Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Travel Guide
Originally Published June 22nd, 2021.
Updated November 1st, 2021.
I absolutely adore Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom near Orlando, Florida. Robin and I have made so many fun memories there together. From visiting with his family, visiting with our two best friends, Jamie & Shane, who got engaged during our trip, and most recently visiting for the most magical press trip ever! There is so much to eat, see, and do in Magic Kingdom for people of all ages, and I can’t wait to share with you my very favorite things to do in the most magical place on Earth.
Above: Mickey Mouse Pretzel in front of Cinderella Castle
About Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom
Magic Kingdom was the first of the four Walt Disney World amusement parks to open on October 1st, 1971, almost exactly 50 years ago. Owned and operated by Walt Disney World, the same company that, of course, owns and operates Disneyland in Anaheim, California, this theme park focuses on fairy tales, classic storybook stories, and fantastic creatures. It’s been the most visited theme park in the world for nearly 15 years and is home to one of the most iconic buildings in the world, Cinderella Castle.
Above: Hub Grass Lawn in front of Cinderella Castle inside Magic Kingdom
Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom consists of different regions called Adventureland, Frontierland, Fantasyland, Main Street, U.S.A., Liberty Square, and Tomorrowland. I’ll discuss each park region in its section to help guide you through the different regions and help you make the most of your time inside the most magical place on Earth!
The theme park was built on a series of tunnels and “secret” doorways, accessible only by park employees and VIP guests under the direction of cast members (the official name for theme park employees). Due to the wetlands surrounding the park, building these tunnels underground would have caused them to flood, so they built on the ground, and the theme park itself is actually lofted onto a second story, which is not noticeable to guests. This system of tunnels is noteworthy because it is why characters and employees in outfits from an area like Mainstreet U.S.A. will never be seen passing through other sections of the park, which could disrupt the parks’ magic. Isn’t that awesome?
Above: Merida from Disney’s Movie Brave, riding a horse through Liberty Square during a Character Cavalcade
In addition to character meet & greets, fantastic rides, foods unique to the park, and seemingly non-stop performances and entertainment, the park is also the site of nightly fireworks, which can be seen for miles around. There’s also music, parades, and a light show during the fireworks display, completely unique from other Disney Parks like Disneyland or Tokyo DisneySea.
How to Get to Magic Kingdom
Magic Kingdom is easily accessible from anywhere on Walt Disney World’s properties; here are the best ways to get there. All methods of transportation are free of charge unless otherwise noted.
All on-site Walt Disney World hotels & resorts run shuttles to the park multiple times each day. Check with your hotel or resort for a timetable of shuttles. The next one is only ever a few minutes away! Nearly all nearby hotels run shuttles back and forth to the parks daily as well. Be sure to make a note of the last shuttle for the day.
Take the monorail system from Disney’s Polynesian Resort Village, the Contemporary Resort, the Grand Floridian Resort, or the Ticketing & Transportation Center. It runs on a continuous loop, so if you miss your stop, you can just wait for it to circle back around.
Ferry Boats run continuously all day long from the Transportation and Ticket Center to Magic Kingdom and offer a lovely view of the park from the water.
Water Taxis take guests from Grand Floridian Resort, Polynesian Village Resort, and select other Disney properties directly to the entrance of Magic Kingdom every 15-30 minutes.
If you want to travel more privately to and from Magic Kingdom, call for an Uber, Lyft, or taxi. Nervous about using a rideshare service? Read my guide to rideshare safety here. Rideshare services require an extra fee.
Prefer to go on foot? Guests of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Disney’s Contemporary Resort can get to Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom by walking the walkways that lead from each resort to the park. It does take about 15-30 minutes, depending on how fast you walk, but it’s a great alternative if you want some extra exercise or don’t want to use public transportation. Just follow the signs to Magic Kingdom!
Best Time of Year to Visit
One of the many reasons Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom is one of the most magical places on Earth is because there’s never a bad time to visit! Florida has some of the nicest weather in any of the states in the United States.
We visited in both March & May of this year, and both visits were beautiful. It is more humid and hot in the spring and summer in Florida, so if you prefer cooler temperatures, a winter visit might be just the thing for you. Even in the middle of winter, flowers and palm trees are in full force in Florida.



