It has often been said that the true essence of Disney magic can be experienced simply by stepping foot inside the Magic Kingdom. Opened in 1971, the venerable theme park has withstood more than three decades of changing cultures, a constantly shifting social climate, and an explosion of technology that has left lesser places outdated and obsolete. Yet, somehow, the Magic Kingdom continues to remain the undisputed king of Theme Parks, drawing more yearly visitors than any other.
How the Magic Kingdom has managed to maintain its charm and appeal over the years is a lesson in simplicity. It has stayed true to its original vision, a place where families could gather in a clean and safe environment to enjoy the time they spend together. No trip to Disney World is complete without visiting the Magic Kingdom. For veteran visitors to Walt Disney World, visiting the Magic Kingdom is like visiting an old friend. To first time visitors, they find themselves quickly, and almost helplessly, transported back to their childhood.
The Magic Kingdom is divided into five distinct areas (lands), arranged in a spoke-like formation, all meeting at the top of Main Street USA right in front of Cinderella Castle. The five lands consist of Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, Frontierland, Liberty Square and Adventureland. Each land is themed to its appropriate title and maintaining that theme is paramount to the parks operation. A vast network of underground tunnels connect all sections of the Magic Kingdom, thus preventing guests from seeing any of the necessary "behind the scenes" operations, and preventing cast members from one land from having to walk through another.
The Magic Kingdom contains some real "don't miss" attractions, depending on what age bracket you fall in. One of this parks strengths is the cross-generational appeal of many of its better attractions. Splash Mountain is a good example. It's not unusual to see three generations of family members riding together. Other favorites like Pirates of the Caribbean, Jungle Cruise, and Haunted Mansion offer similar appeal to a wide range of visitors.
Space Mountain, while dated, is still one of the best attractions at the Magic Kingdom. It is rumored that Space Mountain will soon go down for an extensive "update", and will likely be down for quite some time (the Disneyland counterpart was down for more than two years).
Most spectacular of all Disney's parks are the parades and fireworks displayed at the Magic Kingdom in Orlando. Most notably, the current combo of the "Wishes" fireworks show, and the perennial nighttime favorite, Spectromagic. If these two performances don't impress you, then you're already dead and no one's bothered to tell you.
Monsters Inc., Laugh Floor Join Mike Wazowski and his pals in this new interactive comedy showcase inspired by Disney·Pixar's "Monsters, Inc."
Category: Fun For Little Ones
Mickey's PhilharMagic Immerse yourself in a magical 3-D adventure starring Mickey Mouse and a surprise "con-DUCK-tor".
Category: Other
Wishes™ Nighttime Spectacular Be dazzled by the biggest, brightest fireworks extravaganza in Magic Kingdom® history.
Category: Nighttime Entertainment
Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin Be a superhero and fire your laser cannon at interactive targets to help Buzz Lightyear, star of Disney/Pixar's "Toy Story," save the toy galaxy from the Evil Emperor Zurg!
Category: Fun For Little Ones
Space Mountain® Rocket into another galaxy aboard this rollicking high-speed roller coaster space adventure.
Category: Big Thrills
Information courtesy of Walt Disney World & WDWinfo.com.