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Magic Kingdom vs EPCOT: The Ultimate Disney Park Throw Down

Most Guests heading to Walt Disney World assume that the iconic Magic Kingdom they don’t want to miss is the Disney Parks. Today we will put Magic Kingdom up against EPCOT in an exciting and epic Disney theme Park throwdown.

We will look at these Parks and determine who wins regarding food, rides, and entertainment. Let’s get started.

Caseys Corner Magic Kingdom
Credit: Disney

FOOD

An essential part of any Walt Disney World vacation is the food. So Park has the best snacks, quick service, and table service options?

Cinderella's Royal Table
Credit: Disney
Table service options

At Magic Kingdom, there are a handful of table service options. The most iconic and popular is Cinderella’s Royal Table. This restaurant allows Guests to enjoy a meal inside the beautiful castle. Not only do Guests get to experience the lovely atmosphere of the castle, but they will also soon be able to hang out with some of their favorite princesses. Although the atmosphere is fantastic, the pre-fixe meal leaves a little to desire. The options are limited, and sometimes it can take effort to find something to enjoy that is worth the cost of the meal.

Another popular option at Magic Kingdom is Be Our Guest. Located in the other iconic castle, this meal allows Guests to enjoy a meal in one of three rooms taken directly from Beauty and the Beast. Again, the atmosphere in the castle is fantastic, but the food, also a set menu, could be better.

As two of the most iconic restaurants, we would like to see more from their entree options. 

Over in EPCOT, there are numerous table service options for Guests to choose from for a great meal. From a fun character meal at Garden Grill to a signature dining experience at Takumi-Tei, there is something for everyone. What the table service meals in EPCOT have to offer is that Magic Kingdom lacks both atmosphere and great food. Via Napoli has good pizza for large groups to share, or those wanting a steak can enjoy a great cut at Le Cellier. There are so many fantastic table service options at EPCOT.

connections eatery
Credit: Disney Park Blog
Quick service

The story stays the same regarding quick service options in EPCOT and Magic Kingdom. Guests will find numerous possibilities through EPCOT, where you will find more basic theme Park food at Magic Kingdom. We like the options and unique choices at EPCOT. The festivals throughout the year provide even more opportunities for Guests to enjoy.

spring roll cart
Credit DisneyDining

Snacks

Delicious sweet, and savory snacks are part of the magic of Disney. So which Park has the best options? For us, Magic Kingdom has some of the best snacks. We enjoy the spring rolls, which are an excellent savory option. The corn dog nuggets from Casey’s Corner are another top delectable choice. For sweet, the cinnamon roll at Gaston’s Tavern or the Cheshire Cat Tail is our top pick.

Even though EPCOT has some great snack options at the festivals, we like the consistency we find at Magic Kingdom. We do the Caramel and maple Popcorn found in the World Showcase, but otherwise, we would prefer to enjoy meals at EPCOT.

When looking at dining options, EPCOT has the better options overall.

TRON Lightcycle/Run, Magic Kingdom
Credit: Disney

Rides

Most of us head to Walt Disney World to experience the rides offered throughout the Parks when looking at EPCOT and Magic Kingdom, which Park wins regarding rides.

EPCOT currently has the newest ride in Walt Disney World with Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. This reverse launch coaster features a new ride vehicle that constantly is spinning to keep Guests in action. Remy’s Ratotoulie Adventure is another unique attraction that puts Guests right in the middle of the action with Remy and friends as they race through the kitchen trying to stay out of trouble. 

Soarin in Epcot
credit: Disney

Other popular rides throughout EPCOT are Test Track, Frozen Ever After, Soarin, and the classic and iconic Spaceship Earth. These rides are unique to EPCOT and are fun.

Magic Kingdom will soon have the newest ride in Walt Disney World when TRON Lightcyle Run opens in April 2023. This new E-Ticket attraction will bring excitement and speed to Tomorrowland.

What we love about the rides at Magic Kingdom is that there is something for everyone to enjoy. If you are a thrill seeker, you can enjoy Space Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain. For those that prefer a less intense experience, a nice flight through Neverland or a ride through the Little Mermaid can be enjoyed.

Not only does Magic Kingdom have many more rides for Guests to enjoy during the day, but the variety of the rides keeps everything so exciting as you venture onto each attraction. 

Magic Kingdom is the clear winner for rides between these two Disney Parks.

festival of fantasy
Credit: Disney

Entertainment

It isn’t just the rides that make Disney Parks so unique. The entertainment that can be enjoyed throughout these Parks adds to the magic. 

In Magic Kingdom, Guests can enjoy a handful of cavalcades, the Festival of Fantasy Parade, and Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire, the show that takes center stage each day. Guests can also find the Dapper Dans throughout the day, bringing iconic Disney songs to Main Street, U.S.A., for Guests to enjoy.

At night, Guests can enjoy a spectacular nighttime show that lights up the sky and transforms Cinderella Castle. This show is Disney Enchantment, but the beloved Happily Ever After will be returning in April.

Jammin Gardners
Credit: Disney

In EPCOT, Guests can enjoy a variety of entertainment throughout the Park. We love the live performances that can be enjoyed daily around the World Showcase. The Jamminators bring a festive party as they uniquely create music. Voices of Liberty can be enjoyed in the American Pavilion, where they sing beautiful songs from America’s history.

Other countries have live entertainment throughout the day that Guests can enjoy while having a snack or enjoying a beverage. We also love how each festival brings in unique entertainment. EPCOT is full of live entertainment, from the Garden Rocks Concert Series to Candlelight Processional.

Even with the nighttime show at EPCOT being uncertain, EPCOT has the best entertainment among these two Parks. 

So which Disney Park wins? That depends on your goals for your trip. If you want to focus on rides and a nighttime show, we recommend Magic Kingdom. EPCOT is the Park for you for those who like to have a variety of cuisine to enjoy while watching live entertainment. Either way, it will be a magical time.

 

 

 

Jennifer Retzlaff

Jennifer became a lifelong Disney fan during her first trip to Walt Disney World in 6th grade. From that moment, Disney became a big part of her life. She quickly started to introduce her love of Disney to her family with a Disney honeymoon and then family trips when her youngest was 18 months old. She loves the magic that Disney brings to people through theme parks, cruises, and adventures. As a teacher, she tries to bring Disney magic into her classroom to help kids believe that “If You Can Dream It, You Can Do It.” She is also part of the Magic Vacation Planner team as a personal travel advisor. With this team, she can now help others plan magical vacations. She loves bringing her love to Disney to readers with How to Disney.

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