Where to Stay
There are many incredible places to stay both on Walt Disney World’s property and nearby partner hotels. Here are some of my favorite hotels at Walt Disney World that are just a short trip from Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom.
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
One of Walt Disney World’s other popular resorts, Coronado Springs Resort, was refurbished in 2019, shortly before the pandemic shut everything down in early 2020. We visited the property for a mini-tour and our Sangria University class, and I was so enamored with the blend of Spanish, Mexican, and Southwest decor, as well as with the beautiful water features around the property, both inside and out. The food inside was delightful, and Sangria University itself was tons of fun, even for someone like me who isn’t very interested in drinking.




Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Victorian-era architecture meets Palm Beach’s sophistication at the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. One of Walt Disney World’s most elegant resort options, the Grand Floridian is one of our favorite properties to stay at during our time at Walt Disney World. Their spa is incredible too, plus, the resort has some of the finest fine dining options in all of Walt Disney World.
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
This beautiful resort was getting a facelift the last time we visited, so while I don’t have many photos of its new look, it’s still one of my favorite places to stay on property. Themed with tropical decor and featuring accents from movies like Moana, Lilo & Stitch, and more, this tropical-themed resort is at once romantic and exciting yet tranquil and inviting. The foliage around this resort is so gorgeous; it truly feels like you’re on a tropical vacation!



Waldorf Astoria Hotel Orlando
We visited the Waldorf Astoria Hotel Orlando earlier this spring when we visited with my best friend and her (now) husband, and we all had a blast! We loved our stay, and although we spent every waking moment at Walt Disney World, the resort was always such a comfort to come back to and either enjoy a nice meal, swim, or rest for the next day.



Budget Option: Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
I received many requests for budget resorts and hotel options on property, and when I polled my audience, their favorite budget-friendly resort was Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. The hotel’s theme is the history of animation, and it celebrates beloved Disney movies like The Little Mermaid, Finding Nemo, the Lion King, Cars, and so many more. Their themed rooms, themed snacks, massive swimming pools, and nightly screenings of Disney films on their lawn make this the perfect place for those looking for a budget stay.


Where to Eat Inside Magic Kingdom
This isn’t an exhaustive list of all of the excellent food options within the park, but it is a list of my personal favorite spots that have an abundance of plant-based and pescatarian options. Here are some of the best places to eat inside Magic Kingdom.
Main Street, U.S.A.
Main Street Bakery
Can’t start your morning without coffee? This bakery has one of the best selections of tea, coffee, breakfast sandwiches, and pastries anywhere in the parks.
Plaza Ice Cream Parlor
Need an iconic Walt Disney World ice cream photo of ice cream to cool down after a long, sunny day? Look no further than Plaza Ice Cream Parlor, which is home to sundaes, banana splits, custom ice cream cones, and so much more. This is the perfect spot to satisfy your sweet tooth!
Tony’s Town Square Dining
Spinach dip, fried mozzarella, Caprese salad, all the pasta you can dream of, and an abundance of dessert options make this Mediterranean restaurant shine. Try their “Volunteers Needed” bevande, a pink cotton candy topped lemonade drink, for a refreshing, iconic sip!
Adventureland
Aloha Isle
This cute Polynesian style quick-service restaurant serves Dole Whip, an iconic Walt Disney World treat only available in a few places across Walt Disney World!
Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen
This Jungle Cruise-themed restaurant has delicious African, Asian, and Latin-influenced foods, but be sure to make reservations ahead of time. This popular restaurant fills up quickly.


Sunshine Tree Terrace
Perhaps the cutest dessert spot in Magic Kingdom, this darling dessert shack serves orange-flavored cold treats, like orange juice slushies, a variety of ice cream floats, and orange Dole whips, along with foods like potstickers.
Tortuga Tavern
This quick-service, all-American restaurant serves classic American foods like PB, Nutella & Banana sandwiches, burgers, and hot dogs. If you’re visiting from abroad, this is a unique option in the park that allows guests to sample conventionally American foods.
Frontierland
Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Café
Churros, fajitas, nachos, and taco bowls make this one of the best Mexican-inspired restaurants in all of Walt Disney World. This place is great for vegans, vegetarians, and pescatarians, too, because they have an abundance of healthy, complete protein meal options, and you can completely customize your orders here. The gluten-free brownies they sell here are worth the trip to the parks alone!
