| ACTIVITIES:
Main Street, USA – Main Street, USA is the main thoroughfare through the Magic Kingdom. It is an idyllic street with quaint shops and pretty facades. At the end of the Main Street, USA there is a circular drive and Cinderella’s Castle. From this hub, you can reach the other theme areas of the park.
Tip! When arriving at the Park in the morning, try to get through the Main Street as quickly as possible and head for the main attraction rides. Also, waiting to make purchases until the end of the day will save you the hassle of toting around extra items all day long. If you must shop and buy early in the day, you can store items in keyed locker storage areas located under the railroad station located near the front gate area.
Mickey's Toontown Fair – This area of the Magic Kingdom is essentially an entertaining kid’s play and exploration area for those in the young children’s age group (2-8). There are squirting fountains, and a baking play area at Minnie’s. There is a Hall of Fame area where kids can stand in line and get autographs from a variety of characters. This the best place to meet up with characters, many of whom are strolling through the topiary park area and surroundings. You can get pictures and autographs from Mickey at Mickey’s house, as well.
Tip! Toontown is probably a good afternoon stop, if you are interested in getting the best chance of reasonable lines on the more crowded attractions.
Toontown Attractions:
Goofy's Barnstormer - This a roller coaster operated by Goofy. It is actually a fairly aggressive ride, and serves as a good test to figure out if child is ready for whether some of the other more intense rides are suitable. In any event, the roller coaster is good for some thrills.
Tomorrowland® - This area is an art-deco, 30’s themed view of the future. Shining metal is the prevailing style, and the attractions take a cheeky, Buck Rogers perspective of the future. Tomorrowland is home to the mother of all Disney World rides – Space Mountain.
Tomorrowland Attractions:
Astro Orbiter - The Astro Orbiter is basically the same ride as Dumbo- a circular ride that takes high into the air. It is a bit more intense than Dumbo, and is a nice, moderately intense ride for medium aged youngsters. (Moderate Lines, Low Intensity, 6+)
Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin – his attraction inserts you into an interactive video game where riders shoot at targets as they assist Buzz in saving the batteries of the world. You will be rated for your accuracy at the end. (Moderate Wait, Not Scary, All Ages).
Carousel of Progress – This is a ride through progress in inventions during the modern era. This ride is a high capacity ride, and offers a respite from the long lines during peak times. (Short Wait, Not Scary, All Ages).
Space Mountain – Is a giant roller coaster ride that takes place within the confines of darkness. The darkness causes one to loose orientation and unable to predict what is coming next, adding to the overall thrill aspect of the ride. It is the most intense ride in the Magic Kingdom. For younger children, the ride can very scary. Also, if you have a heart condition, high anxiety or similar medical infirmity, you should consider skipping the ride. (Very Long Lines, Very Intense, Older Children and Adults).
Stitch’s Great Escape – A fun show about Stitch before he came to earth, as he escapes from the security forces of the Galactic Federation. Stitch entertains by getting into a heap of mischief. This is a relatively new animatronics attraction and is heavily attended. (Long Lines, Entertaining, All Ages).
TimeKeeper – This is a 360 degree video presentation that takes you from Paris in the 1800’s into the future with Robin Williams and Rhea Perlman at the helm. Comedic and entertaining presentation, but you must stand through it. For the tiny kids, this can be a bit of a struggle if they are wedged in between adults. (Moderate Lines, Entertaining, All Ages).
Tomorrowland Indy Speedway – This ride is a classic for children up to the age of 12 or so who are enamored with driving a car. The ride requires adults to accompany smaller children, but kids get to steer motorized cars around a raceway. (Long Lines, Low Intesity (unless your driving under the age of 9), Children)
Tomorrowland Transit Authority – This a sanctuary for Adults with young tikes trying to take a break. A small train circles you around Tomorrowland. (No Lines, Sleepy, Any body tired).
Frontierland® - Frontierland is about the rugged west - pioneers, loggers, goldmines, etc.
Frontierland Attractions:
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – Is a very popular attraction in the Magic Kingdom. It is a roller coaster based on the premise of a run-away mine train. It is slightly tamer than the other mega-coaster rides, like Space Mountain. Nevertheless, it is a fairly intense ride, and can leave you a bit queasy if you don’t like herky, jerky oriented coaster rides. (Long Lines, Intense, 5+)
Country Bear Jamboree - This is an animatronic show featuring singing bears. Fun for small kids. (Short Lines, Fun, Young Children).
Frontierland Shootin' Arcade - This an arcade area with a western flair. Lines are slow, and not the best use of your time. (Long Lines, Ho-Hum, Any Age).
Goofy's Country Dancin Jamboree – This a very entertaining character show with dancing, singing and hijinx. The audience is invited to join on the fun. (Moderate Lines, Fun, Any Age).
Tom Sawyer Island – Is a great playground area for kids with forts, bridges and caves for exploring and imaginative play. To get to the island, you will need to take a ferry. (Ferry Waits, Fun, 5 -12)
Splash Mountain – This is one of the titans of Disney Magic Kingdom attractions. It is water thrill ride that has significant drops and plummets, even one that drops over 50 feet at 40 miles an hour as riders hang for their apparent lives. Be prepared to get wet. (Very Long Lines, Very Intense, 7+). Splash Mountain Hint! Being soaked for the day can be an aggravation (of course on a hot day and can be great). We recommend bringing a trash bag or poncho to keep reasonably dry. Alternatively, wait to rode towards the end of the day (although this can be a challenge).
Liberty Square – As its name implies, this is more of a general visitor area, and it is usually dotted with outdoor stands with popcorn, drinks, and sitting areas. The theme for this area is colonial America.
