Magic Kingdom Cheat Sheet
When you’re new to Walt Disney World or haven’t visited in a while, the experience may feel overwhelming.
You’ll find so much to do that the sheer volume of freedom of choice may paralyze you with indecision.
![Disney100 Walt Disney World](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/VacationPlanning100Years_Girls-1.webp)
![Disney100 Walt Disney World](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/VacationPlanning100Years_Girls-1.webp)
Photo: Disney
So, MickeyBlog has come up with this helpful guide to help you have the best possible time.
Here’s your Magic Kingdom cheat sheet!
Must-Do Rides
No two people will ever agree on what the best rides are at Magic Kingdom. Still, we know what the consensus states.
I say this because outside companies often perform surveys and polls like this one to determine what’s best.
![Disney 2024](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/mickey-mouse-and-young-guest-at-cinderella-castle.jpg)
![Disney 2024](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/mickey-mouse-and-young-guest-at-cinderella-castle.jpg)
Photo: Disney
Also, some attractions, particularly ones at Magic Kingdom, have attained iconic status.
These rides possess name recognition, a strong sign that you’ll want to experience them.
For example, even those who have never visited Magic Kingdom have heard of:
- Haunted Mansion
- It’s a Small World
- Jungle Cruise
- Mad Tea Party
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- Space Mountain
You will regret everything if you miss these attractions during a Magic Kingdom day.
Similarly, Disney hosts several other E-ticket attractions of the highest quality.
![Space Mountain Closed](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/2023-wdw-mk-magic-kingdom-space-mountain-closed-queue-line-10-scaled.jpg)
![Space Mountain Closed](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/2023-wdw-mk-magic-kingdom-space-mountain-closed-queue-line-10-scaled.jpg)
Space Mountain
You’ll want to experience these rides as well. The list includes:
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
- Peter Pan’s Flight
- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
- Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
- Tron Lightcycle / Run
Rides with Longest Lines
As the world’s most popular theme park, Magic Kingdom hosts tens of thousands of people daily.
Obviously, you’ll stand in line to experience many attractions, with some of the most popular ones taking longer than the rest.
![big thunder mountain reopens](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/jan24-mk-big-thunder-mountain-reopen-2-scaled.jpg)
![big thunder mountain reopens](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/jan24-mk-big-thunder-mountain-reopen-2-scaled.jpg)
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
At Magic Kingdom, you should expect to wait at least 45 minutes in line for the following attractions during the summer:
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
- Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
- Haunted Mansion
- Jungle Cruise
- Peter Pan’s Flight
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
- Space Mountain
We’ll discuss options to skip the longer line in just a bit. Still, you should understand that these rides will typically take longer.
As such, you should prioritize them if you ever notice shorter-than-average wait times listed.
![Belle Ariel](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Ariels-Grotto-300x187.png)
![Belle Ariel](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Ariels-Grotto-300x187.png)
Credit: Disney
You’ll find that information in My Disney Experience. The app includes theme park maps and estimated attraction wait times.
Rides with Shortest Lines
Sometimes, when you’re at Magic Kingdom, you just want to ride something.
Thankfully, several attractions at the park rarely have wait times over 20 minutes.
Please note that Disney may list the estimated wait time as higher, but MickeyBlog has tracked this data for years.
We know the actual average wait times for all of Magic Kingdom’s attractions.
![Christmas Party attractions](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Barnstormer.png)
![Christmas Party attractions](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Barnstormer.png)
Disney
Here’s a list of rides you should be able to experience quickly:
- The Barnstormer
- Dumbo the Flying Elephant
- Mad Tea Party
- The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
- Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
- Tomorrowland Speedway
- Walt Disney World Railroad
- Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
- Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress
![PeopleMover](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/peoplemover.jpeg)
![PeopleMover](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/peoplemover.jpeg)
Photo: Disney
Of course, every day works differently at Magic Kingdom, with wait times shockingly variable.
So, when you notice something else with a short wait, you could also pick that.
I’m listing general options, but you may find better ones during your visit.
Best Show Attractions
Walt Disney World hosts many show-based attractions. These shows tell stories that will entertain guests of all ages.
