Walt Disney World is hands down one of the most popular theme park destinations in the world. With four massive parks, over twenty hotels, and a Disney Springs shopping district, it is almost a state in itself. Often, people do not know what to do when visiting one of WDW's parks because there are so many attractions and shows to choose from. But fear not, because I am here to help! Out of the four parks, the Magic Kingdom is by far the most important to visit. It has the most attractions and really emphasizes the true magic of a Disney Park. So, without further ado, here are the top 10 must-do's in Magic Kingdom!
10. Buy a Pair of Mickey Ears
While this may seem a little strange at first, a pair of Mickey or Minnie ears are a must-buy when on a Disney vacation. They come in multiple styles to match any type of personality, and they are the compliment to any fashion statement. The Magic Kingdom is the best place to purchase a pair because they are in almost every store regardless of your location in the park. Also, I have noticed over the past few trips that more people tend to wear a pair of ears in Magic Kingdom than in Epcot, Hollywood Studios, or Animal Kingdom. So, pose for a photo in your ears because they are the perfect souvenir!
P.S. The best location to buy a pair would have to be either in the Emporium or The Chapeau on Main Street USA. Their selections are incredible! Ears are usually anywhere from $15-$25 plus tax.
9. Eat a Dole Whip
Magic Kingdom has some amazing table-service and fast-food restaurants, but one of the best Disney treats can only be found in a small snack hut in Adventureland- Dole Whip. Basically, Dole Whip is pineapple ice cream and is an amazing treat on a hot day. You could also request it in a float with pineapple juice! But be warned, the line will always be long no matter the time of day. Still, make sure to stop by Aloha Isle at least once during your vacation and try a Dole Whip. It is worth the wait.
8. See the Opening Show
One of the best shows in Magic Kingdom happens before the park even opens! If you enjoy getting up early, make sure to be waiting in front of the gates at least 15 minutes before the park opens because there is a pre-show that includes singing, dancing, and tons of Disney characters. One lucky family even has the ability to open the park itself! And, who would not love to be one of the first people in Magic Kingdom? This show is definitely worth the early wake-up call, and then you can make it to your favorite rides without a wait!
7. Ride all of the "Mountains"
If you are a thrill seeker, than this must-do is for you. Magic Kingdom has three incredible rides, Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain in Frontierland and Space Mountain in Tomorrowland, that are excellent for anyone who loves adrenaline. I recommend riding all of these while visiting Magic Kingdom because they offer a nice contrast to the slower-paced rides the park is more famous for. Make sure to ride them early, though, because they often have a 60+ minute wait.
6. Walk down Main Street USA
Although you have to walk down Main Street in order to visit anything in the park, it is actually one of the hidden gems in Magic Kingdom. Take some time and actually shop inside the stores, buy some ice cream or a hot dog, and sit on a bench to relax. Walt Disney envisioned Main Street to appear like his hometown of Marceline, Missouri, and there are plenty of secrets within its walls. For example, Main Street is where the Imagineers who created the park get credit for their achievements; take a look at the windows and see all of their names. You can even take a ride on the train as well! But do not just rush through Main Street, because it is more fun than one would expect.
5. Explore Fantasyland
Fantasyland is the heart and soul of Magic Kingdom and is definitely worth spending time in. Not only does it have incredible attractions like Peter Pan's Flight, It's a Small World, and the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, but it also has plenty of opportunities to meet your favorite characters. Fantasy is one of Disney's greatest themes, and Fantasyland definitely does its job of whisking you away to a different world. After all, where else can you see an actual castle!?
4. Ride the "Classic" Attractions
While Disney World is always expanding to include new and exciting rides, do not forget to ride the "classics" in Magic Kingdom, which would be the older attractions like Pirates of the Caribbean, the Haunted Mansion, It's a Small World, Peter Pan's Flight, and the Carousel of Progress. While they are slower rides, they are worth paying a visit to because they are the originals, and they each have something unique and classic to offer you.
3. Meet Any and All Characters!
One of the best features of a Disney park is hands down the character meet and greets, and Magic Kingdom is the best location to see all of your favorites. There are characters everywhere! Part of the fun of a Disney vacation is the ability to speak and interact with the characters you love, and I completely encourage everyone to actively seek them out. And, when you meet them, do not be shy! It is all about the interaction, and if the characters know you are excited to meet them, they will be excited to talk to you too!
2. Watch the Electrical Parade and/or Festival of Fantasy
Magic Kingdom is especially unique from any other one of the WDW parks in that it has not one but two different parades each day- Festival of Fantasy in the afternoon and the Main Street Electrical Parade at night. Festival of Fantasy is at 3 PM every day and contains characters from all over Fantasyland like Rapunzel, Ariel, Merida, and Cinderella. There may even be a fire-breathing dragon... The Main Street Electrical Parade is at 9 PM every night and illuminates Main Street USA, containing all different characters and bright, gleaming floats. I recommend definitely seeing both, but save your seat early- at least an hour in advance. If you are not able to see your favorite character during the day, the parades are a great option to see them then.
1. Watch the Fireworks over Cinderella Castle
Finally, the number one thing to do at Magic Kingdom is to watch the firework show "Wishes!" over Cinderella Castle. If you are seeing the Electrical Parade, you can just move into the street afterward and stay for the show. The fireworks start at 10 PM, but at 9:45 is a special projection show on the castle which is a huge must-see called Celebrate the Magic. "Wishes!" is an incredible way to end a day in Magic Kingdom because it illuminates the night sky in a way you will never forget. Plus, you may see a certain fairy from Neverland fly and start the show... While it will cause a mass-exit out of the park afterwards, the fireworks are by far the most magical show in Walt Disney World, and seeing it in front of Cinderella Castle makes the experience even better.
So, the next time you visit Magic Kingdom, you will be more than prepared to tackle the day with this list of must-do's! Just make sure to have fun, and always believe in the magic!
