Magic Kingdom

Welcome to my Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom Overview!

The Magic Kingdom is the Walt Disney World Resort’s busiest theme park with twice the annual attendance of the other individual parks at WDW. Those going to WDW for shorter periods will make sure they go to the Magic Kingdom versus seeing all of the other parks.

The Magic Kingdom is sometimes mistakenly referred to as “Disney World” by those who are unfamiliar. This is because it was the original, single theme park when Disney World opened and also because people were familiar with Disneyland which only had a single theme park for most of its existence and is both the name of the whole California resort and that theme park. 

Walt Disney World is the name of the entire Florida resort property covering over 27 thousand acres, which encompasses the four theme parks, two water parks, resort hotels and shopping and entertainment venues, as well as conservation areas and waterways. The Magic Kingdom is just one of the four theme parks.

The Magic Kingdom is divided into different areas or lands as Disney calls them. Each land is themed much as you’d expect based upon its name. The theming includes the architecture, pavement, cast member costumes, types of attractions and food, and even the background music. 

Looking for another park?

• Disney World Theme Park Overview
• EPCOT
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios 
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom

In this Overview I use the following Shortcuts:

Attractions

Height Restrictions – Some of the more thrilling attractions have height restrictions. If children are shorter than the set limit, they cannot experience the attraction. Disney will not bend on these restrictions as they are for safety purposes; in many cases they have to do with the attraction seating and associated restraint capability. In some cases just because your child is tall enough to ride, doesn’t mean they are mature enough.

Attractions with height restrictions will be designated like this: (H33) the H designates height restriction and the following number designates how many inches tall you must be in order to ride. In this example (H33) you must be 33 inches tall to ride. Cast members will measure those in question.

Disney’s ride policy with children. A child must be at least 14 to ride with a child 7 or older, but an adult 18 or older must be sitting with a child 6 or younger.

25 Top Disney World Rides for the Whole Family

The NEW Mountain Challenge in Disney World!

Disney Genie

Attractions that participate in Walt Disney World’s two pay to skip the line system will be designated like this:

• Genie+ eligible attractions will be indicated by (Genie+)
• Individual Lightning Lane Purchases eligible attractions will be indicated by (Individual Purchase)

Read more about Genie and Genie+ here

Virtual Queue

In recent years, Disney has instituted a virtual queue for newly introduced attractions as the primary way of experiencing them for quite a long while. Once the initial surge of interest dies down over a period of months to a year they will add in the Individual Purchase option and then perhaps Genie+.

Food

I’ll give a brief overview of the type of food available at each restaurant as well as the type of restaurant (table service, etc.), meals served, and average cost.

Restaurant types consist of counter service, grab-and-go, table service and some buffet restaurants. At least one table service restaurant in each park offers a character meal.

Look for these keys to the rough cost of restaurants and the meals they offer:

$ = Less than $15 per adult
$$ = $15 – $30 per adult
$$$ = $30 – $60 per adult
$$$$ = over $60 per adult
B = Breakfast
L = Lunch
D = Dinner
S = Snack

Meal Abbreviations:

B – Breakfast
L – Lunch
D – Dinner
S – Snacks

Best Places to Eat with Restrictive Diets: Magic Kingdom

Arrival

Your arrival location at the Magic Kingdom will depend upon your method of transportation. 

Those traveling from a Disney-owned resort will arrive just steps from the Magic Kingdom main entrance. Right outside the Magic Kingdom entrance is the Magic Kingdom bus terminal where buses from the Disney resorts arrive, the boat docks where boats from the Disney resorts arrive, and the monorail station where both the Disney Resort and Express Monorails arrive.

Those traveling from a non-Disney resort, or those who drive their car will arrive at the Transportation and Ticket Center, or TTC for short.

The TTC is adjacent to the Magic Kingdom Parking lot and separated from the Magic Kingdom by the Seven Seas Lagoon and about three quarters of a mile in distance. 

Those arriving by car will park in the Magic Kingdom parking lot and then board trams for a brief ride to the TTC or walk if they are parked close enough. 

Buses from non-Disney resorts arrive at the bus terminal just to the side of the TTC.

Once at the TTC you may buy your Disney World tickets if needed and then board the Disney transportation to the Magic Kingdom or Epcot. 

There are two transportation methods available, the Monorail and a large ferryboat. 

There are three different monorail lines, the Express, Resort, and Epcot lines. 

