Welcome to my magical guide for one of my most cherished vacation destinations—Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort! I grew up as a major Disney fan, annual passholder and even worked for the mouse himself. So I have some fun tips to share for a day at Magic Kingdom that you might’ve never heard before! Whether it’s your first visit to Walt Disney World or your fiftieth, I hope my guide helps you experience a new magical moment in Magic Kingdom!
Main Street, U.S.A.
Main Street, U.SA. is the heart of Magic Kingdom Park. It evokes the dreamy ambience of turn-of-the century small-town America with castle views, sweet treats and fantastical parades. Although many first-time visitors may head straight through to Magic Kingdom’s other lands, Main Street, U.S.A. has so much charm to offer. Here are a few lovely Main Street, U.S.A. moments to start your day in Magic Kingdom:
- Watch Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire from the Hub Grass
- Grab Starbucks at rope drop in Main Street Bakery
- Sample sweet treats at The Confectionery
- Watch the Festival of Fantasy Parade
- Get a Mickey Kids Cone from Plaza Ice Cream Parlour
- People watch from a hidden alcove on Main Street, U.S.A.
- Take a snack break at Casey’s Corner
Adventureland
The wilds of Adventureland have a mystique and a magic all their own. Journey through the Rivers of the World on the Jungle Cruise, encounter swashbuckling pirates and treasure, sing along with enchanted tiki birds, snack on dreamy pineapple DOLE Whips—the sky is the limit. Read on to learn why Adventureland is one of my favorite lands in any Disney park.
Aloha Isle
Aloha Isle is my favorite quick-service snack spot in Magic Kingdom. You can order one of the best Disney snacks here: DOLE Whips! Aloha Isle serves:
- Classic DOLE Whips
- DOLE Whip swirls
- DOLE Whip floats
- Pineapple upside-down cake topped with DOLE Whip
Meeting Aladdin + Jasmine in Agrabah
Aladdin + Jasmine are the iconic character greetings in Adventureland. They meet in Agrabah next to Aladdin’s Magic Carpets.
Enchanted Tiki Room
Enchanted Tiki Room is an adorable show steeped in Disney history. This is one of Walt’s original attractions, giving it that extra little dose of magic between Dole Whips. The show also offers a nice respite from the mid-afternoon Florida sun.
Pirates of the Caribbean
Pirates of the Caribbean is one of the most iconic Disney rides and my favorite Adventureland attraction. As far as Disney boat rides go, this one should be at the top of your list. Same-day Fastpass+ is usually available too! I always recommend ducking into this queue during rainstorms: it’s cool and indoors. And who knows, you just might see Jack Sparrow along the way!
Sunshine Tree Terrace
Sunshine Tree Terrace is home to my favorite snack in Magic Kingdom: the legendary Citrus Swirl Float! Orange sherbert and vanilla soft-serve swirled together in orange Fanta makes for the perfect sweet treat to beat the Florida heat.
Jungle Cruise
There’s nothing quite like an afternoon ride down the river on the Jungle Cruise. This iconic Disney attraction is a must-ride during your time in Adventureland. The Jungle Cruise is my favorite attraction in Magic Kingdom for photography: the scenery is gorgeous and the skipper jokes are the icing on the cake. You can usually score a same-day Fastpass+, but queues tend to be short before noon.
Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse
The best views in Magic Kingdom may surprise you. Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse offers the best vantage point of the park: you can see all of Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Contemporary Resort from the top of the treehouse! This is a fun attraction if you’re looking for a break from crowds. I recommend climbing in the morning or evening since the afternoons get quite hot.
Aladdin’s Magic Carpets
This is my favorite of the spinning rides at any of the Disney Parks. You just might see Aladdin and Jasmine going for a spin if you’re lucky!