I already listed one, as Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress is technically a show and a ride.
Guests can’t see the underlying mechanics, but a kind of carousel rotates them from stage to stage.
The vast majority of Magic Kingdom’s shows play out in more conventional fashion.
![Mickey's PhilharMagic](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/mickeys-philharmagic-gallery01.webp)
![Mickey's PhilharMagic](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/mickeys-philharmagic-gallery01.webp)
Photo: Disney
You’ll enter a theater and watch a video presentation or live performers.
My favorite show is Mickey’s PhilharMagic, which combines memorable moments from some of Disney’s best animated films.
Meanwhile, you’ve probably heard of Hall of Presidents and Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room, two iconic Magic Kingdom shows.
Later this summer, Country Bear Musical Jamboree will open. It’s a new take on the classic Country Bears show.
Finally, Enchanted Tales with Belle offers a new spin on Beauty and the Beast. It’s a walkthrough, interactive live show.
I highly recommend that you try this one for its novelty.
Also, Magic Kingdom hosts character greetings. These aren’t shows per se, but costumed Cast Members do provide live entertainment.
Such encounters are often among the most memorable during a Disney vacation.
![Town Square Theater](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2024-wdw-Magic-Kingdom-Town-Square-Theater-Tinker-Bell-Signage-Removed-scaled-1.jpg)
![Town Square Theater](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2024-wdw-Magic-Kingdom-Town-Square-Theater-Tinker-Bell-Signage-Removed-scaled-1.jpg)
Town Square Theater
You should prioritize character greetings and photo ops. Conveniently, they’re hard to forget.
The instant you enter Magic Kingdom, Town Square Theater is on your right. You can meet Mickey Mouse there!
Places like this exist throughout Magic Kingdom, most famously at Princess Fairytale Hall.
That place is exactly what it sounds like: a character greeting spot for four different Disney Princesses.
![Disney Character meet greets](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/2019-07-30-14_27_54-princess-fairytale-hall-magic-kingdom-Google-Search.png)
![Disney Character meet greets](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/2019-07-30-14_27_54-princess-fairytale-hall-magic-kingdom-Google-Search.png)
Credit: Disney
Ariel from The Little Mermaid and Mirabel from Encanto hold court at Magic Kingdom. You’ll find more as well.
Again, check My Disney Experience, as the app lists character greeting spots, along with convenient maps of where to go.
Should You Buy Disney Genie+/Lightning Lane?
![Disney Genie+](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/2023-wdw-mk-magic-kingdom-disney-genie-plus-brochure-1.jpg)
![Disney Genie+](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/2023-wdw-mk-magic-kingdom-disney-genie-plus-brochure-1.jpg)
Disney Genie+
Magic Kingdom offers so many different attractions that you’re sure to enjoy a vibrant day at the parks.
Once you return to your hotel room, I’m confident you’ll be surprised by how much you managed to do.
![Crowds](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/2024-wdw-mk-magic-kingdom-main-street-usa-crowds-1-scaled.jpg)
![Crowds](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/2024-wdw-mk-magic-kingdom-main-street-usa-crowds-1-scaled.jpg)
Crowds
For this reason, Disney Genie+ isn’t a necessity. Still, you should understand the benefits.
Disney sells this line-skipping service for a set daily fee. When you purchase Disney Genie+, you’ll schedule reservations.
![Genie down](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/2021-Disney-Genie-app.jpeg)
![Genie down](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/2021-Disney-Genie-app.jpeg)
Photo: Disney
These reservations work similarly to someone standing in line for you and then allowing you to cut to that spot upon arrival.
In short, you’ll skip most of the wait at various attractions. Obviously, there’s plenty of value in doing that.
![Lightning Lane](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2024-wdw-epcot-remys-ratatouille-adventure-lightning-lane-1-scaled.jpg)
![Lightning Lane](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2024-wdw-epcot-remys-ratatouille-adventure-lightning-lane-1-scaled.jpg)
Lightning Lane
However, only you can decide whether your vacation budget justifies the extra cost.