• The Express Monorail only stops at the TTC and the Magic Kingdom. Those getting on at the TTC will whisk by (actually through) the Contemporary Resort on their non-stop trip to the Magic Kingdom.
• The Resort Monorail runs in the opposite direction and makes stops at the TTC, and the Magic Kingdom as well as all of the Disney Resorts on the monorail loop. Those getting on at the TTC will stop at the Polynesian Village Resort and then the Grand Floridian Resort for several minutes each before arriving at the Magic Kingdom.
• The Epcot Monorail is a direct line to the Epcot theme park. 

The ferryboat dock is to the left as you enter the TTC. Two to three ferries will be running at any given time based upon load requirements. The ferryboat will make a direct trip to the Magic Kingdom dock

See my posts on walking g to the Magic Kingdom:

• Walk between Shades of Green and Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
• Walk Between Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
• Walk between Disney’s Contemporary Resort / Bay Lake Tower and the Magic Kingdom
• Walk between Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa and the Magic Kingdom
• Walk Between Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and the Transportation and Ticket Center

Security

Starting in 2017 Disney World decentralized their Magic Kingdom security area. Those traveling to the Magic Kingdom from Magic Kingdom Area Resorts via the monorail will process through security before boarding. Those traveling to the Magic Kingdom from Magic Kingdom Area Resorts via boat, bus, or walking will process through security after their trip to the Magic Kingdom. While those traveling from the TTC will go through security prior to entering the TTC.

Main Street USA

You’ll enter the Magic Kingdom at the south end of Main Street USA, one of the Magic Kingdom’s themed lands. This is the one and only entrance and exit to the park.  

At the far (north) end of Main Street is the hub, the central area around which the rest of the lands are arranged. Cinderella Castle sits on the far side of the hub. Moving clockwise around the hub are the entrances to: Adventureland and Frontierland, Liberty Square, Fantasyland, and finally Tomorrowland. 

Main Street U.S.A. is a re-creation of early 20th century small-town America. Here you can meet Mickey Mouse in person, shop, or grab a coffee and pastry on your way in.

Attractions

Flag Retreat – Though not an actual attraction this is highly recommended! This awesome event is held daily at 5 p.m. Please check the day’s time upon arrival as they do adjust it occasionally.

A military member, retiree, or veteran is selected at random daily to participate. If you qualify and want to try to be selected, be at the Magic Kingdom well prior to opening so that you are standing against the rope used to keep people out until “Rope Drop.” Wear something that is very conspicuously military related (unit or service tee shirts, Veteran ball caps, military logo backpacks, etc.), you may be noticed and selected.

Town Square Theater – Enjoy a private character meet-and-greet with Mickey Mouse and Tinkerbell. Disney PhotoPass photographers will take your picture with Mickey and Tink. You can take your own too or they’ll use your camera for you. Each character has their own private room and separate wait queue.

Walt Disney World Railroad – Ride on a real steam train on an approximately 20-minute journey around the Magic Kingdom. Your train returns to Main Street after stops at Frontierland and Storybook Circus in Fantasyland. The four trains that run this loop were all built around the turn of the century in the U.S. In the 70’s Disney found them in Mexico and brought them home to be lovingly refurbished for the Magic Kingdom. Walt was a huge railroad fan. You can board or exit at any stop.

Dining

Tony’s Town Square Restaurant – LD $$ – Table Service – Pastas, salads, and Italian entrees. Italian wines by the glass and bottle as well as Italian beers by the glass.

Main Street Bakery – BS $ – Counter Service – Featuring Starbucks coffees’ breakfast selections, gourmet sandwiches, desserts, and cookies.

Plaza Ice Cream Parlor – S $ – Counter Service – Ice cream, snacks and soft drinks.

The Plaza Restaurant – LD $ – Table Service – Sandwiches, fries, salad, desserts and soda fountain treats.

Casey’s Corner – LDS $ – Counter Service – Hot dogs, fries, soft drinks, snacks. 

The Crystal Palace – BL $$ D $$$ – Buffet Service – Features an all-you-can-eat Character Buffet featuring Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore, and Piglet. 

Shopping

Harmony Barber Shop – Haircuts, beard and mustache trims, princess and pirate makeovers. The Dapper Dans barbershop quartet entertains at times through the day. Call 407-939-7529 for an appointment.

The Chapeau – Hats and monogramming. Get your Mickey Mouse Ears here.

Confectionery – Gifts of candy, baked goods, and sweets.

