Answering the Most Popular Questions about Magic Kingdom
Sometimes, even frequent Walt Disney World visitors feel confused.
The sprawling Disney campus includes four theme parks, two water parks, two entertainment complexes, and a sports facility. It’s a LOT.
So, MickeyBlog tries to explain everything we can about the parks.
Today, we’re looking at the most popular theme park in the world. Here are the answers to the most popular questions about Magic Kingdom.
Where Is Magic Kingdom?
To casual Disney fans, Walt Disney World and Disneyland seem synonymous. People describe both as the Happiest Place on Earth.
Disney diehards bristle at this notion, as we know that Walt Disney World claims the title of Most Magical Place on Earth.
However, non-Disney folks (i.e., Luddites) cannot even tell which one is in California vs. Florida.
Well, Disneyland resides in Anaheim, California, while Walt Disney World comprises a significant portion of Central Florida.
You’ll find Magic Kingdom, the heart of Walt Disney World, at 1180 Seven Seas Drive in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.
That’s a more detailed way of answering, “the Greater Orlando, Florida, area.”
Can I Do Everything at Magic Kingdom in One Day?
My answer depends on what you mean by “everything.” Are you talking about every single attraction and show?
If so, absolutely not. Honestly, you couldn’t do everything in two or three days unless you’re a Disney expert.
Some obsessive fans attempt the All Rides Challenge, and they know from experience that their success depends on luck as much as anything else.
Nobody can control the size of line queues for popular attractions. However, you probably mean this question in more general terms.
You’re wondering whether you can have a great time and feel like you rode all the famous attractions at Magic Kingdom.
The answer to that question is absolutely yes.
Magic Kingdom hosts about 12 attractions that you should have on your checklist. Read MickeyBlog regularly, and we’ll show you how to do that.
We’ll help you leave the park feeling satisfied and excited to return one day soon.
Can Magic Kingdom Sell Out?
YES!
Don’t worry. Magic Kingdom doesn’t sell out often, but it does happen.
Usually, you’re most likely to face capacity limits on major holidays, especially during Christmas Week and New Year’s Eve/Day.
July 4th can also sell out, and it’s even happened on other holidays, albeit rarely.
Now, I must add a caveat to this statement. During the pandemic, Magic Kingdom must limit park capacity to maintain social distancing.
So, the park could theoretically sell out on a random day, most likely on the weekend.
However, Disney requires Park Passes right now. These passes theoretically prevent such capacity issues.
Ergo, I think that the next time you need to worry about this possibility isn’t until after the pandemic ends.
Can You Re-Enter Magic Kingdom?
Absolutely!
Your admission ticket guarantees you access to Magic Kingdom for the full day.
You can definitely leave the park, go somewhere else, and then return later at your convenience.
In fact, I highly recommend that Magic Kingdom guests take the time to explore the monorail resorts at least once during a vacation.
You can take the monorail from Magic Kingdom to one of these three hotels, do some shopping or grab a bite to eat, and then return to the park.
This strategy takes you away from the chaos of crowds.
Of course, you may prefer to stay in the park and avoid excess transportation due to Coronavirus concerns. That’s perfectly valid.
When Is the Magic Kingdom Parade?
Cast members curse bitterly at an oft-recited joke.
One of the questions they receive the most is, “What time is the 3 o’clock parade?”
Yes, people really ask that, although many of them realize the answer immediately afterward.
Of course, this is a trick question right now.
Disney doesn’t host regularly scheduled parades during the pandemic.
During the pandemic, Magic Kingdom operates Cavalcades instead.
Think of these events as mini-parades, only you’ll never know when they’re happening.
Disney intentionally operates Cavalcades at random intervals to prevent crowds from gathering.
Otherwise, they’re like standard parades.
On the one hand, they’re shorter. On the other, they’re more personal and intimate, even with social distancing in place.
Which Magic Kingdom Attractions Are Closed?
Thankfully, most Magic Kingdom attractions have reopened.
Disney couldn’t operate one due to social distancing issues. So, you cannot experience Enchanted Tales with Belle right now.
Another popular ride has undergone a refurbishment that will keep it closed into November.
So, fans of the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover are currently out of luck.
Also, the Liberty Square Riverboat reopened with the park but has since shut down for repairs. It’ll return on January 2nd, along with Tom Sawyer Island.
When Will Magic Kingdom’s Railroad Reopen?
Okay, fine. There’s technically one other attraction you cannot ride in 2020. However, that one’s been known for a while.
