the movie’s official premiere. A few years ago the classic Pirates of the Caribbean ride added a few guest appearances by an animatronic Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp). In the summer of 2009 president Barack Obama was added to the refurbished Hall of Presidents, and the Space Mountain roller coaster reopened in late 2009 after the first extensive renovation since the ride first launched in 1975.

Since the Magic Kingdom was the only theme park when Walt Disney World opened in 1971, many first time visitors to Orlando make the Magic Kingdom their primary destination. Out of all the theme parks in Orlando, Magic Kingdom is best suited for families with very young children, as evidenced by the abundance of strollers at the park. Even infants (or very pregnant mommies) can handle low-key rides like It’s a Small World, the Haunted Mansion, or Pirates of the Caribbean. Disney’s Fast Pass makes it possible for visitors to avoid the lengthy lines—at no additional fee—for some of the Magic Kingdom’s more popular rides.

With the availability of discount Disney World tickets, Florida Resident deals and Disney World vacation packages, a trip to the Magic Kingdom does not have to cost a fortune. Vacationers can avoid rental car fees and get free shuttle service to Walt Disney World by staying at one of the resorts on Disney property or a Walt Disney World Good Neighbor hotel. By calling 407-WDW-DINE, visitors can make reservations to any of the Magic Kingdom restaurants to enjoy a Disney Character Dining such as the Crystal Palace (Winnie the Pooh and Friends) and Cinderella’s Royal Table (Cinderella) up to 180 days in advance. And while character dining isn’t exactly cheap, the abundant buffets and the fact that the characters keep young children mesmerized and in their seats is worth every penny.

Every year, the Magic Kingdom hosts Disney events such as the Mickey’s not so Scary Halloween and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. These Disney events do require a separate admission ticket, but these after-hours events are loaded with extra goodies, parades and performances that “regular” visitors just don’t see.

One thing that every Magic Kingdom visitor should see is the regularly scheduled parade down Main Street USA. Disney frequently updates the performances, but everyone will have a chance to get a glimpse of the master of ceremonies himself, Mickey Mouse, and there are sure to be plenty Disney princesses involved. Many little girls even arrive dressed up as their favorite Disney princess during a trip to the Magic Kingdom.

Like all Walt Disney World theme parks, maps are available at the entryway, along with a daily schedule of parades and performances. A Magic Kingdom map from Walt Disney World looks much like the original Magic Kingdom at Disneyland in Anaheim, California. Magic Kingdom is divided into seven distinctly themed “lands,” and the eateries, shops, and rides all reflect the same theme within those lands.

The following list contains brief descriptions of the Magic Kingdom lands traveling counterclockwise from the main entrance:

Main Street USA: The theme of Main Street USA harkens back to the turn of the 20th century, although there will be plenty of cast members with modern digital cameras on hand to take your picture in front of the Cinderella Castle (you can even get a card to add more photos as you make your way through the park). The largest gift shop in the Magic Kingdom—The Emporium—can be found here, as well as the very popular The Crystal Palace restaurant, featuring a generous selection of salads, pastas, meat dishes, kid cuisine and desserts.
Tomorrowland: Walt Disney was a futurist at heart, and Tomorrowland best reflects this vision. The Carousel of Progress is an updated version of an exhibit created by Walt Disney for the 1964-1965 New York World’s Fair about technological advancements. The most popular rides here are the newly refurbished Space Mountain and Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, which is kind of like a moving arcade game. For those who don’t like their rides to move around so much, enjoy the leisurely Tomorrowland Transportation Authority (TTA), which goes through Space Mountain.
Mickey's Toontown Fair: This area of Magic Kingdom is most appealing to the little ones, because the rides are small and there are plenty of areas where kids can run around and play. The exploration areas include Donald’s Boat, Mickey’s (and Minnie’s) Country House, and the mini roller coaster (for kids 35 inches or taller) known as the Barnstormer at Goofy's Wiseacre Farm.
Fantasyland: Magic Kingdom has big plans to shrink down Mickey’s Toontown Fair in order to accommodate a larger Fantasyland, so pardon their dust and be prepared to make way for more Disney princesses! The favorite rides at Fantasyland include the spinning tea cups at the Mad Tea Party, Peter Pan’s Flight, and Snow White’s Scary Adventures (which really isn’t that scary, but some tots scare more easily than others). And of course, let’s not forget It’s a Small World, the quintessential Disney ride for guests of all ages.
Liberty Square: It always feels like July 4, 1776 in Liberty Square. Cast members in this area of Magic Kingdom are dressed in Revolutionary War era period costumes, and the Liberty Tree Tavern recreates the atmosphere of a colonial New England inn. The Hall of Presidents is one of Magic Kingdom’s original attractions, and since 1993 every sitting president has made an original recording for his own animatronic likeness. Tucked away in the back of Liberty Square is The Haunted Mansion, another 1971 original, which was refurbished in 2007.
Frontierland: Woody and Jessie from the Toy Story movies have found a home in Magic Kingdom’s Frontierland, which also has a number of classic Walt Disney World attractions. The Country Bear Jamboree musical revue is a Magic Kingdom original from 1971. Once your child reaches the 40 inch height minimum, a ride on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad or Splash Mountain would be a great introduction to the world of theme park roller coasters.
Adventureland: Pirates, jungle river cruises, flying carpets—it’s all here in Adventureland. Energetic kids can climb the Swiss Family Robinson tree house, and older adults will appreciate the leisurely Jungle Cruise. The Pirates of the Caribbean is one of those Walt Disney World attractions that one has to ride at least once, or for frequent visitors, at least once every time you visit the Magic Kingdom. Just remember, “Dead men tell no tales…”

Many of the landmarks and rides associated with Walt Disney World are here at Magic Kingdom, and Disney has done an exceptional job of preserving the most iconic parts of the parks past while always maintaining an eye towards the future. One of the main reasons why people keep coming back to Magic Kingdom time and time again is that they never know what they’ll find, but they can be assured that it will be top-notch Disney quality.

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