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Some of my Favorite Things: Magic Kingdom Edition

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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!

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