I have been going to DisneyWorld my entire life. Each time I go, I fall in love all over again. My personal favorite is Magic Kingdom (I mean who can disagree). Magic Kingdom is the epitome of Disney magic. It is the major hub of all your favorite characters (classic and new), rides, and shows. It's nearly impossible to do everything in one day, especially during peak season. Here are my personal Magic Kingdom favorites.
1. Before you go
The My Disney Experience App is a MUST HAVE! It tells you where your favorite characters are, times of all the shows/parades, how long the waits are for all the rides, and so much more. There's free wi-fi in the park, so you don't have to worry about it sucking up all your data for the month.
Make sure you bring a portable charger. You'll be so busy snapchatting every moment that you won't realize your battery is on 30% halfway through the day. A portable charger will help your phone last as long as the park is open.
Lastly, figure out what you want to do. You won't be able to do everything, so make a mental note of the rides you want to ride and the characters you want to see. Normally, I decide whether I want my day to be ride focused, character focused, or show focused.
2. The Mountains
Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, and the wildest ride in the wilderness, Big Thunder Mountain. Not only are they the best rides, but they are the busiest (always over 100 minute wait times). FastPasses are the key to these, but the wait is always worth it.
3. Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor
Okay so this is one of my personal favorite shows. First off, it's inside with air conditioning. Second, it's hilarious (in my opinion). During the show, our favorite monsters tell jokes to collect laughs to use as energy (in case you forgot, at the end of Monsters, Inc. they switched from scares to laughter). Not only are the jokes funny, but the monsters use audience members to tell the jokes. Who knows, maybe you'll be chosen to play Boo in one of the stories.
4. Dole Whip
Oh my delicious. This is the most refreshing ice cream you will ever have. Go to Adventureland and buy yourself a Dole Whip. I don't need to say anything more.
5. Tangled Bathroom
Located to the left of It's a Small World, this is the most beautiful bathroom you will ever see. Outside of the bathroom, paper lanterns hang in the replica of the kingdom of Corona. Inside the bathroom, Rapunzel showed off her beautiful painting skills. It's a must see.
6. Meet Peter Pan and Gaston
These characters have the most personality. Peter Pan will keep you young, while Gaston will remind you how great he is. They are fun to ask questions and mess around with. If you don't want to wait in line to meet them, at least walk by and watch other people interact with them.
7. Pirates of the Caribbean
I haven't seen all the movies, nor am I the biggest fan of these pirates, BUT I LOVE THIS RIDE!! This ride is full of pirates and adventure, plus there is so much to look at. Jack Sparrow is seen multiple times throughout the ride (sometimes he is tricky to find). Set sail and admit that the pirate's life is for you.
8. Festival of Fantasy Parade
All your favorites gather together for this parade. You won't be able to stop smiling until it's over. During the holidays, this is Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade which is just as good (plus Santa joins the Disney gang).
9. Wishes/Once Upon A Time
Disney knows how to end the night with a bang. All your wishes will come true as the castle lights up with your favorite characters dancing across the palace bricks with dozens of fireworks that give you chills. It's imperative that you find the best spot early, because you do not want to miss any second of this nighttime spectacular.
These are only my top choices. You can't go wrong with anything you do or don't do at Magic Kingdom. Honestly, if you just want to sit in the park the whole day and take it all in, do it! No matter what, you'll leave the park with joy in your heart and a longing to go back.