Imagineers are currently constructing a Tron roller coaster in Tomorrowland.
The tracks from that ride interfered with the existing path for Walt Disney World Railroad, the Main Street, U.S.A. icon.
This ride won’t return until Tron has nearly completed construction. So, it’s roughly a year away from operation.
Which Magic Kingdom Rides Should I FastPass?
Okay, I’ve got some bad news here.
Disney isn’t allowing FastPasses during this stage of its reopening.
With park capacity so low, Magic Kingdom didn’t require it. Nobody’s sure whether FastPasses will return.
Disney’s indicated that a replacement, Disney Genie, is in the offing at some point. We just don’t know when.
However, what I think you’re really wondering is easier to answer. You want to know which rides you should prioritize.
At Magic Kingdom, I would argue that the can’t miss attractions are:
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
- Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
- Haunted Mansion
- It’s a Small World
- Jungle Cruise
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- Peter Pan’s Flight
- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
- Space Mountain
- Splash Mountain
- Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid
- Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress
Ordinarily, I’d include the PeopleMover if it were open. These are the 12 attractions I referenced earlier.
Presuming you feel comfortable with indoor shows right now, I’d also recommend:
- Country Bear Jamboree
- Hall of Presidents
- Mickey’s PhilharMagic
- Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room
Technically, the Carousel of Progress is a ride, but it’s also an indoor show. So, use your best judgment there.
Which Magic Kingdom Restaurants Are Best?
Look, everyone would answer this question differently. We all have our favorite restaurants in Magic Kingdom.
My answer here is that the two restaurants that are toughest to book are Be Our Guest and Cinderella’s Royal Table, the two “castle” eateries.
Cinderella’s Royal Table resides inside Cinderella Castle, the central icon at Magic Kingdom.
Be Our Guest uses some visual tricks to make it seem like it’s on the side of a mountain. In reality, it’s a deceptively small exterior. The interior is sublime, though.
Others at MickeyBlog adore Liberty Tree Tavern, and I love the spiel at Skipper Canteen.
Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café is also popular, albeit for the theming more than the cuisine.
Diners who want something between counter service and upscale cuisine should consider The Plaza Restaurant.
The indoor and outdoor seating here offers views of Cinderella Castle and the surrounding courtyard area. The food’s not bad, either, especially the ice cream dishes.
Where Does Magic Kingdom Serve Alcohol?
A few years ago, Be Our Guest earned headlines when it became the first Magic Kingdom restaurant to serve alcohol.
So, I understand why you’re worried that you may have trouble staying sober.
However, I’ve got terrific news for all you Barney Gumbles and Norm Petersons!
Disney has since loosened its alcohol policy.
You can find potent potables at several other locations, including Crystal Palace, The Plaza Restaurant, and The Diamond Horseshoe.
“To alcohol, the cause of and solution to all of life’s problems!”
When Will Magic Kingdom’s Fireworks Return?
Madame Leota’s crystal ball looks too cloudy to answer this one. Of course, it’s hard to see anything other than Madame Leota’s head in it.
My awkward attempt at humor demonstrates my attempt to deflect away from something I hate saying. I just don’t know.
Coronavirus concerns prevent Disney from hosting all activities that cause crowds.
Something like a Cavalcade is possible since it’s quick and random.
Fireworks presentations like Happily Ever After… work differently.
Half an hour before the show starts, people stake out spots where they can sit down and watch the proceedings.
Personal space becomes a distant memory for the next 45 minutes or so.
Park officials worry that they cannot police a gathering of that size. As such, they’ve canceled all fireworks presentations for the time being.
Well, that’s the latest word from the company. MickeyBlog has caught a few fireworks testing attempts lately.
So, Disney may change its policy soon. Nobody knows for sure. A lot depends on how well-behaved guests are.
When Is Magic Kingdom’s 50th Anniversary?
Walt Disney World will turn 50 on October 1st, 2021!
Disney will make a big deal out of this event, turning the first week of October into a gala affair.
Don’t be surprised if the party lasts 12+ months, either! Disney had huge plans for this party before the pandemic.
Now, we need fun more than ever before. So, the 50th-anniversary celebration should be something special.
Please be aware that the anniversary events could cause sellouts.
Your best bet is to contact an Authorized Disney Vacation Travel Planner like the kind folks at MickeyTravels.
They can help you plan your 50th-anniversary trip. And their services won’t cost you a dime! They’ll get you set up for free!