Our guide to the Magic Kingdom will help you navigate the most iconic park at Disney World!
Your personal guide to Disney’s Magic Kingdom is here to help you make the most of your vacation!
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Magic Kingdom is perhaps the most well-known of the four Walt Disney World theme parks, and for good reason.
When construction began in 1968 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, this park was the first one created when Walt Disney World opened (and was the only one for several years).
Set with the enchanting and iconic backdrop of Cinderella’s Castle, Magic Kingdom is perfect for adults and children alike.
I grew up living near Disney World, so we were annual passholders for many years. Even though we went to Disney World all the time, I never grew tired of visiting the Magic Kingdom.
The cost of a Disney trip is nothing to sneeze at, so we want to make sure you get the most out of your vacation.
For favorite restaurants to the best Magic Kingdom rides, we’re sharing our top tips in this guide.
If you’re planning a trip to Disney World, this is the complete guide to bringing your Disney dreams to life in the Magic Kingdom!
How Big is Magic Kingdom?
You may be surprised to learn that the Magic Kingdom is 107 acres of fun things to see and do.
Of course, this means you’ll be doing a lot of walking! In fact, the average person walks 7-10 miles during a day at Disney World!
Walking Around Magic Kingdom
Because of the amount of walking you’ll be doing, one of our first priorities is to keep your Disney feet happy!
You’ll definitely want to check out our list of the best shoes for Disney World, as well as our tips and tricks for preventing blisters at Disney World.
And although it’s less common, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with the Disney rash, just in case it happens to you.
How Many Days Should You Plan to Visit Magic Kingdom?
Because Magic Kingdom is the Disney park with the most rides, there’s a lot to take in during your visit.
If your schedule allows, we recommend that you spend at least 2 days at Magic Kingdom, so you don’t feel rushed, especially if this is your first visit to the park.
However, if you only have one day to explore the park, you can have a jam-packed day of fun!
When planning out your day, it’s a good idea to create a loose plan of your top priorities, including character meets, dining, and of course–rides and attractions!
How to Get To Magic Kingdom
Getting around Disney World can be overwhelming at times, because there are so many modes of transportation, and they don’t all go everywhere.
If you’re planning on park hopping at Disney World, our must-know Disney transportation tips explain your options and how to use them to save time.
Getting to Magic Kingdom from Disney Resorts
But if you’re staying at a Disney monorail hotel, then getting to Magic Kingdom is as easy as taking the monorail, or in some cases, following the walking path.
Several other Disney resorts offer water taxi to the Magic Kingdom:
- Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
- The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
- Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
- Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
- Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
- Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Bus transportation is also offered from Disney resorts to the Magic Kingdom.
Parking for Magic Kingdom
If you are driving yourself to the Magic Kingdom, the parking area is about a mile away from the theme park itself.
From the parking area, you’ll be directed (often via a courtesy tram) to the Transportation and Ticket Center, also known as the TTC.
At the TTC, you’ll board either a ferry or monorail, which will take you directly to the park.
We recommend planning for an extra 30 minutes of travel time if you are parking and going through the TTC to get to Magic Kingdom.
Keep in mind that there are also some parking fees for Magic Kingdom:
- Standard Parking: $25 per day (free for registered guests of Disney hotels)
- Preferred Parking: $45-$50 per day (varies seasonally)
- Oversize Vehicle: $30 per day
Be sure to check out our Disney World parking guide for more information and tips!
Getting from OFf-Property Hotels to Magic Kingdom
If you’re staying off-property in the Orlando area, many hotels offer buses or shuttle service to the TTC at the Magic Kingdom, but you’ll want to confirm that ahead of time with your specific resort.
From the TTC, you’ll still need to ride the ferry or monorail to get to the park, so keep this in mind when planning your day.
The Lands Of Magic Kingdom
Magic Kingdom is divided into six distinct themed areas, often referred to as “lands.” These include:
- Main Street U.S.A.
- Fantasyland
- Tomorrowland
- Adventureland
- Frontierland
- Liberty Square
Let’s take a look at some of the fun attractions, shops, and dining that you’ll want to explore in each land.
Main Street U.S.A.
Upon entering the Magic Kingdom, you’ll find yourself on Main Street USA, an area reminiscent of bygone days.
Main Street USA Shopping
You won’t find much in terms of rides and attractions here, but on your left when you enter, you’ll find The Emporium, the largest gift and souvenir shop in Magic Kingdom.