Crystal Arts – Glass cutting, glass blowing.

Disney Clothiers – Disney character fashions for men and women.

Disney & Co. – Souvenirs, frames, children’s clothing, and assorted Disney merchandise.

Emporium – A huge retail location (the whole west side of Main Street), they carry most Disney World gifts, clothes and souvenirs.

Main Street Athletic Club – Sports apparel and equipment.

The Main Street Cinema – Carries plush toys, pins, books, Disney videos, CDs, and cassettes.

Main Street Gallery – Posters, lithographs, books, and postcards.

Fall in the Magic Kingdom

Adventureland

Adventureland Embodies the edge of civilization, here you’ll find pirates, shipwrecked survivors, the wild rivers of the world and even a Middle Eastern bazaar. Adventureland is home to Pirates of the Caribbean. 

Attractions

Swiss Family Treehouse – Walk through the recreated home of the Swiss Family Robinson. Based on the 1960 Disney feature film. As you follow the stairs, platforms, and bridges that guide you along you will see various “rooms” that the Robinsons have set up and the ingenious ways they’ve used bamboo and other basic things to make “modern” conveniences. There are a lot of stairs to climb on this self-guided tour.

Jungle Cruise (Genie+) – Cruise down the rivers of the world: the Nile, Amazon, Congo and the Mekong Rivers. Your campy Boat Captain, who is full of jokes, will lead your 10-minute-long expedition. On this ride you will board a boat that will take you on your journey along with about a dozen other people. As the ride moves along you will see lots of vegetation interspersed with audio-animatronic scenes while your Boat Captain spouts a continuous stream of corny jokes. You’ll see lions, elephants, gorillas and many other “animals” on your journey.

Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room – A musical show featuring audio-animatronic birds. You’ll enter a theatre for this show, which is put on by 200 talking and singing audio-animatronic tropical birds and flowers. Several songs and jokes will be performed in this nine-minute-long performance. This is one of the attractions to skip if you are time limited.

Audio-animatronics are one of Walt Disney’s big innovations, lifelike figures (human or animal) that are animated via hydraulics, pneumatics, and mechanics, with movements timed precisely to an audio track. You’ll find these characters in many WDW attractions.

The Magic Carpets of Aladdin (Genie+)  – A circular flying carpet ride, you can circle the bazaar and make your carpet rise and dive. Each carpet vehicle will accommodate four individuals. Those in the front seat can control whether the carpet goes up or down on its circular journey but watch out for spitting camels!

Pirates of the Caribbean (Genie+)   – This ride is a classic and a must see! Board a boat with about a dozen others to hit the high seas on this 10-minute-long trip through pirate locales. You’ll see skeletons, pirates and villagers as you float along. The audio-animatronic scenes depict the sacking of a village, you will float through a cannon battle between a pirate ship and seaside fort, then float through the village as pirates loot and plunder. During the voyage you’ll be regaled with the Disney pirate anthem, Yo-Ho Yo-Ho a Pirate’s Life for Me. Be sure to keep a sharp eye out for Captain Jack Sparrow!

Dining

Aloha Isle – S $ – Counter Service – Floats, pineapple spears, juice and beverages, and the famous Dole Whip (soft serve pineapple goodness).

Sunshine Tree Terrace – S $ – Counter Service – Non-fat frozen yogurt, citrus specialties like the citrus swirl, and assorted beverages.

Tortuga Tavern – L $ – Counter Service – Hot Dogs. chicken tenders, and a burger, Hours vary. Open Seasonally.

Jungle Navigation Co, Ltd. Skipper Canteen – LD $$ – Table Service -Asian, South American, and African influenced cuisine. Noodle Bowls, Chicken, Pork, Steak, appetizers and deserts plus novelty drinks all served with the dry, corny humor you’ll find on the Jungle Cruise. Wines by the glass and bottle as well as beers by the glass.

Shopping

Agrabah Bazaar – An open-air marketplace, Aladdin souvenirs and Middle Eastern items.

Island Supply Company – Surfing gear, island apparel, leis, sunglasses, and grass skirts.

Pirates Bazaar – All the pirate gear you’ll ever need, hats and hooks, shirts, rings, ships in a bottle and eye patches. Argh!

Frontierland

Frontierland depicts life in America’s expanding western frontier, from the Mississippi pushing westward to the Wild West, from Tom Sawyer’s Island, to Indian Territory and further West to gold prospecting camps. Frontierland is home to two of the Magic Kingdom’s “Mountains”, Big Thunder Mountain and Splash Mountain. 

