Disney Magic Kingdom, Orlando

A Guide to Disney Magic Kingdom, Orlando

The magic of Disney is sought by millions of people around the world, and the amount of visitors that flock to Disneyworld in Orlando numbers in the millions every year. If you are preparing for your first visit to the Magic Kingdom, there are a few things that you need to know in order to get the most out of your experience.

The other three theme parks at Walt Disney World are:-

Disney's Animal Kingdom,
Disney's Hollywood Studios
Epcot Center.

Plus there are 2 water parks: Blizzard Beach and Disney's Typhoon Lagoon.

The Realms of Disney Magic Kingdom:

Five realms or lands comprise Disney Magic Kingdom, and the border for each of these lands lies near Cinderella Castle on Main Street U.S.A. The realms of the Kingdom are:

• Adventureland
• Fantasyland
• Liberty Square
• Tomorrowland
• Frontierland

Each land of Disney Magic Kingdom has its own theme, and every ride and attraction in the lands work in conjunction with the realm to provide a magical experience in a land all its own. There is a network of tunnels installed underground in the Magic Kingdom to connect all of the lands in order to ensure that none of the actors from the other themed realms are seen moving between realms.

View a map of Magic Kingdom and other Disney World maps.

Click here for Disney Ticket information.

The Best Attractions:

The fireworks at Disney Magic Kingdom are not to be missed, especially the evening fireworks show, "Spectromagic". The "Wishes" fireworks show is another popular attraction, and anyone visiting Disneyworld should take time to stroll through the Magic Kingdom just to see these fireworks shows. Read more about Disney Fireworks.

The parades and floats that go through the streets of the various realms of the Magic Kingdom are worth waiting for, but the wait may drag on. People tend to line up for the parades up to an hour before they are to start, and you will have to do so as well if you want to get a good spot from which to view the parade.

For 3D movie lovers, Mickey's PhilharMagic is an excellent place to spend 20 minutes enjoying a 3D show, and you won't have to wait for more than half an hour regardless of how long the lines are.

The Best Rides:

Magic Kingdom is famous for its many spectacular rides, and anyone visiting the Magic Kingdom should take the time to stop at the following rides:

• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is one of the most popular rides in Disney Magic Kingdom, and even those who are not huge fans of roller coasters will find that they enjoy the ride. This is a great ride for kids over the age of 6, and you can usually find shorter lines before 11 am. If you come after noon, it is best to come with a Fastpass.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Rollercoaster Photo courtesy of Joe Penniston

• Splash Mountain is the main attraction for anyone who loves water rides, and the plunge you take at the end of the ride is guaranteed to take your breath away. While there is not too much "splash", you are sure to get soaked by the famous ride. Usually people find that riding Splash Mountain is best when the day is warm, such as in the afternoon. However, you had better bring a Fastpass in order to avoid the long lines at that time.

Splash Mountain Final Drop! Photo courtesy of Ross Hawkes

• For small children, visiting the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh ride is an excellent choice, as the simple fun of the short but sweet ride is sure to excite your kids. The lines to this ride may also be long, so either come early or bring a Fastpass.

Photo Left: One Tiger Fan Photo Right: Joe Penniston

• Space Mountain.  Space Mountain is one of Disney's world famous rides, and going on this ride is definitely worth the wait. While most of the wait can be avoided with a Fastpass, you will still end up waiting for this legendary ride. Enjoy the sharp twists, turns, curves, hills, and drops, and you will find your adrenaline rushing once you have finished the ride.

Photo Left: Joe Penniston Photo Right: OrlandoInformer

• Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin is a great ride for kids, and you will find that your children love shooting the aliens and other objects with the laser gun built into their car. This one may have your kids entranced all day, though usually kids younger than 8 and older than 12 will find this ride gets old after a few spins.

Who is the Magic Kingdom best for?

Disney Magic Kingdom is targeted for children between the ages of 4 and 12, and you may find that your older children may get bored of the "kiddie rides" fairly quickly. However, any child between 4 and 10 will be enthralled by the magic of Disney Magic Kingdom, and they will want to return day after day.

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