Disney World Florida: Magic Kingdom
The Magic Kingdom was the first of the four Walt Disney World parks to have been built, opening to the public in October 1971 - just under 20 years after its Californian counterpart, Disneyland. Due to the success of Disneyland, Walt Disney decided to buy a bigger plot of land elsewhere, and expand his ideas of a perfectly happy slice of the world in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Since the opening of the park, it has done nothing but grow to become even more entertaining and fun for the whole family. Now, with Cinderella’s castle in the centre visible from miles around, relaxing instrumentals of well-known Disney tunes, and the scent of Mickey Mouse shaped waffles in the air, there truly is no place more magical in all the world. There are enough attractions, shows, character meet-and-greet opportunities, and dining options to keep you entertained for days.
The park is split into six individually themed areas, each with their own attractions, shows, and dining options.
Main Street U.S.A
Walking through the main gates, you will arrive at the top of Main Street U.S.A, where there are often characters like Chip and Dale waiting to greet you. You could even be lucky enough to talk to Mickey Mouse himself. As you head past luxury shops and cafes round the corner, and onto the street, you’ll get your first glance of the castle. If you get there early enough, you can head to the castle and watch the welcome show, where Mickey and friends coax you into the park with song and dance.
Tip: Take your time in the gift shops. You can have anything you buy sent to Guest Services (a facility found in every park) to collect at the end of the day, or even sent straight to your hotel room to avoid lugging everything around. It's also worth noting that the shops are open an hour later than the rides, however, so you could save shopping until the end of the day if preferred.
Adventureland
A left at the end of Main Street USA will bring you to Adventureland, where you’ll find thrilling rides like the Pirates of the Caribbean, and can explore exotic rivers on the Jungle Cruise. Meet adventurers like Aladdin and Jasmine, watch a show of singing tropical birds and flowers in the Enchanted Tiki Room, and try classic, cooling Dole Whip at Aloha Isle. Dole Whip is a classic Disney snack; a delicious pineapple soft serve ice-cream.
Tip: Watch out for the golden camels! Sometimes, they spit water at unsuspecting passers-by.
Frontierland
Right around the corner is Frontierland, a Wild West themed area where you can ride Big Thunder Mountain, a runaway train, or Splash Mountain, a Song of the South themed log flume. Be prepared to get soaked as Splash Mountain plunges you down a 50ft drop at the end of the tuneful ride. Here, you can also meet Toy Story’s Woody and Jessie, visit Tom Sawyer Island, or try some spicy snacks at Pescos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Café.
Tip: If you start to overheat, head into the Country Bear Jamboree and enjoy both air conditioning and entertaining animatronics.
Liberty Square
Liberty Square is a patriotic area of the park dedicated to all things American. You can learn about the history of the presidency, visit Liberty Tree Tavern for an American feast, or visit the rivers of America aboard the Liberty Belle. At the top of Liberty Square is a spooky estate called the Haunted Mansion, where guests can socialise with eerie ghosts.
Tip: Hang around Liberty Square and catch the Muppets when they present their show on the Great Moments of History (but just the American parts).
Fantasyland
The biggest of all the themed areas is Fantasyland. It plays host to all your favourite characters, from princesses like Rapunzel and Cinderella, to lost boys like Peter Pan, to villains like Gaston. Ariel can be visited in her very own grotto, and you can dine even with Belle and Beast at Be Our Guest. Rides here include the Seven Dwarves’ Mine Train and Peter Pan’s Flight, or you can even enjoy a captivating 3D show; Mickey’s PhilharMagic.
Tip: To add even more sparkle to your child’s day, head to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and make their dreams come true with a makeover, stepping into the shoes of their favourite princess.
Tomorrowland
Tomorrow land is a futuristic area where you can enjoy a journey into space on Space Mountain, save the day with Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, or laugh until it hurts with Mike Wazowski in Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor. There are plenty of places to eat, like Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café where Cosmic Ray will serenade you all the way through your meal. In this area of the park you can meet Buzz Lightyear from Toy Story or Experiment 626 himself, Stitch.
Tip: Give your feet some time to rest and ride the classic People Mover.
In addition to the attractions in these six areas, you’ll find some spectacular shows and parades happening at the park. The piece de resistance is the Happily Ever After show at the end of the day; an incredible display of pyrotechnics and projector technology.
Take a look at our general hints and tips for holidaying at Disneyworld, and creating your very own Disney Cruise and stay holiday with a few days in Florida to enjoy the parks. Or find out more about the rest of the theme parks:
Animal Kingdom - Hollywood Studios - EPCOT - Water Parks & Other Attractions