See Frontierland, Walt Disney and the American Identity for lots of historical tidbits.

Attractions

Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade – Try your best to get a bull’s-eye. Grab your Buffalo Rifle and take your best shot at the various targets. There is an extra minimal charge for this attraction, and it can be skipped if time is an issue.

Country Bear Jamboree – Audio-animatronic bears perform a vaudeville type show. Enter Grizzly Hall, with theatre type seating to enjoy this show. You’ll see a collection of all kinds of bears singing and performing songs and jokes in their version of the Grand Ole Oprey. You’ll either love it or have to Grin and Bear it…

Tom Sawyer Island – A Fort, caves, tunnels, trails, and barrel bridges are some of the fun things to explore on this island. You’ll have to catch a raft across the river to get to the island where kids will love to explore. It is a great place for them to blow off some steam! The island closes at dusk. 

Walt Disney World Railroad – An approximately 20-minute journey around the Magic Kingdom on a real steam train. Your train returns to Frontierland after stops at Storybook Circus in Fantasyland and Main Street USA. Located near Splash Mountain it is a great way to make the hop over to Fantasyland.

Splash Mountain (H40) (Genie+)  – A log flume ride through Brer Rabbit’s Laughin’ Place. One of Magic Kingdom’s favorite thrill rides. Board your eight-person log to float through the scenes from Song of the South where you will see Brer Rabbit’s adventures while listening to songs from the movie. You’ll progressively get higher during this calm portion of the ride. There may be a few small plunges along the way, until you come to the big final drop and splash. You will get wet! Some more than others, the left side is alleged to get less water.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (H40) (Genie+)  – Hold on to your hats this runaway mine train is the “Wildest Ride in the Wilderness.” You will board a 15-row train, complete with locomotive in the front for this rollercoaster ride. This fun outdoor coaster zips through mining town scenery based upon Utah’s Brice Canyon with lots of dips and curves. Don’t miss, one of our favorites!

The NEW Mountain Challenge in Disney World!

Dining

Golden Oak Outpost – LDS $ – Counter Service – Chicken nuggets, fries, Shakes, and soft drinks.

Pecos Bill’s Tall Tales Cafe – LD $ – Counter Service – fajitas, burritos, tacos, burgers, salads and beverages. All with a southwest flair. One of the two all you want “fixins’ bars” in the Magic Kingdom. 

Westward Ho – BS $ – Cart Service – Grab and Go breakfast items, corn dogs, churros, snacks.

Shopping

Briar Patch – The Splash Mountain co-located gift shop. An assortment of Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, and friends related merchandise.

Frontier Trading Post – Items from the Old West, cowboy hats, sheriff’s badges, and Native American headdresses.

Liberty Square 

Liberty Square will immerse you in America’s colonial history, from the thirteen colonies to the Hudson River of the Gilded Age. Listen to and see our Presidents, past and present in the Hall of Presidents or hangout with hitchhiking ghosts in the Haunted Mansion.

Attractions

Liberty Square Riverboat – Ride aboard a recreated steam powered paddle wheel boat on the Rivers of America. The Liberty Belle a real functioning paddle wheel steamboat was built right on property. Enjoy the 17-minute ride along the Rivers of America where you’ll see lots of scenery while listening to your tour guide Mark Twain.

The Hall of Presidents – A patriotic show featuring audio-animatronic versions of all the American Presidents. This is a 20-minute-long presentation in a nicely air-conditioned theatre. The show is more patriotic than fun, and youngsters may get antsy and over tired, hot adults may nod off. But I love this show (along with the American Adventure at Epcot). After a film there is a discussion of the importance of the Constitution from its framing through the space age. Then each president is introduced in order from George Washington to the present. The audio-animatronic figures behave in a life-like manner, swaying, fidgeting, whispering to each other as the show progresses and each acknowledges being introduced. After the roll call of the all past presidents, the animatronic George Washington gives a short speech, followed by Donald Trump standing and reciting the Presidential Oath of Office.

While waiting for the next showing you can spend a little time looking through the small Hall of Presentness Museum.

