My Favorite Things to Do at Magic Kingdom
👉 Jump to: Best Things to Do | Top Attractions | For Adults | For Little Kids | Hidden Gems
Of all the Walt Disney World theme parks, Magic Kingdom has the most attractions. In addition to all the rides, there are shows, character meet and greets, and more. There are so many things to do at Magic Kingdom that many guests choose to spend two days exploring the park.
I will admit that before I had my son, Magic Kingdom was my least favorite park. Since my family is going there more frequently at my preschooler’s request, I have a newfound love for it.
As an Orlando local and a Disney World Annual Passholder, this is my guide to the best things to do at the park!
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Best Things to Do at Magic Kingdom
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
A crowd favorite, “Mine Train,” is a thrilling swinging coaster.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Included with park admission
Riders step into the world of Snow White while journeying through the mine and scenes from her life with the dwarves. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train only reaches 34 miles per hour, but it feels much faster thanks to the rocking motion of the cars.
This ride typically has one of the longest wait times at Magic Kingdom. If you are staying at a Disney resort hotel, take advantage of the early entry period and head straight for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.
Meet Characters
From Mickey Mouse to the Disney princesses, character meet and greets can be found all over Magic Kingdom.
🌐 Website | Cost: Included with park admission
Character meet and greets can be found throughout the Magic Kingdom. If you are trying to meet as many characters as possible, start early in the morning. The wait times can get pretty long as the day goes on.
The characters are great at talking, taking photos, and signing autographs. Each interaction feels special for every guest.
Happily Ever After Fireworks
Stunning fireworks displays meet Disney characters and beloved songs in this nightly show.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Included with park admission
One of the best experiences in all of Walt Disney World is standing on Main Street USA and watching the fireworks shoot off behind Cinderella Castle. The Happily Ever After show includes beautiful music, Disney characters projected onto the castle, and, of course, exhilarating fireworks.
Main Street USA fills up early on busy days. Plan to get to your viewing spot 30-60 minutes before the show. If you’d like to avoid the heavy crowds, head to Fantasyland, where you can still see the fireworks unobstructed.
🛎️ Need a Hotel? Polynesian Village Resort, Grand Floridian Resort, and Contemporary Resort are connected to the Magic Kingdom by the monorail. All three hotels have fantastic views of the nightly fireworks.
Dole Whip
Dole Whip, another classic Disney snack, can be enjoyed in several different ways.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: $6-$8
You may notice a theme that Disney is known for their delicious snacks. One of the long-time favorite Magic Kingdom snacks is Dole Whip. The pineapple flavor is tasty and dairy-free.
Originally, Dole Whip could only be found in Adventureland in the Magic Kingdom. Now, you can find it all over Walt Disney World, and it comes in several flavors. I still recommend trying the original pineapple flavor.
Holiday Parties
Halloween and Christmas are best celebrated at the fully-decorated Magic Kingdom.
📍 Google Maps | Halloween & Christmas | Cost: $120-$250
Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party are after-hours special events during each holiday. During the Halloween party, guests can dress up in their best costumes and trick-or-treat throughout the park. The Christmas party includes hot cocoa and cookies.
Both parties offer special character meet-and-greets, fireworks displays, and shows.
Your holiday party ticket allows you to enter the park a couple of hours before the party starts. Therefore, I recommend not purchasing a park ticket for the day of the party and hanging out at your resort or Disney Springs instead. Check out my guide to attractions at Disney Springs for ideas on what to do.
If you plan on celebrating the holidays at Disney, make sure to check out my full Walt Disney World holiday guide!
Walt Disney World Railroad
This authentic steam engine takes guests on a loop around the Magic Kingdom.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Included with park admission
Another one of Walt Disney’s favorite attractions is the Walt Disney World Railroad. These authentic steam trains run on a track that circles the Magic Kingdom.
There are three train depots: Fantasyland, Frontierland, and Main Street USA. Guests can choose to get off at any of the stops or ride all the way around.
Author’s Note – Starting July 7, 2025, the Frontierland Station will be closed for the construction of the Frontierland expansion and Villains Land. The WDW Railroad will only operate between Main Street USA and Fantasyland.