Fantasyland
Be Our Guest
This Beauty and the Beast-themed restaurant is modeled after the famous storybook castle from Beauty and the Beast. Inside, guests can mingle with princesses like Belle and enjoy French foods like French onion soup, lobster bisque, scallops, and much more, along with an abundance of desserts, during a sit-down meal.
Cinderella’s Royal Table
Have you ever wanted to step inside Cinderella Castle? Now you can! This little-known breakfast/brunch spot is a beautiful place to enjoy a relaxing meal while savoring dishes like quiche, frittata, avocado toast, caramel apple-stuffed French toast, mimosa flights, and so much more.
The Friar’s Nook
If you’re looking for quick service spots for breakfast, this is a great option! The Friar’s Nook has loads of tasty options, like donuts, breakfast sandwiches, tater tots, and more.
Gaston’s Tavern
The manliest dining spot in Magic Kingdom, Gaston’s Tavern has everything a man like Gaston (or anyone else for that matter) needs to fuel up for a day at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. Enjoy cinnamon rolls, turkey legs, dome cakes, and a variety of drinks here. No one eats like Gaston! Unless, of course, they visit Gaston’s Tavern!
Pinocchio Village Haus
Delicious flatbreads, salads, plant-based pizzas, and elegant desserts galore in this fairytale-inspired restaurant.
Prince Eric’s Village Market
Find the iconic Mermaid Slushy at this quick-service eatery, alongside park favorites like jumbo pretzels, fresh fruit, and fresh pickles!
Liberty Square
Columbia Harbour House
If you love seafood, you’re going to love this restaurant! Find fresh, succulent lobster rolls, juicy jumbo shrimp skewers, mouth-watering grilled salmon dishes, abundant salads, and plant-based burgers at this New England-inspired eatery.
Sleepy Hollow
Breakfast lovers rejoice – this all-day breakfast joint has amazing options for an any-time breakfast/brunch fix. Waffles, funnel cakes, fruit, along with a wide selection of teas, fruit juices, iced and hot coffees, and more wait guests of Sleepy Hollow.
Tomorrowland
Cool Ship
Need your churro fix? This place, staffed by professional churro artisans, does churros, and only churros (well, churros and drinks)! They sadly don’t have gluten-free churros, so I’ve never been able to try these, but my husband loves Magic Kingdom’s churros!
What to Do Inside Magic Kingdom
Main Street, U.S.A.
Inspired by Marceline, Missouri, this section of Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom is one that nearly all guests pass through first. Main Street, U.S.A. is set up to symbolize the beginning of a story or a film and sets visitors up for what they will see and experience in the rest of the park. There are plenty of stores and souvenir shops, with extensive selections of things like park-specific Pandora Jewelry, Loungefly Backpacks, MagicBands, and all the Magic Kingdom merchandise you can imagine from clothing & accessories to decor, gifts, and beyond.
Upon entering Magic Kingdom through Main Stree, U.S.A., guests will pass by the City Hall building, where visitors will find Guest Services. This is where the Lost & Found Office is, where visitors can find information about the park in multiple languages and help with a stroller or wheelchair rentals. If you’re celebrating a special occasion like a birthday, anniversary, or if you were just married, head to City Hall and ask for a special button or pin that you can wear around the park. Cast Members lookout for people wearing these and make their days even more special!
Think of this as your chance to stock up on any merchandise, accessories, or snacks you’d like before entering the rest of the park. This is a great chance to freshen up in the restrooms, begin planning your route through the park, and start taking in all of the sites and sounds of the park.
At the end of Main Street, U.S.A., guests can get an awesome view, or photos, of Cinderella Castle, the park’s most iconic landmark!
Rides & Attractions
Main Street Vehicles
Due to the pandemic, these are not currently available; however, they normally would take guests around on a tour of Main Street, U.S.A., in a turn-of-the-century cruiser. This is a great way for first-time visitors to get their bearings and for returning guests to learn more about this section of Magic Kingdom.
Town Square Theatre
If you’re looking for a meet & greet with Mickey Mouse, Walt Disney World’s most iconic character, this is where you’ll find him. Inside, there’s a store that sells camera & phone accessories, like portable battery chargers and extra batteries, plus it’s the offices for PhotoPass, so guests who want to sign up or have questions about the service can visit this building for assistance.
