When anyone thinks about Disney World Orlando, they think about Magic Kingdom. The world of “make believe” comes alive in the Magic Kingdom Park where adventures, fantasy, and fun surround you in seven wondrous lands of enchantment with over 40 incredible attractions and shows.
This magical place is the most popular park and is home to Cinderella’s Castle, Space Mountain, Pirate’s of the Caribbean, Mickey Mouse’s house, and much more. This is the Happiest Place on Earth!
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COVID-19 Updates
We know travel is different due to Coronavirus. Here is an article all about the updates at Disney World for their reopening procedures.
Magic Kingdom Attractions
Main Street USA
Walt Disney World Railroad
All Aboard! This steam train takes you on a nostalgic one-and-a-half mile journey around the Magic Kingdom Park. Board the train for a trip directly to Frontierland or Fantasyland, or take a relaxing round trip. It’s the perfect introduction to Disney’s happy place.
Cast Member Tips:
- This is a good attraction to use as transportation. You can take the railroad to get to Frontierland or Fantasyland. We also like to use the train to get back to the front entrance, after a long day of playing.
- This ride is great for preschoolers, kids and adults
- Very little wait for this attraction!
Main Street Vehicles
Take a trip in the early 1900s style. Your one-way ride down Main Street, U.S.A. takes place in the “new-fangled” contrivance of your choice: horse-driven trolley, omnibus, jitney, horseless carriage (car), or fire engine.
Cast Member Tips:
- Not as popular as some of the other attractions at Disney World – plan on this one after you hit all of other other Must See attractions
- Popular with older adults
Dapper Dans
The classic barbershop quartet flourished in America less than a century ago. Look out for four guys in straw hats and vivid stripes who bring back this popular entertainment everyday on Main Street, U.S.A. Enjoy an impromptu performance of music, tap dancing, and just enough cornball comedy to put a smile on any face.
Cast Member Tips:
- Very entertaining! They make their way up and down Main Street, U.S.A.
- Great to watch while you are waiting for the parade or fireworks
- Popular with older adults
Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire
Mickey and friends come alive onstage in a celebration with Cinderella Castle as the backdrop.
Cast Member Tips:
- This is a cute show right on the stage in front of Cinderella’s Castle
- You can arrive right before the show starts and you will get a great view
- This is a fun show for kids. There is a good mix of Disney characters in this show
Adventureland
Jungle Cruise
Travel on the rivers of four different continents. See exotic animals, zany explorers and ancient ruins as your skipper leads you deep into the jungle. The skipper’s sure to regale you with humorous tales of danger, so be prepared for surprises along the way.
Cast Member Tips:
- This is a fun experience for kids of all ages. Many of the Jungle Cruise Skipper’s will allow a child to come up and drive the boat and be a “Skipper for the Day.” Sit towards the front of the boat if possible so your child may be selected for this fun experience
- This is a fun ride to enjoy in the day time and at night
- Popular with preschoolers, kids, teens, and adults
Pirates of the Caribbean
Yo ho, yo ho! A pirate’s life for me! Take a wild voyage through secret caverns and fierce sea battles as you join up with the rowdiest crew that ever sacked the Spanish Main.
It’s a boat ride through classic Disney adventures populated with almost countless Audio-Animatronics figures.
Cast Member Tips:
- Classic ride with a new twist! Check out Captain Jack Sparrow and other pirates from the recent Pirates of the Caribbean movies on this ride
- Popular with kids, teens, and adults
- This ride may be a little scary for preschoolers (dark in some areas and loud noises)
- Be sure to check out the Pirate Tutorial outside the Pirates of the Caribbean ride (check your My Disney Experience App for showtimes)
Captain Jack Sparrow’s Pirate Tutorial
Keep an eye out for scallawags and ne’er-do-wells. There be pirates among us! Captain Jack Sparrow himself will test your skills on being a pirate. If you’re still standing after that, maybe he’ll let you take the Pirate Oath and join his crew as a buccaneer.
Cast Member Tips:
- This is a fun new activity for kids and adults!
- This tutorial is right next to the Pirates Ride and it is standing room only so it can get a little crowded and sometimes hard to see – get there a little bit early to get a good spot
Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room
We love the classic show called Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room. These fun birds will have you laughing and singing . . . “in the Tiki Tiki Tiki . . . “
Cast Member Tips:
- Popular with adults and older adults
- Rarely a wait for this show!
