The Magic Kingdom is a staple at the Walt Disney World Resort. It’s time to dive into everything you need to know about this park from Main Street U.S.A. to Frontierland and more! This is your complete guide to the Magic Kingdom.
The Magic Kingdom is the first theme park that opened at the Walt Disney World Resort. It opened on October 1, 1971, and quickly became a staple of the Disney parks. This is the park that typically comes to mind when people think about the Walt Disney World Resort. As you may be aware, the 50th-anniversary celebration starts this year on October 1 and is expected to last 18 months!
Think about the Magic Kingdom as you would the wheel of a bicycle. Cinderella Castle sits in the middle. This area is home to the Partners Statue and is often referred to as the “Hub”. All of the lands are around that, like the spokes coming off of a wheel. That will help you as we explore each of its six lands and as you navigate the park in person.
Main Street U.S.A.
When you enter the park, you must make your way down Main Street U.S.A. This area was inspired by the small-town feel of Walt Disney’s childhood home, Marceline, Missouri. You will find several shops and restaurants as you walk down the street toward Cinderella Castle. This is also the place to stop if you want some iconic pictures in front of the castle. You will typically find several Disney PhotoPass photographers along the street, as well as cast members selling balloons.
Here is a list of the dining and shopping options too:
Dining
- Casey’s Corner (Quick Service)
- Plaza Ice Cream Parlor (Quick Service)
- Main Street Bakery (Quick Service)
- The Plaza Restaurant (Table Service)
- Crystal Palace (Table Service)
Shopping
- The Emporium
- Crystal Arts
- Disney Clothiers
- Uptown Jewelers
- Box Office Gifts
Frontierland
When you head over to Frontierland, you are taken back to the American Old West. Most known for “the wildest ride in the wilderness” and Splash Mountain, this land also features a classic show, Country Bear Jamboree, and more. This is also where many of the character cavalcades begin as they work their way toward Main Street U.S.A.
Attractions and Rides
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
- Country Bear Jamboree
- Splash Mountain (closing January 23, 2023, for reimagining)
- Tom Sawyer Island
Dining
- Golden Oak Outpost (Quick Service)
- Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe
- Westward Ho
Shopping
- Big Al’s
- Frontier Trading Post
- Splashdown Photos
Adventureland
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- Photo Courtesy Sara Parr, Key to the World Travel
This land celebrates the adventurous spirit in all of us. Here, you will find several attractions, all of which are geared toward exploration and adventure. You will also find several classic attractions
Attractions and Rides
- Jungle Cruise
- The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- Swiss Family Treehouse
- Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room
Dining
- Aloha Isle (Quick Service)
- The Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen (Table Service)
- Sunshine Tree Terrace (Quick Service)
Shopping
- Island Supply by Sunglass Hut
- La Princesa de Cristal – Caribbean Plaza
- Plaza del Sol Caribe Bazaar
Liberty Square
Liberty Square is one of the smaller lands at the Magic Kingdom but is still worth a visit! Here you will be taken back to American Colonial times and will find restaurants with classic New England fare and a few attractions celebrating American history. If for no other reason, it’s worth a visit to sing along with those Happy Haunts!
Attractions and Rides
- The Hall of Presidents
- Liberty Square Riverboat
- Haunted Mansion
Dining
- Liberty Tree Tavern (Table Service)
- Sleepy Hollow (Quick Service)
Shopping
- Liberty Square Parasol Cart
- Memento Mori
- Liberty Square Portrait Gallery
- Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe
Fantasyland
Fantasyland is where you go to relive some of your favorite fairytales. Here, guests are taken into a world where they can fly over London or right along with an elephant, reliving moments from several classic Disney stories. Every aspect of this land reminds you of those magical tales, even the dining experiences! Who wouldn’t want to relive a tale as old as time or eat a meal INSIDE Cinderella Castle? You can do it all in Fantasyland!
