The Magic Kingdom park is the most popular of all the Disney World theme parks with over 17 million visitors annually.
All Disney World theme parks are organized around a central icon or feature. The Magic Kingdom's icon is Cinderella's castle.
The park itself consists of various 'lands' all organized around a central hub. You enter the park through Main Street U.S.A. and walk to a central hub that branches off to 5 different lands:
Mickey's Toontown Fair is off to the side branching off of Fantasyland.
The Magic Kingdom is a favorite for children however adults will love the fantasy of it as well. It is where you're most likely to see classic Disney characters like Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy and Pluto.
Ride Favorites:
There are rides for everyone at the Magic Kingdom. While everyone has a favorite, here are some of the most popular:
Pirates of the Caribbean - Seated, boat ride with classic and newer Pirate scenes - many based on the movie.
Space Mountain - Indoor, very fast roller coaster. Popular with coaster fans.
Splash Mountain - Water coaster that's not over the top jarring, great for a hot day.
Cinderella's Golden Carousel - Merry-go-round that young children will love.
It's A Small World - Seated, slower indoor boat tour. Even though it's gets flack from some, this is still a classic Disney ride and a must see.
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh - Slower, indoor ride, very popular with young children, another classic.
Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin - Seated interactive video game ride where you shoot aliens and earn points. Very cool.
Jungle Cruise - Fun, slower boat ride, not as good as seeing real animals at the Animal Kingdom. But excellent for young children who may be frightened of real animals. The guides on this ride are so much fun, you wish you could tip them.
Haunted Mansion - A must-see, seated indoor Disney classic attraction. May be scary for younger children but a definite favorite with most.
Dining:
Although the MK is not known for offering high end dining (it's mostly counter service meals), it does offer some favorites - especially in the arena of character dining.
Especially popular are Cinderella's Royal table at Cinderella's castle and the Crystal Palace Buffet with Winnie the Pooh and friends
Other Attractions:
There are usually afternoon and evening parades with tons of classic Disney characters and bright, spectacular floats.
You can also take Magic Kingdom park tours like Mickey's Magical Milestone's tour to learn a bit more about the history behind the Disney World park or the Keys to the Kingdom tour to get the backstage secrets of how Disneyworld operates.
At the end of the day, before the park closes there's also the famous fireworks show - the name usually changes every year.
Grab a drink and snack and get a seat early along the Main Street or on the second floor of the train station.
Strengths:
- The most magical and 'Disneylike' of all the parks
- Offers some of the most popular, classic Disney rides like Pirates of the Caribbean, It's a Small World, Winnie the Pooh, Space Mountain and the Haunted Mansion
- Most popular park with young children
- Well organized layout, easy to navigate.
- Incredible closing fireworks display
Weaknesses:
- Can be the most crowded of all the parks
- Restaurant options not the best