Frontierland
Frontierland will always hold a big piece of my heart. This land has always captivated me, from the majesty of Big Thunder Mountain to the tranquility of Tom Sawyer Island to the ever-present old West Americana vibe that permeates the land. I could honestly spend every trip to Magic Kingdom solely in Frontierland (but it’s nice to have a little variety ;)). Here are all the highlights of this magical little slice of the west:
Big Thunder Mountain (FP+)
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is my favorite attraction at Walt Disney World! The western mining theme is flawlessly done, and this attraction offers spectacular views of Magic Kingdom and Cinderella Castle from above. You can usually snag a same-day FP+ for Big Thunder, but you may luck out! I’ve waited standby for 25 minutes countless times during afternoons in Magic Kingdom.
Make sure to snag a seat in the back for a more thrilling ride, and snap a few pictures by the scenic geyser as you exit the queue. This is also a great opportunity to grab a Mickey’s Premium ice cream sandwich at the snack cart near the Big Thunder Mountain entrance.
Splash Mountain (FP+)
Splash Mountain is one of my favorite attractions in Magic Kingdom and the best water ride at Walt Disney World. The theming is excellent, and it’s quite a scenic ride through the Briar Patch. Only skip this one if you hate getting wet or are terrified of big drops. Splash Mountain also features the cutest attractions gift shops—Briar Patch and Splashdown Photos! Splash Mountain will be re-themed in the future as a Princess in the Frog attraction (over the moon about that!) but will retain its current theme for the time being.
Walt Disney World Railroad
If you plan on riding the Walt Disney World Railroad, hop on at the Frontierland stop. The station is very scenic, and the railroad is a timeless way to avoid the afternoon crowds. You’ll enjoy beautiful views of Magic Kingdom and make two stops (at Storybook Circus in Fantasyland and at the park entrance in Main Street, U.S.A.) before arriving back in Frontierland.
Golden Oak Outpost
Golden Oak Outpost has some of the most unique snacks and drinks in the park. The menu is seasonal, but you can typically find delicious slushes and waffle fries here. The desert pear frozen lemonade is one of my favorite park treats!
Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe
Pecos Bill is a solid quick-service restaurant with southwestern style entrees and plenty of seating. Try the jerk chicken lettuce wraps or taco trio!
Big Al’s
The cutest merchandise stand in Magic Kingdom. Find it right next to the Rivers of America!
Country Bear Jamboree
Country Bear Jamboree tends to be a polarizing attraction, but I’ve always loved it! It’s definitely an experience and is deeply cemented in Disney history. The show is also so nostalgic and campy—a perfect break from the Florida heat. I highly recommend checking it out for yourself.
Tom Sawyer Island
I’m going to make a bold statement here: Tom Sawyer Island is the best hidden gem in all of Walt Disney World! There is so much to explore here: scenic caves and walk-throughs, hidden forts, beautiful vistas of Haunted Mansion, Big Thunder Mountain and the Rivers of America, and little bits of Disney magic around every corner. Tom Sawyer Island is often overlooked, but I have so many incredible memories (and photos!) here.
Countless times, I’ve been able to sit out in a rocking chair watching Big Thunder Mountain roll by with a not a single soul in sight. Experiencing a moment to yourself in Magic Kingdom has a magic all its own. Rafts run between Frontierland and Tom Sawyer Island regularly, allowing you to spend as much time exploring and taking pictures as you like.
Liberty Square
Liberty Square is the smallest land in Magic Kingdom, but makes up for that in charm. You can find 999 happy haunts wandering through a mansion, a mouthwatering Thanksgiving dinner and one of Walt Disney World Resort’s most unique gift shops all within a stone’s throw of each other.
Liberty Tree Tavern
Liberty Tree Tavern is the best table service restaurant in Magic Kingdom! Picture excellent colonial theming and Thanksgiving dinner-inspired entrees. The restaurant is all-you-can-eat family style and charges one flat rate per person. Although it is a bit on the pricey side ($39/adult at the time of this blog post), don’t miss Liberty Tree if you’re looking for a delicious dinner in MK!
Liberty Belle
The Liberty Belle offers beautiful views of the Rivers of America. This is such a relaxing way to take a break in the park and soak up the gorgeous scenery.
Liberty Square Market
This is my favorite spot to grab a snack in this half of the park. Liberty Square Market has a lot of healthier snacks, like fruit, pickles and trail mix. You can also grab a Mickey Pretzel here!
