Magic Kingdom

22 December 2021 by Steve Bell

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 Lightning Lane Passes

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

• Lightning Lane Multi Pass eligible attractions will be indicated by (LL Multi)
• Lightning Lane Single Pass eligible attractions will be indicated by (LL Single)

Read more about Lightning Land Multi and Single Passes 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

The Magic Kingdom’s Best Bathrooms

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 on load requirements. The ferryboat will make a direct trip to the Magic Kingdom dock

See my posts on walking to the Magic Kingdom:

• Walk between Disney’s Contemporary Resort / Bay Lake Tower and the Magic Kingdom
• Walk Between Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
• 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.

See: Your Introduction to Disney Resort Destination Security – Plus Some Tips

The Magic Kingdom Entrance

After passing through the Magic Kingdom Security Checkpoint or arriving via monorail, boat, or walking you will arrive at the entrance to the Magic Kingdom.

Disney uses touch point scanners where you will touch your Ticket Media (Magic Band, physical ticket, smartphone, or Apple watch) to the touch point. You will then place your finger on a scanner to ensure that it is you using your ticket (see Privacy Concerns). you will then be admitted.

When you scan your ticket or Magic Band to enter the theme parks, Disney World has two scanners for each line, one in front of the other about three feet apart. This is so two people can be scanning at a time. Many people have a bad habit of just using the first one you come to and ignoring the second. This slows down the line. If the second one is open, use it please, there is room to go around and do so.

If the one furthest from you opens up go around the person still using the first one. This keeps the line moving. If you are using the first one and the further one is still in use, go around!

The Magic Kingdom Layout

The Magic Kingdom uses the “Classic Disney” Disneyland layout with an single entrance land with a hub at the far end of that land, and the other lands arranged in a semi-circle around the hub.

The Magic Kingdom is composed of:

• Main Street U.S.A. The entrance land of the Magic Kingdom. Cinderella Castle is the focal point of the hub at the end of Main Street (Main Street runs north/south).

And moving clockwise around the hub:

• Adventureland – Connects to Main Street, Frontierland, and Liberty Square
• Frontierland – Connects to Main Street, Adventureland, and Liberty Square
• Liberty Square – Connects to Main Street, Frontierland, and Fantasyland
• Fantasyland – Connects to Main Street, Liberty Square, and Tomorrowland
• Tomorrowland – Connects to Main Street and Fantasyland

Upcoming Magic Kingdom Lands:

• Piston Peak National Park – Will be between Frontierland and Liberty Square
• Villian’s Land – Will be behind Frontierland

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.

Cinderella Castle – Soon to return to its normal colors!

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 – This is your first stop for a magical meet-and-greet experience. Inside, you’ll find none other than Mickey Mouse himself, waiting to make memories with you. The theater’s vintage décor adds to the magical experience, making it a must-visit for an unforgettable greeting.

The Town Square Theatre is also the headquarters for Disney World’s PhotoPass/MemoryMaker Service – Purchase plans, get tech support, and have pics printed.

Main Street Vehicles – Take a leisurely ride down Main Street USA in one of the classic vehicles, offering a unique view of this charming area. Choose from a horse-drawn streetcar, a jolly trolley, or a vintage automobile—it’s a delightful way to soak in the sights and sounds.

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

Each dining location on Main Street USA offers a unique experience that blends delicious food with the unmistakable magic of Disney. Whether you’re in the mood for Italian cuisine, a quick coffee break, a sweet ice cream treat, or a character dining experience, Main Street USA has something to enchant every visitor. These eateries are more than just places to eat; they’re an integral part of the magical journey through Magic Kingdom, offering flavors and memories that you’ll cherish long after your visit.

Tony’s Town Square Restaurant – LD $$ – Table Service – Step into the romantic world of “Lady and the Tramp” at Tony’s Town Square Restaurant, where Italian cuisine takes center stage. This trattoria, inspired by the classic Disney animated film, offers a cozy and inviting ambiance right at the entrance of Magic Kingdom. Guests can indulge in hearty pasta dishes, savory entrees, and delectable desserts, all while enjoying views of Town Square. Don’t forget to check out the beautiful fountain featuring Lady and Tramp in the main dining area—it’s a picture-perfect moment you won’t want to miss.

