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Disney World guide Disney World overview Disney World in Orlando Florida is a world-renowned
theme park resort that offers endless magic and adventure for visitors of all ages it's
made up of four main theme parks Magic Kingdom Epcot Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom as
well as its Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon water parks with its exhilarating rides diverse
dining options and top-notch entertainment Disney World promises an unforgettable and
will say it again magical experience for families couples and solo Travelers alike from classic
rides like Splash Mountain and Space Mountain to newer experiences like the Star Wars rise of the
resistance attraction there's never a dull moment whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned
Disney goer this magical destination is sure to leave a lasting impression Disney World planning
tips some people spend over a year planning the perfect Disney World vacation but don't let that
intimidate you there is nothing stopping you from booking a flight tomorrow and heading to the Magic
Kingdom in fact many airlines and hotels offer last minute deals so it's worth looking into there
is no prime time to visit Disney and regardless of when you go you will experience plenty of
crowds spring break time in March tends to be a particularly busy time as this is a popular time
for families to visit something else to keep in mind is the weather during June July and or
August Orlando's Highs are in the 90s making for a really hot visit if you plan to visit
during these months make sure to pack a lot of sunscreen and bring water bottles with you Peak
Seasons at Disney World pretty much follow the standard school schedule the summer months are
busier as families with kids are out of school other extra busy weeks include spring break in
March April and the week between Christmas and New Year's how long you stay depends on what
your Disney goals are if you'd like to visit all four Parks plus the water parks then you'll want
a full week-long trip this will allow you to visit all of the parks and potentially build an a rest
day or two where you can hang out at your hotel pool and get some extra sleep you'll certainly
be tired after some of those long Disney days budgeting really depends on how long you plan
to stay how you plan to travel driving versus flying and what type of Hotel you're looking
for Disney Resort Hotels tend to be the most expensive especially the ones that are directly
on on the monorail however you can save money at these Resorts by not renting a car you can also
find plenty of nearby hotels condos and airbnbs right outside of the Disney property tickets and
My Disney Experience app you'll want to purchase your Park tickets in advance on the Disney website
current single day tickets are around 115 dollars a day but these range based on the season you can
also buy multi-day passes anywhere from 2 to 10 days which offer some cost savings as you're
buying in bulk if you plan on going to Disney parks for four days then buy the four day pass
if you're looking for ways to beat the lines then a crucial step to your Disney planning experience
is to download the My Disney Experience app and start using Genie first you will need to purchase
your Disney theme park tickets and then link them to your app Genie is a free planning tool within
the app that has replaced the previous Fastpass system Genie includes an itinerary of your Disney
day and offers recommendations for you you can customize it which is recommended by putting in
your interests Genie will show you current wait times for each ride so you can decide which ride
to hit up next a major feature of Genie is Genie plus which is the paid add-on to Genie Genie plus
allows you to make reservations for rides and enter via the lightning Lane entrance as opposed
to waiting in the standard line it'll allow you for a quicker entrance onto the rides of your
choice Genie plus typically costs 15 per person per day but the prices do fluctuate slightly
based on time of the year with Genie plus you can make one reservation at a time throughout the day
starting at 7am on the day of your visit once you have completed that reservation you can book a new
one through the app you can purchase access to Genie Plus on the first day of your visit
and not before visiting Magic Kingdom the Magic Kingdom park is the most iconic and recognizable
of all Disney theme parks based on the the original Disneyland in California the Magic
Kingdom features classic Disney attractions and beloved Disney characters this is where
you'll see the iconic Cinderella's castle which features regular live entertainment and nightly
fireworks while at the Magic Kingdom make sure to experience these classic rides number one Seven
Dwarfs Mine Train this is a family-friendly roller coaster that takes you through the mine where Snow
White's Seven Dwarf friends work number two Splash Mountain get ready to get wet please
note that as of January 2023 this ride will be temporarily shut down as it is being reimagined
into Tiana's Bayou Adventure number three Pirates of the Caribbean this classic Dark Ride will take
you through pirate infested waters complete with live-action Pirate characters and special effects
number four Big Thunder Mountain Railroad this wild west themed roller coaster takes
you through a mining town and a round and through rock formations Hold On Tight number five Space
Mountain a high-speed indoor roller coaster that takes you through a futuristic space adventure if
you've never been on Space Mountain before be prepared there are parts of this ride that are
completely in the dark imagine being on a roller coaster in Pitch Black this classic ride has been
delighting guests for many many years number six Haunted Mansion enjoy this spooky tour through
a haunted house filled with ghosts Ghouls and other Eerie surprises number seven It's a small
world you may get the song stuck in your head but this is a must experience ride this classic Disney
boat ride that takes you on a musical tour around the world to celebrate the beauty and diversity
of different cultures number eight Jungle Cruise get ready to take a boat ride through the rivers
of the world complete with live action Skippers and exotic animals watch out you may get water
sprayed on You by an elephant and you will be sure to get hungry during your Disney day but there are
no shortages of dining options throughout the park at many of the popular restaurants it is
recommended to make reservations in advance check out the Be Our Guest restaurant which is themed
after the Beauty and the Beast movie and offers both Quick Service and table service options a
truly epic Magic Kingdom dining experience is at Cinderella's Royal table which is actually
inside of Cinderella's castle this is a once in a lifetime experience while you're eating you'll get
to see and meet characters as they walk around the restaurant maybe even Cinderella herself
Liberty free Tavern is a colonial themed restaurant located in Liberty Square and is
a great place to enjoy a family-style meal in a patriotic atmosphere another classic Disney
Experience is to dine at the Crystal Palace this all you can eat buffet is located in Adventure
Land and features Winnie the Pooh and his friends as well as a variety of delicious food options
throughout the park you will find plenty of Quick Service dining options try to avoid popular eating
times like 12 to 1 pm if you want to save time and skip the lines planning a Disney Vacation
can be half the fun as you get to plan out your Park's schedule figure out which ride
you want to go on and anticipate all of the magic ahead make sure to pound that subscribe
button so you'll know when more amazing travel videos like this one are dropped if you enjoyed
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Welcome back to Wanderfully Lost, a magical travel community for parents by parents. And in today’s blog, we are taking you to the wonderful Disney Magic Kingdom.
