You’re at Magic Kingdom. Now What?
We all love Disney theme parks. That’s why I write about Disney so much, and you distract yourself with Disney topics so often.
Still, we all must acknowledge that not all Disney theme parks are credited equal. Each of us has a favorite – mine is EPCOT – but the numbers don’t lie.
Disney100 Sign at EPCOT
Overall, Magic Kingdom is irrefutably the most popular theme park on the planet and has held that claim for many years.
Odds are good you’ll visit this park sooner than any other. So, let’s say you’re at Magic Kingdom. Now what?
Planning Your Visit
Photo: Park Savers
First, if you’ve entered the theme park without a plan, that’s perfectly fine!
Disney built Disney Genie specifically for this purpose. It’s a virtual assistant (AI) you can use on My Disney Experience.
Disney Genie
While Disney Genie+ earns much of the media attention, Disney Genie will become your best friend once you understand how to use it.
You can create an itinerary on the fly, one that will ensure you do all the things you desire during your visit. That’s true because the AI will ask you for priorities.
Photo: Disney
In a bit, I’ll offer a few sections for what those should be. But you likely have many ideas of your own, especially if you’re an infrequent visitor.
The good news is that many of Magic Kingdom’s classic rides require shorter waits than some of the newer attractions. So, you’ll stand in line less for the classics.
Photo: Disney
Speaking of which, you should consider Disney Genie+ and Lightning Lane during your park visit.
A one-time Disney Genie+ purchase will cost somewhere between $15 and $30 plus tax per person.
Photo: CNBC
For that price, you’ll gain access to the shorter standby line queue for many Magic Kingdom attractions, including most of the popular ones.
You can experience more during your visit when you buy Disney Genie+. Conversely, you’ll stretch your vacation budget in the process.
Photo: Washington Post
Disney suggests that half of guests purchase the product, indicating it’s a coin flip whether you need it or not.
As for Lightning Lane, Magic Kingdom hosts two. I wouldn’t recommend paying $10-$15 for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.
Credit: Disney
However, you might not have a choice with Tron Lightcycle / Run if you want to ride Disney’s newest roller coaster.
The virtual queue for Tron books almost immediately. So, you may need to pay to play here.
Which Rides Should I Choose?
Credit: Disney
I’ve already mentioned several, but let’s be realistic. Magic Kingdom dominates the theme park landscape due to its deep roster of E-ticket attractions.
You’ll find several classic attractions here, plus the newer ones I just referenced.
Jungle Cruise
While everyone’s list varies, I personally would recommend that you target the following Disney rides:
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
- Haunted Mansion
- It’s a Small World
- Jungle Cruise
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- Space Mountain
Obviously, you may hold strong opinions about some of these suggestions.
Photo: Disney
Some find Space Mountain a bit rough, while the constant loop of It’s a Small World lyrics isn’t for everyone.
Still, those are the six attractions I believe the overwhelming majority of Magic Kingdom fans expect to ride during a visit.
Photo: Disney
Disney’s internal metrics suggest that fans are happiest when they experience at least eight attractions.
However, when you know what you’re doing or rely on Disney Genie/Disney Genie+, you can probably enjoy 12-15 rides, shows, and experiences.
Photo: Disney
I’m presuming you’ll spend the whole day at Disney, but then again, why wouldn’t you? It’s Disney. You might never want to leave once you’re there!
A few other attractions you should consider during your visit are:
- Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin
- Mad Tea Party
- Peter Pan’s Flight
- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
- Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
- Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid
- Walt Disney World Railroad
Honestly, I could list several more, but these rides capture the spirit of a Magic Kingdom visit. You’ll love all of them.
Dining at Magic Kingdom
Photo: Disney
You’ll enjoy a plethora of fine dining options when you visit Magic Kingdom.
Disney operates several Quick Service restaurants, and MickeyBlog recently posted a video of the best cheap eats.
A few favorites have stood the test of time. Eateries like Casey’s Corner, Columbia Harbour House, and Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Café are perennial favorites.
Similarly, several snack shacks like Sleepy Hollow and Aloha Isle will take care of your hunger or satisfy your sweet tooth.
Dole Whip
Other places like Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café and Pinocchio Village Haus enhance their menus with restaurant features like Audio-Animatronics and ride views.
Sometimes, you’ll prefer a more fulfilling meal/dining experience. In these instances, you should choose a Table Service restaurant.
Photo: Disney
Magic Kingdom hosts plenty of excellent ones, but a few earn most of the acclaim.
Be Our Guest Restaurant stakes a claim as the best in-park restaurant in America. Meanwhile, many foodies prefer Jungle Skipper Canteen Restaurant.
In terms of the experience itself, Cinderella’s Royal Table is impossible to beat, as you dine inside Cinderella Castle.
Also, it’s a character meal featuring appearances by several Disney Princesses.
Other Magic Kingdom favorites include Liberty Tree Tavern and Crystal Palace.
Notably, you can expand your options if you’re willing to ride the monorail to various resorts or even EPCOT.
Since that strategy would cut into your park time by at least an hour, I don’t recommend it, though.
Other Park Considerations
You’ll find other attractions and experiences at Magic Kingdom, too.
Specifically, you can meet Disney Princesses at Princess Fairytale Hall or Mickey Mouse at Town Square Theater.
Credit: Disney
Several other character greetings occur each day. You should check My Disney Experience to learn what’s available during your visit.
Also, the shows at Magic Kingdom are either brilliant or established classics or both.
Photo: Disney
I’m an evangelist for Mickey’s PhilharMagic, which entails Donald Duck interjecting himself into classic scenes from Disney animated movies like The Little Mermaid and Aladdin.
Iconic Disney shows like Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress, Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room, the Hall of Presidents, and Country Bear Jamboree are worth your time as well.
Photo: Disney
In short, you’ll discover so much to do that you may feel as if one day isn’t enough!
There’s a reason why Magic Kingdom is the most popular paid tourist attraction on the planet!
Photo: MickeyBlog
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