When people say Walt Disney World, my first thought is walking down Main Street U.S.A and seeing Cinderella’s castle for the first time on my trip! It all starts with Magic Kingdom, which is the oldest park at Walt Disney World that opened on October 1, 1971. I find that out of all 4 theme parks Disney has to offer, Magic Kingdom is the most family friendly. Here is a basic guide for everything you need to know about Magic Kingdom! Feel free to email me for a free quote today!
Transportation to the park:
There are several different ways to make your way to Magic Kingdom! Some are complimentary when you stay at a Disney Resort Property and some do require extra fees.
Transportation and Ticket Center:
- Off-Disney Property you can use Taxi, Uber, and Lyft to be dropped off at Transportation and Ticket Center, also known as TTC. (Uber and Lyft rates do apply.) If you are driving to Magic Kingdom you will be parking at TTC. (Parking fees do apply.)
- If you are staying off of Disney Property, some surrounding hotels may have shuttle buses that will also drop guests off at TTC. (Fees may apply, check with the hotel front desk)
- Then from Transportation and Ticket you can hop on the Monorail or Ferry.
- If you are park hopping from EPCOT you can take the EPCOT Monorail to TTC and then switch over to the Magic Kingdom Monorail or the Ferry
Monorail:
- If you are staying at Disney’s Contemporary, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa you will have access to the Monorail.
Walking Paths:
- There are walking paths to Magic Kingdom from Disney’s Contemporary, Transportation and Ticket Center, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort andDisney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
Watercraft Transportation:
- You are able to take watercraft transportation straight to Magic Kingdom from 5 different resorts including: Disney’s Contemporary, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground
Disney Buses:
- If you are park hopping for Hollywood Studios or Animal Kingdom you will be able to take the buses to Magic Kingdom which are located right outside of the park entry.
- If you are staying at any other Disney Resort location you will also have access to the buses which will drop you off right outside of Magic Kingdom
- Minnie Vans:
- Minnie Vans are similar to ride sharing but they are able to drop guests off right outside of the bus loop at the Magic Kingdom. (Minnie Van fees may apply)
Rides at Magic Kingdom:
With 6 different lands, it is the park with the most rides in all of Walt Disney World with a total of 23 rides. It has all of your classics from it’s a small world, to Space Mountain, to Pirates of the Caribbean! Out of the 23 rides, 16 of them do not have height requirements so even your teeniest tiniest park goers can still enjoy the magic. Splash Mountain, which is currently under renovation to be transformed into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, is set to open late 2024 as of right now! Even if you want to enjoy a fun ride and your younger park goers do not, you can take advantage of Child Swap; just let the Cast Member know!
No Height Requirement:
- Astro Orbiter
- Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
- Dumbo the Flying Elephant
- Haunted Mansion
- “It’s a small world”
- Jungle Cruise
- Liberty Square Riverboat
- Mad Tea Party
- The Magic Carpet of Aladdin
- The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
- Peter Pan’s Flight
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
- Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
- Under the Seas - Journey of the Little Mermaid
- Walt Disney World Railroad
- Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress
- Mickey’s PhilharMagic
35 Inches or Taller
- The Barnstormer featuring the Great Goofini
40 Inches or Taller
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Characters: Not only are there 23 rides, but there are character meet and greets all around the park. You will sometimes spot different friends just hanging out in different areas of the parks so make sure you keep an eye out for them!
Meet and Greet:
- Princess Tiana and a Visiting Princess at Princess Fairytale Hall
- Cinderella and a Visiting Princess at Princess Fairytale Hall
- Meet Mickey at Town Square Theater
- Meet Ariel (from the Animated Story) at Her Grotto
Disney also has several times during the day that you can watch different parades and shows to see your favorite friends during: Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade, Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire, and Disney Adventure Friend Cavalcade! Check your Disney World app under entertainment for the time of these events.
Dining:
Of course between rides and meeting your favorite characters you are going to work up an appetite. In Magic Kingdom there are 8 table service restaurants including:
- Be Our Guest Restaurant
- Cinderella’s Royal Table
- Crystal Palace
- Diamond Horseshoe
- Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen
- Liberty Tree Tavern
- The Plaza Restaurant
- Tony’s Town Square
Reservations in advance are recommended for these restaurants!
Two of the table service restaurants you are able to visit with characters. At Cinderella’s Royal Table you are able to meet with Cinderella, Ariel, Aurora, Jasmine, and Snow White! At Crystal Palace you will get to visit with Pooh, Eeyore, Piglet, and Tigger! Even though you will not be able to meet the Beast, he does make special appearances at Be Our Guest Restaurant!
If you are not looking for a full sit down meal you can find over 20 quick service dining options throughout the park! From full meals, to refreshing snacks, to coffee and drinks in order to keep you hydrated. You will be sure to find something that everyone will enjoy! For a full list of quick service dining at Magic Kingdom look under dining on the Disney World app and filter it to just show Magic Kingdom.
As you can see there is definitely something for everyone to do at this amazing park! If it is your first or even your 100th visit, Walt Disney World can still be a tad bit overwhelming when it comes to everything to do and booking. When you book your next vacation with me I am here to make sure you have all the knowledge to ensure you have the most magical experience. Shoot me an email or give me a call today so we can make that unforgettable vacation happen!