The Haunted Mansion (Genie+) – Ride through this haunted mansion and then the graveyard outside. Kids will enjoy the interactive items in the queue area. Once you enter you will be directed into a small room with a group of others and be sealed in. This is the Stretching Room. Your Ghost Host will then introduce you to the mansion. Note at the end of this sequence the lights go out momentarily and there is a medium loud scream heard on the soundtrack, meanwhile Haunted Mansion aficionados in the group will scream out loudly themselves playing along. This is the scariest moment of the attraction. Riders are then filed into a very dark queue area where kids who became anxious due the scream continue to build their fright. Once on the actual ride things calm way down.

At the end of the queue and you’ll board your Doom Buggy from a moving belt walkway for a tour of the mansion and the graveyard “outside.” The doom buggies will accommodate 2+ with small kids. You will see lots of unique visual illusions and audio-animatronic ghouls and ghosts. Beware of hitchhiking ghosts! 

The Liberty Tree – Take time to admire the Liberty Tree, a 135-year-old live oak which was transplanted from another location on Disney property that had a full-grown weight of 35 tons when moved in 1971.  The tree represents the communal meeting places in many New England towns, where American Revolutionaries met. The 13 lanterns hanging in the tree represent the 13 original colonies. Look for the replica of the Liberty Bell nearby.

Dining

Liberty Tree Tavern – LD $$ – Table Service – A la carte lunch featuring entrees, soups, and sandwiches with American flavors. All-you-care-to-eat family style dinner beginning at 4 p.m. Wines by the glass and bottle as well as beers, hard ciders, and mimosas by the glass.

The Diamond Horseshoe – LD $$ – Table Service – In recent years has become an alternate dining room for the Liberty Tree Tavern, serving the same menu.

Columbia Harbour House – LD $ – Counter Service – Seafood, chicken potpie, and salads. 

Sleepy Hollow – LS $ – Counter Service – Waffle sandwiches, corn dogs, pretzel dog, funnel cakes, beverages. During breakfast they have a Breakfast Egg and Cheese Waffle.

Liberty Square Market – S $ – Cart Service – Fresh fruit and other “grab ‘n’ go” items, including “jacket potatoes” (baked potatoes with toppings).

Shopping

Heritage House – Historical items, early-American gifts, flags, books, and t-shirts.

Liberty Square Portrait Gallery – Silhouette drawings by artists.

Memento Mori – Haunted Mansion art, collectibles, gifts, and housewares.

Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe – Christmas gifts and decorations, Disney-themed and traditional.

Fantasyland

Fantasyland embodies all things fanciful, here castles abound. Take a flight with Peter Pan, eat lunch in the Beast’s castle, or go on a ride through the Seven Dwarf’s mine. With the recent “New Fantasyland” expansion, this is the biggest land in the Magic Kingdom.

Attractions

Peter Pan’s Flight (Genie+)  – Ride in a pirate ship over the rooftops of London and into Neverland as you follow Peter Pan on his adventures. Board a 2+ person (with small kids) pirate ship for this airborne journey. You’ll cruise over all major scenes from the movie until the crocodile catches the Captain.

“it’s a small world” (Genie+)   – A Disney classic, audio-animatronic dolls from all over the world entertain you during this indoor boat ride. Your boat will seat about a dozen people in 4+ person rows. Each scene you pass through will feature children and animals of the world singing and dancing together in friendship, all to that tune many love to hate or hate to love, “It’s a small world after all.”

Mickey’s PhilharMagic (Genie+)   – This is a 3D movie experience, featuring Donald Duck hijacking Mickey’s Sorcerer’s Hat. Grab your 3D glasses and enter the theatre where the gang is preparing for a show. During the setup Donald unwisely tries to use Mickey’s hat. A whirlwind adventure through several of the best loved Disney movies ensues until Mickey saves the day. One of our family favorites.

Prince Charming Regal Carrousel – A 1917 carousel with beautifully carved horses. This beautiful carrousel was saved by Disney from the closed Olympic Park in Maplewood NJ. It was then refurbished to its current beauty.

Princess Fairytale Hall  – Cinderella, Rapunzel, and other princesses in one on one character meet and greets. 

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (H38)(Individual Purchase) – Race through the diamond mine from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs on an adventurous family coaster. Board your two person to a row mine train for a new kind of coaster experience. The individual mine cars sway side to side in turns like a pendulum. This coaster is milder than Big Thunder Mountain and slows in the middle for an audio-animatronic visit with the dwarfs. The seating is quite tight in these cars and six footers like me will be jammed in. This is the newest attraction at the Magic Kingdom and is also in high demand. This is also one of the first items to be used up in FastPass Plus. A must do! The NEW Mountain Challenge in Disney World!