The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
The Magic Carpets of Aladdin fly around a giant genie’s bottle as two whimsical, water-spewing camels spit at riders and spectators alike. Music from the Aladdin movie plays in the background.
The ride is situated inside Adventureland near a bustling marketplace with merchants peddling colorful wares.
Cast Member Tips:
- If you really like Dumbo and there is a long line, try this ride instead. There is usually a much shorter line on this ride and it is the exact same ride, but a different theme
- Popular with kids, teens, and adults
- This ride may be a little scary for preschoolers (you go up pretty high)
Swiss Family Treehouse
There hasn’t been a treehouse this amazing since the movie “Swiss Family Robinson.” Come see where the winding branches take you in this one-of-a-kind tree.
Cast Member Tips:
- This walking attraction rarely has a line
- Popular with kids and teens
- Sometimes closed at night
Frontierland
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Zip in and out of a deserted gold mine on a runaway train. It’s a curvy roller coaster ride through steep mountain passes, into caves, under falling boulders, and into Tumbleweed (a flooded mining town).
Ride it again and again during the day and again at night.
Cast Member Tips:
- Longer wait but great ride! Be sure to take advantage of FastPass+ for this attraction
- Popular with kids, teens and younger adults
- Does have a height requirement of 40 inches to ride
- This is a fun ride during the day and at night
- If you cannot get a FastPass+, try hitting this ride during a parade or the fireworks
Splash Mountain
Hop a hollowed-out log and follow Brer Rabbit into his laughin’ place. Inside you’ll discover a world full of animals that will start you singing “Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah” — until you are sent screaming into the Briar Patch on a five-storey drop.
Cast Member Tips:
- There is a very good chance you will get wet or soaked on this ride. Hit this at the end of your day or come prepared to get soaked
- Popular with kids, teens, and adults
- This is a thrill ride with a big drop. Some kids may be scared
- Does have a height requirement of 40 inches to ride
Walt Disney World Railroad
All Aboard! This steam train takes you on a nostalgic one-and-a-half mile journey around the Magic Kingdom Park. Board the train for a trip directly to Fantasyland or Main Street USA, or take a relaxing round trip. It’s the perfect introduction to Disney’s happy place.
Cast Member Tips:
- This is a good attraction to use as transportation. You can take the railroad to get to Fantasyland or Main Street USA. We also like to use the train to get back to the front entrance, after a long day of playing.
- This ride is great for preschoolers, kids and adults
- Very little wait for this attraction!
Tom Sawyer Island
You’ll be transported by boat to Tom Sawyer’s Island, and immersed in the homespun world of Mark Twain. There are dirt trails and creaky barrel bridges to explore, even fun spots like Harper’s Mill and Joe’s Caves.
Cast Member Tips:
- Fun attraction that will take you on a boat ride to Tom Sawyer’s Island and then you walk around
- Great area to let the kids run. Perfect spot to run and get some energy out
- Great for preschoolers and kids
- Very little wait for this attraction!
Country Bear Jamboree
Country and Western music will never be the same after you see Wendell, Big Al, and Liver Lips perform. Twenty life-sized banjo playing bears entertain you and your family at this family friendly show.
Cast Member Tips:
- Classic Disney show! Very popular with preschoolers, kids and older adults
- Very little wait for this show
Frontierland Shootin Arcade
Set your sights on a whole range of Wild West targets! Use these infrared rifles to hit bullseyes and trigger silly sight and sound gags.
Cast Member Tips:
- Does require money to play this arcade shooting game
- Fun activity while your kids are waiting for the parade
- Popular with kids and teens
Liberty Square
The Hall of Presidents
Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind Disney classic. It’s a sweeping tribute to the office of the Presidency and the history of America. You’ll see all of the United States Presidents gathered to hear the words of famous U.S. President, Abraham Lincoln.
Cast Member Tips:
- Another classic Disney show
- Good show to enjoy during a rain storm or to get out of the heat (air-conditioning)
- Great for adults
- Very little wait for this attraction
Liberty Square Riverboat
Tour the Rivers of America aboard this authentic three-tiered paddleboat.
Cast Member Tips:
- Fun ferry boat ride around Tom Sawyer’s Island
- Very little wait but plan on this one after you do all of your favorite rides/attractions
- Great for adults and older adults
The Haunted Mansion
Foolish mortals. Enter an 18th century mansion and encounter 999 grim grinning ghosts on a not-so-scary ride that includes a zillion classic details. The ceiling. Is it moving up? The eerie Madame Leota. The incredible phantoms of the ballroom. And those hitch-hiking ghosts. Hurry ba-aaack.