It’s a must-see during your day, and it extends down the entire length of Main Street USA (if you’re at Disney World in the rain, this is a great way to move down Main Street while staying dry).
If you’re collecting Disney pins, the Emporium is a great place to find new ones to add to your collection.
Main Street USA Dining
It ends with Casey’s Corner, a great quick-service restaurant specializing in the All-American classics of hot dogs, corn dog nuggets, and french fries.
On the right side of the street, you’ll find the Main Street Cinema shop, Main Street Confectionary, and Main Street Bakery.
Your sweet tooth will also probably notice the amazing scents drifting from these shops!
The Plaza Ice Cream Parlor is a nostalgic way to cool off during the heat of the day with some hand-scooped ice cream.
More Main Street dining options include the table-service restaurant, The Crystal Palace. This is a character dining experience with Winnie the Pooh and friends.
Tony’s Town Square Restaurant is a Lady and the Tramp themed environment serving Italian food. This is also one of the locations where you can get alcohol at Magic Kingdom!
Fantasyland
Fantasyland is home to some of the most iconic rides and attractions at Walt Disney World. It also has some of the best Disney World rides for toddlers, but that doesn’t mean adults can’t enjoy it, too!
As the name implies, this land is a full of whimsy and imagination, with a playful feel that brings out the kid in all of us.
Fantasyland Attractions:
- Dumbo The Flying Elephant
- It’s A Small World
- Mad Tea Party (teacups)
- Peter Pan’s Flight
- Prince Charming’s Regal Carousel
- Princess Fairytale Hall
- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
- The Barnstormer
- The Many Adventures Of Winnie The Pooh
- Under The Sea: Journey Of The Little Mermaid
Although every Disney fan has their favorites, we have a couple of personal must-see attractions in Fantasyland.
First up is the iconic “It’s a Small World” attraction, which was originally created for the 1964-1965 World’s Fair in New York.
It’s been at Disney World since 1966, serving as a beacon of hope for unity and appreciation of others.
I also love Peter Pan’s Flight, where you find yourself suspended in a ship, gliding through the charming scenery from the film.
The queue for Peter Pan’s Flight is especially fun!
Fantasyland Dining:
- Be Our Guest
- Cinderella’s Royal Table
- Cheshire Cafe
- Gaston’s Tavern
Be Our Guest is a themed dining experience, where you can enjoy French cuisine in the Beast’s enchanted castle!
If you just can’t wait to dine with some Disney Princesses, then Cinderella’s Royal Table is a must-do for you! You’ll be eating in style inside Cinderella’s Castle! It’s a fabulous Disney World splurge!
Reservations can be fill up quickly at these sought-after table-service restaurants, so be sure to check out our tips for getting last-minute Disney dining reservations.
Cheshire Cafe is a quick-service snack kiosk for grab-and-go goodies.
Gaston’s Tavern is a manly quick-service restaurant offering the signature Lefou’s Brew and The Grey Stuff cupcakes, as well as some huge cinnamon rolls!
Tomorrowland
Tomorrowland is Magic Kingdom’s glimpse into the future, but since it opened in 1971, it’s more like a “vintage view” of a futuristic world.
Tomorrowland Rides and Attractions:
- Astro Orbiter
- Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
- Monsters Inc Laugh Floor
- Space Mountain
- Tomorrowland Speedway
- Tomorrowland Transit Authority
- Walt Disney’s Carousel Of Progress
If you love thrill rides, the iconic Space Mountain roller coaster is definitely a must-do attraction.
Although it doesn’t go upside down, you’ll zoom through space with plenty of speedy twists and turns to get your adrenaline pumping.
It does have one of the longest wait times at Disney World, so keep that in mind when planning your day.
If you have children in your family, they’ll love Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin!
It’s a unique attraction because it’s both a ride and game all in one. Once you board the ride, you aim at the Z’s and earn points which are displayed on the rides screens.
Pro tip for those competitive riders: for maximum points, aim for the robot’s left hand in the first room and the top of the volcano in the second.
Kids also love getting a chance to take the wheel at the Tomorrowland Speedway. Although the gas cars have a max speed of 7.5 mph, it’s a super popular ride with families, so plan to visit at the beginning of your day.
For those who love throwbacks to simpler times, the Carousel of Progress is a fun journey through time. It’s also the best place to sit down and cool off for a bit in Tomorrowland!
