The Magic Kingdom

Today we are visiting the Magic Kingdom!  For those who don't know what the Magic Kingdom is, it is the main park at Disney World.  The Magic Kingdom is such a...well..Magical place.  From the moment you cross under the train depot and step onto Main Street, U.S.A, you are immersed into the Disney Magic.  If you go to the park right when it opens, you are greeted by a character filled welcome song, friendly cast members waving their huge Mickey's hands, and meet and greets with some of your favorite characters.  I think everyone has to stop and stare for just a moment when Cinderella's Castle first comes into view.  It is absolutely breathtaking, and even more so as you get closer.  I wish I had the time to explain to you all the Magic you will find on Main Street, but I don't have time to write 30 pages.

The Magic Kingdom is broken into seven different areas: Fantasyland, Tommorowland, Frontierland, Adventureland, Liberty Square, Mickey's Toon Town Fair (although this is closing), and Main Street, U.S.A.  My daughters' favorite section is Fantasyland.  My youngest is in love with It's a Small World.  She could sit on the slow boat ride all day if we let her.  Towards the end of our last vacation she would point at different dolls dancing in the ride and tell me which country they were from.  Fantasyland is also home of the very popular Dumbo ride.  This ride usually has a very long line, so we are glad they are adding a second Dumbo ride within the next few years.  And no child should leave Fantasyland without riding the Carousel, Peter Pan's Flight, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, the Mad Tea Party, or watching Mickey's PhilharMagic 3D Spectacular (even the parents love this show).  Fantasyland is currently under construction, but if you visit in a few years you will be able visit the new Little Mermaid ride, The Beast Castle, and the princesses.

Moving on to Tomorrowland, you will my husband's all time favorite ride,  Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin. This picture is not from the ride, but it had my girls in it and they are cuter! :)  The Buzz Lightyear is interactive.  Each rider has a lazer gun to shoot at the "Z's".  My husband went online to find the target that would give him the most points and he ended up maxing at the points at 999,999.  A little better than my 200,000, but who's counting (besides him:).  While you are in Tomorrowland, don't miss out on the Monster Inc. Laugh Floor.  This is an interactive comedy show hosted by Mike Wazowski.  Fun for the whole family!  You can even text in your own jokes that may use during the show.  Tomorrowland is also the home of the fast-flying Space Mountain and Astro Orbiter (for the younger astronauts).   And be on the lookout for a meet and greet with Buzz, Stitch, and a trashcan names PUSH.

While visiting the Magic Kingdom, you definitely do not want to miss out on Adventureland.  Adventureland has something for everyone.  You'll find pirates, flying carpets, a jungle cruise, and even spitting camels! Want to explore a little?  Take a leisurely stroll through the Swiss Family Robinson Tree House and discover how they survived out on their own.  Want to meet some characters?  Don't miss a chance to see Jasmine, Aladdin, Genie, Captain Hook, Smee, or Captain Jack Sparrow (and no, Johnny Depp will not be there).  And if you are ready for a cool snack, Adventureland is the home of the infamous Dole Whip!!!

The last major "land" in the park is Frontierland.  Frontierland has two of the three Magic Kingdom mountain rides.  This year my four-year is so excited to be allowed to ride Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain.  I'll have to let you know how it goes.  Frontierland is also the home of Woody and Jesse from Toy Story.  My girls were so excited to meet Woody last year.  They also enjoyed visiting Tom Sawyer's Island.  After a little boat ride, you arrive on a fun little island full of tunnels, obstacles, and many places to explore.  If you have little ones, make sure to hold on tight to them so they don't wander off into the dark caves alone.  After your adventure, why not stop in at the Country Bear's Jamboree for a snack and show.  How often do you get to see a band of bears perform?

Have you been to the Magic Kingdom?  What were your family's favorite attractions? Characters? Sights?  I obviously wrote this post before I left, but I will be reading your comments after the kids are in bed each night.  I look forward to hearing all your thoughts and opinions.  Grab a latte, put up your feet, and join the discussion!