Disney characters, thrilling rides, delicious food, and Instagram-worthy backdrops for the perfect pictures – you will find it all here. But there is so much more to this magical land, and we have it all covered for you.
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What is the Disney Magic Kingdom?
Since 1971, Magic Kingdom Park has been the shining jewel at Walt Disney World Resort, a place where enchantment knows no bounds. Surrounded by the iconic Cinderella Castle and filled with timeless attractions such as Dumbo and “it’s a small world,” it shares a special connection with Disneyland Park. Yet, it sets itself apart with its unique take on beloved rides like Big Thunder Mountain and Pirates of the Caribbean.
Magic Kingdom’s layout is designed like a central hub with different lands extending outward. The area around Cinderella Castle, often called the Hub, serves as the central point that seamlessly connects every part of the park.
The park is divided into six distinct lands, each with its own special atmosphere:
1. Main Street, U.S.A.: It’s like stepping back in time to a charming American small town, filled with a sense of nostalgia.
2. Adventureland: Here, you can go on a tropical adventure and enjoy classic attractions that whisk you away to far-off places.
3. Frontierland: This land transports you to the Wild West, with adventures rooted in the untamed spirit of the American frontier.
4. Liberty Square: It’s like taking a journey back to old America, with a patriotic spirit that echoes through the streets.
5. Fantasyland: This is the largest part of the park, where you’ll find a treasure trove of quintessential “Disney” experiences. It expanded from 2010 to 2014, giving rise to themed areas like the Enchanted Forest and Storybook Circus.
6. Tomorrowland: Offering a glimpse into the future, this land envisions a world shaped by incredible technological advancements.
With its captivating lands, iconic landmarks, and cherished attractions, Magic Kingdom Park transcends time and space. It invites visitors to embark on a journey that blurs the lines between reality and imagination, promising a day filled with wonder and delight.
Magic Kingdom Park Essentials – A Quick Guide
1. Tickets and Reservations: Ensure you have purchased and linked your Walt Disney World tickets through My Disney Experience. A park reservation system is in place, requiring guests to secure a specific park reservation in advance. This is mandatory for entry.
2. Park Hopping: If you have Park Hopper passes, make a Disney Park Pass reservation for your initial park visit before heading to another. Park Hopper hours kick off at 2 p.m. daily.
3. Operating Hours: Always check Magic Kingdom’s hours through the My Disney Experience app or Undercover Tourist Crowd Calendar. Note that special events may affect regular closing times.
4. Arrival Tips: Arrive early to make the most of your day. Consider “rope dropping,” arriving before the official opening, for shorter wait times at popular attractions.
5. Transportation: If driving, park in the designated lot and take the parking tram to the Transportation and Ticket Center. From there, choose the ferry boat or monorail to reach Magic Kingdom. Disney buses or Minnie Vans drop off directly. Rideshares like Uber or Lyft go to the Transportation and Ticket Center.
6. Security Checks: All guests pass through contactless metal detectors. Larger metal items (e.g., umbrellas, cameras) must be held out, while smaller items (e.g., cellphones, keys) can stay in pockets or bags. Strollers are checked separately.
7. Early Theme Park Entry: Hotel guests get 30-minute early access to any of the four theme parks. Specific areas of Magic Kingdom are open during this time. It’s a great opportunity for popular attractions.
8. Extended Evening Hours: Available for select hotel guests, this extends park hours by two hours after the official closing time. Access requires scanning Magic Bands or MagicMobile passes at rides.