Castle Stage Shows
Nothing beats watching Mickey, Minnie, and their friends as they sing and dance with the castle as a backdrop.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Included with park admission
In addition to a 5-minute show at the park opening, guests can enjoy Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire show throughout the day on the castle stage. Check the entertainment section on the My Disney Experience app for show times.
During special events and holidays, there may be additional shows available at the castle stage.
Custom Souvenir
Take home something unique and meaningful from your visit to the Magic Kingdom.
Cost: Varies by purchase
If you are looking to bring home a personalized souvenir from your time at Disney World, Magic Kingdom is the perfect park to do it at. There are several options for unique and special items to commemorate your trip:
- Hand-painted parasol
- Personalized Christmas ornament
- Embroidered Mickey ears
- Silhouette portrait
Top Attractions at Magic Kingdom
Haunted Mansion
Take a slow ride through the estate to meet all the ghostly residents.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Included with park admission
A little silly and a lot spooky, Haunted Mansion is one of Magic Kingdom’s favorite attractions. The slow-moving ride is safe for all ages, but some young kids find the characters and ambiance too scary.
If you ever see the wait time listed as an unlucky 13 minutes, this is just a magical way of saying that the ride is a walk-on.
TRON Lightcycle / Run
Hop on the back of a light cycle for this vibrant and speedy coaster.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Included with park admission
Instead of sitting down in a seat for this ride, TRON has you strap onto a motorcycle seat. This unique position makes the ride even more thrilling. The coaster takes riders both inside and outside.
TRON usually has a pretty long wait time. I recommend making a Lightning Lane reservation if this is a must-do for you.
Jungle Cruise
Known to be one of Walt Disney’s favorite attractions, the Jungle Cruise takes you around the world with a comical driver.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Included with park admission
This silly boat ride will leave you smiling and laughing. Jungle Cruise is one of the opening day attractions at Magic Kingdom. While it has undergone some changes and upgrades throughout the year, it is still the same great ride from 1971.
What makes the Jungle Cruise truly special are the skippers. These boat drivers know how to land all the jokes and puns.
The Mountains
Ride the mountains to take on some of Magic Kingdom’s best attractions.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Included with park admission
The original Disney mountains were Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and Space Mountain. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure replaced Splash Mountain in June 2024. The ride track is the same, so guests can still enjoy the big drop!
The mountains earned their prestige as some of the most thrilling classic rides at Walt Disney World. Even with new technology and additions to the park, the mountains remain some of the guest favorites.
While most people think of Magic Kingdom as mostly a kids-focused park, the mountains are one of the top Disney attractions adults will love, too.
Author’s Note – Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is currently closed for a large refurbishment and will reopen in 2026.
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
Challenge your friends to see who has the best aim to become a Galactic Hero.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Included with park admission
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is my favorite attraction at Magic Kingdom. This fun shooting ride allows guests to help Buzz save the universe from Emperor Zurg. The rooms are bright and colorful, with plenty of targets to hit.
If you hit the high score of 999,999 to earn the title of Galactic Hero, make sure you snap a photo. Show the cast members in the exit gift shop to receive a special sticker to show off your accomplishment!
Author’s Note – Beginning in August 2025, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin will close for a massive renovation, including new ride vehicles and laser guns.
Pirates of the Caribbean
Enjoy a slow boat ride through the swashbuckling world of the pirates.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Included with park admission
Fun fact: Pirates of the Caribbean was not an opening day attraction at Walt Disney World because Imagineers thought Florida was too close to the Caribbean. Luckily, they changed their minds a couple of years later.
This classic attraction is fun for all ages, but it does include a small drop and some dark scenes. Mostly, the ride is lively and exciting.
Things to Do at Magic Kingdom for Adults
Fireworks Dessert Parties
Chow down before, during, or after watching the fireworks from reserved seating.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: $119-$129 per adult, $59-$75 per child
The Fireworks Dessert Parties at Magic Kingdom are some of the best-upgraded experiences you can purchase. The party at Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant includes plenty of sweet treats and beverages. Alcohol is available for guests 21 and up.
Three parties are offered: pre-show, during the show, and post-show. For the pre- and post-show parties, an area in the hub in front of the castle is reserved for viewing the show. I recommend doing the “Seats & Sweets” party that allows guests to sit, dine on their treats, and avoid the crowds during the show.
