After all my trips to Orlando I figured I may as well share my wisdom from visiting the theme parks! I'll give some back story to The Magic Kingdom so if you are familiar with the park just scroll down!
The Magic Kingdom is by far the most magical out of the four parks. Magic Kingdom is divided into six lands. The Cinderella castle is the central hub with pathways leading to each of the lands.
Main Street U.S.A.
This is where guests first enter the Magic Kingdom, it features shops selling merchandise and food that line either side of the main road. It also has a tram and horse-drawn street cars that go up and down the street.
Adventureland
Adventureland is themed to resemble remote jungles throughout Africa, Asis and South America. It is divided into two areas, one being the Arabian Village and the other being Caribbean.
Attractions
Jungle Cruise
The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
Pirates of the Caribbean
The Pirates League
Swiss Family Treehouse
Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room
Pirates Adventure
Frontierland
Frontierland is based around the American Old West of the 19th century.
Attractions
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Countrybear Jamboree
Splash Mountain
Frontierland Shootin' Arcade
Frontierland Hoedown Happening
Tom Sawyer Island
Liberty Square
Themed after colonial America, replicas of the Liberty Bell and Liberty Tree can be seen here.
Attractions
The Hall of Presidents
Haunted Mansion
Liberty Square Riverboat
Fantasyland
Fantasyland is based on Disney fairy tales and Princess movies, it features more child friendly attractions than the rest of the park. It is split into three sections, Enchanted Forest, Storybook circus and Castle Courtyard.
Attractions
Ariel's Grotto
Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid
Enchanted Tales with Belle
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
Mad Tea Party
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
The Barnstormer
Casey Jr, Splash 'N' soak Station
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
Pete's Silly Sideshow
It's a Small World
Mickey's PhilharMagic
Peter Pan's Flight
Prince Charming regal Carrousel
Princess Fairytale Hall
Tomorrowland
Tomorrowland focuses on futuristic technology and features elements of space.
Attractions
Astro Orbiter
Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin
Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor
Space Mountain Stitch's Great Escape!
Tomorrowland Speedway
Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
Carousel of Progress
Planning your day!
Some of the most fun I've ever had is planning a Walt Disney World Trip! It gets you so excited to go laying out what you'll be doing everyday and if you want to make the most of your time in Orlando I highly recommend you do so. I would print out calendars and research what each park was doing on each night so we could see all fireworks, parades, shows that were available.
Tip 1: Get there early!
I recommend getting to the park for opening at least once as it is so quiet you could get more done in the first few hours than the rest of the day! Parking is also quieter meaning you can park closer to the gates. You can get in even earlier if you book a character breakfast at Crystal Palace meaning you can get photos in front of the castle without any crowds.
Tip 2: Take the ferryboat across!
If it's your first visit there is no better way to get to Magic Kingdom. There is the option of the monorail which is the quickest way across however you don't get the same view of the seven seas lagoon or the views of the Deluxe hotels around the lagoon. Characters also make appearances on the ferry which can mean queuing for a lot less time than you would in the park.
Tip 3: Take your time!
If it's your first visit don't stress out about getting everything done in one day, it can make it more stressful and less enjoyable. If you have a 14 or 21 day pass you can get everything done in more than one trip. So on your first day at Magic Kingdom just take it all in. Treat yourself to a pastry on main street, have a stroll around the park taking photos, just relax!
Tip 4: Rest!
It's no secret that Orlando is known for the heat, so their are some great spots for when you need to recuperate. If it's air-con you are looking for, attractions like Monsters Inc Laugh Floor, the People Mover, Mickey's Philharmagic or Hall of Presidents are great for cooling down. If you are still looking for a bit of excitement, Splash Mountain is great if you still want a bit of a thrill. Or simply stop at an indoor food outlet or gift shop. If the early mornings are getting to you and you need a bit of shut eye I recommend one of the grass areas out the front of the castle. So long as you wear a hat it's a great spot for a 20 minute nap.
Tip 5: Stake out a Parade spot!
If you have children you'll want to find a good photo op where the kids can also sit down and have a rest. If you can get a spot early enough you can sit right along the front and interact with characters and performers. Also if you are short like me you'll be grateful for getting a spot at the front!
Tip 6: Check out rides during the parades/fireworks!
If you have already seen a parade/ fireworks or caught the earlier showing take this opportunity to get in as many rides as possible. Most rides you'll be able to walk straight on and rides such as Big Thunder Mountain or Splash Mountain feel completely different in the dark so I highly recommend it!
Tip 7: Conquer the Mountains!
This one seems pretty obvious, but if it's your first visit and you're a thrill seeker, definitely get Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain and Space Mountain done in one day.
Tip 8: Pig out!
The snacks at Magic Kingdom are some of the best I've ever had! There are some complete must haves that you can't leave without trying. The dole whip/dole whip float I never even knew existed until my most recent trip and it's by far my favourite. Also try the Cinnamon roll from Gastons Tavern, a Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bar, a funnel cake, Ice cream from the Main Street Ice Cream Parlour, Waffle Sandwich from Sleepy Hollows or be brave a go for a full Turkey Leg!
Tip 9: Hang around after Fireworks!
Once the fireworks have finished EVERYONE will be heading for the exit which means a lot of pushing and shoving, cramped spaces which can be daunting for people. Since the park doesn't close immediately after the fireworks, find a spot away from the crowd, have an ice cream and wait for it to clear.
Tip 10: Take the monorail back!
After a long day everyone will be tired and exhausted. It is much quicker to get the monorail back to the car park and you'll thank yourself.
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