Want more tips? Head over to our YouTube channel where hundreds of travel tricks and tips await.
Best Rides at the Disney Magic Kingdom
1. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train: This attraction is a gem in Fantasyland. Nestled in a charming mountainside cottage, it invites guests on a rollicking journey through the Seven Dwarfs’ mining operation. The ride combines gentle swaying with thrilling turns, providing a perfect blend of excitement for all ages.
2. Space Mountain: Located in Tomorrowland, this iconic coaster propels guests into a thrilling outer space adventure. The darkened tunnels and galactic effects create an immersive experience, making it a must-see for any space enthusiast.
3. Peter Pan’s Flight: Also in Fantasyland, this timeless attraction whisks guests away on a magical flight over the enchanting landscapes of Neverland. The intricate scenes and nostalgic charm make it a favorite for families.
4. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: This Wild West-themed roller coaster can be found in Frontierland. It takes riders on a thrilling journey through an abandoned mine, complete with unexpected turns and breathtaking views.
5. Pirates of the Caribbean: Venture to Adventureland for this immersive boat ride through a Caribbean pirate haven. The detailed sets and animatronics create a captivating experience.
6. Jungle Cruise: Also in Adventureland, this boat tour sails through exotic rivers teeming with wildlife. The witty skippers add humor to the adventure, making it a delightful experience for all. Lines here are typically shorter in the early hours.
7. Haunted Mansion: In Liberty Square, this eerie yet whimsical attraction invites guests to tour a ghostly estate. The impeccable storytelling and special effects make it a must-see.
8. TRON Lightcycle Run: This futuristic coaster is set to debut in Tomorrowland. With cutting-edge technology and a unique riding position, it promises an exhilarating experience. Utilize the virtual queue system or consider heading here at the park opening.
Disney Genie+ at Magic Kingdom Park
Disney Genie+ is a game-changer, letting you skip regular lines with the Lightning Lane. This planning tool, including both free Genie and the paid Genie+ service, impacts how you plan your day. Magic Kingdom has the most Genie+ rides of all the parks, making it a smart choice. To breeze through, think about getting Lightning Lane passes for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train or TRON Lightcycle Run. Keep in mind that some rides like Astro Orbiter, Carousel of Progress, and Hall of Presidents don’t have Lightning Lane access.
Entertainment
Magic Kingdom’s “Happily Ever After” fireworks show over Cinderella Castle is a mesmerizing blend of pyrotechnics, projections, beloved characters, and enchanting music.
Then there’s the “Festival of Fantasy” parade. It is a grand procession featuring floats inspired by cherished films like “Tangled,” “Peter Pan,” and “The Little Mermaid.” Look out for Maleficent, the fire-breathing dragon, for an extra thrill.
On the other hand, the Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade showcases nearly 30 characters, including rare appearances from beloved characters. What’s more, various shows and performances add to the lively atmosphere of Magic Kingdom, making every visit memorable.
Character Sightings
Magic Kingdom offers numerous opportunities to meet beloved characters, both outdoors and in themed indoor settings. Mickey and friends, Winnie the Pooh, Jack Sparrow, Aladdin, and many others await interactions. Notably, Magic Kingdom is the prime park for encounters with Disney princesses, whether through scheduled meet-and-greets or chance encounters during parades and cavalcades.
Fancy a beach vacation instead? Try our family beach vacation guides here for many hot travel ideas that are trending right now!
Special Events at Magic Kingdom Park
1. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party: Gear up for Halloween at Magic Kingdom with Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party! This event has its own ticket and is organized on select evenings from mid-August through Oct. 31. Attendees are treated to a “Hocus Pocus” stage show, specialized fireworks, Mickey’s “Boo-To-You” Halloween Parade, encounters with rare characters, and more. Guests are also encouraged to don costumes and engage in trick-or-treating!
2. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party: Held on special nights in November and December, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party calls the holiday season with great fanfare. This separately ticketed event offers Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks, a castle stage show, character meet-and-greets, castle projections, ride overlays, and a delectable array of festive fare. And did we mention the simulated snowfall on Main Street?
Extra Tips
1. Make the most of your day by hitting the outdoor rides early to avoid any weather-related delays, especially during Florida’s rainy season.
2. Capture the beauty of Cinderella Castle from different angles to get the perfect shot. For top-notch photo spots, check out our recommended PhotoPass locations.
3. When leaving the park at night, expect long lines for transportation. If you’re heading to the parking lot, consider taking the buses. Towards the end, there are charter buses that go directly to the Transportation and Ticket Center, saving you time and giving your feet a break. Just double-check with a cast member to ensure the buses are running, although they’ve been in operation during recent visits.
Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, Disney Magic Kingdom will blow you away with its beauty. With so much to do, a flexible plan is always important for a fun family experience. You don’t want to end up missing out on the best parts, do you?