Everything you need to know about Disney World Magic Kingdom

To many first-time visitors it is simply “Disney World.” However, Disney World actually refers to the entire property, while the park is the Magic Kingdom. The heart of any Walt Disney World vacation packages is the Magic Kingdom as it is the most attended theme park in America. It is perhaps because that the Magic Kingdom is the original Disney park, and is equally popular among all ages. There's a certain kind of atmosphere to the Magic Kingdom that is specifically Disney. The sight of the soaring spires of Cinderella Castle, the gleaming woodwork of the Main Street shops, and the crescendo of music that follows the parades never fails to have its effect. There are few families who do not have a child who has always dreamed of walking through Cinderella Castle. The Magic Kingdom’s overall theme is that of childhood fantasy. From pirates to princesses, flying elephants to flying rockets, the Magic Kingdom is where dreams come true.

Main Street USA

Upon entering the gates, you will find yourself on Main Street USA, designed to look like an early 20th century town plaza. Shops and restaurants of all types abound here, along with Stroller and wheelchair Rental, Guest Relations, Photo Pass redemption, lockers, and other services.

Touring Tips

Catch the train here to the back of the park.

Don’t miss the Town Square Exposition Hall, where you can sit in air-conditioned comfort and watch classic Disney film clips, or take pictures with Disney props.

Catch the train here to the back of the park.

Don’t miss the Town Square Exposition Hall, where you can sit in air-conditioned comfort and watch classic Disney film clips, or take pictures with Disney props.

Main Street USA ends at the central Hub, located just in front of Cinderella’s Castle. To your left is Adventureland. To your right, Tomorrowland. Straight ahead and through the Castle, is Fantasyland.Turning left at the Hub takes you to the jungles of Adventureland. Adventureland’s theme is exotic lands and is one of the most landscaped areas of the Magic Kingdom.

Touring Tips

Try a Dole Whip at Aloha Isle. This pineapple float, with your choice of vanilla or pineapple ice cream, is budget and calorie-conscious, and a great way to beat the heat.

Fan of Jack Sparrow? Be sure to check out the latest rehab of Pirates of the Caribbean. Your favorite pirate and his arch-nemesis Barbossa now reside permanently inside the attraction.

This Colonial era town square celebrates the beginnings of America.

Touring Tips

The Hall of Presidents and Liberty Belle Riverboat are never crowded and both attractions are on a set scheduling to start on the hour and half-hour. This is great during midday when lines are at their longest.

Explore the old west in this frontier mining town on the edge of the Rivers of America.

Touring Tips

Ask a Cast Member about the paint brush hunt on Tom Sawyer’s Island. This fun game has a real prize—a FASTPASS.

Try some of the snacks in Frontierland from the carts. A loaded baked potato and smoked turkey legs are large enough for a meal for one or a snack for two.

Frontierland is the least crowded area of the park to watch the Magic Kingdom parades.

Located through Cinderella Castle, Fantasyland is home to the classic stories of childhood.

Touring Tips

Fantasyland is most crowded around midday.

If you love pyrotechnics, this is the closest view of the Wishes fireworks. While you will miss some of the lighting effects on the castle, you will be surrounded by close-up fireworks in every direction.

Children of all ages will enjoy the street fair atmosphere, as well as the ability to visit Mickey in his own home!

Touring Tips

If planning on visiting the characters, you may want to get to Mickey’s Toontown before it opens. Often, Mickey’s Toontown Fair opens an hour after the rest of the park. If you arrive 15 minutes before opening, you can be first in line to meet the characters and avoid the over 30 minute lines that soon develop.

With its playgrounds and open spaces, this is an excellent place to relax with children. Let them run around to burn off some energy, then move to a shady spot for a short nap.

Drawing from the science fiction elements of 1950s-1970s futuristic chic, Tomorrowland provides a fun look at past ideas about the future. More modern characters are also represented here, with both Buzz Lightyear and Stitch featured in their own attractions.

Touring Tips

The Tomorrowland Transit Authority is a slow-paced ride through Tomorrowland. In addition to allowing you to preview certain attractions such as Space Mountain, it also provides a comfortable place to rest and talk. There is seldom a line, and you may be permitted to take a second trip.

Space Mountain is an indoor dark roller coaster. It is, however, significantly more tame than its MGM cousin, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster and does travel upside-down.

All parades travel through Frontierland, Liberty Square and Main Street U.S.A. Frontierland is usually the least crowded area to watch the parade, and Main Street USA is the most crowded.