Main Street Bakery – BS $ – Counter Service – Featuring Starbucks coffees’ breakfast selections, from scrumptious pastries and mouth-watering sandwiches to a wide selection of Starbucks beverages, the Main Street Bakery offers the perfect pick-me-up before you embark on your magical adventure or as a mid-day treat to recharge your energy.

Plaza Ice Cream Parlor – S $ – Counter Service – Nestled at the corner of Main Street USA, the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor is a nostalgic trip to the ice cream shops of yesteryear. Serving hand-scooped ice cream, sundaes, and floats in an adorable turn-of-the-century setting, this spot is a must-visit for those looking to satisfy their sweet tooth. Whether you choose a classic cone or a decadent sundae topped with hot fudge and a cherry, enjoying your treat with a view of Cinderella Castle in the distance is the cherry on top of a perfect Disney day.

The Plaza Restaurant – LD $ – Table Service – Offering a more sit-down dining experience, The Plaza Restaurant serves up American classics in an elegant, early-20th-century setting. Its mouthwatering sandwiches, salads, and desserts are perfect for those looking for a charming dining experience with views of Main Street.

Casey’s Corner – LDS $ – Counter Service – This classic American eatery is a home run for guests craving hot dogs and baseball-themed snacks. With its red and white striped awning and sports memorabilia, Casey’s Corner hits the nostalgia sweet spot, offering views of the castle while you enjoy your meal.

The Crystal Palace – BL $$ D $$$ – Buffet Service – The Crystal Palace is a buffet-style restaurant that marries the charm of Victorian greenhouses with the whimsy of meeting your favorite Winnie the Pooh characters. This airy and bright eatery offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffets that cater to a variety of tastes and preferences. As you dine under the stunning glass dome, be prepared for visits from Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore, and Tigger, who will make their way to your table for photos and hugs. The Crystal Palace isn’t just a place to eat; it’s an experience that brings your beloved storybook characters to life.

Shopping

Harmony Barber Shop – Tucked away on Main Street USA is a hidden gem that offers a unique slice of Americana: the Harmony Barber Shop. This old-fashioned barbershop gives guests a chance to enjoy a classic haircut or a trim in an utterly charming setting. Little ones can experience the magic of their first haircut complete with commemorative Mickey ears and a certificate. The barbershop quartet ambiance, complete with a striped barber’s pole, transports guests to a simpler time, making a visit here a uniquely nostalgic experience. Whether you’re there for a trim or just to soak in the ambiance, the Harmony Barber Shop is a delightful detour into the heart of Americana. The Dapper Dans barbershop quartet entertains at times through the day. Call 407-939-7529 for an appointment.

Emporium – As the largest gift shop in Magic Kingdom, the Emporium offers an array of Disney merchandise, from apparel and accessories to plush toys and home decor. Walking through its vast expanse, you’ll find the perfect keepsake from your magical journey.

The Chapeau – The Chapeau is where Disney dreams begin with a bit of personal flair. This quaint shop is the go-to spot for iconic Disney ear hats and caps, offering personalization options that make your Disney gear truly one-of-a-kind. Imagine having your name embroidered on a pair of Mickey ears, creating a cherished keepsake or a perfect gift. But The Chapeau isn’t just about ears; it’s a treasure trove of accessories that add a touch of Disney magic to every outfit. It’s a must-visit for those looking to add a personal touch to their Disney adventure right from the start.

Main Street Confectionery – For those with a sweet tooth, Main Street Confectionery is a must-visit. Here, you can watch as delicious treats are made right before your eyes. From mouthwatering fudge to personalized Mickey Mouse ears made of chocolate, it’s a delightful spot to indulge your senses.

Crystal Arts by Arribas Brothers – For a dazzling display of craftsmanship, Crystal Arts by Arribas Brothers is a mesmerizing stop. This store showcases the art of glassblowing, with stunning pieces ranging from delicate figurines to grandiose sculptures, all sparkling with the enchantment of Disney characters and themes. Here, you can watch skilled artisans at work, creating intricate glass treasures before your eyes. Whether you’re in the market for a sophisticated souvenir or simply admiring the exquisite artistry, Crystal Arts offers a captivating glimpse into a world where Disney magic meets fine craftsmanship.