The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (Genie+)  – Ride in a honey pot and relive all of Pooh’s adventures. Your 4+ person honey pot will take you on a fun journey through the Hundred Acre Wood where you’ll see scenes from the books and movies. Join Pooh and friends in a celebration as the ride ends.

Enchanted Tales with Belle – An interactive story adventure featuring Belle, Lumiere, and you. First, you’ll tour Maurice’s cottage and workshop and then you will pass through a magic mirror. Several guests will be chosen to help reenact Belle’s story and the rest will be seated in the library (theatre) to watch.

Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid (Genie+)  – Ride in your own clamshell to follow Ariel and her friends through the scenes of the Little Mermaid. After getting into your 2+ person clamshell you’ll descend under the sea in this recreation of the new classic Disney movie. You’ll hear all the famous songs too. As the ride nears the end you’ll surface and see Ariel.

Ariel’s Grotto – A character meet-and-greet with Aerial, the Little Mermaid. Since Aerial can’t walk around the park with her fins you can join her where she sits in her grotto to say hello.

Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station – A water play area that is part of the new Fantasyland. This is a big splash area for the kids to run around on the rubberized surface and cool off in the water jets.

Pete’s Silly Sideshow – Disney classic character meet and greet with The Astounding Donaldo, The Great Goofini, Minnie Magnifique, and Madame Daisy Fortuna.

Dumbo the Flying Elephant (Genie+)  – Ride on your favorite elephant, Dumbo. Make him fly up then down as you fly in a circle. Your 2+ person elephant can be controlled to fly up and down on this circular journey. With the New Fantasyland expansion this ride now has double the capacity with two sets of elephants. There is an interactive play area for kids to blow off steam while waiting. 

The Barnstormer (H35)(Genie+)  – A kids’ coaster, features Goofy as a stunt plane pilot. Fly around with Goofy on his barnstorming flight. The coaster resembles a biplane and is the Disney coaster most like the typical open-air coaster, though it is not a rough thrilling one.

Mad Tea Party (Genie+) – Spinning oversized teacups with an Alice in Wonderland theme. This 2-minute-long ride whizzes round and round while each group of cups also revolves and you can manually spin your own cup.  This ride is not for those with weak stomachs! It is 2 minutes longer than it should be for me… 

Fairytale Garden – A character meet and greet with Merida or other rotating characters.

Walt Disney World Railroad – An approximately 20-minute journey around the Magic Kingdom on a real steam train. Your train returns to Fantasyland after stops at Main Street USA and Frontierland. It is a quick ride to Main Street from here. There is also a short walking path that connects the railroad station with the Space Mountain area in Tomorrowland. This is convenient for those in Tomorrowland who want to get to Main Street or Frontier land.

Dining

Pinocchio Village Haus – LD $ – Counter Service – Sandwiches, flatbread pizzas, pasta, salads, and soft drinks. 

Cinderella’s Royal Table – BLD $$$ – Table Service – You can dine in Cinderella Castle with the princesses during breakfast, lunch and dinner. Breakfast and lunch are Character meals. Reservations are necessary (this restaurant fills up within minutes 180 days prior!). Characters vary, but almost always include Cinderella and the Fairy Godmother and may include Belle, Jasmine and Snow White. Breakfast options are from basic to decadent, while kids dine on scrambled eggs and waffles. Lunch and dinner offerings include: Soup of the Day, salad, Seared Pork Tenderloin, Pan-seared All-Natural Chicken, and Summer Vegetable Couscous. At Lunch and dinner enjoy expensive wines by the glass and bottle. 

Friar’s Nook – LS $ – Counter Service – Hot dogs, mac ‘n cheese, and drinks.

Be Our Guest Restaurant – BL $ D $$ – Modified Counter Service for breakfast and lunch and Table service for dinner – Dine in Beast’s Castle, during breakfast and lunch order at the Quick Service registers at the end of the queue and your meal will be delivered to your table. During dinner enjoy regular table service. Breakfast includes eggs, quiche, and breakfast sandwiches. Lunch features: sandwiches, salads, and soups. While dinner offerings include steak, seafood, pork, lamb and more. Beer and wine served with dinner. 

Gaston’s Tavern – S $ – Counter Service – Ham and cheese or smoked turkey and gouda sandwiches, fruit and cheese plate, the unique beverage LeFou’s Brew, other snacks, and a extremely awesome cinnamon roll are some of the offerings.

