When you think of Walt Disney World, you're probably going to think of that iconic pink castle. It's quite something and can, obviously, be found at the
Magic Kingdom. With a name like that, you know you're in for a fun time!
The Magic Kingdom celebrated its 45th birthday this month, and it still has an old world feel to it - there are no intense roller coasters here or fancy simulator rides. Space Mountain doesn't even go upside down(!), unlike its counterpart in
Discoveryland at Disneyland Paris. It's all about gentle fun.
There's no Discoveryland, by the way - it's called Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom, and it's where the aforementioned Space Mountain is. See how you fare on Tomorrowland Speedway - I was dreadful behind the wheel(!) - and if you want to have a song stuck in your head, go on Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress. Even today the song from it randomly pops into my head. (Thanks for that, Sherman Brothers!)
At the Magic Kingdom, Cinderella's Castle sits at the foot of Main Street. Isn't it something? (Even when there's a massive crane up next to it because they were doing something.) There's also the addition of Liberty Square. We spent a lot of time here queuing here to meet Jack and Sally at
Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party, but we never got round to visiting The Hall of Presidents. There will hopefully be a female president there the next time we head to Walt Disney World.
One thing I *couldn't* miss was The Festival of Fantasy Parade, which stars everyone's favourite classic Disney characters. I'm sad that we never got to see the Main Street Electrical Parade as I have fond memories of that parade, but look at who I did get to see at The Festival of Fantasy Parade. (Again, I barely took any photos, so this post is parade heavy!)
You might want to use a
FastPass+ selection on the mountain ride behind the characters, or head to it first thing to reduce your queuing time... if you don't mind getting wet immediately! That's because Splash Mountain is a log flume ride, and it takes you through the
Song of the South. I'm not sure I ever saw this, though I did recognise Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah!
Peter Pan's Flight and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train are two other excellent choices for FastPass+, as is Space Mountain. If you download the
My Disney Experience app, you can keep an eye on queue times and swap around your FastPass+ choices - maximise your ride time! Oh, and remember to connect to the free WiFi to use it.
As well as Pirates of the Caribbean in Adventureland, make sure you go on Jungle Cruise. OK, it's kind of cheesy with the skipper's commentary (I won't spoil it), but it's cheesy in such a delightful way that it should, hopefully, amuse you. It did me, anyway! (Maybe I'd be less amused if it wasn't my first, and only, time on it.)
Finally, how could I forget Fantasyland? It's where you'll find all those classic favourites - Dumbo the Flying Elephant, It's a Small World, Prince Charming Regal Carousel and Mad Tea Party - as well as Under the Sea, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh and Mickey's PhilharMagic Show. Mickey's PhilharMagic Show is super cute, so definitely don't miss that one!
For want of a better word, the Magic Kingdom truly is a *magical* place - whatever your age. If you're visiting, you're going to have a wonderful time, I promise! x
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