Columbia Harbor House
Colombia Harbor House is one of the most underrated QSR locations in Magic Kingdom. The pot pies and seafood are delicious here! Grab a table on the second floor overlooking Fantasyland for beautiful views of Rapunzel’s Tower.
Haunted Mansion (FP+)
Haunted Mansion is a gem of an attraction. This was my favorite ride growing up and is still a staple of every one of my trips to Magic Kingdom. Your “Doom Buggy” guides you through different rooms in the mansion and the music is hauntingly beautiful. Even though this attraction offers a lot of spooky fun, kids usually love it. It’s easy to grab a FastPass, and the wait is usually quite reasonable here (under 30 minutes). This ride truly shines during Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, with extra lighting effects, projections and fog added to the exterior of the mansion.
Memento Mori
Memento Mori is so unique—a must-see for Haunted Mansion fans. The entire gift shop is Haunted Mansion-themed. You can find some of the most unique park merch here.
The Hall of Presidents
The Hall of Presidents is a welcome respite from the Florida heat. The show is actually quite entertaining and educational (plus features the best AC in the park!).
Sleepy Hollow
Sleepy Hollow is hands-down the best quick-service spot in Magic Kingdom. Order the chicken and waffles or fruit + Nutella waffle for the yummiest snack while you watch Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire and take in the castle views from your table.
Fantasyland
Fantasyland embodies everything that makes Disney fairytale-like and ethereal. Here you’ll find princesses, fairy godmothers, dreamy castles and nonstop flights to Neverland. Fantasyland is an ideal dreamscape of a land for the young and the young at heart. This is the largest land in Magic Kingdom—read on for all the highlights!
Peter Pan’s Flight (FP+)
Peter Pan’s Flight is quite close to my heart since it’s inspired by one of my top three Disney movies of all time. This attraction is absolutely magical and very popular. Grab a FastPass or rope drop the park and head straight for Peter Pan’s Flight to kick off your Magic Kingdom morning. The queue is so charming—take time to soak in the details and meet Peter Pan outside the attraction after you ride!
Tangled
The Tangled bathrooms are one of the best themed areas in Walt Disney World. This area with Rapunzel’s tower and the floating lanterns makes for one of the best Magic Kingdom photo spots. Check out some of my favorite photo locations in Magic Kingdom here!
Pinocchio Village Haus
Come to Pinocchio’s for the fries and seasonal desserts, stay for the views of Fantasyland from the second story balcony. Pinocchio Village Haus is oneof Magic Kingdom’s best people-watching spots, with expansive views of Prince Charming’s Regal Carousel and Cinderella Castle.
Cinderella Castle
The back side of the castle has a magic all its own. I love walking through the castle from Main Street and hanging out by the Cinderella fountain in front of Castle Couture. This is a great spot for photos and some shade during the day (and you might just run into your favorite wicked stepsisters ;)).
Castle Couture
Castle Couture’s hidden gems are a dream come true for Sleeping Beauty fans. You can find a dress behind the counter that transitions from pink to blue and even get a little pixie dust sprinkled in your hair to add a little magic to your day.
Princess Fairytale Hall
Princess Fairytale Hall is the one spot in Magic Kingdom where you can find some of your favorite princesses all in one place. I recommend lining up in the morning for this character greeting; the line tends to get quite long as the day goes on.
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Winnie the Pooh is one of the cutest dark rides in Magic Kingdom! This attraction is great for kids, and there’s the cutest gift shop at the exit with Winnie the Pooh and Snow White merch. Make sure you meet Pooh and Tigger after you ride!
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (FP+)
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train holds a special place in my heart. When I was a little girl, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was my favorite Disney movie and the mine scene was my favorite part of the film. I love that Disney was able to create such an immersive attraction based on one of my favorite Disney movie scenes! This is the most intense rollercoaster in Magic Kingdom, but not too scary (coming from someone who avoids advanced coasters). The ride vehicles swing from side to side, which really enhances the attraction.
There are so many little Easter eggs sprinkled throughout the attraction for Snow White fans too. Make sure to grab a FastPass since wait times reach 90 minutes quickly, or walk on at the end of the night during Happily Ever After for an unforgettable ride under the fireworks.
