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Magic KingdomWelcome to the Magic. This is the most popular of the Florida Disney parks and with good reason -- there are more actual rides in the Magic Kingdom than the other three parks combined and no other property comes as close to bringing Disney's animated characters to life. Because of Extra Magic Hour try to avoid visiting the park on Thursdays and Sundays, as guests staying at any of the Disney resorts will have access to the park an hour earlier than the other park guests. Saturdays are also typically busy days as locals flock to the park over the weekend. If you are staying at a Disney-owned resort hotel, bus transportation service will take you to the very entrance of the park.
Check the operating hours at Disney's website, though the park usually opens at 9am. If you're driving in it will take you roughly 30-45 minutes to get to the Magic Kingdom between parking, hopping on a tram to the Ticket and Transportation Center, buying tickets (if you don't have them already) and taking your choice of either monorail or ferry boat to take you to the main gate turnstiles. For now, let's go through the park, land by land. Click on any ride or attraction to find out more about it, including tips, height requirements and more. Main Street USA Overview - There once was a time when Main Street was rich with attractions. You had The Walt Disney Story, which chronicled the life of Walter Elias Disney. To relive some old-time Americana you could have strolled into Main Street Cinema and Penny Arcade, where some diversions actually cost a whole cent. The commercialization of Disney has done away with all three nostalgic attractions and with the exception of the occasional omnibus, jitney, fire engine or horse-drawn carriage to shuttle people from the park entrance to Cinderella's Castle, there is really nothing here but a sea of stores and a few snack spots. All hope is not lost of course. The building facades are done in early picturesque 1900's decor. The Bake Shop pumps out the smell of chocolate heaven. If you look at the second story windows they note some of the historical players in the early days of the Walt Disney Company. You will find Walt's name at the very end of Main Street, his name facing the Castle. At the very entrance of Main Street, beyond being the perfect place to grab some popcorn, you will find locker, stroller and wheelchair rentals. While the stores may appear empty early and busy late doing some early shopping is not always the most prudent course of action. While Disney resort guests can have purchases sent to their hotels, everybody else has the unsavory task of having to lug around trinkets or forking over funds to rent a locker. Last pointer on Main Street, beware of the parades! Check the schedule as you come in. There can be as many as three day and night parades and not only are there less crowded viewing locations down Liberty Square and Frontierland -- you will also want to avoid having to get through during the parade. That's why the Walt Disney World Railroad may be a great idea to get around the park if the Main Street crowds run thick. Tomorrowland Overview - Once an ironically retro look at the future, the recently updated Tomorrowland finally looks high-tech -- and absolutely stunning at night. You have quite a few popular park rides here as well as some attractions with minimal waits.
Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin Mickey's Toontown Fair Overview - This colorful diversion, tucked away between Tomorrowland and Fantasyland, offers walk-through attractions like Mickey and Minnie's house, a park, even Donald Duck's boat. It is here where you will be able to take a picture with Mickey Mouse too. The lines are longest in the early afternoon for that so come early in the morning or late at night.
Fantasyland Overview - Just beyond Cinderella's Castle lies the place where Disney's animated classics come to life. While others may flock to the thrill parks at the opposite ends of the park this is best spot -- dead center of the park -- to hit if you have young kids to appease. That's when the lines will at their shortest. Liberty Square Overview - Welcome to colonial times as brick roads line this cozy area of the park. If you want a shady outdoor spot you can't beat the seating areas off to the side between Liberty Square and the Main Street entry.
Frontierland Overview - It's the wild, wild West as saloons, turkey leg carts and woodsy porches invite visitors to enjoy a shooting gallery, a Goofy show and quaint shops.
Adventureland Overview - It's tropical paradise as steel drums play, tiki drums beat and foliage and Spanish architecture wrap around you.
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