Magic Kingdom: What’s Worth It?
Being a Disney cast member, I have taken it upon myself to gain a lot of product knowledge. Actually, that’s just an excuse to indulge a little when I’m at the parks. If you haven’t heard, Walt Disney World is a remarkable place. It’s full of magic, and imagination, and creativity, and it’s a little addicting. While every park has something special, I’m constantly blown away by Magic Kingdom. This is the first park I walked into as an adult, and I cried. Yes, right there on Main Street U.S.A., I was so overcome with magic that I couldn’t help myself. Because of that moment, that park has become my favorite.
Epcot may transport you around the world, Hollywood Studios may make you feel like one of Andy’s toys, and Animal Kingdom may allow you to fly on a Banshee. However, no place will make you feel more at home, or like a child than Magic Kingdom. Don’t believe me? Go catch your first glimpse of Cinderella’s Castle and tell me you didn’t get emotional.
So, during my extensive search of Disney’s finest, I decided to break down my MUST HAVES AND DO’S from each park. It’s only fitting that we start this journey with my favorite. To me, these products and experiences are completely worth the money and the wait.
Dole Whip
For those of you who have not yet heard of these enchanted creations, let me enlighten you. Dole Whip’s are fruit flavored soft serve, and you can get floats, or on top of sponge cakes. For the longest time, you could only find these treasures in Adventureland, but more locations are popping up. In Magic Kingdom, however, you can find pineapple Dole Whip’s at Aloha Isle. My personal favorite is the float (pineapple soft serve, floating in pineapple juice. It’s only $5.50!)
All American Sundae
There are 2 people in this world: the kind that are thinking “more ice cream?,” and the kind that are thinking “MORE ICE CREAM!” For the former, let me tell you a secret: Disney calories don’t count. On Main Street U.S.A. you will find a cute little place called Plaza Ice Cream Parlor. The line will most likely be out the door, but the All American Sundae is worth every minute spent in line and every penny. Chocolate and vanilla ice cream, covered in hot fudge, peanut butter, and whipped cream. You’re welcome.
The Mountains
I know that everyone might not have the luxury of spending a full day at Magic Kingdom. However, if you can manage to get Fastpasses for the mountain rides, or have the time to wait, do it. You will not be disappointed. In my opinion, these are some of the best rides at WDW. There are three mountains at MK: Splash, Big Thunder, and Space. I love them all, but Space Mountain will always be my favorite ride. You will get wet on Splash Mountain, but in the Florida heat and humidity you’ll dry in 20 minutes. The wait times are usually pretty long, but the queue lines are interactive, and with the right Disney Buddy the wait won’t feel long at all. (Maybe grab a Dole Whip to eat while you wait?)
*Pro Tip: As a 22 year old, the Seven Dwarves Mine Train is super cute, but I personally don’t think it’s worth the wait. The ride is noticeably shorter than the mountain rides, and focused more towards little kids. Spend your time waiting for Space Mountain instead.*
Happily Ever After
At this point we’ve already established that I’m a magical freak who cries at everything that has to do with Disney. Ask my boyfriend how many Disney movies I cry during. (All of them.) If I could only see or do one thing at Disney for the rest of my life, it would be watching the Happily Ever After fireworks show. I’m really not going to go into detail with this because there aren’t enough magical words to describe this show. All I’m going to say is this: standing further back gets you a better view. Have a tissue handy if you’re an emotional wreck like me. Pictures are great, but memories are better.
There isn’t a single experience at Magic Kingdom that will disappoint you. These are just my personal favorites, with a couple helpful hints thrown in. What are your favorite foods, rides, and experiences at Magic Kingdom? Let me know in the comments below!