Attractions and Rides
- The Barnstormer
- Dumbo the Flying Elephant
- “it’s a small world”
- Mad Tea Party
- The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
- Mickey’s PhilharMagic
- Peter Pan’s Flight
- Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
- Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid
Dining
- Be Our Guest (Table Service)
- Cinderella’s Royal Table (Table Service)
- Cheshire Cafe (Quick Service)
- The Friar’s Nook (Quick Service)
- Gaston’s Tavern (Quick Service)
- Pinnochio Village Haus (Quick Service)
- Storybook Treats (Quick Service)
Shopping
- Bonjour! Village Gifts
- Fantasy Faire
- Hundred Acre Goods
- Sir Mickey’s
Tomorrowland
This land is geared toward the future, encouraging guests to think about what might be in store. You will find both classic and popular attractions here.
Attractions and Rides
- Astro Orbiter
- Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
- Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress
- Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor
- Space Mountain
- Tomorrowland Speedway
- Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
- TRON Lightcycle Run (Coming in 2023!)
Dining
- Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies
- Tomorrowland Terrace (Quick Service)
- Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe (Quick Service)
- The Lunching Pad (Quick Service)
Shopping
- Merchant of Venus
- Star Traders
- Tomorrowland Light & Power Co.
- Ursa’s Major Minor Mart
The “Hub”
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- Photo Courtesy Kelly Greer, Key to the World Travel
The “Hub” at the Magic Kingdom is where you will find the Partners Statue and of course, a great view of Cinderella Castle. It is the area located right in front of Cinderella Castle, at the end of Main Street U.S.A. but before you enter any of the lands.
This area is a great place to stop and grab photos – you will find several PhotoPass photographers. It is a prime location to watch the character cavalcades come through too. Plus, it’s one of the best places to watch the nighttime fireworks show, especially when there are projections on Cinderella Castle.
Parades and Fireworks
A full lineup of entertainment has returned to the Magic Kingdom!
Cavalcades & Parade
The Magic Kingdom has two different cavalcades during the day, as well as a full-length parade.
The first cavalcade is called “Mickey’s Celebration Cavalcade” and features Mickey Mouse and some of his friends in their “EARidescent” outfits. This cavalcade started in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Walt Disney World Resort.
The newest cavalcade is called the “Disney Adventure Friends” cavalcade and features the most Characters of any to date! In addition to beloved favorites such as Stitch and Marie from The Aristocats, be on the lookout for new favorites such as Miguel from Coco, Mirabel from Encanto, and more!
The Festival of Fantasy Parade takes place once a day at the Magic Kingdom. It starts in Frontierland and works its way down to Main Street, U.S.A. Belle and the Beast lead the parade followed by so many Disney favorites such as Rapunzel, Anna and Elsa, Peter Pan, and even Maleficent in dragon form! Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse finish it off in a magical way with their beloved theme song! You don’t want to miss this experience if you are visiting the Magic Kingdom! Grab a snack and find a good spot along the curb to see all your favorites!
Fireworks
At the Magic Kingdom, watching the fireworks at the Magic Kingdom is one of the most magical parts of any Disney vacation. On October 1, 2021, a new nighttime show, “Disney Enchantment”, debuted to celebrate the 50th anniversary of this park! This show features a brand-new song and so many different characters from Disney and Pixar films, from newly released films to beloved favorites!
Although the new show was released as a part of the 50th-anniversary celebration, it was announced recently that the beloved favorite – “Happily Ever After” is returning to the Magic Kingdom! Although a return date has not yet been announced, this is very exciting news and we look forward to more details!
During the holiday season, two of the most popular events at the Magic Kingdom are Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. These specially-ticketed events include a special fireworks show for guests in attendance.
Typically, there is a nighttime show offered each evening in the park and it’s always a magical way to end your day!
The Magic Kingdom is a staple when you visit the Walt Disney World Resort. There is something very magical about walking into this park and experiencing everything it has to offer!
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