Be Our Guest Restaurant
If you’ve always wanted to try the grey stuff, you can by dining inside Beast’s castle.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: $72 per adult, $43 per child
Be Our Guest offers a regal dining experience. Head into Beast’s castle to dine on French-inspired cuisine. The Beast might even make an appearance while you’re eating! And just like the song, you can even try the grey stuff (they say it’s delicious).
Keys to the Kingdom Tour
Disney fans love this 5-hour guided tour about the history of Walt Disney World.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: $149-$169 per person
Of all the Disney tours, the Keys to the Kingdom Tour is the one I recommend most for Disney fanatics or history buffs. The guides take guests on a 5-hour tour through onstage and backstage areas of the Magic Kingdom. They share the history (and some secrets) of the Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World, and the Disney family.
For five hours and an included quick-service lunch, this tour is definitely worth the money. In fact, it made my list of the top things to do at Walt Disney World overall!
Skipper Canteen
A hidden gem at Magic Kingdom, the Skipper Canteen has internationally inspired dishes and drinks.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: $30-$75 per person
One of the newer restaurants at Magic Kingdom, Skipper Canteen is often overlooked in favor of other table-service options. However, the food at Skipper Canteen is internationally inspired and delicious.
The atmosphere and cast members are fun and engaging. Like most Disney restaurants, Skipper Canteen is accommodating for guests with allergies.
Adventureland Spring Roll Cart
Even though it is a newer Disney snack, the Adventureland spring rolls have cemented themselves as a Walt Disney World favorite.
📍 Google Maps | Cost: $10
The simple yet delicious spring rolls on the cart started as a cult favorite and have blossomed into a must-have Disney snack. With accompanying sauces and rotating flavors, it has become a tradition for many people to include an Adventureland spring roll in their Magic Kingdom day.
Things to Do at Magic Kingdom for Little Kids
Festival of Fantasy Parade
See all your favorite characters while dancing to classic Disney tunes and lively melodies.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Included with park admission
All Disney parades are exciting and special, but the Festival of Fantasy steps up the whimsy. The floats are large and creative, including a robotic dragon that breathes fire. There are dozens of Disney characters in the parade, so you’re bound to see at least one of your favorites.
The parade runs through Frontierland, Liberty Square, in front of the castle, and Main Street, USA. Frontierland is usually less crowded, but Main Street USA has the best ambiance.
Harmony Barber Shop
Whether it is your first haircut or your thousandth, this is the most magical barbershop around.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Starting at $20
Anyone can get a haircut at Harmony Barber Shop, but the experience is extra special for little ones. Many children from around the world have traveled to the Magic Kingdom for their first haircut, my son included. Disney makes this experience extra special with a hat and certificate.
If you’re lucky, the Dapper Dans may stop by for a concert during your haircut.
Cinderella’s Royal Table
There is only one restaurant fit for a prince or princess, and that is a meal served inside Cinderella Castle.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: $74-$88 per adult, $45-$52 per child
After being greeted by Cinderella, guests head up to the gorgeous dining room that is befitting of a castle. The set price at Cinderella’s Royal Table includes pastries, an entree, and nonalcoholic beverages for breakfast. Lunch and dinner include nonalcoholic beverages, an appetizer, an entree, and a dessert.
It can be very hard to get advanced dining reservations at Cinderella’s Royal Table. You’ll want to make your reservations 60 days before your trip at 6 am. If you are working with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, they will often help with making these hard-to-get reservations.
The Barnstormer
The Barnstormer is a short roller coaster and is known for being many children’s first coaster.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Included with park admission
Goofy’s Barnstormer is a fun little coaster and falls into the category of a kid’s ride. The entire ride lasts less than a minute and only reaches 25 miles per hour.
I included it in this list because many little thrill-seekers are disappointed when they aren’t tall enough for some of the more intense coasters and thrill rides at Disney. The Barnstormer is the perfect first roller coaster for the younger daredevils.
Enchanted Tales with Belle
Instead of just watching the story of Beauty and the Beast, guests get to participate and meet Belle.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Included with park admission
Enchanted Tales with Belle is part character meet and greet and part attraction. Guests get to tour through Maurice’s workshop before heading in to meet Belle. Those who want to participate can get an acting role in the retelling of Beauty and the Beast.
