Experiences You Must Have at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom

As the most visited theme park in the world, a trip to the Magic Kingdom may seem like it requires some intense planning. Even with some moderate planning and some basic knowledge about what experiences are available at the park, you can accomplish all of the things you simply must do while visiting the Magic Kingdom.

1. See ‘Let the Magic Begin’

Visit the Magic Kingdom during rope drop when the park opens in the morning and you’ll be able to see this castle stage show before heading off to your favorite attractions. Let the Magic begin features a variety of fan-favorite Disney characters including Mickey, Minnie, and the rest of the Fab Five along with the princesses, and more. It’s the most magical way to start your visit to the park, and it’s a must-do at least once for every Disney fan.

2. Interact with the Citizens of Main Street

If you arrive at the Magic Kingdom when the park opens you’ll be able to see performers who are not out later on in the day. The Citizens of Main Street come out to interact with guests in the morning. Meet suffragettes, the fire chief, or the Mayor of Main Street, and catch an early morning performance with the Dapper Dans or the Main Street Trolley Show.

3. Have breakfast with the princesses

After riding some of your favorite attractions in the morning, visit Cinderella’s Royal Table for a regal breakfast with the princesses. Meet Cinderella right in the lobby area of her own castle, then head upstairs for a delicious breakfast feast and meet and greets and the other princesses. Spend some time meeting Jasmine, Ariel, and Snow White, while tasting sweet pastries and savory entrees. Reservations fill up early so book in advance, and note that advanced payment is required.

4. Meet Mickey Mouse

What trip to the Magic Kingdom is complete without meeting Mickey? You can find him right on Main Street in the Town Square Theater (you can also meet Tinkerbell right next door if you like!) Mickey’s meet and greet can be quite popular, so if seeing the main Mouse is a priority for you plan to go first thing in the morning or get a FastPass.

5. Travel out of this world on Space Mountain

One of the most classic Disney rollercoasters can be found within the Magic Kingdom right in Tomorrowland. Space Mountain offers a classic Tomorrowland experience where guests ride in rockets past a space station and through the stars. Although it feels very thrilling, Space Mountain only reaches about 28 MPH–most of the thrills come from the dark setting.

6. See 999 happy haunts at the Haunted Mansion

Another classic Magic Kingdom attraction that is a must-do for any visit to the park can be found in Liberty Square. Join the 999 happy haunts at the Haunted Mansion and take a Doombuggy through this classic dark ride. The theming at the Haunted Mansion just can’t be beat, and the Magic Kingdom experience is not complete until you come face to face with your own hitchhiking ghost.

7. Try a Dole whip

Looking for classic Disney treats? Visit Adventureland and stop for a Dole whip. Order as a float on top of pineapple juice or as a pineapple and vanilla swirl. If you’re looking to take a break from the park you can also find Dole whips right on the monorail loop at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.

8. See the Festival of Fantasy Parade

The Festival of Fantasy Parade is one of the best parades Disney has ever created. The floats offer something for everyone, with a wide variety of characters, catchy music, and incredible dancing. As you’d expect, it’s very popular so plan to arrive early for the best spot.

9. Drop 52 feet on Splash Mountain

One of the most thrilling attractions in the Magic Kingdom is also the longest in the park. This almost 10-minute long log flume ride in Frontierland follows Brer Fox and Brer Rabbit, ending in a 52 foot plunge into a briar patch. You will get wet!

10. See the 8th Wonder of the World on the Jungle Cruise

Back in Adventureland, another classic Disney attraction is waiting to take you on a cruise around famous rivers of the world. The Jungle Cruise has everything a good theme park attraction needs, Audio Animatronic animals, detailed scenery, and a live guide ready to share a plethora of puns with you.

11. Ride the oldest attraction in the park

Did you know the oldest attraction in the park was not built in 1971 when the park opened? Prince Charming Regal Carrousel was originally built in 1917 for a park in Detroit. It later traveled to an amusement park in New Jersey, where it was purchased by the Walt Disney Company when that park closed in the 1960s.

12. Take lots of photos!

While visiting the Magic Kingdom it’s so easy to become enamored with everything going on around you and forget to take photos. If you don’t take many photos though, you’ll likely find yourself disappointed when you return home from your trip. Don’t worry about getting everyone in the picture, Disney PhotoPass photographers can get everyone in the picture and you can find them all around the park.

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13. Shop at the Main Street Confectionary

Whether you’re looking for a treat to eat right there in the park or something to bring home to the family, the Main Street Confectionary is the place to go. Here you can find pre-packaged treats like Main Street popcorn and boxes of rice krispie treats along with freshly baked snacks like brownies, cookies, fudge, and Mickey cake pops.

14. Celebrate something special

Pick up a celebration button when you enter the park to make your visit extra special. You can grab one (for free) at Guest Services and at most merchandise locations. Celebrate anything from family reunions to birthdays, or engagements, and share what you’re celebrating with your friends, family, and cast members.

15. Stay for the fireworks

Don’t leave the Magic Kingdom without seeing the fireworks! Disney’s Happily Ever After fireworks show combines fireworks with projection mapping, laser lights, and more, and it’s one of the most memorable experiences you can have during your trip to the park. Stay for the fireworks, but don’t leave immediately after them. Let the crowds thin out a bit and then make your way out of the park.

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