Liberty Square Attractions:
The Haunted Mansion – We happen to love this attraction, although it is hardly terrifying. It is the height of Disney creativity and it is plain old fashioned fun. To get the full enjoyment out of this experience, keep your eyes peeled and pay attention to details. You’ll surely get a good laugh out of many of the little jokes and nuances that are peppered into this ghoulishly entertaining attraction. Watch for the ghost that hitches a ride in your car. (Long Lines, Fun+, 5+)
Liberty Belle Riverboat - This an old fashioned paddlewheel boat that will take you on a 20 minute ride through the rivers of America. This is another get-way ride were yoi ca take a break. (Sometimes Short Lines, Snoozer, Any Age).
Adventureland® - Adventureland is best described as an Adventure in boredom. The theme is schizophrenic and along the lines of a Caribbean and African theme mix, but different than that still. Think pith hat. The attractions are also a potpourri, and, with the exception of the Pirates of the Caribbean, this area is somewhat of a disappointment and desperately needs to be reinvigorated.
Adventureland Attractions:
The Enchanted Tiki Birds – This is an animatronics show now featuring Zazu and Iago. Fairly tame show, and another “rest” attraction. (Moderate Lines, Snoozer, Young Children)
Jungle Cruise – Is an approximately 10 minute boat ride that takes you on a tour past a variety of imitation animals. With Animal Kingdom providing similar but significantly better experiences, we think this attraction should be relegated to Disney history. If you are looking for a respite from the crowds, this attraction might be the ticket but you’ll likely have to contend with a long wait. (Long Lines, Snoozer, Young Children).
Magic Carpets of Aladdin – Another Dumbo-like circular flying ride that kids can control, except magic carpets take flight instead of elephants. It is slightly more intense than Dumbo because there are more degrees of motion. (Moderate Lines, Low Intensity, 7 and up).
Pirates of the Caribbean – This a is a very popular and entertaining pontoon ride through a cavern with pirate animatronics. It is a bit violent, but all works out in the end. (Moderate Lines, Moderately Scary, 7 and up).
Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse – This attraction is for younger and mid-aged children , and is essentially a glorified treehouse. Many kids seems to enjoy the climbing, however it may not be the best use of your ticket investment. (Small Lines, Not Intense, All Ages).
Fantasyland® - Fanastyland is located directly behind Cinderella’s castle, and is oriented towards younger children. Many of the small children’s rides are located in this area.
Tip! Fantasyland is one of the most crowed areas in the park and is usually teaming with small children. Dumbo’s Ride, Peter Pan’s flight, and the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh are usually very busy, and if you want to avoid long lines use the FASTPASS and early arrival strategies.
Fantasyland Attractions:
Ariel's Grotto – Squirting water fountains area for kids to cool off. Ariel autographs can be gotten inside the grotto.
Castle Forecourt Stage – This is an entertainment stage which features daily periodic musical and dance numbers. Themes change from time to time, and check the daily events calendar. (Short Lines, Not Scary, Young Children)
Cinderella's Golden Carrousel - A beautiful traditional carrousel ride. (Longer Lines, Not Scary, Fun for all Ages).
Dumbo Ride – A flying Elephant ride that lifts the rider high into the air in a circular path. (Longer Lines, Not Intense, Young Children)
It's a Small World – A musical boat ride through the cultures of the world from the child’s perspective. (Fast Lines, Not Scary, Young Children).
Mad Tea Party – Spinning tea cup ride (Longer Lines, Not Intense, Young Children)
Mickey's Philharmagic – This attraction consists of the massive musical and visual 3-D animation production based on the characters of Disney. Very cute, and a relatively new attraction at Disney World. (Moderate Waits, Not Scary, Young Children)
Peter Pan's Flight – On this ride you ride on a pirate ship and take to the skies over London with Tinker Bell. This a very enjoyable ride, and kids of all ages can enjoy it. (Slow Lines, Slightly Exhilarating, Young and Older Children)
Snow White's Scary Adventure – Travel through a dark on mining cars and encounter the evil witch. (Long Lines, Possibly Scary For Young Children, Young Children).
Storytime with Belle at Fairytale Garden – This is a show where Belle reads a story to the audience. (Short Lines, Sleepy, Young Kids).
Disney World's Magic Kingdom Dining Guide*:
Cinderella's Royal Table (Prime Rib/Haut Cuisine) – Located in fantasyland at the Castle. This is a higher-end restaurant and home to the famous “Once Upon a Time” character breakfast. Priority Seating is a virtual must.
Price: High
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Food Quality: Good
The Crystal Palace (Buffet) - Located on Main Street. This is a buffet restaurant. Character Dining with Winnie the Pooh and Friend is available at each meal sitting. Priority Seating is recommended.
Price: Disney Moderate
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Food Quality: Good
Liberty Tree Tavern (Traditional American) Located in Liberty Square. Keeping with the theme of Liberty Square, the fare is decidedly Americana. Dinner is focused on turkey and fixins, steak and other traditional meals. The lunch is sandwiches and soup (clam chowder).
Price: Disney Moderate
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Food Quality: Fair
The Plaza Restaurant (Sandwiches and Burger Joint)- Located on Main Street. Usual dining fare consisting of sandwiches and hamburgers, etc.. Best feature is the ice cream.
Price: Disney Moderate
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Food Quality: Fair
Tony's Town Square Restaurant (Italian) – Located on Main Street. This is an Italian restaurant.
Price: Disney Moderate
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Food Quality: Fair
* The ratings and descriptions are our opinions, and are here for your general consideration. You may come to a different conclusion. As a general rule of thumb, the meals in the park are just fine, but not extraordinary. But, then again, you are there for the attractions. There are plenty of fine eating establishments in other parts of Disney World that can provide a first rate, gastronomical experience if you want first rate cuisine.
<< Back
|
