PSST – We’re up on the mom conference today talking about the transformation behind what we did in simplifying… check it out here!
Hey guys! So we’re back with this super fun series – Keys to the Kingdom : A parent’s guide to surviving Disney.
See our introductory post here, our where + when post here, and our dining post here. Today we’re breaking down the Magic Kingdom, to talk about the best attractions in the park. The ones you definitely don’t want to miss.
Please note that everyone’s trip is different, as is everyone’s Disney party. The park is huge, and you probably won’t be able to do it all. That’s why each trip is so great, because it can be so different for everyone. So take this list with a grain of salt and realize we we’re being thorough in stating our absolute faves.
Then, based on what you think will interest your fam, and how long your stay… be sure to hit some of the highlights! Since the fast pass situation is ever-evolving (and right now, they’re limited), know that those are possible but we will be mentioning them for the most popular ones. There are more So without further ado:
If you’ve never been before, then you may not know that the park is broken down in two four main lands: Adventureland, Frontierland, Fantasyland, Liberty Square, and Tomorrowland. We’ll be covering each attraction based on the land.
Adventureland:
• Swiss Family Tree House – {Cristin} this is basically what it sounds like. A large tree house modeled after the Robinson’s home. Fun for the kiddos if they need to run some of their energy out. It’s a great little time-passer if you’re waiting for a fast pass.
• The Magic Carpets of Aladdin – {Us} I think we rode this one about ten times. The kids loved it. It’s a lot like Dumbo, and pretty great with an easy peasy little ride.
• Jungle Cruise – {Cristin} although this attraction has been around for years, it’s been updated a couple of times and I find that it is overall a kid pleaser. If your child likes boats and animals, they’ll enjoy this ride.
• Pirates of the Caribbean – {Us} an absolute must, and our kids’ fave. Even before they updated the ride to include Captain Jack Sparrow, it was a Disney Classic. It’s all the better now that there are several updates. Beware mateys- if your little one is scared of the dark, they may not be thrilled with this ride although we have never had a problem with the little ones in our family.
If you hurry up to this ride first thing in the morning, we’ve found that you can ride through a couple of times before the wait hits. But even on their busiest days, the line isn’t too much of a nightmare.
If you have young boys who are total pirate fans, or a little girl who adores mermaids… and you’re looking to splurge and do one of those once-upon-a-time kinda things, do this: The Pirates League. You can read more about it at that link, but we even hit it on a rainy day, and Captain Jack Sparrow was wandering around. So. Much. Fun. and photos and memories and hysterical faces… to last a lifetime. Being the sister of two brothers, I think Emerson preferred it to Bibbity Bobbity. Just another alternative to try.
Frontierland:
• Walt Disney World Railroad – {Cristin} just what you think it is. A train that runs around the park, fun for train lovers of all ages + a cool way to see part of Magic Kingdom.
• Splash Mountain – {Us} One of our absolute faves, and they were updating it when they were there, so it was closed. You will get wet if you ride in the front, and the back is a little more bearable. It’s got a steep drop and a fun theme-like ride in a little log before hand.
• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – a fun roller coaster that does not go upside down or have any huge drops making it a great first time coaster if your little one is tall enough to ride! Malone at 4, loved it.
• Tom Sawyer Island – a little island to explore based upon the book. It can be a fun little distraction from the other rides, especially if you’re waiting for a Fast Pass. We hit this attraction on the last day, and the kids wanted to stay. For. Ev. Ver.
Pretty much how all our photos looked… the kids were delirious. So were we.
Liberty Square:
• The Hall of Presidents – {Crisitn} Audio Anamatronic show featuring all of the past presidents (including the newest addition of President Obama). This could be a good one for your youngest to catch a quick cat nap in the cool, dark auditorium. Probably not the best attraction for the kids unless you are a huge history buff yourself or just in a patriotic mood. Another great little way to pass the time if you’re looking to take a break or waiting on a fast pass.
• Liberty Square Riverboat – {Cristin} a large riverboat that cruises down the lake in the Magic Kingdom. If you are lucky, you may end up hitching a ride with one of the characters!
• Haunted Mansion – {Us} A must + another classic. If you have little ones who scare easily, it may not be the best idea because it starts out in a shrinking room. Malone was a little spooked but in general its entertaining and he later thought it was hilarious. Just a heads up, it’s dark, but super fun. You know your kids better than anyone.
