Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World

The heart of Walt Disney World Resort is the Magic Kingdom, the place where dreams come true and everyone has a chance to experience what it feels like to be a kid again. Since 1971 visitors have flocked to this 107 acre park to spend the day with Mickey Mouse, Cinderella, Snow White and more recently, such exotic Disney characters as Mulan, Jasmine the Princess, Lilo and Stitch.

Exploring the World of Disney at Orlando.

Visitors enter through Main Street, U.S.A., a re-creation of shops and cafes that would line the streets of any American downtown. You can leisurely stroll down Main Street, or hop one of the many Main Street horse drawn carriages or double decker buses that meander up and down the street throughout the day. Main Street ends at a beautifully town square directly in front of Cinderella’s Castle, where you can choose from several pathways, each leading to hours of Disney fun. To the right is the fantastic world of Tommowland, where you can cruise with Buzz Lightyear or take a spin around the Speedway. Heading through the castle, little princes and princesses enter Fantasyland, with such perennial favorites as Snow White’s Adventure, It’s a Small World, and Dumbo’s Flying Circus.

To the left of Main Street is Adventureland, with the thrilling Pirates of the Caribbean subterranean boat ride, and Frontierland, where you can ride the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, careen down the log ride at Splash Mountain, or take your best shot at the Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade.

In Liberty Square you can board the Liberty Belle Riverboat for a peaceful glide around Tom Sawyer Island or laugh with the friendly ghosts of the Haunted Mansion. For an entertaining look at American history, stop by the Hall of Presidents for a 20 minute show where each of the presidents are on parade and Lincoln and George W. Bush speak. You will be amazed at the things you learn and can take a break from the beautiful Florida sunshine at the same time.

The little ones will love Mickey’s Toontown Fair area, where they can play and splash in the interaction playground aboard Donald’s Boat, tour Mickey’s Country House with an in person visit from the big guy himself at the end, or get pint size thrills aboard the Barnstormer, a roller just for their size!

Finally, don’t forget to ride the Walt Disney World Railroad, a 1.5 mile loop around the park where you can experience what it is like to ride behind a real steam locomotive. The train stops at Main Street Station, Liberty Square, Fantasyland and Tomorrowland approximately every 4 to 10 minutes. This is a perfect ending to the day, when tired legs and weary children want to get back to dreamland as quickly as possible.

Dining in the Magic Kingdom.

There are plenty of dining options while at the Magic Kingdom, from Aunt Gravitys Galactic Goodies in Tomorrowland to sit down faire at the Columbia Harbour House in Liberty Square to delicious pizzas, pastas and panninis at Tony’s Town Square on Main Street, U.S.A. If you are looking for lighter menu options, there are also plenty of street vendors for pretzels, candy, ice crème and beverages throughout the park.

Tips for Tourists.

The Magic Kingdom is the most popular of all the theme parks. To avoid long lines, take advantage of FASTPASS, Disney’s ride reservation system that holds your place in line at the most popular rides. Just slip your park pass through the FASTPASS ticket machine at select attractions and you will receive a ticket that takes you to the front of the line a little later in the day. Enjoy the rest of your visit while FASTPASS saves you a spot at the rides you want to ride most.

The day can be action packed, so be sure to plan plenty of rest periods. Stagger your shopping and strolling with sit down rides that offer respite from the heat and give you a chance to gather that second wind. With over 100 rides and attractions, you’ll be glad you did!

Getting to the Magic Kingdom.

For visitors staying within Walt Disney World Resort, take any of the complimentary buses, boats or trams that travel between the hotels and the parks throughout the day. For visitors arriving by car, the Magic Kingdom is located off Interstate 4, south of Orlando and the Florida Turnpike. Head south on I-4 and watch for the Walt Disney World exits. Convenient self parking is available and once inside the resort, you can easily get from one attraction to another via monorail, tramway, bus or water taxi.