Cast Member Tips:
- Everyone loves The Haunted Mansion except preschoolers (very scary)
- This is a popular ride to hit during the parade or fireworks
- If you cannot hit this ride during the parade/fireworks, try to get a FastPass+
- Popular with kids, teens and adults
- Fun new queue to keep the family entertained while waiting in line
Fantasyland
it’s a small world
Take that legendary boat ride around the globe on this musical tour of nations. Hundreds of international dolls sing and dance to the famous “it’s a small world” medley. After it’s over, just try to get that tune out of your head.
Cast Member Tips:
- Popular with preschoolers and kids
- Very little wait for this attraction
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
Disney combines the story of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs with the fun of a family roller coaster. This is one of our favorite rides at Magic Kingdom. This ride is also super popular, so take advantage of the FastPass+ reservations.
Peter Pan’s Flight
Douse yourself with pixie dust and take a fantasy voyage to Never Land. You’ll ride in a flying version of Captain Hook’s ship that sweeps you up above the streets of London, and into the classic tale of Wendy, John, Michael, and the one-and-only Peter Pan. We also love the new queue for this ride, too. It is an interactive queue and your younger kids will love it.
Cast Member Tips:
- Popular ride for preschoolers, kids, teens and adults
- This ride always has a longer wait. Be sure to take advantage of FastPass+
- Dark ride so may scare infants
Cinderella’s Golden Carousel
What’s the oldest Walt Disney World attraction? This magnificent carousel, built in 1917. You just can’t resist the gentle charm of saddling up a horse and spinning to the jaunty rhythm of classic Disney music. Choose your steed carefully. No two of the horses are exactly alike.
Cast Member Tips:
- Great ride for preschoolers, kids and adults
- There is usually a very little wait on this ride
- Be sure to check out the Sword in the Stone (right in front of this attraction – facing Cinderella’s Castle). This is a great photo opportunity.
Journey of the Little Mermaid
You can see Ariel, Flounder, Sebastian, and other friends under the sea at the Journey of the Little Mermaid. This is a wonderful ride for young and young at heart.
Cast Member Tips:
- Popular with preschoolers and kids
- Very little wait for this attraction
Barnstormer
Goofy takes you on a wild ride! This is a fun family roller coaster. This ride is the perfect 1st time roller coasters for younger visitors.
Cast Member Tips:
- Popular with preschoolers and kids
- Very little wait for this attraction
- Perfect 1st time roller coaster
Princess Fairytale Hall
Are you ready to meet your favorite Disney Princesses? This Disney character meet and greet is located across from the carousel in Fantasyland.
Cast Member Tips:
- Popular with preschoolers and kids
- This meet and greet always has a longer wait. Be sure to take advantage of FastPass+
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
Soar high above Fantasyland atop the world’s most popular pachyderm. The smiles are absolutely contagious. We also love the pre-show, which is a playground. This area is air-conditioned, so perfect for mom and dad. It also helps the younger ones get the wiggles out.
Cast Member Tips:
- If there is a really long line at Dumbo, check out the The Magic Carpets of Aladdin in Adventureland. There is usually a much shorter line on this ride than Dumbo and it is the exact same ride but a different theme
- Popular with kids, teens, and adults
- This ride may be a little scary for preschoolers (you go up pretty high)
Mad Tea Party
Board a giant tea cup and revolve your way through the wacky Mad Hatter Tea Party. You control how fast you spin. How mad are you feeling?
Cast Member Tips:
- Fun ride if your family loves Alice in Wonderland. Alice and the Mad Hatter sometimes makes an appearance and will actually ride the attraction with some families
- Fun for kids, teens and adults
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Visit all your friends from the Hundred Acre Wood. It’s the ride in which you get put in the middle of Pooh’s blustery day. You’ll bounce along with Tigger. Float through a flood with Piglet. Even enter the mysterious.