Walt Disney World Railroad
This beautiful steam engine, which usually takes guests on a ride around Magic Kingdom, is not currently operating but is available as a backdrop for photos. It’s also a great platform vantage point to take unique photos of the park while it’s not in use. This train honors Walt Disney’s passion for trains and locomotive engines, plus it adds an undeniably nostalgic mode of transportation to the park.
Fireworks Display
Each night, above Cinderella Castle, visible from Main Street, U.S.A., fireworks and a light show wow guests of Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. Plan to stay until the park closes on whichever day(s) you visit Magic Kingdom because you won’t want to miss this!
Shopping & Souvenirs
Balloon Vendors
Are you looking for an iconic Walt Disney World balloon or want to take a photo holding onto dozens of them? There are balloon vendors all up and down the street here all day long.
Emporium
This is Magic Kingdom’s largest gift shop. They sell everything you can imagine, from candy & MagicBands to clothing, pins, plush toys, art, and other Walt Disney World souvenirs.
Main Street Confectionery
This shop is perfect for anyone who has a sweet tooth. You’ll find classic and modern candies, sold by weight, including sweets like chocolates, candy apples, rice crispy treats, jellybeans, lollipops, and so much more, all made magical with a Disney twist to these classics.
Uptown Jewelers
This upscale boutique sells Pandora Jewelry unique to Magic Kingdom, Dooney & Bourke handbags & MagicBands, along with a plethora of other souvenirs and Disney-themed accessories.
Disney Clothiers
As the name implies, this store sells Walt Disney World clothing inspired by the stories and characters of the park. Many of the items sold here are found only in this shop; they can’t be purchased anywhere else on Earth.
Adventureland
One of my favorite areas of Magic Kingdom, Adventureland, makes visitors feel as if they’re going on adventures all across the globe, from the tropical islands of the Caribbean to the jungles of South America and beyond. Adventureland has some of the most popular rides in Magic Kingdom, along with some of the most iconic foods, like Dole Whip, plus it has some of the best outfitting shops in the park. Here are my favorite things to do in Magic Kingdom’s Adventureland!
Rides & Attractions
Swiss Family Treehouse
This walk-through attraction is one of the best places in all of Magic Kingdom to take photos of the rest of the park from up above. If you’re a photographer like me, you’ll love the details that went into planning the treehouse walk canopy, as well as the beautiful tropical foliage, the intricate details of the treehouse itself, and the magnificent views from above.



Pirates of the Caribbean
Did you know that this ride is what inspired the Pirates of the Caribbean movie franchise? It’s true! The ride opened in 1973, and it was so popular that Disney turned it into a movie series, the first of which came out in 2003, 30 years after the ride first opened. This ride takes riders on a swashbuckling adventure through the 1800s West Indies, following the antics of Captain Jack Sparrow and his pirates.
Jungle Cruise
Another ride that inspired a Disney Movie, Jungle Cruise, is a lighthearted adventure cruise ride that takes riders down the rivers of Africa, South America, Asia, and beyond, all while being regaled with the tour guide’s dry wit. If you love being on the water, tropical plants, waterfalls, and “wild” animals, you’ll enjoy this classic ride.
Shopping & Souvenirs
Agrabah Bazaar
This Aladdin-themed gift shop has souvenirs from the movie, as well as lots of clothing, costumes, pins, and beverages.
Bwana Bob’s
If you’re in the market for a new set of ears or want a hat to keep the sun out of your eyes, Bwana Bob’s stand has you covered – literally!
Island Supply Sunglass Hut
Lost or forgot your sunglasses? Sunglass Hut has the largest selection of sunglasses anywhere in Magic Kingdom, so pop in, pick up a pair, and get back to adventuring sooner!
Pirate’s Bazaar
This gift shop is located off the exit to the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, and it has a huge selection of pirate-themed souvenirs and merch, plus clothing, accessories, pins, snacks, and so much more.
Frontierland
The Wild West’s rough and tumble, free-spirited attitude is immortalized in this section of Magic Kingdom. Exciting rides like Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Splash Mountain await guests, while Tom Sawyer’s Island invites park-goers to explore its secrets.
