An Enchanting Experience at Disney’s Magic Kingdom

No visit to Walt Disney Resort is complete without spending considerable time at the Magic Kingdom. It is the first park constructed at the resort and it first opened its doors on October 1971. Considered as the most visited theme park in the world, Magic Kingdom had an estimated 17 million visitors in 2008 alone. The park’s Cinderella Castle, which towers over the entire kingdom, has long been the familiar icon associated with anything related to Disney.

Despite the appearance of new and bigger parks inside and outside Walt Disney Resort, Magic Kingdom still remains as one of the most popular parks in the world. Stepping inside Magic Kingdom is like entering the pages of a storybook.

The Magic Kingdom is divided into seven "lands." These are Adventureland, Liberty Square, Frontierland, Fantasyland, Tomorrowland and Mickey’s Toontown Fair. Each has has its own theme and its own set of attractions. These attractions cater to all types of age bracket, so everyone can find something that they will enjoy inside the park.

At the center of it all is Main Street U.S.A, which captures authentic, turn-of-the-century feel. You will reach Main Street as you enter Magic Kingdom riding the train from Walt Disney World Railroad. Make sure to check out the various shops and restaurants in the area. Have fun shopping at Town Square Exposition Hall and Engine Co. 71 Gift Shop and have your hair trimmed at Harmony Barber Shop. To satisfy your hungry stomach, restaurants such as The Plaza Pavillion, Crystal Palace, Casey’s Corner, Tony’s Town Square Restaurant and Main Street Confectionary are always at your service.

Adventureland is half-tropical island and half-jungle, with an oasis within. One enters the park through a wooden planked bridge, which is surrounded with lush landscaping. Attractions include the Jungle Cruise, which tours you through four “continents” with audio-animatronics, and Pirates of the Caribbean, a ride based on the popular movie. Shopping is also great here at Adventureland. The park has some of the best shops in the entire Magic Kingdom, which include lots of popular clothing brands. Of course, items with the Pirates theme are in abundance here.

Compared to other attractions in Magic Kingdom, Liberty Square is more low key and subdued. The park has a colonial era theme, with brick-covered buildings and a replica of the Liberty Bell. Attractions include the Haunted Mansion, considered as one of Disney’s best. First opened in 1971, Haunted Mansion takes you on an eight-minute tour of the premises. The Haunted Mansion is not terrifying at all to adults but it might be too much for some little kids.

Another attraction here at Liberty Square is the Liberty Belle, a real replica of an old riverboat and takes guests on a scenic tour of its wild west-like surroundings. Known as the most relaxing attraction in the kingdom, Liberty Belle is perfect for those who want a respite from the overwhelming crowds around Disney.

Frontierland captures the feel of the old west, complete with century trees, people clad in denim and gingham and banjo music. Those with hearty appetites will surely enjoy the hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken and salads served at Pecos Bill Café and other restaurants inside the park. Attractions include the ever popular Splash Mountain, which takes you on a log ride with a 52-foot plunge, and Tom Sawyer Island, a walk-through attraction where one can relax under huge trees and walk on barrel bridges.

You should also try the Country Bear Jamboree, which features 20 audio-animatronic bears, with lots of singing and corny humor. Another must-try is Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, a landscaped attraction set on the gold rush days. It has a roller coaster that features 20 audio-animatronic figures, which include chickens, donkeys and possums. The park is decorated with antique mining equipment and you will even smell the distinct smell of sulfur as the coaster passes the pools.

Fantasyland is home to Cinderella’s Castle, the most photographed building in the entire Disney empire. It serves as the main entrance to the park and has gone through many makeovers. The castle, which is 180-feet tall, now sports ornate gold trims which makes it look more regal and imposing than ever.

Attractions include Dumbo the Flying Elephant, where guests can ride elephant-shaped gondolas and soar over the Magic Kingdom; Peter Pan’s Flight, a pirate ship that flies over Captain Hook and Peter Pan, and Ariel’s Grotto, the home of The Little Mermaid.

Those who never get tired of the tale of Snow White and the ways of the evil stepmother should check out Snow White’s Scary Adventures. The ride goes through the dark woods, which can be very scary for little kids. Watch how the evil stepmother transforms into the Wicked Witch. Of course, the prince saves the day at the end of the ride.

Tomorrowland presents an imaginative depiction of future as imagined by science fiction writers from the 1920s and 1930s. Attractions include Space Mountain, one of the all-time popular rides in the park. It is not as fast as the newer roller coasters in the park but what makes Space Mountain fun is the theme. It takes you up into a space environment, complete with stars.

You should also try Astro Orbiter, which takes you high up in the air and travels at 11 rotations per minute. If mini sports cars are your thing, then head over to Tomorrowland Speedway, where the need for speed is satisfied by little, gas-powered cars.

This is the original Mickey’s Starland, which was renovated and given a fresher, cartoon-inspired look. Obviously, the land is everything about Mickey Mouse. It houses the residences of Mickey and Minnie Mouse. Other attractions include Donald’s Boat, which has an interactive play area and a water-spurting padded floor.

Goofy’s Barnstormer, a small roller coaster for kids, has a tame speed and holds small cars.

Of course, a day at Mickey’s Toontown Fair would not be complete without shopping for souvenirs, which you can get from County Bounty and Farmer’s Market.