Tomorrowland is also where to get your face painted in Magic Kingdom.
Tomorrowland Dining:
- Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies
- Tomorrowland Terrace
- Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe
- Joffrey’s Revive
- The Lunching Pad
Be sure to use your My Disney Experience app to make reservations for table service restaurants, or to order ahead for quick service options!
Adventureland
Adventureland is themed after–you guess it–adventures! With a jungle vibe, you’ll feel like you’re immersed in a coastal town.
Adventureland Rides and Attractions:
- Jungle Cruise
- The Magic Carpets Of Aladdin
- Pirates Of The Caribbean
- The Enchanted Tiki Room
- Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse
Jungle Cruise is an incredibly popular river ride featuring animatronic animals and lots of corny jokes from the Skipper.
Each Skipper is different, so every ride on the Jungle Cruise is unique. For a different experience, try riding Jungle Cruise at night.
Pirates Of The Caribbean is a gentle boat ride into the world of Pirates. The infamous Captain Jack Sparrow appears three different times on your journey, so keep an eye out for him!
As a bonus, the queue for this attraction (as well as the attraction itself) takes place in a cool, dark environment, making it a fabulous way to stay cool at Disney World during the heat of the day.
This is also where you can get a Dole Whip, which is one of the most iconic Disney snacks!
Adventureland Dining:
- The Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen
- Tortuga Tavern
- Adventureland Spring Roll Cart
- Sunshine Tree Terrace
- Aloha Isle
Frontierland
Frontierland features wilderness-themed decor and attractions, with a “wild west” motif.
Frontierland Rides and Attractions:
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
- Country Bear Jamboree
- Splash Mountain
- Tom Sawyer’s Island
If you’re a thrill seeker, you’ll definitely want to enjoy Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
Splash Mountain is a must-ride in Frontierland! The log-flume style ride will take you over several drops, with the final drop being a thrilling 5-story plunge through Brer Rabbit’s briar patch.
You’ll get wet no matter where you sit, but if you want to get completely soaked, you can request to sit in the front.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is a great introduction to roller coasters, and the old mine train western theme is so fun.
This coaster doesn’t have any big drops, but it does have plenty of twists and turns through the gold mines of the mountains!
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad can be quite busy during the day, so it’s best to visit right away in the morning, during a parade, or as your last attraction for the night.
If you’re looking to relax a bit while in Frontierland, check out Tom Sawyer’s Island (especially if you have kiddos–it’s like a giant playground) and the Country Bear Jamboree (a great way to cool off and rest your feet, too!).
Frontierland Dining:
- Pecos Bill Cafe
- Golden Oak Outpost
Liberty Square
Located between Fantasyland and Adventureland, Liberty Square is the smallest land at Magic Kingdom.
Liberty Square Rides and Attractions:
- The Haunted Mansion
- The Hall Of Presidents
- Liberty Square Riverboat
Liberty Square is best known for its most popular ride, The Haunted Mansion.
Climb aboard a “Doom Buggy” for your journey through the haunted chambers, guided by your “ghost host.”
History buffs will enjoy The Hall Of Presidents show featuring each of the US Presidents. It’s also a great place to cool off and rest your feet during the summer months.
Liberty Square Dining:
- Liberty Tree Tavern
- Columbia Harbor House
- Sleepy Hollow
Character Meet and Greets at Magic Kingdom
Yes, you can now meet Disney characters again at Magic Kingdom!
Many characters can be seen during the Festival of Fantasy parade of character cavalcades, but Magic Kingdom is also home to character meet-and-greet opportunities.
For instance, you can meet Mickey Mouse at Town Square Theater!
Have a favorite Disney Princess? You can meet Cinderella, Rapunzel, Tiana, and Elena at Princess Fairytale Hall.
You may also luck out with an intermittent outdoor sighting of Stitch at Rocket Tower Plaza Stage, Chip n’ Dale at Storybook Circus, Anastasia and Drizella around Cinderella’s Castle, Captain Jack Sparrow in Adventureland, and Belle at Maurice’s Cottage.
Parades, Fireworks, and Outdoor Shows at Magic Kingdom
In addition to indoor attractions, you’ll definitely want to check out some of the amazing outdoor entertainment at Magic Kingdom.
