Skip to main content

Some of my Favorite Things: Magic Kingdom Edition

 


Why only some?

Well, the short story is there is so much to do, see, and taste that you would have to be at The Magic Kingdom for a lot longer than a day to experience it all! So, let us focus on some good places to start! Moreover, let us start with the first thing on your mind: Attractions! I mean, why else would you be planning this vacation anyway? Right?!

Attractions! 

There are so many iconic rides in The Magic Kingdom and I know you do not want to feel like you missed out! From The Pirates of the Caribbean, and The Haunted Mansion to the oh so iconic Carousel of Progress and The Enchanted Tiki Room, both designed by Walt himself, there is so much to do! However, let us focus on the rides that you might want to plan around because of their continued popularity, which creates long waits. These attractions might actually convince you to purchase Genie+ or Individual Lightning Lanes so that you can maximize your time during your vacation.  Optinally, Tron: Lightcycle Run currently has a Virtual Queue. Which ones are they?

1. Space Mountain- the original Disney Coaster at WDW is a dark coaster that simulates a ride through outer space. It has been popular since the 70s and remains a coveted attraction with long wait times even today!

 2. The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train- A whimsical family coaster hosted by none other than those loveable Seven Dwarfs. It has continued to produce one of the longest waits in The Magic Kingdom since the day it opened. That wait will sometimes extend to several hours!

3. Tron: Lightcycle Run- Is a fast launch coaster, aboard a lightcycle (think motorcycle)! Be sure to check height requirements before getting in line with your kids! Currently, it requires either a Virtual Queue Boarding Group or the purchase of an Individual Lightning Lane.

Snacks! 

I know you do not want to spoil your appetite, right? Well, you are on vacation so spoil away! You can find some snacks in any park, popcorn, Mickey Ice cream Bars, as well as specialty coffees from Starbucks and Joffrey’s. Then there are snacks you can only get in The Magic Kingdom!

1.       Just outside Adventure Land is a Spring Roll cart that sells an unusual variety of spring rolls: Cheeseburger Spring Rolls! Oh, so delicious and a hearty snack to hold you over!

2.       Once you journey farther into Adventure Land, you will come to a drink stand on the right that features Orange Bird and you can even purchase an Orange Bird Sipper! However, the real thing you will want is the Dole Whip! True you can purchase a Dole Whip at The Polynesian Resort, but at this location, they also have the I Lava You Float! So sweet, so delicious, so do not miss it!

3.      Head back to Main Street and follow your nose and the sound of Old timey piano playing to Casey’s! This infamous hotdog shop has been a staple in The Magic Kingdom as long as I can remember! They of course offer some amazing hotdogs, but for something a little more special, try their Corn Dog Nuggets! Delicious and enough to share, but no one is saying you have to share! So good, you might keep them for yourself!

Shopping! 

There is a joke that at the end of every Disney Attraction is a Gift Shop and while it may not be true for EVERY attraction, it is true that there are tons of shops! Which ones are special?

1. The Emporium- When you finish those corn dog nuggets, turn around and you are there! This is Magic Kingdom’s largest shop! You will find everything from clothes to toys to housewares! Want to start a collection? There are tons of things that you can collect from here!

2. The Confectionery- Each park has a candy store, but none of them compare to The Confectionery on Main Street! Located across the street from The Emporium, you will find handmade candies, candied apples, the Great Wall of M&Ms, homemade flavored popcorn, and so much more!

More?

Why yes, there are more things that you will not want to miss at The Magic Kingdom! There are special Cavalcades that will not see anywhere else, including the Adventure Friend’s Cavalcade! You won’t see these characters anywhere else! The Festival of Fantasy Parade is a highlight of the day! Think parades are for kids? This one will change your mind! There are also castle stage shows as well as Happily Ever After, a fireworks show best viewed from the front of the castle! During this show, you might even get Pixie-dusted by Tinkerbell as she flies overhead! Check your My Disney Experience App for show times so that you do not miss out! Got a Magic Band? Watch what happens during the fireworks!

Questions?

I am happy to answer questions about today’s blog topic as well as anything else Disney vacation related! Simply type your questions in the comment section below! Please remember, I am not a Cast Member nor do I receive any compensation from Disney, but I am more than willing to spread my knowledge of what I have learned over the years. Oh, and most importantly, it is your vacation and you should plan it your way!