Mad Tea Party + Cheshire Cafe
The Alice in Wonderland corner of Fantasyland is a dream come true for me—it encompasses so many little details from my favorite Disney film. Alice, the Mad Hatter and the White Rabbit often meet in front of Mad Tea Party in the mornings. Cheshire Cafe is the cutest underrated place for a snack. Try the slushies—they’re the best in the Disney Parks!
Cinderella’s Wishing Well
Cinderella’s Wishing Well makes for beautiful castle photos and is one of my favorite hidden gems in Magic Kingdom Park. If you’re facing the back of the castle, turn left onto the pathway that heads towards Tomorrowland, and you should easily find it.
New Fantasyland
New Fantasyland is the newest corner of the park and the result of the largest expansion in Magic Kingdom’s history. Here you’ll find the Beauty and the Beast area (my fave!), Little Mermaid area and Storybook Circus (the Dumbo-themed area).
Beauty and the Beast
Beauty and the Beast is one of my all-time favorite Disney films, and the attention-to-detail in this mini-land truly brings the movie to life. When in this corner of the park, make sure you check out:
- Be Our Guest Restaurant—the restaurant inside Beast’s Castle where you can try the Grey Stuff and even meet the Beast himself during dinner! Seat yourself in the ballroom dining room for the beautiful ambience.
- Bonjour Village Gifts—the cutest gift shop with all things Beauty and the Beast
- Gaston’s Tavern—cute quick-service location to stop for a LeFou’s Brew (frozen apple slush with mango and marshmallow foam)
The Little Mermaid
Prince Eric’s Castle is the highlight of this area and is perfect for photos. The Voyage of the Little Mermaid attraction is a beautiful dark ride under the sea that guides you through Ariel and Prince Eric’s love story. You can even meet Ariel in her grotto after you ride!
Storybook Circus
I love this little corner of the park: the Dumbo theme is adorable and you can find some great hidden gems back here! Big Top Souvenirs is my favorite gift shop in the park. The specialty candy apples are amazing! if your phone is running low on battery, there’s a great charging station + sitting area to the right of the character greeting area. I also highly recommend picking up a Mickey Pretzel and taking a ride on The Barnstormer before you head over to Tomorrowland!
Tomorrowland
Tomorrowland evokes dreamy nostalgia of how Walt imagined the future would look like, from space exploration to scientific advancement. Tomorrowland is home to incredible attractions, snacks and quirky music. This land also incorporates a fun sci-fi element by featuring characters from Lilo & Stitch, Monsters, Inc. and Toy Story.
Space Mountain (FP+)
Space Mountain is one of my favorite attractions and a must-see in Magic Kingdom. The retro space-exploration aesthetic, thrills and twinkling lights always evoke so much nostalgia for me. Make sure you grab a FastPass or head for the line shortly after rope drop for shorter wait times—this attraction is extremely popular. For a more intense ride, choose the right side of the queue (the FP+ side).
PeopleMover
The TTA PeopleMover is the most underrated attraction in the park. This attraction guides you through Tomorrowland from above with stunning views of the park and Cinderella Castle. You may even get to see Space Mountain with the lights on! Lines are relatively short for this attraction (a walk-on on less crowded days).
Carousel of Progress
The Carousel of Progress is a rotating stage show that takes you through the progress that Americans have made in different time periods. The show uses Audio-Animatronics and is very well done. Don’t miss this one for the nostalgia and the AC!
Astro Orbiter
The Astro Orbiter is virtually the same ride as Aladdin’s Magic Flying Carpets and Dumbo, accept that the views are spectacular this high above Magic Kingdom! Highly recommend this one if the line is short.
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
This adorable Toy Story-themed attraction is arcade-style, letting you aim at different targets with your Astro Blaster to defeat Emperor Zurg. Bonus points if you become a galactic hero by getting the highest score!
Purple Wall
You’ve most likely seen this wall all over Instagram. Make sure to grab a few pics here next to Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor before heading back to Main Street, U.S.A.!
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