Lightning Lane is a different kind of the same premise. With Disney Genie+, you’ll get to skip the line on several attractions.
![Lightning Lane](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/2023-wdw-mk-magic-kingdom-peter-pans-flight-lightning-lane-genie-plus-1-2.jpg)
![Lightning Lane](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/2023-wdw-mk-magic-kingdom-peter-pans-flight-lightning-lane-genie-plus-1-2.jpg)
Lightning Lane
When you purchase a Lightning Lane, you’re paying for near-immediate access to a single attraction.
At Magic Kingdom, Disney sells Lightning Lanes for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and Tron Lightcycle / Run.
![Lightning Lane](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/lightningLaneHero.webp)
![Lightning Lane](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/lightningLaneHero.webp)
Photo: Disney
Should you utilize Early Theme Park Entry, you can avoid most of the wait for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. As such, it’s not a necessity.
The Tron roller coaster currently lacks a standby queue due to its popularity and newness.
As such, you only have two options to ride it. One is a virtual queue that Disney offers twice daily.
Should you book a virtual queue, you’re fine. However, if you miss out, a Lightning Lane becomes imperative.
The paid option will be your only option for experiencing the park’s newest thrill ride.
Best Restaurants
![Disney100 Walt Disney World](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/VacationPlanning100Years_Feature.webp)
![Disney100 Walt Disney World](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/VacationPlanning100Years_Feature.webp)
Photo: Disney
Walt Disney World groups the overwhelming majority of its restaurants into two categories: Quick Service and Table Service.
A Quick Service restaurant falls somewhere between fast food and fast-casual, depending on the location.
![Casey's Corner Hot Dog](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/2023-wdw-mk-magic-kingdom-caseys-corner-beef-hot-dog-1-scaled.jpg)
![Casey's Corner Hot Dog](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/2023-wdw-mk-magic-kingdom-caseys-corner-beef-hot-dog-1-scaled.jpg)
Casey’s Corner Hot Dog
Table Service can be fast-casual as well, but some of the meals qualify as fine dining. You’ll obviously pay more for that.
Since Magic Kingdom hosts so many guests, it’s overflowing with restaurants of various quality levels.
I don’t want to cast aspersions on any of the options. Still, in my experience, there are definitely some right answers.
Here are some of Magic Kingdom’s best Quick Service restaurants:
- Casey’s Corner
- Columbia Harbour House
- Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Cafe
- Sleepy Hollow
- Tortuga Tavern
I’ll also throw in Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café for the experience more than the food. There’s a charming show in the seating area here.
In terms of Table Service restaurants, here are the most revered options:
- Be Our Guest Restaurant
- Cinderella’s Royal Table
- Crystal Palace
- Jungle Cruise Co. Skipper Canteen
- Liberty Tree Tavern
Best Snacks
![Dole Whip Float](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Aloha-Isle-Walt-Disney-World-Resort.png)
![Dole Whip Float](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Aloha-Isle-Walt-Disney-World-Resort.png)
Photo: Disney
You’ll never stand more than 100 feet from food at Magic Kingdom.
Management knows you’ll get hungry. So, it has cleverly positioned snack shacks and carts throughout the park.
I want to bring your attention to three different iconic snacks you’ll find at Magic Kingdom.
Dole Whips are perhaps the most traditional Walt Disney World snack. You’ll find this delicacy at Aloha Isle in Adventureland.
![Turkey Leg](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Turkey-Legs.png)
![Turkey Leg](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Turkey-Legs.png)
Photo: Disney
Giant Turkey Legs are also wildly popular and world-renowned.
Disney currently sells these at Liberty Square Market, Prince Eric’s Village Market, and (after 9 p.m.) Sleepy Hollow.
![](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Disney-Churros-9.png)
![](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Disney-Churros-9.png)
Disney
Finally, Disney and churros have become synonymous since the parks heightened awareness of this treat.
You’ll find the best churros at Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Café. Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies sells them as well.
![](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Disney-Churros-17.png)
![](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Disney-Churros-17.png)
Disney
So, that’s what you need to know. By following this cheat sheet, you should have an unforgettable time at Magic Kingdom!
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