Comments

Most Popular Blog Posts

What is Pixie Dust?

  First Time Magic   When I was Young…and so was Disney World  My first visit to Disney World was in 1971. I was not excited to be going to Disney. Why? I did not know that Disney existed, much less that I was going there. 1971 was the year that Walt Disney World opened in Florida and I was 5 years old! Whether my Dad kept it a secret so that it would be the ultimate surprise is unclear to me. What I am sure of is that he took us to the most magical place on earth. Operations were very different than they are now, but the one thing that remains the same is that it is still the most magical place on earth.  What is Pixie Dust and how can I Make it Happen on my Trip? Pixie Dust is a magical, unexpected thing that can happen while you are at Disney, but you cannot make it happen. I have heard people recently complain that the magic is gone since the pandemic started. It’s not true. I am sad for these people because they are missing the point. There are two types of...

Signature Dining at The Walt Disney World Resort

One of my favorite things I have a confession. While it is true that I love all things Disney , the attractions, the parades, the fireworks, the characters, the thing I love most at Disney is the dining! Whether I am on a Disney Cruise or visiting the Theme Parks, the dining is my favorite thing! You may not be aware of this, but Disney offers several different types of dining experiences: Table Service, Quick Service, Character Dining , and the coveted Signature Dining!  Why is it called Signature Dining? Disney's Signature Dining locations are named as such because they are each a one of a kind, dining experience. Walt Disney talked about taking an experience and "plus-ing" it. In other words, taking something great and then taking it up another notch. That is exactly what the Signature Dining experience is! What do I need to know? Each of these unique locations is available by reservation and they tend to fill up very quickly! Reservations can be made 60 days bef...

Disney Value Resorts: Which one is Best?

 Why are they called Value Resorts?  Pop Century The Disney Value Resorts are called that because they are the least expensive resorts that Disney has to offer. In other words, staying at one of these will stretch that Disney Budget farther. Currently, there are 5 Values: Pop Century , The Art of Animation , All Star Music , All Star Movie s, and All Star Sports .   What amenities and entertainment can I expect at a Value Resort? All of these resorts will have a counter service restaurant, a pool bar, a gift shop, a themed pool near the main building, guest laundry, Movies Under the Stars, and special resort activities at the main pool. In the rooms, you can expect beds for 4 people (2 to a bed) or if you book a suite it will sleep up to 6 people. In the standard rooms and suites you will have a coffee pot with coffee service provided and a cooler/fridge perfect for keeping drinks cold, but not much else. The suites also have a microwave as well as a small supply of p...

Some of My Favorite Things: Hollywood Studios Edition

  Hollywood Studios: What can I expect? Hollywood Studios, like Epcot , is not like the MagicKingdom . It is not like Epcot either. So what is it? Originally, Hollywood Studios was a small theme park named MGM Studios. The theming of the park was a day on a Backlot in Hollywood. Everything that was originally there had to do with the making of movies. Though it was my favorite park, it had a problem. It earned the reputation of a half-day park. Through the years, it has changed significantly. Today’s version of Hollywood Studios is definitely a full day park. It still has a movie theme, but the newer attractions are more of immersion into those movies than experiencing a day on a Backlot in Hollywood. Is it still my favorite? Absolutely! Maximizing Your  Let’s get right down to it! You could spend your whole day and only experience a few things if you’re not careful. Pixie Dust Tip: If you only buy Genie+ or Individual Lightning Lanes one day of your trip, I would con...

Why Should I Stay at a Disney Resort?

 Discounts! There are many reasons to choose a Disney Resort for your upcoming Disney vacation! It is true that there are tons of resorts in the Orlando area. It is true that you might find one that is cheaper, though I would double check that that is true because you can sometimes get some super good deals at Disney.  Probably one of the biggest reasons to pick a WDW Resort is the discounts. If you book last minute, you might not be able to find a discount, but if you plan ahead when the deals are first coming out, the savings can be anywhere from a little to a lot! To find out how to make sure you are getting the discount you think you are getting, click here . What kind of discounts can you get? Most often they have room discounts from 15-35% depending on when and where you book your stay. Some of the bigger discounts are attached to having an Annual Pass or a Chase Disney Visa or sometimes even having Disney+. What else? Occasionally, you might find a ticket discount, espe...