Magic Kingdom Disney World
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People who are planning to go to Disney World in Orlando, Florida might have a number of different activities on their itineraries. There are several different theme parks associated with Disney World and there are also other attractions in the vicinity that are enjoyed by Disney’s guests. However, people who want to go to the “real” Disney World will make sure that they focus on The Magic Kingdom which is the original Disney theme park that was built in the Orlando region.
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History of The Magic Kingdom
The Magic Kingdom was built in 1971. It wasn’t the first of the Disney Theme Parks (Disneyland was opened about fifteen years earlier) but it was the first to be opened in the Orlando area. Because it had Disneyland’s design to work off of, The Magic Kingdom was considered by many to be the “new and improved” version of Disneyland. When it opened, it had twenty rides / attractions that were replications of the same rides at Disneyland and had three attractions unique to The Magic Kingdom. Over time, The Magic Kingdom has, of course, grown. Many new attractions have been added since it’s original construction.
The Magic Kingdom Attractions
The Magic Kingdom is laid out in a series of seven different “lands”. Each of these has its own attractions themed to that area of the park. In total, there are now over forty rides and attractions at the Magic Kingdom today. Favorite ones are as follows (organized by the land where they’re located):
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1. Adventureland – This part of The Magic Kingdom is designed to show off the different types of adventures that can be had in foreign lands. Think of the Disney rides that are set in remote jungles and you’ll probably be thinking of the attractions in this part of the park.
Some of the favorite attractions in Adventureland are:
• Pirates of the Caribbean
• Jungle Cruise
• Swiss Family Treehouse
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2. Fantasyland – This is the section of The Magic Kingdom where Disney really comes to life. The fairy tales that we all grew up with are represented here in the different rides and attractions that are to be found in Fantasyland. This part of the park is generally preferred by younger kids but all ages can have a good time here. If there is any part of the park where miracles can happen, it is probably in Fantasyland.
Favorite Fantasyland attractions include:
• Cinderella’s Castle
• It’s a Small World
• Dumbo the Flying Elephant
• Snow White’s Scary Adventures
• Cinderella’s Golden Carousel
• Mad Tea Party
3. Frontierland – The frontier was where people headed ages ago in search of gold and adventure. You can experience some of what it was like for them through this part of The Magic Kingdom which is intended to provide you with insight into the Old West.
Favorite rides in Frontierland include:
• Splash Mountain
• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
• Country Bear Jamboree
• Shooting Arcade
4. Liberty Square – This unique section of The Magic Kingdom is designed to represent an American town during the revolution. This is where history comes alive.
People interested in enjoying history might check out the following attractions:
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5. Main Street USA – There aren’t too many rides here but there is still a lot to see. This section of The Magic Kingdom is designed to show off the different architectural styles that you’ll find throughout the nation. It’s where families go to buy Disney souvenirs and also to get the food they’ll need in order to have the energy to enjoy the rest of the fun throughout The Magic Kingdom.
There are, however, a few attractions to see in this part of the park. Favorites include:
• Mickey and Minnie Statues
• Main Street Vehicles
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6. Mickey’s Toontown Fair – This was originally intended to be a section of the park created in honor of Mickey Mouse’s birthday and specifically representative of everything Mickey. However it evolved over time to include many of your other favorite classic Disney characters.
What you’ll find in this part of The Magic Kingdom includes:
• Mickey’s Country House (and Minnie has one here as well)
• Donald’s Boat
• Towntown Hall of Fame
• Walt Disney World Railroad
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7. Tomorrowland – This is where we can imagine the future during our stay at The Magic Kingdom. All things futuristic related to space and the adventures to come one day soon are explored in this part of the park.
Future-seekers can go to Tomorrowland to experience:
• Space Mountain
• Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress
• Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
• Astro Orbit
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The Magic Kingdom Entertainment
Most people make sure to spend the bulk of their time at theme parks on the rides that are offered there. However, you shouldn’t forget that The Magic Kingdom offers all sorts of other entertainment. Some of the places where you can go to check out various live performances throughout the park include:
• Disney Dreams Come True Parade (throughout the park)
• Dream Along with Mickey in Fantasyland
• Galaxy Palace Theater in Tomorrowland
• Judge’s Tent in Toontown (where you can meet Mickey)
• SpectroMagic Night Parade (throughout the park)
• Wishes NightTime Spectacular Fireworks (throughout the park)
Dining at Magic Kingdom
All of the rides and entertainment are going to make you hungry. The bulk of dining in the park is going to be in Main Street USA but all of the different areas have their own bites of food. Here are some of the dining options that you can enjoy while you’re at The Magic Kingdom:
• Casey’s – It’s hard to go to a theme park and not get a craving for hot dogs. This is where you’ll find them at Main Street USA.
• Cinderella’s Royal Table – This dining area is located just outside of Cinderella’s Castle in Fantasyland. There are also special dining events held here that you can book to attend in advance.
• Columbia Harbour House – Clam chowder bread bowls and good ol’ fish and chips can be enjoyed at this stop which is over in Liberty Square.
• Liberty Tree Tavern – You can enjoy character dining with Minnie Mouse in a unique historic inn setting over at Liberty Square.
• The Crystal Palace – If you’re interested in dining with Disney characters, you might like this buffet hosted by Winnie the Pooh and Friends.
• The Plaza Restaurant – This restaurant is designed to treat you to Victorian architecture while you eat at Main Street USA.
• Tony’s Town Square – If you’re thinking Italian, you’re thinking Tony’s. Doesn’t sound quite Disney enough for you? It’s inspired by the scenes in Lady and the Tramp.
Visiting The Magic Kingdom
It is difficult to figure out how to do your planning when you’re going to Disney World. There are a multitude of different resorts to choose from and even several different theme parks to enjoy. For the classic Disney World experience, you’ll want to plan to spend at least one full day at The Magic Kingdom.
Choose a resort nearby and book your tickets in advance in order to get the best deal for your money. Note that there are special events happening all throughout the year at The Magic Kingdom. You may want to plan to go during one of these events or opt to avoid the crowds during these times of year. With careful planning, this can be an affordable family trip that you enjoy more than once in your lifetime.
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on April 22nd, 2008 at 3:30 pm
I would recommend buying your disney world tickets well in advance. But if you are buying them at the last minute go to the Disney World website and select the “Will Call” that would let you buy the tickets online and pick them any one of the 4 theme parks.