No Walt Disney World vacation is complete without spending tons of time enjoying all that the Magic Kingdom has to offer. The Disney Park opened with Walt Disney World on October 1, 1971, and has been welcoming Guests into its lands ever since. With attractions, dining, entertainment, shopping, and much more to enjoy, there is no shortage of memorable experiences to be had in the Magic Kingdom. While every experience is wonderful, some are simply so classic or popular that they have become known as the must-dos and can’t be missed. Let’s check out the top experiences found in the Magic Kingdom!
Haunted Mansion
Kicking off the list of top experiences in the Magic Kingdom is the beloved Haunted Mansion in Liberty Square. This iconic attraction welcomes Guests into a stately mansion where nine hundred and ninety-nine ghosts reside causing all sorts of eerie and mysterious moments. Narrated by the Ghost Host, the Haunted Mansion has Guests board Doom Buggies and set off on a tour through classic scenes featuring characters like Madame Leota and the Hitchhiking Ghosts and the song “Grim Grinning Ghosts.”
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Pirates of the Caribbean
Over in Adventureland is Pirates of the Caribbean, an attraction that brings Guests on an unforgettable journey on the high seas. After floating through ominous caves, Guests find themselves in the middle of the action in a seaside town being ransacked by pirates. With classic scenes featuring Redd the pirate and other memorable faces and the jaunty song “Yo Ho (A Pirate’s Life for Me),” Pirates of the Caribbean is a classic that cannot be missed.
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“it’s a small world”
Another classic attraction that cannot be skipped in the Magic Kingdom is “it’s a small world” in Fantasyland. This whimsical attraction originally opened at the 1964 New York World’s Fair and brings Guests on the happiest cruise that ever sailed around the world. Each scene is filled with the beloved dolls that are dressed in beautiful costumes belting out the Sherman Brothers song of the same title. Love it or hate it, “it’s a small world” is a classic that must be enjoyed.
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Peter Pan’s Flight
Just across from “it’s a small world” is Peter Pan’s Flight, a very popular attraction that brings the story of Peter and the Darling children to life. After boarding pirate ships, Guests take to the skies of London and Neverland to experience the classic story firsthand. With memorable characters and whimsy that truly feels like pixie dust, Peter Pan’s Flight is a quintessential Magic Kingdom experience.
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Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
Guests who are looking for a thrill in Fantasyland cannot miss out on a ride on the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. This innovative attraction brings Guests into the mines where the Dwarfs work on carts that sway from side to side as they rocket around the track. With sing-along moments, thrilling twists and turns, and a surprise at the end, the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is a must do.
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Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
One of the newest attractions in the Magic Kingdom has quickly become one that cannot be missed. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in Frontierland has Guests board logs and set off to the bayou to help find musicians for Tiana’s big party. With some magical moments from Mama Odie, a thrilling drop, and catchy music, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is an experience that Guests can’t miss out on in the Magic Kingdom.
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Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Right next to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is another thrilling attraction that is a must do. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is the wildest ride in the wilderness which brings Guests whipping through caves and mines and all around the mountain on a runaway train. As Guests rocket through the town of Tumbleweed there are plenty of sights and silly moments to enjoy on this wild adventure.
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Space Mountain
The final mountain that cannot be missed in the Magic Kingdom can be found over in Tomorrowland. Space Mountain brings Guests to Starport Seven-Five, an intergalactic travel hub where they can board a rocket and blast off into the darkness of space. With near total darkness, sudden drops, twists and turns, and the thrill of space travel, Space Mountain is a truly classic experience in the Disney Park!
TRON Lightcycle / Run
Also found in Tomorrowland is TRON Lightcycle / Run, an innovative and thrilling attraction that brings Guests into the grid to complete in their own firsthand adventure. The unique ride vehicles have Guests straddle Lightcycles like bicycles and launch into a large outdoor loop followed by a digital landscape where other competitors are racing to get first place. TRON Lightcycle / Run is the most thrilling attraction in the Magic Kingdom and should not be missed!
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
A classic attraction that many Guests must ride on each visit to the Magic Kingdom can be found in Storybook Circus. Dumbo the Flying Elephant invites Guests to soar high above the circus with the beloved elephant, offering up beautiful views of the area and the chance to kick back and relax. It’s a great attraction for all ages, and many Guests love to bring their children on it during a first visit to the Disney Park.
Cinderella’s Royal Table
The Magic Kingdom is home to several table service dining options, but one that must be enjoyed is Cinderella’s Royal Table. Located inside Cinderella Castle, the restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and features a dramatic dining room with vaulted stone ceilings and arches, royal flags, plush details, and stained-glass windows looking out into Fantasyland. Every meal at Cinderella’s Royal Table is sure to make Guests feel like royalty and they might even catch a few glimpses of Disney Princesses while they dine!
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Happily Ever After
No visit to the Magic Kingdom is complete without enjoying the nightly showing of Happily Ever After. This magical presentation combines favorite Disney music with fireworks, projections, and special effects to share the magic of a happily ever after. While the fireworks can be viewed from all over the Magic Kingdom, the best spot to watch from is Main Street, U.S.A. where there is a full view of the show on Cinderella Castle and the surrounding buildings.
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