Visiting Magic Kingdom: Everything You Need to Know

When you think of Disney World, chances are you immediately think of Magic Kingdom. The original park that opened as part of Walt Disney World Resort has been welcoming guests since 1971. With iconic spots like Cinderella Castle and a nostalgic Magic Kingdom ride like Peter Pan’s Flight or Pirates of the Caribbean, the possibilities are endless for what you can do in a day. We’re sharing your guide to Magic Kingdom restaurants, rides, entertainment, and more you need to know to plan a visit.¹

The pricing for Magic Kingdom tickets varies. You can purchase a single-day ticket or a multi-day ticket, with prices ranging from $109 to $189 for a single-day ticket depending on what day you plan to visit.²

When you visit Magic Kingdom or any Disney World park, you must make a Park Pass reservation in advance. A Park Pass reservation can be made online once you have a valid park, stating your intention to visit that park for the day.³

Magic Kingdom hours vary based on day and time of year, but typically the park will be open from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. This can change if a specialty ticketed event closes the park early to visitors, such as Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, so you will want to check the hours for the park before visiting.⁴

If you are staying on property at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel, you can take advantage of Early Theme Park Entry, which gives early access to the park 30 minutes before its official opening. Additionally, if you stay at a Deluxe Resort hotel, you can access Extended Evening Hours. Extended Evening Hours happen on select nights at select parks, giving guests of Deluxe hotels two additional hours in a park after it closes to everyone else. Make sure to know the hours ahead of time!^5,6

Magic Kingdom Rides and Attractions

Magic Kingdom is divided into themed lands with unique atmospheres and attractions. These lands and Magic Kingdom rides are:

Main Street, U.S.A.

Inspired by small-town America, Main Street, U.S.A., serves as the entrance to Magic Kingdom and is home to shops, restaurants, and the iconic Cinderella Castle. This is where you take in special entertainment, such as the Festival of Fantasy parade and the Happily Ever After fireworks at night.

You can also take a ride around the park on the iconic Walt Disney World Railroad train, with stops at various stations around Magic Kingdom.

Adventureland

Embark on thrilling adventures through exotic locales, such as the jungles of Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean. The rides here include:⁷

• Pirates of the Caribbean: A Magic Kingdom boat ride taking you through the world of pirates.
• Jungle Cruise: A pun-filled boat ride into the jungle with a wise-cracking skipper.
• Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse: A treehouse themed to the movie The Swiss Family Robinson.
• The Magic Carpets of Aladdin: An aerial carousel Magic Kingdom ride similar to the iconic Dumbo but themed to the 1992 movie Aladdin.
• Enchanted Tiki Room: A theater-in-the-round show featuring 225 choreographed audio-animatronics in a classic performance.

Frontierland

Step into the Wild West, with attractions set in the American Old West featuring cowboys, pioneers, and riverboats.⁷

• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: Take the wildest ride in the wilderness with this high-speed ride into an abandoned mine shaft.
• Country Bear Jamboree: Step inside Grizzly Hall for a show-stopping performance by 18 audio-animatronic hillbilly bears!
• Tom Sawyer Island: Take a raft to Tom Sawyer Island, where you can explore mills, suspension bridges, and even a frontier fort.
• Tiana’s Bayou Adventure (opening in late 2024): Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is the new Princess and the Frog-themed log flume replacing Splash Mountain, with an expected opening in late 2024.
• Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade: Shoot at moving and stationary targets using projectile-free infrared technology.

Experience Colonial America in this land inspired by the Revolutionary War era, complete with historical exhibits and attractions.⁷

• Hall of Presidents: This theater show features audio-animatronics of all U.S. presidents.
• Liberty Square Riverboat: Take a ride around the river on the 17-minute trip in the Liberty Belle.

Fantasyland

Enter a realm of fairy tales and enchantment where the stories of beloved Disney characters come to life.⁷

• Enchanted Tales with Belle: A live interactive retelling of Beauty and the Beast.
• Haunted Mansion: A spooky and humorous dark ride through a haunted house.
• “It’s a Small World”: A classic boat ride that takes visitors through various countries and cultures.
• Mad Tea Party: A spinning teacup ride themed to Alice and Wonderland.
• The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh: A dark ride themed to the adventure of Winnie the Pooh.
• Mickey’s PhilharMagic: A 3D musical show featuring Disney characters and classic songs.
• Peter Pan’s Flight: A dark Magic Kingdom ride taking you through the story of Peter Pan.
• Prince Charming Regal Carrousel: A classic carousel featuring Disney characters.
• Seven Dwarfs Mine Train: A family-friendly coaster taking you on a train ride through the story of Snow White.
• Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid: A dark ride taking you through the story of The Little Mermaid.
• The Barnstormer: A mild roller coaster designed for younger visitors that mimics a biplane ride through the countryside.
• Dumbo the Flying Elephant: A classic aerial carousel Magic Kingdom ride where visitors board Dumbo-themed elephants and soar around a central circus tent.

Tomorrowland

Explore the future and the wonders of outer space in this futuristic land, showcasing innovation and technology.⁷

• Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin: A shooting game ride that takes visitors on a mission to defeat Zurg.
• Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor: An interactive comedy show featuring characters from Monsters, Inc.
• Space Mountain: An indoor roller coaster that simulates a space voyage through darkness and stars.
• Tomorrowland Speedway: A car ride that allows visitors to drive their own gas-powered car on a track.
• TRON / Lightcycle Run: A high-speed, futuristic roller coaster where riders ride on light cycles inspired by the movie TRON.
• Carousel of Progress: A revolving theater that takes visitors through technological advancements and how they impact everyday life.

