We heavily discussed the possibility of Magic Kingdom being beaten out by one of the other parks and whether that would be realistic based on our experience. And as you can see by our ranking, the answer to that hypothetical we asked ourselves was, no. It’s simply too good. Magic Kingdom is the park most people picture when they envision their Disney trip, and while the other three parks truly do offer a unique and special experience, Magic Kingdom just fully encapsulates the magic feeling you get from a trip to Disney World.
We have been to Magic Kingdom over the last two years a total of four times, and we will be visiting at least twice more next year. We have discussed doing a resort only trip to Disney (staying on property for a week but not doing any of the parks) and in reality, we have a hard time convincing ourselves that we won’t do Magic Kingdom at least one time during that trip (so our two visits next year could easily become three.) That is the kind of appeal Magic Kingdom offers; it’s just different. Yes, there is the castle, the fireworks, Main Street U.S.A., and the different lands, but there is also so much beyond all of that as well that makes this park both so appealing, and also so easy to return to again and again. It truly has something for everyone, and it is impossible to do everything in just one day. In fact, I have been a total of six times in my life to Magic Kingdom, and there are countless things I have yet to experience. That is one of the many reasons Magic Kingdom is considered the most popular theme park in the world, and for those many reasons and more, Magic Kingdom was really an easy choice to rank #1.
Right when you enter the park, you feel that Disney Magic. You enter on Main Street, U.S.A., and are greeted by incredible smells, sights, and sounds. The aroma of vanilla and fresh popcorn, the euphony of the Dapper Dans and the steam train, and the memorable visuals of the guests filled with joy around you. The castle stands before you, drawing you into the enchanted canvas of your day. There is an aspect for almost everyone who visits Disney of walking into Magic Kingdom and getting that special feeling: you’ve arrived. This is what you planned the trip for; this moment. And let us tell you something – it can be a whirlwind. It can be a beast, and it can be hard to wrap your arms around it and contain it. It can get the best of you, if you let it. Just as much as Magic Kingdom can make you feel like you have stepped into a fantasy novel, it can also have you leaving feeling like you just ran a marathon. For that reason, not only will we use this ranking to review the park, but also to give our best advice on how to make every moment magical, and how to leave with a heartful of memories, rather than a mindful of the money you spent or how sore your feet are.
Magic Kingdom, similar to the other Disney parks, consists of several areas or “lands” that all have their own theme. There is Main Street, U.S.A., Liberty Square, Adventureland, Frontierland, Tomorrowland, and Fantasyland. Each section offers unique and fun experiences, and they combine to make up a park that is filled with a diverse selection of rides, shows, dining options, and more. Main Street, U.S.A. was designed to make you feel like you had stepped right into Walt’s childhood, and you are officially about to enjoy a show like none other. You’ll walk past the confectionary, the barber shop, the emporium, and many excited guests as you arrive at the heart of Magic Kingdom, and stand before a statue of Walt and Mickey, as well as Cinderella Castle. From there, the world – or Kingdom – is your oyster, and you can choose which direction to head to explore the park. Heading left will take you towards Adventureland, Frontierland, and Liberty Square. Adventureland is themed (as its name hints) for adventures, and there are plenty to be had here. Whether a trek through the jungle on a riverboat, or a voyage through the Caribbean with some world-famous pirates, or taking a carpet ride that is quite magical, you’ll have plenty of rides, dining options, and entertainment to venture (see what I did there?)
Frontierland will take you to the wild frontier, where you can be serenaded by the Country Bears, or splash down the bayou with Tiana and Naveen, or find gold and treasures on a thunderous mountain. Liberty Square is home to the famous Hall of Presidents, but it also offers frightful fun in a spooky, and some may even say, haunted, mansion.
If you decide to turn right instead, your feet will fly you to the future as you step into Tomorrowland, a land of, well, tomorrow. You can laugh along with the monsters of Monsters Inc. or see the park like never before on Astro Orbiter. You can learn about Walt’s vision for the future on the Carousel of Progress or the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover (a personal favorite.) If you’re looking for a thrill, you can speed down Space Mountain or race through TRON Lightcycle / Run. For dining, you’ll find an array of cosmic bites, and at night, you’ll see this area in all its glory, lit up against the backdrop of a Florida night sky.
Finally, if you decide to proceed straight from Main Street, you can actually walk beneath the Castle and come out in Fantasyland, the crown jewel of the Magic Kingdom. This is normally the busiest area in the park – and with good reason – it’s the picture image of what many imagine when dreaming of their trip. Here you’ll find iconic rides like the Seven Dwarves Mine Train, “it’s a small world” and Peter Pan’s Flight. You’ll have the opportunity to meet Cinderella and other iconic princesses. You can visit Storybook Circus to find a great area for kids, with a splash pad play area, the Barnstormer kids’ coaster, or Dumbo the Flying Elephant. Or you can try the grey stuff at Gaston’s Tavern, dine inside Cinderella’s or the Beast’s castle, and enjoy plenty of other delicious and fantasy themed items throughout the land.
With so much to do, Magic Kingdom is virtually impossible to cover in one day (let alone two, or three for that matter,) and that is why it is so easy to desire a return trip. We didn’t even get into the parades, many entertainment options, or fireworks shows, which are some of the highlights of the park – or the entire trip (looking at you, Happily Ever After.) When we say there is something for everyone to experience at Magic Kingdom, we mean, there is something for everyone to experience at Magic Kingdom
In truth, we could go on and on regarding what makes this park so special, why we had to rank it as our top pick, and why you should plan to visit again and again if possible. But to put it plainly, the answer is in the name: Magic Kingdom is where the magic of Disney truly thrives, and it is the pinnacle of any Disney trip.
So, if you’re considering a visit anytime soon, we’d love to hear it! Let us know your tips, tricks, and experiences that made you say “wow” – and maybe we can share a few of our own in response. Be sure to continue following our pages for more content as we document our Chase of happily ever after!
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