Magic Kingdom
Florida Guide > Disney Parks
Magic Kingdom is the flagship of Disney. The 100+ acres are arranged into
different lands surrounding Cinderella’s Castle.
Once you have parked your car ( and carefully noted the row it is in – many
hours later this is easy to forget!) you get a shuttle bus to the Transportation
Centre. From here you have the choice of using the Monorail or the Steamer to
cross to Magic Kingdom. The Monorail is often quicker and goes through the
middle of one of the hotels. However do not miss out on the Steamer ride, it is
a great experience especially on a hot day when the breeze is very welcome.
Once in the Park get some maps which will include the times of today’s shows
and parades. If you have time a ride on Disney’s Railroad is a great way to get
yourself acquainted with the Park. The station is by the main entrance.
There are thrill rides for the adventurous and wonderful magic rides and
experiences for the young (or young at heart!) For the youngsters, we
thoroughly recommend Mickey’s Toon Town. Here you can meet Mickey, visit
Minnie’s house and see many characters at the Hall of Fame.
Watch carefully and you will see characters appear for a few minutes for
pictures and autographs all over the park, but again consult your timetable for
character appearances. You can buy autograph books at Disney or in the
supermarkets – always have your page ready and a large pen for the characters to
be able to grip easily – the pens sold at Disney for around $3 are ideal and a
great talking point when you get home. It’s too hot generally for the
characters to stay out for more than around 20 minutes but they will pose for
photos with you and sign the all important autograph book. When the guide says
that the character “will be back in five” – this is true so wait around if they
say this.
Fantasyland has lovely rides for the smaller children, including Winnie the
Pooh which is nice and gentle. Dumbo is also great for young ones as is Small
World a little cruise around the world. However at time of writing this review
Small World is closed for refurbishment and should re- open late 2004. Don’t
miss Mickey’s Philharmagic a new show that is great for young and old. Snow
White can be a little scary for the very young.
Space Mountain is a thrill ride for big kids and adults, our ten year old
loved this ride.
The following rides have Fastpass options, take advantage of these in busy
periods:
- Splash Mountain
- Space Mountain
- Jungle Cruise
- The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
- Buzz Lightyear
- The Haunted Mansion
- Peter Pan
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
- Mickey’s Philharmagic
The afternoon parade is a must (usually about 3pm) - all the Disney
characters are on the most magical floats and you will get to see all your
favourites, not to mention that amazing “Disney” music. There is an electric
parade on some nights which is enchanting and the new firework show Wishes is
supposed to be fantastic, we haven’t seem it yet but intend to on our next
visit. The times are subject to change during low season so again make sure you
pick up the leaflets with times etc. Even with the parades, get your spot
early, people start sitting in appropriate spots at least an one hour before -
we tend to wait around ½ hour. Children at the front, obviously get a great
view and if they wave excitedly the characters often come over to shake their
hands and on occasions they get asked to join in the Parade. Try and be near
the exit as tens of thousands of people all leave after the last
parade/fireworks. Although Disney seem to clear crowds like no other place in
the world, the quicker you leave the better chance of missing the heavy traffic
also.
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