Walking into the Walt Disney World Resort’s Magic Kingdom, you are transported into a world of fantasy and where your wildest dreams really do come true. Here is a guide to visiting the resort during your next trip to Orlando.
Main Street, USA
To enter into the Magic Kingdom, you’ll have to walk down Main Street, USA. This is where you’ll find some of the best places to snap a picture in the park.
Walt Disney’s brother, Roy Disney, is remembered in the Sharing the Magic statue sitting with Minnie Mouse. Roy helped continue his brother’s dream of creating Disney and this statue is a tribute to the dreamers and doers who helped make the park a reality.
The centrepiece of the park is Cinderella’s Castle, visible from the minute you walk into the park. After snapping your photo there, take another with Partners, a statue of Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse holding hands.
The Magic Kingdom is exactly what the name implies; a kingdom of fantasies, fun and excitement filled with magic. But Main Street, USA isn’t where your journey ends, merely where it begins. Let’s take a look around.
For a limited time Disney is offering discount Disney World tickets for Canadian residents
Adventureland
Your day begins in Adventureland. As you move deeper into the jungle, you are transported into a movie that feels worlds away from Orlando, Florida. For a completely different experience, stroll through Adventureland at night as it transforms into a quiet oasis in the evening away from the rest of the park.
Look first for the skull and crossbones flying next to a Spanish fortress to find the Pirates of the Caribbean. This slow-moving boat ride takes you back into the realm of pirates as you journey from caves to naval assaults taking you through the age-old story. This attraction is a classic and has been updated to include mermaids, Davy Jones, and of course, Captain Jack Sparrow. As you leave this section, watch as the worlds transform to bring to life some of your favourite films.
Where to go in Adventureland
Frontierland
The highlight of Frontierland is “the wildest ride in the wilderness” Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. This family-friendly coaster takes you weaving through the rocky ledges of Big Thunder Mountain. Over the years, this ride has been updated to add more twists and plunges to the coaster.
If you aren’t afraid of heights (or water), your next ride will be Splash Mountain. This log flume ride is based on Song of the South and retells Uncle Remus’ story of Brer Rabbit finishing off with a big drop (and splash).
As you wait for your clothes to dry, hop on the Walt Disney World Railroad, where you travel to the other lands in the park while giving your feet a rest.
Where to go in Frontierland
Tomorrowland
In Tomorrowland there are a few must-see attractions. First, get in line for Space Mountain. This roller coaster zooms through the darkness of space and has been a long-standing favourite for park-goers. Take advantage of shorter lines in the evening while the other guests are finding a spot to watch the parade and fireworks.
Another must-do is Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin. This ride is perfect for younger guests who will enjoy shooting the laser cannons at targets.
Finally, take the moving sidewalk up to the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover. This ride casually takes you around, and through, many of the attractions of Tomorrowland giving you a unique aerial perspective of this section.
Where to go in Tomorrowland
- Space Mountain
- Astro Orbiter
- Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
- Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin.
Liberty Square
While visiting Magic Kingdom, make sure you stop by Liberty Square. Accessible through Fantasyland, you’ll find yourself wandering by a creepy old Hudson River Valley manor on the hilltop to your right. As the line splits towards to Haunted Mansion, stay to the left side towards the cemetery.
Liberty Square in the Magic Kingdom Park is home not only to the Haunted Mansion (which you’re going to want to check out) but also to the Liberty Square Riverboat and other attractions based on American history.
Where to go in Liberty Square
- Haunted Mansion
- Liberty Square Riverboat
- The Muppets Present…Great Moments in American History
- The Hall of Presidents
Fantasyland
Fantasyland is the heart of the Magic Kingdom. It’s the perfect place to explore the world of Disney with rides including Dumbo the Flying Elephant, the Mad Tea Party and Prince Charming Regal Carousel. You can meet your favourite Disney princesses at Princess Fairytale Hall, enjoy some flatbread in Pinocchio’s Village Haus or meet Donald, Daisy, Minnie and Goofy at Pete’s Silly Sideshow.
Fantasyland is also a great place to catch the daily parades and fireworks show that happens in the Magic Kingdom. In the afternoon you can see the upbeat travelling circus filled with animated floats and a mechanical steampunk dragon that actually breathes fire!
The nightly parade in the Magic Kingdom has all of the classic Disney characters and a few new favourites to bring the films to life.
After the parade, be sure that you stick around the front of Cinderella’s Castle as the castle comes to life. Special projectors change the physical appearance of the castle for an awe-inspiring performance. This, of course, is only the pre-show to the magnificent nightly fireworks.
Where to go in Fantasyland
- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
- The Barnstormer
- Prince Charming Regal Carousel
- The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Visiting Walt Disney World
Magic Kingdom is only one of the four parks in Disney World, and because we love a good magical vacation we’ve created a guide for all of them, just for you!
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