Let the Magic Begin
If you’re planning to start your day early at Magic Kingdom, you’ll want to attend the opening ceremonies with Mickey and friends!
This is a fun way to kick off a day of magic and fun, just before Magic Kingdom officially opens in the morning.
Festival of Fantasy Parade
This dazzling daytime parade showcases the tales of Fantasyland and the many characters we know and love!
State of the art parade floats and original music bring to life the pageantry of Tangled, Peter Pan, The Little Mermaid, and more!
Check the park’s entertainment schedule for the performance times, and do note that this can be canceled for inclement weather.
Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire
This enchanted show takes place on the stage in front of Cinderella Castle, and features your favorite characters from Tangled, Frozen, The Princess and the Frog, and of course–Mickey Mouse!
It’s a magical extravaganza, complete with music, dancing, and special effects.
Disney Enchantment Fireworks Spectacular
Cinderella Castle illuminates with dazzling fireworks and stunning effects that are simply magical!
Classic Disney songs heighten the experience as the night sky lights up with this spectacular nighttime show, which is part of the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary.
This is an absolutely perfect way to end your day at Magic Kingdom!
Using Genie+ at Magic Kingdom
Genie+ is a lifesaver at Disney World, and it’s probably most useful at some of the most popular attractions the Magic Kingdom park.
With so many popular rides that can very quickly become crowded, you will be able to cut down on wait times and enjoy even more of the park with Genie+.
It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the Genie+ interface prior to your day at Magic Kingdom. You can see which rides are available and what their wait times are. You can also see when the Lightning Lane booking windows are open.
The following rides at Magic Kingdom have Lightning Lane with Genie+:
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
- Splash Mountain
- Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
- Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade (for special seating)
- Dumbo the Flying Elephant
- Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid
- It’s a Small World
- Mad Tea Party
- Mickey’s PhilharMagic
- Peter Pan’s Flight
- The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
- Jungle Cruise
- The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- The Barnstormer
- Haunted Mansion
- Monster’s Inc. Laugh Floor
- Tomorrowland Speedway
- Space Mountain (on dates ranging between Feb. 25 and Aug. 7, 2022)
The following Magic Kingdom attractions are considered premium attractions, which means they would require an individual Lightning Lane purchase:
- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
- Space Mountain (except when available in Genie+ between Feb 25 and Aug. 7, 2022)
Special Events at Magic Kingdom
Many people enjoy visiting the Disney World Resort during holidays and special events, and there’s no shortage of fun during those times!
It’s actually a really good time to see a different side of the park, even if you’ve visited before.
Halloween at Magic Kingdom
If you’re planning to spend Halloween at Disney World, you’re in for more treats than tricks!
Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular is an amazing laser, fireworks, and light show produced during the Halloween season.
You’ll also love the Boo To You nighttime parade, featuring your favorite Disney villains and classic characters (and a few from the Haunted Mansion!).
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a ticketed event with extra spooktacular fun!
My dad, who was once a cast member at Magic Kingdom, loved participating in the Halloween festivities!
Christmas at Magic Kingdom
The most magical time of year at the most magical place on earth? Yes, please!
You can enjoy Christmas at Disney World with the Disney Very Merriest After Hours event, which is a special ticketed event (and a great way to avoid long lines at rides), or enjoy a Christmas parade and fireworks!
The park is also decked out in festive decor, making it a cozy and inviting way to spend the holiday.
Be sure to check out our tips for visiting Disney World during the winter!
Upcoming Attractions and Currently Unavailable Attractions
One of the most notable upcoming attractions is Tron Lightcycle Run.
Currently, the Walt Disney World Railroad is closed (due to Tron construction). When it’s open, it’s a great way to travel between Frontierland, Fantasyland, and Main Street USA.
Ariel’s Grotto and Enchanted Tales with Belle are also currently closed.
Enjoying Your Visit to Magic Kingdom
Spending a day (or two!) at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom is sure to be memorable for the whole family.
Whether you’re visiting for the thrill rides, themed attractions, world-class shows, or for the chance of meeting your favorite Disney characters, you’ll have an amazing time!
Want to learn more about the history of the Magic Kingdom? Check out our list of the best books about Disney!
More Helpful Disney Planning Resources:
- Disney Packing List: What You Need to Bring
- Disney Coupons for Kids
- Best Disney Ponchos
- Best Disney Vacation Tips
Be sure to save this article to your Disney board on Pinterest!
