In January of 2019, my husband and I visited Disney World in Orlando, Florida. The first day in the parks, we went to the Magic Kingdom!
When walking into the infamous theme park, guests will encounter “Main Street U.S.A.” On both sides are shops, restaurants, and even an in-use barber shop. Along this path is where parades occur as well. Of course, I can’t leave out that guests will then get their first glance at the spectacular Cinderella’s Castle. Inside this structure is a Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique (a salon for young princes/princesses), and Cinderella’s Royal Table, an excellent choice for dining. If you’re very lucky, you can be invited to sleep in the Cinderella Castle Suite. Only those who are either “gifted” by Disney or win a special contest can kick back in the jacuzzi bath tub and watch a movie on their secret mirror televisions. Celebrities such as Tom Cruise and Katy Perry have been given the chance to be guests for this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Rides/Attractions
The Magic Kingdom is divided into five sections: Adventureland, Fantasyland, Frontierland, Liberty Square, and Tomorrowland.
Adventureland
- Jungle Cruise: a canopy-covered boat that tours four continents, passing by mechanical jungle animals and scenery
- The Magic Carpets of Aladdin (usually only for kids/parents): control pitch/height of your magic carpet as you fly around
- Pirates of the Caribbean: boat ride through darkened, underground cavern as you pass by Captain Jack Sparrow and settings that correlate with the movie
- Swiss Family Treehouse: climb up six stories to see a 360 degree view of Magic Kingdom
- Enchanted Tiki Room: performance in a tropical pavilion of audio-animatronic birds
Fantasyland
- Barnstormer (kids): small coaster featuring Goofy as he becomes a circus stunt pilot
- Dumbo the Flying Elephant (kids): carousels of elephants rotating in a circle
- “it’s a small world”: while playing the song that the ride is named after, you are taken on a journey of whimsical attractions
- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train: minor rollercoaster that heads underground, where the dwarfs are in the diamond mine
- Journey of the Little Mermaid: guests are turned in their clam-shaped seats while Ariel and other characters from the Disney movie sing “Under the Sea”
- Enchanted Tales with Belle: fairytale production of Beauty and the Beast
- Prince Charming Regal Carrousel: merry go-round of 90 different horses
- Mickey’s PhilharMagic: 3-D presentation of Disney animated musical sequences
- Peter Pan’s Flight: special glow-in-the-dark effects are created as you enter into Never Land on your flying ship
- The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh: take a trip through Hundred-Acre Wood in a large “Hunny Pot” vehicle
- Mad Tea Party (kids): spin yourself around in a gigantic tea cup, inspired by Alice in Wonderland
Frontierland
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: fast-paced rollercoaster train ride through an abandoned gold mine
- Tom Sawyer Island: adventurous playground mainly for children that can only be reached by raft; rocking chairs and nature trails available for parents
- Splash Mountain: log flume with 52 foot plunge
Liberty Square
- Haunted Mansion: guests hop on their “Doom Buggies” to explore the gothic mansion in the dark
- Liberty Square Riverboat: authentic replica of an old paddle wheel riverboat, flowing down the Rivers of America
- Hall of Presidents: perfect for history-lovers, this exhibit tells a story on the founding of the nation
Tomorrowland
- Stitch’s Great Escape: an interactive show of Experiment 626 causing havoc as discovered by the Galactic Federation
- Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin: while riding XP-37 Space Cruisers, you are shooting lasers in the middle of an enormous arcade game
- Astro Orbiter: guests are given the ability to control their own rockets as they are lifted into the galaxy
- Carousel of Progress: the revolving theater displays the evolution of technology in the 20th century
- Space Mountain: a dark, indoor roller coaster that takes you on a voyage through outer space
- Tomorrowland Speedway: guests cruise around a four lane racetrack in a gas-powered sports car
- Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor: comedy show involving guests laughing in order for Mike and Sully to generate enough electricity for Monstropolis
- Tomorrowland Transit Authority People Mover: magnetically pulled cars that are elevated, giving you sights of the park
Every night, right before the park closes, the cast sets off a firework display right behind Cinderella’s Castle. They are well worth waiting for and gathering around to watch, in my opinion.
Lodging
In this resort/spa you can choose a room with views of the theme park across Bay Lake. It conveniently offers a free theme park shuttle, two outdoor pools (one with a swim up bar), fitness center, and an arcade.
2. Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Disney’s Contemporary Resort is the closest hotel to the Magic Kingdom. As the monorail travels directly through the resort, you can easily jump on it, or walk a brief 10 minutes to the entrance of the park. You can even watch the fireworks show from the comfort of your own room or from the California Grill, which is at the top of the building. After spending all day standing in line or on rides, you can get a drink at the bar/lounge or take a dip in the beautiful pool.
3. Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
This property is unique in its style, as it has a Polynesian theme in each room, the bar/restaurant, coffee shop, game room, gym, and the entertainment, which includes fire dances. The Lava Pool features a water slide within a volcano, as well as, an infinity hot tub.
4. Four Seasons Resort Orlando
Inside of the Four Seasons is two luxury boutiques, a spacious fitness center, pool tables, and six places to eat/drink. Outside are basketball and volleyball courts, a five-acre water park, and an adults-only infinity pool with cabanas.
The forest-themed lodge is filled with wood-carved furniture. The massive outdoor pool is said to be “spring-fed” from the hot spring located in the lobby. Outdoor activities such as a 2.5 mile jogging trail, fishing excursions, bike or boat rentals, and campfire/movies are available here, too.
Best-Ranked Food in Magic Kingdom
Table Service Restaurants:
- Crystal Palace (Buffet)
- Columbia Harbour House (Seafood)
- Be Our Guest (American/French)
- Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen (African/Asian/Latin)
Counter Service Restaurants:
- Pecos Bill (Tex-Mex)
- Pinocchio Village Haus (Pizza/salad)
- Cosmic Ray’s (Burgers/hot dogs)
Snacks
- Main Street Bakery/Confectionary: Mickey-shaped desserts (Rice Krispie treats, cake pops, cookies, candy apples)
- Sleepy Hollow: Waffle sandwiches (fruit or chicken)
- Aloha Isle or Sunshine Tree Terrace: Dole Whip Cup
Hopefully, if you are planning on going to Disney World in Florida, this post has helped you out! Please contact me with any other questions you may have regarding travel.
Thanks for reading my post! 🙂
-xo, Nicole
A Sweet Paradise 