Fantasyland:
• Bibbidy Bobbidi Boutique – {Cristin} if you are in the mindset of doing the trip up and going all out, check out this really cute “salon” for the little ones where they will be transformed into a princess, rock star, prince, etc. Choose from a variety of packages and watch while your child is treated like a prince or princess. Pricey, yet precious. TIP for saving money here – purchase or make your own princess costume before your appointment as opposed to buying one there. Also, an appointment for this is a MUST. They book out way in advance, especially since this attraction is located inside the castle!
• Princess Fairytale Hall – (In the place of the old snow white ride) The princesses switch out often, and it’s a great way to meet a few of your faves. Did we mention that Snow White was “familiar with the Auburn area”, and gave us a “War Eagle”? I’m pretty sure Jamin was in love.
• It’s a Small World – A classic. Do it. Especially if you need to cool down. It’s just an obligatory, slow paced fun kinda ride for the kids! You’ll be humming the song for the rest of the day. The line here usually isn’t too bad.
• Peter Pan’s Flight – One of our faves, but we’re still kind of surprised why it was so crowded all. Of. The. Time. And most of it with full grown adults. There’s something magical about “flying” over the city alongside Peter Pan. Try to grab this one at the beginning of the park opening, or a fast pass. The line is always long.
• Mickey’s Philhar Magic – {Cristin} A huge 3D show of songs from all of the classic Disney movies. Don’t miss this one!! Your kids will love it, and so will you!
Julie said: {a warning for smaller kids} Just a tip – if your small kids are frightened of dark spaces and/or loud noises you may want to avoid Mickey’s PhilharMagic. We went two years ago and as soon as Donald tossed his baton ‘into’ the audience my girls started crying (they were 21 mos and 3 1/2 at the time). My husband and I tried to find the exit but because it was SO dark we ended up going through the wrong door which led us into the bowels of the Magic Kingdom! It was crazy! Last year, when we went back to DW, we avoided that attraction like the plague.
• Journey of the Sea The Little Mermaid – A super cute little thematic ride in the new fantasy land. Journey through with the little mermaid and her friends and fun music from the movie. If you have a little girl… do it.
• Enchanted Tales with Belle – We fast passed this one, and did not regret it at all. The line was huge. Surprise Belle in her library with story time! Such an exciting thing for the kids… and the technology was so amazing, it kind of blew my mind. I’m still trying to figure out how they did the mirror… So cool.
Oh, and remember that time Jamin was making fun of the adults that were participating, and then they called on him, so he wanted to make sure I got like, fifty shots of him with Belle? Yeah. That happened. He says he can no longer decide which princess is his fave… Snow White, or Belle. ;}
{Kristy}: Story-time with Belle was one of our favorites. My daughters both got to participate in an elaborate story as plates, and my husband got to be a guard. It was a wonderful chance for a photo opportunity with one of our favorite princesses, Belle.
• The Barnstormer – {Cristin} this is a small level coaster PERFECT for little ones new to riding thrill rides. And goofy is the main character represented. So if you are trying to warm your little ones up to bigger rides or you are trying to see how they will react to rides, try this one first. It’s fun for adults too
• Prince Charming Regal Carrousel – no theme park would be complete without a classic carrousel… not even the Magic Kingdom. I think we rode this one about 1100 times. Malone’s fave.
• Dumbo the Flying Elephant – {Cristin} Dumbo the Flying Elephant- this was recently re-done with the expansion of Fantasyland and it. is. AWESOME. There is circus train outside the attraction which is actually a full blown splash pad with water shooting here, there, and everywhere. They have also added a second Flying Elephant ride making the lines much shorter. There is also a precious yet large circus tent store that we waited out a long afternoon rainstorm in while drooling over all of the hand-dipped chocolate goodies at the cute bakery inside. But the best part about the update to this ride? They have pagers to allow you to “wait in line” while either shopping under the Big Top or while allowing your children to run around and play in an indoor, air-conditioned play area. My kids LOVED the play area and I had to drag them out to the ride once our pager went off!
• Seven Dwarfs Mine Train – {Cristin} this is a brand spanking new ride in Fantasyland that I just barely missed last time I was there. Insert tear. It looked like it was going to be a bit like Thunder Mountain Railroad, but with a Dwarf/Snow White theme. I can’t wait to try it out!
• The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh – super cute kid friendly ride. Definitely do it. And also see about a fast pass for this one as the line can get long depending upon the time of day. But the line has lots of hands on fun.
• Mad Tea Party – Although I never ride this one, it is a true child pleaser. Sit in oversized tea cups and spin around and around as fast as you can. If you can stomach it, check it out.
Tomorrowland:
• Indy Speedway – this is your chance to let your kids drive a true race car! If they are in to cars at all, they will love this one. Our boys, 2 + 6, were big fans.
