10 Fun Things to Do at Magic Kingdom
Magic Kingdom has claimed more guests than any other theme park in the world for several consecutive years.
The park didn’t gain its popularity by accident. For more than 50 years, Imagineers have added new attractions regularly.
No matter how long you stay at Walt Disney World, you won’t get to do everything possible at Magic Kingdom, at least not to your satisfaction. It’s NEVER enough!
So, let’s lock in on some of the happiest moments at the Most Magical Place on Earth! Here’s what’s fun to do at Magic Kingdom.
Dine in a Castle
Were you born a blue blood? If not, you probably haven’t dined in a castle…unless you’re a Disney fan!
At Magic Kingdom, guests get their choice of two different castles to visit. And you can dine inside both!
Cinderella’s Royal Table resides inside Cinderella Castle, while Be Our Guest Restaurant anchors Beast’s Castle.
With the latter restaurant, the restaurant’s interior comprises most of the castle, which uses forced perspective to appear more prominent.
At Cinderella’s Royal Table, you can explore the actual castle more than people not dining there. It’s like a private admission area just for diners!
Ditch a Kidney Stone
Do you love roller coasters? Did you have a specific medical condition? If so, I have the ride for you!
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is arguably the best roller coaster at the park.
Some would argue Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (they may be right) or Space Mountain (they’re wrong).
However, many favor the 1990s classic Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. It’s a folksy coaster brimming with western charm and humor.
My particular favorite is the guy taking a bath in a tin can as his town floats away.
In addition to the eccentricities of this railroad adventure, it also serves a medical purpose.
Research has proven that guests are exponentially more likely to pass a kidney stone while riding Big Thunder Mountain Railroad…but only the one at Magic Kingdom! Crazy, right?
Jam with Hillbilly Bears
Country music never did much for me…with two exceptions.
First, I love Dolly Parton because she’s Dolly Parton.
Second, I never get tired of the Country Bear Jamboree, quite possibly the goofiest thing at Walt Disney World.
This audio-animatronic show is so corny that I want to spread butter on it and eat it straight from the cob.
Somehow, I don’t care, though. Watching giant bears croon classic country and western music is high comedy.
The best one is the super-lonely lady bear, who laments that all the guys who turn her on turn her down. My, that’s rather racy for a Disney theme park!
Listen to the Piano While Noshing on a Hot Dog
Walt Disney felt strongly that the first part of his parks should pay tribute to yesteryear.
On Main Street, U.S.A., life seems simpler. All the sights and sounds somehow feel familiar and soothing.
As you wander down the street, you’ll notice the unmistakable fragrance of hot dogs, almost as if you’re at a ballgame…and that’s the whole idea!
Disney built a themed restaurant around the premise that baseball is America’s pastime. It even features a pianist so that you’ll hear ballpark music!
There’s nothing better than eating your lunch while listening to Take Me Out to the Ballgame played by a live musician!
I love the whole vibe on Main Street, U.S.A. Casey’s Corner embodies the best of it, though.
Live Like a Pirate
Yarr! Every day is Talk Like a Pirate Day at Magic Kingdom.
That’s true because of arguably the most iconic of all Disney rides, Pirates of the Caribbean.
Over the years, Disney has updated this ride frequently, up to and including Captain Jack Sparrow.
That’s notable because Johnny Depp was four years old when the ride opened. Now, his character is its star.
Disney doesn’t get enough credit for how dutifully it cares for its most famous attractions, especially this one.
The modern version of Pirates of the Caribbean keeps the spirit of the original alive while adding new elements like Redd, the next Jack Sparrow.
Pirates of the Caribbean proves that we all want a pirate’s life, at least for a few minutes.
Make a Splash
One day in the not-too-distant future, Splash Mountain won’t be around for us to relish.
Disney will re-theme it to The Princess and the Frog, and that version will also provide decades of joy.
For the time being, you’ll want to ride Splash Mountain as much as you can.
Sure, some of the characters from the attraction may feel a bit outdated, but the music on this attraction remains the gold standard at theme parks.
Also, that final splash remains one of the greatest thrills at Magic Kingdom…or anywhere for that matter!
Meet Some Princesses
In New Fantasyland, you’ll choose between any number of high-quality attractions.
The rides and shows here are among the best at any Disney themed land.
In between these performances, you’ll want to sprinkle a bit of magic into your visit. And what’s more magical than interacting with a Disney Princess?
At Princess Fairytale Hall, you’ll find Tiana, Cinderella, and two other Disney Princesses. They’re holding court in character greetings.
Currently, the other two princesses are Rapunzel and Elena of Avalor, but those could change, depending on when you visit.
Order a Dole Whip
I mean, you’re not going to visit Magic Kingdom and NOT buy a Dole Whip, right? You’re not an idiot. You know what’s great at the park!
Page Mr. Morrow
So many attractions at Magic Kingdom qualify as must-dos. I couldn’t possibly pick a favorite…and yet that’s precisely what I’m about to do!
The Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover exemplifies the best of Imagineering.
Disney strategists designed it as a legitimate form of transportation (no, really) but then turned it into a sort of moving platform in the sky.
On the PeopleMover, you’ll relish a bird’s eye view of some of the best sights in Tomorrowland. It’s like a Tomorrowland’s Greatest Hits ride.
Pick Up a Hitchhiker
It’s the neighborly thing to do, right?
When you notice three people holding out their thumbs and asking for a ride, you should give them a lift.
Yes, that philosophy holds true even for the Happy Haunted at the Haunted Mansion, the 999 ghosts who love to frighten and delight-en.
Look, my wife and I are Doombuggy people. So we ride the Haunted Mansion as often as possible.
Despite our literally hundreds of trips here, we still relish those mischievous Hitchhiking Ghosts at the end. They just seem so spirited, don’t they?
Watch the Birds Perform
Yes, Disney’s Animal Kingdom includes a complete show using full birds. What you may not realize is that it’s paying tribute to a classic.
Over the years, guests have frequented Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room less and less.
That would make Uncle Walt sad because he championed this project. He loved the idea of mechanical talking birds, and that’s what you’ll find here.
Jose, Pierre, Fritz, and Michael sing and dance (well, shake some) as they tell bad jokes. This show is decidedly Disney in its genteel nature.