Rides & Attractions
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
I love this ride because not only is the desert landscaping around it so perfectly done, but the rich colors, the thrilling rollercoaster ride itself, and the views from the line are some of my favorites in Magic Kingdom. This is also a great ride to cool off while waiting in line because much of the line is indoors, where it’s very cool inside.
Splash Mountain
Although this ride will soon receive a total makeover (it will become an awesome Princess and the Frog themed water ride!), it’s still a park favorite. The classic water flume ride takes riders up and over a big drop while riding on a log. If you ride this, know that there’s a very good chance you will get wet, and if you elect to watch the rest of your party ride it instead from the nearby bridge, be aware of hidden squirt guns that just might spray you with water too!
Tom Sawyer’s Island
Tom Sawyer’s Island is a great place to take photos of the rest of Magic Kingdom from a fresh perspective. It’s also a fun place to let your children run free or to unleash your inner child and explore the island’s barrel bridge, mining caves, and a frontier-style fort for the ultimate secret island hideout.
Shopping & Souvenirs
Briar Patch
This darling, Winnie the Pooh-themed souvenir shop sells merchandise and snacks themed around the 100 Acre Woods. They also sell unique pins and cute refreshments here, plus it’s usually not too busy, so it’s a great place to step away from the hustle and bustle of the parks without going far.
Frontier Mercantile & Frontier Trading Post
For all things Western, head to Frontier Mercantile, where you’ll find hats, one of the largest selections of pins in the park, and other fun souvenirs, all with a Western twist.
Fantasyland
Step back into the age when fairytales and storybook tales seemed as real as the leaves on the trees, and experience classic tales come to life, like Cinderella, Tangled, The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast many more. Fantasyland is where the iconic Cinderella Castle is located, along with some of the best dining and rides in the park.


Rides & Attractions
Cinderella Castle (Backside)
Explore the backside of Cinderella Castle, and take photos with this iconic building, an international symbol of joy, hope, and fantasy.
Mad Tea Party
Ride this classic spinning teacup ride and get lost in the madness of this Alice in Wonderland-themed ride.
Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
This classic carrousel ride is fun for all ages. I never visit Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom without riding this one!
Seven Dwarves Mine Train
This rollercoaster takes miners through the diamond mines of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves and beyond. If you love rollercoasters, you have to give this ride a go!
Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid
Board a clamshell and be transported to Ariel’s underwater world, as the cast of the Little Mermaid recreates iconic scenes from this beloved “tail.”
Tangled Area
Less of an actual attraction and more of a courtyard & rest area themed after Tangled, which is one of my favorite movies, this area is not only so darling, but it’s a great spot for a photo or two. I hope they someday do more with the Tangled movies – it’s such a beautiful story, and I love the aesthetics of the film!



Shopping & Souvenirs
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
We took my nieces here for princess makeovers, and they still talk about how much fun they had doing that years later! If you have a little one who loves fairytales, consider taking them here for a magical Walt Disney World-worthy makeover!
Fantasy Faire
Find the most magical merchandise here. Whether you’re looking for an entirely new outfit or a few new accessories, this shop has the most fantastical finds in Fantasyland.
Liberty Square
A celebration of Colonial America, Liberty Square is a romanticized look back at what helped shape America into the country it is today. Starting in the 1770s in upstate New York and moving forward through time to the late 1800s in California at the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Ride at the border to Frontierland.
Rides & Attractions
Haunted Mansion
Hop onto a Doom Buggy, and abandon all hope, because things are about to get ghoulish on the Haunted Mansion ride! I love this ride because of how spooky and detailed the ride is. I love the aesthetics of the late 1700s Upstate New York mansion the ride is set in, and I love how I discover lots of new details every time I ride this one.
This is also a great one to ride on hot days because it’s very cool and dark inside, so it’s a great break from the sun and the heat if you’d like one.
Liberty Square Riverboat
The colonial-era Liberty Belle takes riders on a riverboat journey around Tom Sawyer Island and offers guests an amazing view of Magic Kingdom from the water, along with historic inns, settlements, villages, and more. This is an excellent way for photographers to get a unique perspective on the parks, and Mark Twain himself narrates the entire journey!
