Magic Kingdom

Florida Guide > Disney Parks

Magic Kingdom is the flagship of Disney. The 100+ acres are arranged into different lands surrounding Cinderella’s Castle.

Once you have parked  your car ( and carefully noted the row it is in – many hours later this is easy to forget!) you get a shuttle bus to the Transportation Centre. From here you have the choice of using the Monorail or the Steamer  to cross to Magic Kingdom.  The Monorail is often quicker and goes through the middle of one of the hotels. However do not miss out on the Steamer  ride, it is a great experience especially on a hot day when the breeze is very welcome.

Once in the Park get some maps which will include the times of today’s shows and parades. If you have time a ride on Disney’s Railroad  is a great way to get yourself acquainted with the Park. The station is by the main entrance.

There are thrill rides for the adventurous and wonderful magic rides and experiences for the young (or young at heart!)  For the youngsters, we thoroughly recommend Mickey’s Toon Town.  Here you can meet Mickey, visit Minnie’s house and see many characters at the Hall of Fame. 

Watch carefully and you will see characters appear for a few minutes for pictures and autographs all over the park, but again consult your timetable for character appearances.  You can buy autograph books at Disney or in the supermarkets – always have your page ready and a large pen for the characters to be able to grip easily – the pens sold at Disney for around $3 are ideal and a great talking point when you get home.  It’s too hot generally for the characters to stay out for more than around 20 minutes but they will pose for photos with you and sign the all important autograph book.  When the guide says that the character “will be back in five” – this is true so wait around if they say this.

Fantasyland has lovely rides for the smaller children, including Winnie the Pooh  which is nice and gentle.  Dumbo is also great for young ones as is Small World  a little cruise around the world.  However at time of writing this review Small World is closed for refurbishment and should re- open late 2004.  Don’t miss Mickey’s Philharmagic a new show that is great for young and old.  Snow White can be a little scary for the very young.

Space Mountain is a thrill ride for big kids and adults, our ten year old loved this ride.

The following rides have Fastpass options, take advantage of these in busy periods:

  • Splash Mountain
  • Space Mountain
  • Jungle Cruise
  • The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
  • Buzz Lightyear
  • The Haunted Mansion
  • Peter Pan
  • Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
  • Mickey’s Philharmagic

The afternoon parade is a must (usually about 3pm) - all the Disney characters are on the most magical floats and you will get to see all your favourites, not to mention that amazing “Disney” music.  There is an electric parade on some nights which is enchanting and the new firework show Wishes is supposed to be fantastic, we haven’t seem it yet but intend to on our next visit. The times are subject to change during low season so again make sure you pick up the leaflets with times etc.  Even with the parades, get your spot early, people start sitting in appropriate spots at least an one hour before - we tend to wait around ½ hour.  Children at the front, obviously get a great view and if they wave excitedly the characters often come over to shake their hands  and on occasions they get asked to join in the Parade.   Try and be near the exit as tens of thousands of people all leave after the last parade/fireworks.  Although Disney seem to clear crowds like no other place in the world, the quicker you leave the better chance of missing the heavy traffic also.

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