The Bahorich clan loves Walt Disney World and I really love the Magic Kingdom. If I had to pick my favorite park at Walt Disney World, I would have to say that Magic Kingdom is my favorite one. Right when I walk through the gates of the Magic Kingdom, I immediately feel a sense of happiness and all of the world's cares seem to disappear. I have always said that if I had an infinite amount of funds, I would figure out how to work from the middle of Tom Sawyer's Island. The sounds, the smells, and the happiness that crosses my face when I see Mickey or Minnie and of course the beautiful castle, nothing can compare. Everything about the Magic Kingdom is amazing but there are 5 must do attractions at Magic Kingdom that you must do!
You may be surprised to discover that I have not done everything in Magic Kingdom; however, these are my top picks for the park!
Mickey’s PhilharMagic
Disney magic meets Disney music in this spectacular 12-minute 3D fantasy adventure starring Donald Duck. As the lights dim, Donald Duck is fast asleep. Mickey Mouse appears with music in hand and wakes Donald before rushing offstage to ready the show. As Donald prepares the orchestra for Mickey, he comes across the conductor’s baton and decides to work a little magic by donning Mickey’s Sorcerer’s Hat. But things get out of control fast and Donald is unexpectedly plunged into a 3D dream world of classic Disney animated musical sequences. Immerse yourself in the wonder of Disney animation thanks to a 150 foot-wide wraparound screen—and the magic of 3D. As the show begins, the Fantasyland Concert Hall magically disappears and your larger-than-life, almost 180‑degree 3D journey with Donald Duck takes flight. – Walt Disney World
What is so amazing about this attraction is that feeling that you are moving, thanks to the enormous, wrap around screens. You really do feel like you are flying on the Magic Carpet with Donald Duck. It features classic Disney songs, smells that bring me back to my College Program days, and make sure you look behind you at the end of the show!
Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress
Discover how industrial advances over the past century have changed everyday living for an American family. Look back to the past and get a glimpse of the future at Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress, a fascinating 21-minute Audio-Animatronics stage show celebrating the evolution of technology throughout the 20th century and today. Presented inside a revolving theater, the show includes an innovative audience seating area that rotates around a stationary central stage from act to act like a carousel. Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress was personally created by Walt Disney for the 1964-65 New York World’s Fair. Featuring state-of-the-art Audio-Animatronics—Walt Disney’s latest animation technology at the time—the show was originally conceived as part of a new area at Disneyland park called Edison Square. When the concept was abandoned, the idea was re-imagined, eventually opening under the name “Progressland” at the 1964-65 New York World’s Fair. – Walt Disney World
This one is my favorite of all time. A classic attraction, and another place to take some time out of the Florida heat and rest your legs! Some people use the ride to take a nap, but we love it, and it has another catchy theme tune that I always sing along to – “So there’s a great big beautiful tomorrow, shining at the end of every day. There’s a great big beautiful tomorrow, just a dream away”!! If you can catch my sister and I in an equally good mood around the house, we'll often just break out into this song. It holds a special place in my heart and I would literally die if this ride ever disappeared.
Pirates of the Caribbean
Take off on a treacherous voyage to the 17th century, when rowdy rogues and rapscallions ruled seaport towns along the Spanish Main under the watchful eye of “Jolly Roger.” You’ll see the Pirates Grotto, The Fort, Town Square, Burning City and The Dungeon. Behold boisterous buccaneers drunk on the spoils of plunderin’ during a 9-minute cruise amid the Old World. And even spy a sly Captain Jack Sparrow from The Pirates of the Caribbean film series along the way! – Walt Disney World
This ride has gotten a great facelift in the past decade to reflect the iconic movies that hit the big screen. It's another Disney classic ride, and as fans of the films (which were spawned from this ride), it is a must do. The animatronics in this ride is fantastic and somedays I have a hard time determining if Johnny Depp is real or a computer within the ride. Plus it is always fun to sing along: “Yo Ho, Yo Ho (A Pirate’s Life for Me).”
Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
Embark on a 10-minute tour of Tomorrowland aboard this emission-free mass transit system of the future. Take off from Rockettower Plaza for an elevated ride into the world of tomorrow. Ascend a conveyor belt to an open-air loading dock and board a moving tram for a leisurely outdoor and indoor voyage through Tomorrowland – go behind the scenes of Space Mountain and Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin. With no engine, the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover uses emission-free linear induction motors. This means the tram accelerates magnetically, so it’s better for the environment than a standard engine. – Walt Disney World
This is a great ride for taking some time off your feet, and to get a very unique view around Tomorrowland. Another iconic oldie, but a goodie! Something about it makes me go back to my childhood instantly. It also is great if you find yourself on it when Space Mountain is "momentarily shut down" because you may get to see it with the lights on inside!
Splash Mountain
Glide along a colorful bayou in a hollow log—past delightful singing critters—to a thrilling 5-story splashdown. Based on the 1946 Disney classic Song of the South, Splash Mountain tells the bumbling yarn of crafty Br’er Rabbit. After leaving his home in briar patch, Br’er Rabbit embarks on a quest for adventure, fortune and his “laughing place,” while trying to outwit Br’er Bear and Br’er Fox who want to eat him. This attraction includes 950,000 gallons of water, 3 dips and a 5-story waterfall. Where you’re seated will determine how wet you’ll likely get. Riders in the back may just experience a sudden splash or spray; those who opt for the front can expect to get soaked. – Walt Disney World
Don’t be fooled by the cute critters along the way – the final drop is HUGE! This is such a great ride, and as a family, it is one we do not miss at Magic Kingdom – and it’s fun to do a stupid pose for the ride photo! I also would like to note that this ride is based off of a great movie called the "Song of the South" which is not longer available in the States, which to me, makes it a bit more special!
The Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World is magical and has so many attractions that should not be missed. Since there is not enough time in a day to always do all of the attractions I hope you consider my top five must-do attractions at the Magic Kingdom. What are your must do attractions at the Magic Kingdom?