Shopping & Souvenirs
Memento Mori
This shop is filled with spooky souvenirs from the great beyond, all Haunted Manion-themed. This is a cool place to find unique pins, MagicBands from Dooney & Bourke, decor items, accessories, and so much more.
Tomorrowland
Showcasing how Walt Disney thought the future could be, this futuristic section of Magic Kingdom is what space-age dreams are made of. Somewhere between steampunk and art-deco style, Tomorrowland is the encapsulation of what the future could be if the world came together to make it happen. Equal parts tourism campaign for the future, and futuristic concept city, Tomorrowland is a thrilling part of Magic Kingdom that can’t be missed!
Rides & Attractions
Astro Orbitor
This spinning ride is good galactic fun for all ages and is similar to the spinning teacups, the Aladdin Magic Carpet Ride, and other spinner rides around the park. Have you ridden them all?
Space Mountain
This indoor rollercoaster in the dark takes riders from Starport Seven-Five through the Star Tunnel and eventually onto the ride itself. I love this rollercoaster because it’s unique from other rides since it’s lit only by starlight. Riding a fast-paced roller coaster in the dark is a fantastic experience for adrenaline junkies and rollercoaster newbies alike!
(Coming Soon in 2022!)
TRON Lightcycle Power Run
This ride will be the fastest roller coaster anywhere in Walt Disney World, reaching top speeds of 60 MPH! Based on the TRON: Legacy movie, this ride is the American version of the 2016 ride at Shanghai Disney. As a lover of rollercoasters, I cannot wait to ride my very own light cycle on this indoor/outdoor rollercoaster.
Shopping & Souvenirs
Mickey’s Star Traders
This shop sells an awesome selection of unique merchandise from a wide variety of Disney stories. It’s also a great place to stop if you’re a pin collector!
Advice for Magic Kingdom
Get a MagicBand
MagicBands store park tickets and can even unlock your hotel room door, pay for food, drinks, snacks, merchandise, and more! To use your MagicBand, just tap it against the mouse ear stand when directed by cast members, and you’ll enter the world of magic effortlessly. Instead of hauling around my wallet, purse, or other gear, I love that I can save time and space by packing light instead of using my MagicBand around the parks. You can find dozens of colors, prints, and even limited edition Dooney & Bourke MargicBands around Magic Kingdom and other Disney parks!


Try the Food
Never had a churro before? Always wanted to try a Dole Whip? Curious about a new type of food? Go for it! Vacation is a great reason to broaden your horizons and try new things. Magic Kingdom has lots of unique foods and drinks. I love sharing my food with my friends and family to try a little bit of everything the park has to offer without getting too full.
Count Your Steps
I love tracking my steps around the parks via my Apple Watch or my iPhone. I’m always shocked by how quickly I rack up 15+ miles in just a single day, plus it helps me feel better about eating so much at the parks! Haha.
Come Up With a Plan
I try to prioritize my top 3 things I’d like to do in the park each day. Once I do these 3 things and the 3 things my travel companions want to do, we spend the rest of the day just going with the flow, trying new rides and experiences, and just exploring the park.
If you prefer to have a detailed itinerary, that can be a great strategy too, but I definitely recommend setting aside at least an hour or two at each park to just walking around and appreciate all of the intricate details of the park too!
Day Trips from Magic Kingdom
Epcot
Epcot is another Walt Disney World park. Epcot is all about travel, food, and exploration! This is one of my favorite places in Florida as a photographer because it’s such a detail-oriented park. If you love food, you’re going to love sampling their incredible assortment of food and drinks from around the world at each of the 11 pavilions.
Epcot also has live musical performances, rides, plenty of sit-down restaurants, and a nightly firework display!
Animal Kingdom
Animal Kingdom is a celebration of the natural world and all of the adventures within it. This park is great for animal lovers and adventurers of all ages. Keep an eye out for my updated Animal Kingdom travel guide, coming soon!
Hollywood Studios
The magic of movie making and Hollywood glamor truly comes to life at Hollywood Studios. The most adventurous rides in the park are here, like the Tower of Terror, Rocking Rollercoaster, and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, and Slinky Dog Dash, plus some of the best photo ops in the area are at Hollywood Studios.
Orlando, FL
Nearby Orlando, FL is full of fun things to do, from the Orlando Museum of Art and helicopter tours that take guests over the Walt Disney World parks to world-class fine dining and luxurious day spas; there’s so much to eat, see, and do, in Orlando, Florida. Check out my Orlando, FL travel guide here.