Kids get to enjoy the spotlight, and adults can laugh at the silly antics of the show.
PeopleMover
Take a ride above Tomorrowland and discover a new perspective on nearby attractions.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Included with park admission
Some people love the PeopleMover because they can take a nap. Some people love the photo ops from above Tomorrowland. Overall, this is a calm ride that typically doesn’t have a long wait time.
The PeopleMover is also perfect for little ones who aren’t tall enough to ride Space Mountain or TRON with the rest of their group. It’s definitely a fun Disney World experience for toddlers!
Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station
Let the kids cool off on a hot day with a run through this colorful splash zone.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Included with park admission
Sometimes, you just need to cool off during the heat of the day. The Splash ‘N’ Soak Station in Fantasyland is the perfect place to let kids run around in the water while parents take a break. I recommend having a bathing suit or change of clothes for the kids.
During cooler days and periods of inclement weather, the water features may be turned off.
Hidden Gems at Magic Kingdom
Dapper Dans
Take a few minutes to enjoy a concert from this classic barbershop quartet.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Included with park admission
The Dapper Dans have been performing at Walt Disney World since it opened in 1971. This barbershop quartet puts on concerts throughout the day along Main Street USA. In addition to the scheduled concerts, you can also find the Dapper Dans opening the park on the trolley and participating in the flag retreat ceremony.
Concert times may vary, so check the entertainment guide on the My Disney Experience app for the most up-to-date information.
Capture Your Moment
Take home the best souvenir with photos from this 20-minute shoot with your private photographer.
🌐 Website | Cost: $99
Disney World vacations can be non-stop. Even with our smartphones equipped with cameras, it can be hard to capture high-quality, beautiful photographs during your trip.
When you book a Capture Your Moment session, a personal photographer will stage fantastic photos during your 20-minute shoot. At the Magic Kingdom, you can choose Main Street USA, Liberty Square, or Fantasyland as your backdrop.
Photos are not included in the price of the session. I recommend purchasing Memory Maker to access digital copies of all your Photopass and ride photos from your vacation.
Columbia Harbour House
This New England-inspired eatery has a great menu and tons of seating.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: $11-$19
When it comes to meal times at Disney theme parks, quick-service restaurants can be a madhouse. That is why I recommend the spacious Columbia Harbour House. There are two floors of seating with plenty of space to move around.
In addition to ample seating, Columbia Harbour House offers delicious meal options, including salmon and lobster rolls.
Main Street Vehicles
Enjoy VIP treatment with a ride through the crowds of Main Street, USA.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Included with park admission
The Main Street vehicles include a small jitney and a double-decker omnibus. Both vehicles offer one-way rides between the train station and Cinderella Castle.
There is no set schedule for the Main Street Vehicles, but they tend to operate more frequently in the mornings. If you see one stopped, I recommend hopping on to feel like a VIP riding through the park.
A Pirate’s Adventure
If the ride isn’t enough, you can get more pirate fun by completing missions around Adventureland.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Included with park admission
A Pirate’s Adventure is an interactive experience throughout Adventureland. Guests can complete missions to find lost treasure.
If you are visiting Magic Kingdom for the first time or only have one day at the park, this is not a high-priority activity. However, this is perfect for your itinerary if you’re looking for new things to add to your Magic Kingdom visit.
Create-Your-Own Popcorn Mix
Create a sweet or savory mix to snack on throughout your day at the park.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: $13-$18
Have you caught on to the snack theme at Magic Kingdom? Hidden in the back of the Main Street Confectionary is one of my favorite Disney snacks. Guests can create their own popcorn mixes.
There are several popcorn flavors, sauces, and toppings to choose from. The serving size is large, so you can share or snack all day.
🎙️ Listen to the Podcast: Nate interviewed me about all things Disney in Episode 4 of the Travel Lemming Podcast on YouTube (Magic Kingdom segment starts at 42:02). You can also listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!
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This guide includes my favorite must-do activities and hidden gems at the Magic Kingdom. Next, read my guide to where to stay at Disney World!