Uptown Jewelers – Uptown Jewelers is a refined boutique that blends the elegance of yesteryear with contemporary Disney flair. Featuring a curated selection of fine jewelry, designer handbags, and limited-edition Disney collectibles, this shop is a treasure trove for those looking to add a touch of sophistication to their Disney experience. With collections from popular brands and Disney collaborations, Uptown Jewelers offers exclusive pieces that make for unforgettable gifts or personal keepsakes. Step inside, and you’ll find yourself amidst a world of sparkle and style that’s distinctly Disney.

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 (LL Multi) – 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 (LL Multi)  – 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 (LL Multi)   – 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.

Beak and Barrel– This rambunctious watering hole offers a welcoming haven for all pirates, big and small, and everyone in between. Here, bandits and buccaneers-to-be from every corner of the seven seas are welcome to join together and raise a toast to the pirate life! This brand new pub in the Magic Kingdom offers unique alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, plus themed small bites. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED!

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

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 Opry. You’ll either love it or have to Grin and Bear it…

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.

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure (H40) (Lightning Land Single)  – Join Princess Tiana and jazz-loving alligator Louis on an adventure through the bayou to help find the essential missing ingredient to a successful Mardi Gras celebration: good New Orleans music! After all, Louis is from the bayou, and he’s one of the best musicians around.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (H40) (LL Multi)  – 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 a 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!

Try the Disney World Mountain Challenge!

Disney announced at the 2024 D23 that 2 new Cars attractions would be coming to Frontierland! It was stated that this area would replace an existing area.

Dining

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

Pecos Bill 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 hang out 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, while 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 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 (LL Multi) – 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 that at the end of this sequence, the lights go out momentarily (it is pitch black except for a dim light in the ceiling illuminating a swinging body), 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 and tightly packed queue area where kids who became anxious due to 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 that 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 (LL Multi)  – 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” (LL Multi)   – 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 (LL Multi)   – 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 one-on-one character meet and greets. 

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (H38)(LL Single) – 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 (LL Multi)  – 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 (LL Multi)  – 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.

Meet Ariel in her 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 (LL Multi)  – 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)(LL Multi)  – 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 (LL Multi) – 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 are 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 an 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) (LL Multi) – 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!

Space Mountain – (H44) (LL Multi), 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, and 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, and make your Astro Orbiter climb and dive. 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 (LL Multi) – 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 a plethora of targets and when you score a hit your points will accumulate on your individual scoreboard. 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 (LL Multi) – 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) (LL  Multi, Single, Premier) – 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. This location currently houses the Fireworks Dessert Parties.

Energy Bytes – BS $ – Chocolate Cake Doughnut Holes topped with mocha sauce, Joffrey’s Cold Brew Coffee topped with mocha sauce, Strawberry and Passionfruit IceOfoam (these 2 desserts are ice cream mochi with crunchy toppings and foam), and Watermelon and Pina Colada Slushies.

AstroFizz – S $ – The brand-new snack stand has blasted into Tomorrowland, replacing the long-retired Cool Ship. This sleek, retro-futuristic kiosk fits perfectly with Tomorrowland’s ongoing reimagining and serves up frozen soda and churros.

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

Happily Ever After – This fireworks extravaganza uses lights, lasers, and special effects, plus a soaring score featuring contemporary versions of beloved Disney songs. Watch in awe as Cinderella Castle is magically transformed through amazing state-of-the-art projection technology.

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.

Magic Kingdom Parades

Coming to the Magic Kingdom in Summer 2025 is Disney Starlight, a new nighttime parade. “Disney Starlight” will continue the nighttime spectacular legacy started by the “Main Street Electrical Parade” using the latest technology to tell new stories about the characters you love. All of this is brought to life by the magic of the Blue Fairy, in addition to beloved characters from Walt Disney Animation Studios films “Peter Pan,” “Encanto,” “Frozen,” and more.

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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