Days in Magic Kingdom Park are special. Whether you are visiting the Disney Park for the first time or the 50th time, there is magic to experience. There is plenty to share in Magic Kingdom, including character appearances, parades, musical performances, rides, excellent food, and more. But what are the non-negotiable experiences? There are nine non-negotiable to experience in Magic Kingdom, in our opinion. Here they are!
Meet Mickey Mouse
There are plenty of places to meet Mickey Mouse in the Walt Disney World Resort. However, the most special place to meet with him is in Magic Kingdom. The Town Square Theatre, as you enter Magic Kingdom, is where he meets from 9 a.m. to Park Close daily. Go backstage into Mickey’s rehearsal room to have your autograph book signed, take a photo, and hug Mickey Mouse. Prepare to make magical memories when you visit the Town Square Theatre.
Haunted Mansion
Haunted Mansion is a must-do attraction in Magic Kingdom. While several Mansion attractions exist in other Disney Parks worldwide, each is unique. Enjoy a guided tour from your Ghost Host when experiencing the Haunted Mansion. It may be a little scary in places, but it’s a ride every Guest can enjoy when visiting the Disney Park. Look out for the wait time of 13 minutes; when you see this, you will walk straight onto the attraction.
Happily Ever After
Experiencing Disney fireworks during a Walt Disney World Resort trip is a must. In particular, a day at Magic Kingdom should end with Happily Ever After. The nighttime spectacular combines stunning projections on Cinderella Castle with a beautiful soundtrack and massive fireworks that light up the sky. While the fireworks can be seen around Magic Kingdom, the best experience of Happily Every After is from Main Street, U.S.A, or the hub in front of Cinderella Castle. You won’t be disappointed!
Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
When visiting Magic Kingdom Park, riding the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover is a must-do. It offers an excellent opportunity to rest your legs as the Disney attraction is a ten-minute tour of Tomorrowland. While on board, you’ll pass through Space Mountain and Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin. You’ll also pass by TRON Lightcycle / Run and the Tomorrowland Speedway. Whether you ride during the day or in the evening, you can enjoy stunning views of Main Street, U.S.A., and Cinderella Castle.
DOLE Whip
While you can enjoy DOLE Whip in other areas of the Walt Disney World Resort, the refreshing frozen treat fits in perfectly with Adventureland. DOLE Whip is also one of the iconic Disney treats that can be enjoyed in Magic Kingdom Park. A variety of flavors of DOLE Whip are available, as well as floats and desserts. You can pick up your helping at Aloha Isle, behind The Magic Carpets of Aladdin, or Sunshine Tree Terrace, across from the Swiss Family Treehouse. If you enjoy DOLE Whip in Magic Kingdom, you may also want to visit the following locations for additional servings during your Disney vacation:
- Pineapple Lanai at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
- Snack Shack at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon
- Swirls on the Water at Disney Springs
- Tamu Tamu Refreshments at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
While it may not be a mountain, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is a smooth and unique attraction in Fantasyland. If you appreciate storytelling, you’ll enjoy the entire experience of the Disney attraction. While there is generally a long line for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, the line is interactive and helps build excitement before boarding the train. Enjoy the swaying motion of the rollercoaster as you race through a diamond mine with the Seven Dwarfs. Look out for a scary surprise as you pull back into the station at the end of the ride!
A Photo in front of Cinderella Castle
Have you been to Walt Disney World if you haven’t got a photo in front of Cinderella Castle? The first glimpse of the Castle during any Disney vacation is truly magical. Capturing a picture of you and your family in front of her is even more so. It’ll come as no surprise that we recommend getting a photo in front of Cinderella Castle during the day and in the evening when the sun has set. Disney PhotoPass Cast Members are available down Main Street, U.S.A, and near Partners (the statue of Mickey Mouse and Walt Disney) in the hub area. If your Disney Park ticket includes Memory Maker, you’ll want to get a photo with PhotoPass in Magic Kingdom.
Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade
Magic Kingdom Park is the only part of Walt Disney World to enjoy a Disney parade. While Disney character cavalcades occur in Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom, they don’t quite compare to a parade. You won’t want to miss the Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade in Magic Kingdom Park. The Disney Park comes alive with music, dancing, and color as the parade goes through Frontierland, Liberty Square, and Main Street, U.S.A., at 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. daily. We recommend securing your viewing spot at least fifteen minutes before the parade begins for the best view.
Jungle Cruise
Every time you ride the Jungle Cruise, you can expect a different experience. While the attraction speel is the same, each Jungle Skipper makes it their own, providing you with a unique and legendary Disney experience. Since the release of the movie Jungle Cruise (2021), it’s become a non-negotiable attraction to experience during every Disney vacation in Lake Buena Vista. We recommend riding it during the day for optimal viewing of all features.
What are your non-negotiable when visiting Magic Kingdom? Do you agree with our selections? Are there any that you would change for other experiences?