Prince Eric’s Village Market – S $ – Cart Service – Grab and go healthy options.

Storybook Treats – S $ – Counter Service – Ice cream, snacks and soft drinks.

Cheshire Cafe – S $ – Counter Service – Ice coffee, slushies, snacks, and soft drinks.

Shopping

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique – Salon for girls and boys, with character costumes and more. Ages 3-12 call 407-939-7895 for appointments.

Castle Couture – Mickey ears, apparel, accessories, toys & plush items.

Sir Mickey’s – Here you will find snow globes, costumes, and hats.

Fantasy Faire – The Mickey’s PhilharMagic co-located shop, offers plush toys and Donald Duck items.

Big Top Souvenirs – Merchandise and food items under the circus Big Top.

Bonjour Village Gifts – Beauty and the Beast merchandise.

Hundred Acre Goods – Pooh themed apparel and accessories.

Tomorrowland

Tomorrowland is a look at what the “Future That Never Was” might look like, as imagined by sci-fi writers from the 1920’s and 1930’s. Take a spin on the third of the Magic Kingdom’s “Mountains”, Space Mountain, or help Buzz Lightyear defeat Emperor Zurg.

Attractions

Tomorrowland Speedway (H32)(H54 to ride alone) (Genie+)  – Drive a mini racecar around the Tomorrowland Speedway. These little two-person gas powered cars tool around the track on a guide rail. You can steer side to side and around corners, but the rail keeps you “firmly” in your lane. The combo gas pedal/brake is quite hard to push and is mounted in the center of the floorboard so the adult can operate it while the child attempts to steer. Pre-driving kids will enjoy this, adults will be glad when the left to right jerking and bumping into stopped cars is over! (Closed Oct 2018 for 5 months due to Tron construction)

Space Mountain – (H44, Genie+) The Magic Kingdom’s original “Mountain” ride a high-speed, indoor roller coaster on a dark track! Seating is two persons per car in 2 car trains. Each car has a forward and rear seat. After boarding you’ll blast off into space, the coaster runs through an almost totally dark area, you will never know which way it is going to turn or when the next drop is coming. This wins the prize as the most exciting ride in the Magic Kingdom. The NEW Mountain Challenge in Disney World!

Tomorrowland Transit Authority – Take a tour of Tomorrowland on this elevated track. One of Walt’s passions was designing and one day building cities of tomorrow, he constantly explored technologies, invented new ways of doing things and then tried them out in his parks. This ride was originally called the WEDway (for Walter Elias Disney) PeopleMover and it runs on a linear magnetic induction system. The ride vehicles have no motors they are pulled along the track by magnets activated in sequence. Ride vehicles seat 4+ per car in 2 car trains.

Astro Orbiter – Fly in a circle high above Tomorrowland, make your astro orbiter rise and fall. Another of Disney’s circular up and down rides like Dumbo and the Carpets in Adventureland. This version’s claim to fame is that the whole ride is elevated high over Tomorrowland rather than being at ground level like the others. The ride vehicles look like rockets and seating is 2 per rocket side by side.

Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress – Enjoy several audio-animatronics scenes depicting 100 years of progress in technology. This attraction is quintessentially Walt! Originally created for the 1964-1965 World’s Fair it moved to Disney World in 1975. In this unique experience you will sit in a small theatre mounted along with others on a ring that surrounds the stages. The stages are set facing outward in a circle. After viewing each scene, the ring spins to move you along to the next scene, hence the carousel in the name. During the show you will follow along with an American family through the decades and see how technology has improved and changed their lives.

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin (Genie+) – Shoot your laser to defeat Zurg and score points! Your 2+ person spaceship is equipped with two lasers so that you can help Buzz defeat Emperor Zurgg. As you move through the various rooms in your spaceship you can shoot at the plethora of targets and when you score a hit your points will accumulate on your individual score board. There is also a joystick so that you can spin your spaceship from side to side to get a better angle on targets. This is a fun ride for the whole family! See who gets the highest score. See: Sharpshooter Tips for Disney’s Competitive Rides!

Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor (Genie+) – Featuring Mike Wazowski from Monsters Inc. the premise of this attraction is that Monstropolis is in the midst of an energy crisis and Mike has decided to open a comedy club to gather the power of laughter. It’s filled with jokes and slapstick. 