• Space Mountain – my favorite in the entire park. A total classic. If you can, get a fast pass. If not, wait later at night or early in the morning. And then grab the photos once you talk your kids into trying it for the first time …because those are priceless, too.
• Astro Orbitor – this is another flying ride like the Magic Carpets and Dumbo, however this one is set up high! A pretty cool thing to try at night while looking over the park.
• Tomorrowland Transit Authority – this is our go to ride when we are either exhausted, sweating, or when there’s a baby in tow and someone is taking one for the team and not riding one of the roller coasters, while watching the little one. It’s also a cool way to see all of Tomorrowland, including a glance inside Space Mountain in case you are curious but not enough to ride it : )
• Carousel of Progress – this attraction was one of Walt’s personal projects. He actually won the World’s Fair in New York with this attraction. It’s one of my personal faves, and while the fam made fun of me for wanting to ride, the kids loved it and wanted to do it again. It’s a great big beautiful tomorrow….all time CLASSIC! No line. Ever
• Buzz Lightyear’s Spaceship Ranger Spin – a really fun Toy Story themed ride where you shoot at targets to see how many points you can accumulate along the way. Fun for all ages! Don’t miss it. Kiddos loved it.
• Monster’s, Inc. Laugh Floor – super cute show/attraction! It’s a really cool show where the famous monsters from the movie do stand-up comedy while interacting with audience members. Don’t miss it.
While we will be sharing an entire tips and tricks post:
Kristy: We spent our first full day at the Magic Kingdom, and what got our Disney Magic going in full-force was being there before the park opened and seeing the train’s entrance with Mickey and all of his friends. My wide-eyed preschoolers were mystified before the parks even opened with the song and dance and magic, and there might have been even some “happy tears” on my part as well. I would recommend to get there before the park opens for this if at all possible.
Cristin: Get there at the beginning. You won’t regret the fun little show they put on!
Kristy: Since we were a little limited on what rides we could all do as a family, we made the autograph books a big part of our trip. At the Magic Kingdom, there were meet and greets throughout the park, and you can get a schedule of which characters would be where throughout the day. We would try to time it at the beginning of the appearance to minimize the lines.
A side note from Ashley on navigating the park with small children: If you have small kids, and aren’t sure where to start, start out in Fantasyland. Warm them up with the fun rides like Peter Pan and Winnie the Pooh. Then you can be all, let’s go to space mountain, SUCKAS! (Okay. Probably not… unless you’re me.) And use your maps. This App is great for that. There are some major short cuts you can take around the backs of the attractions. My memory was quickly refreshed, and I learned while moving about from Peter Pan, to Pirates, to Splash Mountain, and back again. I think I also walked off those wonderful cupcakes. Bonus.
Be sure to chat it up with the cast members about any questions you may have. Especially character appearances. They really know the up to date information, and the ins and outs. Trust me…my brain was drilled on this one when I was employed by the mouse. The best ones to utilize and the most accessible? The janitors. They know EVERYTHING, and honestly, are the most helpful. Other things not to miss are the parades, shows in front of the castle, and my personal favorite- the fireworks show in front of the castle each night. Check the schedule and be sure to ask cast members for tips on the next one!
Kristy: If you plan out your trip ahead of time and have questions about the rides, be sure to watch youtube ahead of time to get your fix and know exactly what it includes… that way there’s no surprises for little ones.
Thank you all, once again for tuning in this week. We hope this series helps some of you guys and any planning you’ll be doing soon! An fun/exhausting vacay but well worth all the awesome memories with your little ones. Next up: Epcot. So let us know if we left any of your faves off the Magic Kingdom list, or if you have any questions at all! Have an inspired day!
Jenna says
I love this series. We leave in about a month for our first trip, so thank you for all the valuable info!
Angela R says
Love these posts! We went just before our daughter turned 2, and had a blast. Prior planning is definitely a must, and especially knowing what attractions are best for little ones. We our hoping to go back with the kids(2 now!) maybe next December. Christmas was at Disney was absolutely beautiful and the first week of December the parks were empty. We never had to wait in line for anything. It was awesome!
Kyla F says
I love that y’all are doing this series again! I’m such a Disney fan 🙂
Kris P says
Nothing like Disney magic! So timely as I am planning a short trip to the Kingdom. Thanks!
Marie says
Thank you for this series! I am in charge of planning our Disney vacation for our extended family of my in-laws (gulp!). (Since I’m a stay-at-home, work-at-home mom they figured I had plenty of time to do it… yeah.) This series really is helping. Thank you again!