To me, there is nothing more magical than Disney. From the parks, to the movies, and everything in-between, I can’t help but smile when thinking of the name. Part of me attributes it to my childhood – still to this day, the VHS tapes of the best Disney films are tucked away safely in the basement. Still, there is a part of me that knows the feelings will never go away with age, as most things do.
As a small child, I was fortunate enough to visit Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, FL, multiple times. As an adult, I still look forward to returning to the Magic Kingdom every time that I have a planned trip. It brings me a sense of calm and serenity that I truly haven’t felt in any other place than my own home.
There’s nothing like taking a stroll down Main Street U.S.A., braving the time-traveling fiasco of DINOSAUR, or traveling the world at Epcot’s World Showcase.
I don’t know the next time that I’ll be able to traverse the parks, but below I have compiled a list of things you absolutely cannot miss when traveling to most Magical Place on Earth.
This will be the first in a series of Walt Disney World travel articles by me.
Magic Kingdom
There’s a reason that the Magic Kingdom is known as the most Magical Place on Earth; made up of Adventureland, Tommorowland, Fantasyland, Frontierland and more, the park has tons of attractions to offer. From Main Street U.S.A to Liberty Square, here’s what you shouldn’t miss.
Seven Dwarves Mine Train
Photo Courtesy of Rolling With the Magic Blog
One of the newest additions to the park, this ride is an absolute thrill; the cars – shaped like the barrels that the Dwarves themselves pack to the brim with diamonds – sway side to side as the coaster takes you over sharp dips and wide turns. I wouldn’t recommend it for younger children, but it’s an engineering wonder. My favorite part? Seeing the Wicked Witch knocking at Snow White’s cottage window with the apple behind her back.
Stitch’s Great Escape!
Photo Courtesy of Disneyworld.disney.go
Lilo & Stitch will always be one of, if not my, favorite Disney movies to ever exist. Ever. Seriously. Stitch is adorable; so walking into the ride pre- the film, Stitch has just escaped in Orlando FL and it’s thrilling. Yes, the ride is disliked by a lot of people – plus, it’s not really a ride, more like a sit here and experience Stitch’s antics show, however, the line is almost always short and it’s worth checking it out.
Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, & Space Mountain
Photo Courtesy of BigFloridaCountry.com
If you’re looking for thrills within the MK (Magic Kingdom), look no further.
Splash Mountain is fun for the whole family, and is possibly one of the best themed water rides to ever exist. It follows Brer Rabbit’s journey as he tries to escape Brer Fox and Brer Bear, and it’s absolutely adorable. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is a trip back to the Old West, and it’s one of the most thrilling that the park has to offer. With lots of twists and turns, and great airtime hills, it’s one of the longer coasters in the park as well. Space Mountain is by far the best roller coaster in the MK. Set in a futuristic world, this completely DARK ride is fast and unpredictable.
The Haunted Mansion
Photo Courtesy of Disneyworld.disney.go
The Haunted Mansion is hands down my absolutely favorite ride, and it should be yours too if you’re anything like me. The mansion has a life of its own, and the sets are absolutely gorgeous. There’s a graveyard scene which still to this day occasionally makes me jump, and it’s absolutely creepy when the ride comes to a halt (usually due to an occasional spook playing with the system, but still).
This concludes my first entry to my Walt Disney World ‘Guide’ articles. Please feel free to ask questions!