Magic Kingdom offers a wide range of dining options, including quick-service and table-service restaurants:^8,9

• Aloha Isle (located in Adventureland): A spot serving the iconic DOLE Whip.
• Casey’s Corner (located on Main Street, U.S.A.): A quick-service restaurant specializing in hot dogs and fries.
• Columbia Harbour House (located in Liberty Square): A seafood restaurant serving dishes like clam chowder and fish and chips.
• Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café (located in Tomorrowland): A quick-service restaurant offering burgers, sandwiches, and salads.
• The Friar’s Nook (located in Fantasyland): A snack kiosk serving unique macaroni and cheese dishes.
• The Lunching Pad (located in Tomorrowland): A quick-service restaurant serving hot dogs and other snacks.
• Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Café (located in Frontierland): A Western-themed restaurant serving Tex-Mex dishes.
• Pinocchio Village Haus (located in Fantasyland): A Pinocchio-themed restaurant serving pizza, pasta, and salads with a view into “it’s a small world.”
• Sleepy Hollow (located in Liberty Square): A snack kiosk serving sweet and savory waffle sandwiches.
• Tomorrowland Terrace (located in Tomorrowland): A quick-service restaurant serving American cuisine.

• Be Our Guest Restaurant (located in Fantasyland): A table-service restaurant located inside Beast’s castle, serving French-inspired cuisine.
• Cinderella’s Royal Table (located in Fantasyland): A character dining experience located inside Cinderella’s castle, serving American-style cuisine where you can meet Disney princesses.
• The Crystal Palace (located on Main Street, U.S.A.): A character dining experience serving buffet-style American cuisine in a Victorian setting where you can meet Winnie the Pooh and friends.
• The Diamond Horseshoe (located in Frontierland): A Western-themed restaurant serving family-style barbecue dishes.
• Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen (in Adventureland): An Adventureland restaurant inspired by the Jungle Cruise attraction, serving Asian, African, and South American-inspired dishes.
• Liberty Tree Tavern (in Liberty Square): A Colonial-themed restaurant serving American-style comfort food.
• The Plaza Restaurant (located on Main Street, U.S.A.): A table-service restaurant serving classic American dishes.
• Tony’s Town Square Restaurant (located on Main Street, U.S.A.): A restaurant inspired by Lady and the Tramp, serving Italian American cuisine.

Magic Kingdom offers a variety of entertainment options throughout the day, including stage shows, character meet-and-greets, and lively parades. Times may vary daily, so check the Disney World website or the My Disney Experience app for the latest showtimes. Some of the most popular entertainment offerings include:¹⁰

• Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire: A lively stage show featuring Mickey Mouse and friends, as well as characters from popular Disney films such as Frozen, Tangled, and The Princess and the Frog.
• Festival of Fantasy Parade: A vibrant and energetic afternoon parade showcasing a dazzling array of Disney characters, floats, and performers.
• Character Meet-and-Greets: Guests can meet their favorite Disney characters, such as Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and the Disney princesses, at various locations throughout the park.
• The Dapper Dans: Enjoy a barbershop quartet performance on Main Street, U.S.A., as the Dapper Dans serenade guests with classic tunes and Disney favorites.
• Happily Ever After Fireworks: A spectacular fireworks display featuring fireworks and state-of-the-art projections on Cinderella Castle accompanied by a soundtrack with Disney favorites. Grab a prime viewing spot in the Cinderella Castle hub or along Main Street, U.S.A. You can also get an enhanced viewing experience by booking a Fireworks Dessert Party, which provides reserved seating plus desserts.

Wondering how to get to Magic Kingdom? You have options, depending on where you come from! If you drive into Magic Kingdom, you park at the Transportation and Ticket Center, where you can take the monorail or ferry to Magic Kingdom. Here are your options for transportation:¹¹

The iconic Walt Disney World Monorail System provides transportation to Magic Kingdom from the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC), Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. The EPCOT Monorail also connects to the TTC, allowing guests to transfer to the Magic Kingdom Monorail.

From the TTC, guests can take a boat ride across the Seven Seas Lagoon to Magic Kingdom.

Complimentary Disney World bus transportation is available from all Disney Resort hotels to Magic Kingdom. Buses typically run every 20 minutes, starting approximately 45 minutes before the park opens and continuing until one hour after the park closes.

Guests staying at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and Disney’s Wilderness Lodge can take advantage of the complimentary water taxi service to Magic Kingdom.

For a fee, guests can use the Minnie Van Service, a Disney-operated rideshare option, to travel to Magic Kingdom from their Disney Resort hotel. This service, available through the Lyft app, offers a fun and convenient way to travel in a Disney-themed vehicle.

There is so much you can do in Magic Kingdom; it can be hard to accomplish everything in just one day! Make sure to do your research before heading to the park so you can make sure to get the most out of your time at the Most Magical Place on Earth.

Sources

1. https://www.frommers.com/

2. https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/1-1358

3. https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/236

4. https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/7895

5. https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/56

6. https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/63mm

7. https://cdn1.parksmedia.wdprapps.disney.com/pdf

8. https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/5269

9. https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/145

10. https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/4589

11. https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/5369