Cast Member Tips:
- Popular ride for preschoolers, kids, teens and adults
- Be sure to hit the Pooh’s Playful Spot across from this ride for preschoolers to get some energy out
- There is also a meet & greet area next to this attraction to meet your favorite Winnie the Pooh Characters
- If your family loves Winnie the Pooh, you may also want to try a Character Dining at Crystal Palace at Magic Kingdom with these Characters
- Usually a longer line at this ride so be sure to take advantage of FastPass+
Mickey’s PhilharMagic
Be dazzled by the premiere of Disney’s latest creation. This immersive attraction bursts forth with amazement from one of the largest seamless screens in the world! It stars Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and other beloved Disney favorites in a hilarious adventure through movies, music and mayhem.
Cast Member Tips:
- Newer show at Magic Kingdom and very popular with kids, teens and adults
- This show can be a little scary for preschoolers, dark and loud!
- This show is perfect to watch during a rainstorm, parade or fireworks
Enchanted Tales with Belle
Do you want to see Belle up close? This is a fun experience where you get to help act out the story of Beauty and the Beast. This is such a fun show for younger kids.
Cast Member Tips:
- Popular with preschoolers and younger kids
- This is an interactive show where you get to help act out the story. Perfect for any actors in your family
Tomorrowland
Tomorrowland Speedway
It’s every kid’s dream come true, a driver’s license!! Drive your own race car on a track around Tomorrowland. There are plenty of big kids joining in on the fun, too. Minimum height to ride alone is 52″
Cast Member Tips:
- Fun ride for kids, teens and younger adults
- Try to hit this ride early in the morning or late at night to avoid the lines
- Younger kids can drive this car, while the adults push the gas pedals
Space Mountain
It looms 55 metres (180 feet) over the horizon, beckoning experienced thrill seekers and weak-kneed one-timers alike. Go ahead. Jockey this rocket ship ride through the inky blackness of outer space.
Cast Member Tips:
- Does have a minimum height requirement of 44 inches
- Very popular for kids, teens and young adults
Astro Orbiter
Hop aboard the rocket you’ve always dreamed about piloting. You’re surrounded by whirling planets as you ease back on the control stick and zoom your own spacecraft high above Tomorrowland.
Cast Member Tips:
- The line never looks very long, but it is always a longer wait than it looks. Save this one for last after you do your favorite rides/attractions
- Popular for teens and adults
- This ride can be scary for kids, you are very high up in the air
Tomorrowland Transit Authority Peoplemover
The Peoplemover is a mass transit straight out of science fiction. Take a leisurely ride through Tomorrowland. You’ll be treated to a glimpse of Space Mountain and Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin.
Cast Member Tips:
- This is a great ride when you need a break from the lines or heat, there rarely a line
- Preschoolers love it since it runs like a train or monorail
- Popular with preschoolers, kids and adults
Carousel of Progress
This classic attraction, which debuted at the 1964 World’s Fair, traces the impact of technological progress on American daily life from the beginning of the 20th Century to the near future. The theatre actually revolves around four scenes peopled entirely by Audio-Animatronics figures.
Cast Member Tips:
- One of the original attractions at Disney
- Rarely a line for this attraction
- Popular with adults
- This attraction is also opened seasonally (Peak and Regular Seasons)
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
Pilot your own star cruiser as you save the galaxy from the sinister Emperor Zurg from Disney’s/Pixar’s “Toy Story.” Spin through outer space scenes and fire your laser cannon at interactive targets. With practice you may be able to score.
Cast Member Tips:
- Popular with preschoolers, kids, teens and adults
- Usually a longer line so take advantage of the FastPass+
Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor
This is my teen’s favorite show at Magic Kingdom. Some of the funniest Monsters from Monsters University share some great laughs.
Parades
Festival of Fantasy
We love the afternoon parade called Festival of Fantasy. There are amazing costumes, huge floats, characters, and more. The Festival of Fantasy parade has tall floats. This makes it much easier to see the characters and floats, even from a distance.
Happily Ever After Fireworks
Look to the stars as the night skies over the Magic Kingdom explode with the biggest, brightest fireworks extravaganza in Magic Kingdom history! Amidst powerful bursts of light and colour, many of your favorite Disney pals make an appearance on Cinderella Castle. It’s a story so big only the sky can hold it.
Most Popular Attractions
We always get asked . . . what is our favorite rides and attractions at the Disney Parks. Here are our favorite rides and attractions at Magic Kingdom Park.
