Hard to summarise a trip to Disney World, or prioritise some experiences over others. It is a magical place. I know that might sounds a bit cliche, but it really is. Each park has its own magic and feeling and each has the most incredible range of rides, shows, foods and experiences. This means everyone will have their favourites; there really is something for everyone. Our group ranged from 4 to 68 years old, and everyone had different highlights.
With that in mind here are our top 10 experiences at Magic Kingdom. A combination of rides, shows and food, it covers things that our whole group loved. There are, of course, many many more! But hopefully for other newbies or for those looking for different experiences and ideas, this provides some top tips for any future trips.
1. Ride all the Mountains! (Splash, Thunder & Space)
Such classic rollercoaster rides; we love them all. Great for all of the family (depending on how much they love faster rides!) and so iconic. We headed to Thunder Mountain early each of the days we were there to avoid the longer queues. Splash Mountain is currently undergoing a refurb but should be really exciting when it is reopened.
2. Soak up the atmosphere along Main Street
I absolutely adore Main Street and, hands down, one of my favourite things to do in Magic Kingdom is just spend time wandering along enjoying the shops and soaking up the atmosphere. It is just unlike anywhere else I have ever been and I love it. It’s the most magical bit of Magic Kingdom for me.
3. Evening Fireworks
You can’t go to Magic Kingdom and not take in the evening firework shows; they are incredible! It always makes for such a special family moment, everyone can just stop and enjoy it without any rushing or stressing. You can just stand and savour it. The backdrop of the castle is stunning and it is always a highlight. Everyone has their favourite spots to try and stand to watch. I say just find a space and enjoy; wherever you are it is beautiful!
4. Enjoy some Mickey Pretzels
Mickey pretzels are a firm favourite in our family and you can’t beat them as a snack. They are huge! Tasty and filling and reasonably priced they work brilliantly when energy levels are dropping! Anything Mickey shaped is a big YES for us.
5. Take in the daily parade
The parades are beautiful and unlike anything anywhere else. Full of colour, music and dancing it is a great opportunity for children to see their favourite characters. They often run a couple of times a day so check the times when you arrive and don’t miss it. Huge family favourite for us.
6. Ride Tomorrowland’s People Mover
This is such a cool iconic little ride for me; I love it! It is a leisurely 10 minute tour of the Tomorrowland area and is just really good fun for the family. No thrills as such but just a really lovely ride which I think is a must do.
7. Take a rest and eat some Dole Whip
I mean who wouldn’t want to enjoy some cooling dole whip?! Head to Aloha Isle in Adventureland for your dole whip fix. Yum.
8. Watch Mickey’s PhilharMagic
This was definitely a highlight for the children; it was really lovely. A 12 minutes 3D show featuring Donald Duck. It is really funny and entertaining and the theatre itself is beautiful. You get to sit and enjoy a 150-foot-wide, 180-degree seamless wraparound screen in a Concert Hall. So cool. It features special effects and classic Disney songs.
9. Take a spin on Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger ride
This is a firm favourite for us. Take a ride on this cool intergalactic spinner where you fire lasers to defeat the evil Lord Zurg. So. Much. Fun. A great one for all the family no matter what age.
10. For nostalgia, enjoy Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress
In this quirky and iconic attraction you get to travel through the 20th Century and follow an American family over 4 generations of progress and change. The show is presented inside a revolving theatre, and includes an innovative audience seating area that moves around a stationary central stage. It is really cool and worth doing. The classic theme song is soooo catchy and you’ll be singing it forever more! “There’s a great big beautiful tomorrow shining at the end of every day!”
Have you seen our blog with top tips for surviving Disney with kids? Happy travels 🙂