Safety
I have visited Disney parks around the world numerous times over the past decade, and I have never once felt unsafe at any time. Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom is no exception. The staff takes exceptional care to keep guests safe, so to have the best, safest experience at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, follow all posted rules, particularly when entering, riding, and exiting rides.
Take care to stay hydrated, reapply sunscreen as needed, and should you accidentally injure yourself, cast members can help direct you to the first aid station, where trained professionals can help park guests with minor injuries.
Thank you so much to Walt Disney World for hosting us on this magical adventure!
As always, all images, opinions, and the entirety of this guide are my own creation.
Kerry Prodorutti says
Love me some Disney! It’s always magical!!
Jessica Hubbard says
Great info! We’re headed back in May and I can’t wait!
Mei-Lyn Redondo says
Most defintely my most favorite place to visit! When we lived in Florida we went at least once a month and it was magical each and every time. It never lost it’s magic with me. Unfortunately, we live in Texas now (nothing against Texas – I love it!) so we have not been able to go back. My retirement plan includes moving back to Florida, more specifially the Orlando area, and working at the parks part time. Lol!
Belle Brook says
One of the most comprehensive blogs of Magic Kingdom I have ever read!
Jackie R says
LOVE Disney!! We go at least once a year! I bookmarked this to come back to when we plan our next trip! 🙂
Whitney says
Love all of the resorts listed- you should also stay and dine at Four Seasons Orlando- truly magical!
Elizabeth Rexroth says
Nice piece on Disney- one of a kind magical place & never gets old!
Danielle J says
I need to visit there! Only been to the CA Disney!
Laura says
We are toying with the idea of maybe doing a random Disney trip this weekend since we’re down here already. Anyways, thank you so much for the breakdown! Going to any amusement park with kids is always nerve wracking but knowing where to go for food or shopping is always much appreciated!!
Sarah Jane says
We just got back from Disney! We gave it to our girls as a Christmas surprise! Such a fun trip!
Kaitlyn Adams says
I loved this post. We are Disney lovers too 🙂 The Magic Kingdom is our absolute favorite.
Cheryl Sweppy says
I didn’t know about the Mickey pretzels! I’ll have to try them on my next visit!
Liz D says
Going to WDW in a month and need all the tips!!
Angela Jackson says
I love this blog post. I’m a Disney girl and attend 1 to 2 times a year. I definitely agree with where to stay and dine. I adore Disney Springs, and The Boathouse is my favorite meal of the trip. We often go there multiple times.
Jennifer says
Amazing suggestions! Will try the next time in Disney.
Elizabeth says
There is no place like Disney! It’s the absolute best!
Anonymous says
Super fun! I consider myself a “seasoned Disney goer” and somehow have never noticed the tangled area! So cute
Corry Johnston says
Love Disney!
Elizabeth C says
Love Disney World! Especially magic kingdom. The dole whip at aloha isle is some of the best I’ve ever had! Definitely a must try for everyone.
Natalie says
Bookmarking this for a future trip with my two girls! Thank you for the overview!
Whitney says
Be Our Guest is so fun. Going to try for Cinderella’s next trip. Honestly the jungle cruise was not worth the time, imo, but totally agree with your other recs ❤️❤️
Megan Rushing says
Thank you for all the food recommendations!
Leslie says
This was incredibly helpful information! My family is going at the end of the year so I’ll definitely keep these tips in mind.
Jana says
Love Disney! We are taking my little girl in May who will be 7 months. I know she won’t have these memories, but we will! We are so excited!
Isabella Marie Fanucci says
Wow you even make Disney sound tempting! Coming from not the biggest lover in my adult life..🫣
Courtney Williams says
I cannot wait to take in everything I’ve read, I’ve made my notes! July cannot get here fast enough, this was a Christmas present for my kids and I’m so lost..or I was until I read this! Thank you x1,000,000!!
Jess says
Ooh so fun! Thanks for this
Sarah K says
Saving this! Thanks!
Courtney B says
This post is GOLD! Thanks for sharing all this- your pictures are incredible!!
Danielle F says
A truly magical place and great recommendations. Can’t wait to go back!