- Splash Mountain
- Thunder Mountain
- Space Mountain
- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
- Haunted Mansion
- Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Disney’s FastPass+
The following attractions feature Disney’s FastPass+. The FastPass+ is free for all guests with a ticket. To get a FastPass+ for an attraction, go to the My Disney Experience app. You can reserve FastPass+ reservations right from your computer or smart phone.
The FastPass+ allows you to make advanced reservations for more popular rides and attractions.
Magic Kingdom Dining
One of our favorite activities at Magic Kingdom is eating. There are so many yummy treats and fun restaurants to enjoy at Magic Kingdom.
Tony’s Town Square Restaurant
Right out of the “Lady and the Tramp” with salads, pizza, pasta, and an assortment of children meals. This Italian restaurant is a wonderful sit-down meal. Advanced Dining Reservations recommended by calling 407-WDW-DINE or booking with your travel agent.
Peco’s Bill Café
This Western café features cheeseburgers, salads, and wrapped sandwiches in a counter service restaurant.
Cinderella’s Royal Table
Dine like royalty in the heart of Cinderella Castle! Enjoy breakfast and lunch with your favorite Disney Princess, Cinderella. For dinner meet Cinderella in the lobby and then go inside the restaurant to enjoy prime rib, steak, seafood, and poultry in a storybook dining experience with the Fairy Godmother.
Reservations are required by calling 407-WDW-DINE or book with your travel agent.
The Plaza Restaurant
Feast on sandwiches, burgers, and salads in the sit down turn-of-the-century restaurant. The Plaza Restaurant also has amazing desserts. This restaurant is not as popular, but we still recommend booking an Advanced Dining Reservation by calling 407-WDW-DINE or booking with your travel agent.
Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café
This counter service restaurant offers hamburgers and veggie burgers, chicken, soups, salads, and sandwiches in a fun futuristic atmosphere.
Liberty Tree Tavern
This sit-down family style meal with turkey and trimmings. It is Thanksgiving everyday at this sit down restaurant. Reservations are recommended by calling 407-WDW-DINE or with your travel agent.
Be Our Guest Restaurant
We love Be Our Guest in Fantasyland. This sit down restaurant is inside Beast’s castle with different themed rooms. Be Our Guest serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This is a must do for any Beauty and the Beast fans.
Pinocchio Village Haus
If you are looking for Italian food, Pinocchio Village Haus is the perfect quick service dining for you. This restaurant features flatbreads, salads, and gelato. This restaurant themed after Pinocchio also has several tables with a view inside it’s a small world. Younger kids will love watching the boats go by.
Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen
If you love the Jungle Cruise, you may want to dine at the Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen. This fun sit down restaurant is inspired by the Jungle Cruise. Skippers will be your server as you enjoy the flavors from Asia, South America, and Africa. Reservations are recommended by calling 407-WDW-DINE or with your travel agent.
Columbia Harbour House
One of our favorite quick service dining at Magic Kingdom is Columbia Harbour House. This restaurant is across the street from the Haunted Mansion. You will enjoy New England flavors like fried shrimp, chicken fingers, clam chowder, and more.
Other Magic Kingdom Services
Guest Relations
Guest Relations provides many services to guests including maps, answering questions, leave a message for someone in your party, Disney character greeting, dining and advanced dining reservations, lost & found, stamp machines, lost children, guests with disabilities, Disney Dollar exchanges, Foreign currency exchange, information on VIP tours, battery charging, birthday buttons, and fax machines. If you need any help, swing by Guest Relations on Main Street USA for guidance.
Baby Care Center
We love the free Baby Care Center. This is an area where you can change and feed your baby. The Baby Center is located on Main Street, USA next to the Crystal Palace restaurant. This is a huge plus is you have an infant. The Baby Care Centers have several nice changing tables, a room to nurse your little ones, even an area with high chairs to feed your infants.
Strollers and Wheelchairs
You can rent strollers and wheelchairs right inside the front entrance to Magic Kingdom Park.
First Aid
If you need first aid during your day, you can stop by the First Aid location next to the Crystal Palace on Main Street USA.
FREE Checklist for Kids
Click here to download and print a free ride checklist for kids. This checklist was inspired by our kids. They love checking the rides off this list.
Magic Kingdom is one of 4 Disney Parks in Florida. Disney also has Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park. Magic Kingdom is our favorite theme park. You may see some of the rides at Magic Kingdom across the country at Disneyland or California Adventure. It is still our favorite.
Magic Kingdom is filled with magic, laughter, and family fun. Which is your favorite Disney Park?