TRON Lightcycle / Run (H48, Virtual Queue or Individual Purchase) – Opening 4 April 2023. Lean forward into the ultimate race of survival! Leave the real world behind and join Team Blue in a quest across the Grid—the dark, computerized world with no horizons from TRON. Here, there’s no limit to the excitement. Climb aboard your very own Lightcycle and take off on a high-speed adventure, racing against the Grid’s most menacing Programs. Surge past your fierce opponents as you attempt to cross through 8 Energy Gates and secure your team’s victory.

Dining

Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe – LD $ – Counter Service – Chicken, cheeseburgers, soup, salad, sandwiches, beverages, and snacks. One of the two all you want “fixins’ bars” in the Magic Kingdom. The audio-animatronic Sonny Eclipse plays tunes during your meal. A bit of trivia, this restaurant was originally called the Tomorrowland Terrace and was where Steve worked in the Magic Kingdom.

Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies – S $ – Counter Service – Iced Coffee, soft-serve ice cream, and smoothies.

The Lunching Pad – LDS $ – Counter Service – Hotdogs, pretzels, snacks and beverages. 

Tomorrowland Terrace – LD $ – Counter Service – Serving burgers, Pasta, and sandwiches. Open seasonally.  Originally called the Plaza Pavilion. 

Energy Bytes – – BS $ – Chocolate Cake Doughnut Holes topped with mocha sauce, Joffrey’s Cold Brew Coffee topped with mocha sauce, Digital Dumplings – Buffalo Chicken, Digital Dumplings – Beef & Broccoli, Watermelon Refresher with yuzu and ginger. These offerings all take the same approach as Docking Bay 7 at Hollywood Studios, that is trying to make the food look futuristic and odd.

Shopping

Mickey’s Star Traders – Souvenirs, clothing, jewelry, film, books, toys, and hats. 

Merchant of Venus – A space themed shop with everything Star Wars and other Tomorrowland themed items.

Magic Kingdom Entertainment

Fireworks

Disney Enchantment, features captivating Disney music, enhanced lighting, stunning fireworks and—for the first time—immersive projection effects that extend from Cinderella Castle down Main Street, U.S.A.

The Magic Kingdom’s Fireworks Dessert Parties

Parades

Festival of Fantasy Parade; this is the infamous 3 o’clock parade (a Disney Cast Member joke that goes back to the opening days of the park tells of the guest that asks, “What time is the 3 o’clock parade?” But this has actually happened! Numerous times. WDW can be overwhelming…) Held most days, it will be omitted on some lower attendance days. Features the cast from The Little Mermaid, Brave, and Frozen among other Disney Films. 

Move it! Shake It! Dance & Play It! Street Party – This mini-parade/show starts on Main Street, U.S.A. as favorite Disney characters, including new additions Stitch and Phineas & Ferb, parade toward Cinderella Castle as the emcee, stilt walkers, and others encourage everyone to join in. Once in the Central Plaza, hosts Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, and Goofy appear atop giant gift boxes, leading everyone in a medley of remixed classic party songs. Now held three times a day 11:00 am, 12:30 pm, and 5:45 pm.

Shows & Other Entertainment

At all four theme parks you will find a wide variety of entertainment venues and pop-up performances plus what Disney calls “Streetmosphere” characters. These characters are supposed to be residents of the area that you see them in, such as the Mayor of Main Street. These are larger than life characters who both have set performances with scripts (people will gather to watch these) and they will also interact with you on an individual basis when walking around and not performing. I even saw the Mayor rendering assistance with security cast members to a guest who had tripped in the trolley tracks that run down Main Street.

During the day various live stage shows take place on the stage in front of Cinderella Castle featuring your favorite Disney characters.

Final thoughts on the Magic Kingdom

The Magic Kingdom is the crown jewel of Walt Disney World! The original park with the closest ties to all the beloved Disney films, it has a special place in my heart as it does for many people. This is the busiest of the four parks, the must do park, and one that may take more than a day to explore during your vacation.

This is the last park that Walt had a part in designing!

I have mixed feelings over some of the changes the years have brought about, especially the new castle color this year!. I miss some of my childhood favorite attractions that are now long gone, but change can be good and necessary, and many amazing new attractions and experiences have appeared over the years.

If you haven’t been before, I’m sure your first visit to the Magic Kingdom will cause it to have a special place in your heart too!

Disney World’s Other Theme Parks:

Disney World Theme Park Overview

EPCOT

Disney’s Hollywood Studios 

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

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