10 Awesome Things that Rookies Miss at Magic Kingdom

The Magic Kingdom is home to a vast array of attractions, restaurants, shops, and experiences for you to enjoy. With so many popular attractions and experiences, people are naturally drawn to those. Who hasn’t wanted to conquer all of the “mountains” on their trip to Magic Kingdom or meet Mickey Mouse or grab a great picture in front of Cinderella’s Castle? Don’t get distracted by all of the big ticket items – there is plenty to get excited for! Here is our list of the ten most awesome things that rookies miss at Magic Kingdom:

10. Look up and down – upon entering the Magic Kingdom and walking towards Cinderella’s Castle, be sure to look up at the second floor windows of the stores on Main Street, U.S.A. These windows feature names of people instrumental in helping get Disney World built. The sidewalks of Main Street, U.S.A. are a shade of red. This was done to create the effect that the guest is walking down a red carpet and the storefronts are meant to be the opening credits!

9. Tomorrowland Transportation Authority – this attraction is often overlooked because it doesn’t offer any thrills, but it is great way to cool off, rest, relax, and to enjoy some wonderful views of Tomorrowland. The attraction is on the second floor below the Astro Orbiter and above the Lunching Pad. There is never much of a line, so you can enjoy the ride as many times as you’d like and you even get to briefly experience Space Mountain!

8. Frontierland Shooting Arcade – this is a great diversion for kids and adults alike! Costing only a dollar, you get the opportunity to shot at various targets which, if successful, create a variety of reactions. I have never had any difficulty getting a rifle here. I always enjoy placing a wager on the game and the loser has to buy a Mickey pretzel across the way.

7. Tom Sawyer Island – located in Frontierland, Tom Sawyer Island is often neglected because it is not as popular as its attraction companions in Frontierland – Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Additionally, you have to take boats across the Rivers of America to get to the island. But, once you get to the island, there is so much to see and explore!

6. Liberty Tree Tavern – this table service restaurant is located in the Liberty Square area of Magic Kingdom. It features a wonderful selection of food – dinner is served family style with three meats and a variety of sides. Dessert is even included! It also accepts the Tables in Wonderland dining discount card. If you’re trying to get in there, be sure to make advance dining reservations.

5. Memento Mori – this might be an unfair addition to the list since it only recently opened. Memento Mori is the new, dedicated gift shop for the Haunted Mansion – there are a lot of gifts for your home here – blankets, bookends, pins, games, and even a limited edition MagicBand. You don’t pass right through the gift shop like most of the gift shops following rides, but it will be on your left as you exit the ride.

4. Monster’s Inc. Laugh Floor – the first time I went to this attraction, I was not wildly enthusiastic about it. However, the cast members who act as the voices of the monster comedians are very quick-witted and use audience members in their quest for laughter. I’ve had to be a dancer during the pre-show and my girlfriend has been picked on to be part of their ESP segment. Like most overlooked things, there is never much of a line and I’ve only ever had to wait 10 minutes to get in.

3. The Plaza Restaurant – located to the right at the end of Main Street, U.S.A., the Plaza features traditional American fare, mostly burgers and salads. I like the Plaza because it typically isn’t difficult to get a reservation like it is at Crystal Palace and Be Our Guest. It also offers decent views of Celebrate the Magic and Wishes at night. It is also located next to the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor which features absolutely amazing ice cream!

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2. Sleepy Hollow Refreshments – located just over the bridge into Liberty Square, this counter-service restaurant features a delicious menu of waffle sandwiches.. Their combinations are very inventive (and delicious)! Be sure to stop by there early in the day. On a recent trip to Magic Kingdom, I was disappointed to discover that they stop serving the waffle sandwiches at 5 PM!

1. Mickey’s PhilharMagic – located in Fantasyland, this attraction actually stars Donald Duck in his attempt to direct an orchestra. His attempt takes the audience on a 3D voyage through popular songs from the Disney catalogue. It is a great attraction to rest your feet and cool off – and like everything else, never has much of a line!

Magic Kingdom is a park that is best experienced with two days so you can explore everything that it has to offer. You won’t want to miss the headline attractions like Space Mountain or Splash Mountain or Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, but many of the out of the way rides and attractions are well worth your time! What is your choice for something awesome that rookies miss at Magic Kingdom?

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