The Magic Kingdom opened on October 1st, 1971. Also opening at that time were the first 2 on-site Disney Resorts, Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Disney’s Polynesian Resort. These 2 resorts along with Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa are the only hotels in Walt Disney World where the Monorail goes through the lobbies. Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, and The Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge are connected to the Magic Kingdom by water.
All 6 of the Magic Kingdom Resorts share boat transportation. This allows the Magic Kingdom Resort guests to travel from resort to resort and across the Seven Seas Lagoon to the Magic Kingdom Park entrance. The Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge are part of the Disney Vacation Club and if you would like our opinion of the Disney Vacation Club (DVC) click here.
MAGIC KINGDOM RESORTS
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
Disney’s Polynesian Resort
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
Disney's Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
GENERAL INFORMATION
A day in the Magic Kingdom is like stepping back into your childhood. The Park is always clean and the attention to detail is unmatched. The parades and the night ending fireworks displays are spectacular. The opportunities for fun are as unlimited as your imagination!
The Magic Kingdom park hours vary from day to day. Print a copy of toddsorlando.com’s Disney Calendar and take it with you on your Disney Vacation. It will provide all the Disney Parks hours along with which Parks will be having the Extra Magic Hours for Disney Resorts Guests only.
The Walt Disney World Resorts offer a wide variety of ticket options for its guests. It would be impossible for someone to suggest the best option to buy tickets because of all the variables involved in planning your vacation. For tickets call 407-939-1289. Walt Disney World Resorts accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, Diners Club Card, and American Express credit cards. For your convenience, there are ATMs located throughout Walt Disney World.
The layout of the Magic Kingdom is similar to the first Disney property, Disneyland Park in California. They were able to improve on the design in Florida because there were no restraints by the lack of property available for future growth. They also built a series of tunnels under the Magic Kingdom called Utilidors. This allows Disney Cast Members to move through the park out of sight of the guests. (So you will never see 2 Mickey’s at the same time.) This vast network of underground tunnels connects all the sections of the original Magic Kingdom in Florida.
After entering The Magic Kingdom get a Times Guide & New Information brochure along with a Guidemap of the park. The Times Guide changes weekly so make sure you have the correct date on the top of the brochure. The Magic Kingdom Park covers approximately 107 acres. Looking at the Guidemap, you can see that it is laid out like a wheel with the hub being located in front of Cinderella’s Castle. The pathways from the hub look like spokes to the wheel and they lead to the seven different themed areas.
Guidebook for Guests with Disabilities - The Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Call Guests Relations at 407-939-6244 to get your Guidebook for Guests with Disabilities before you take your Disney trip. It provides a detailed overview of services and facilities available for guests with disabilities. Most attractions, restaurants, shops, and shows are accessible to all guests. There may be some rides where a guest in a wheelchair may need help from a member of their party to transfer from the wheelchair onto the ride. Most of the restrooms in the Walt Disney World Resort have facilities to accommodate a guest in a wheelchair. There are designated handicap parking spaces throughout Walt Disney World, but you must have a valid disability-parking permit to use them.
Pet Care Kennels - Pet owners please take note that pets are not allowed at any of the Theme Parks or Resorts. For the 4-legged members of your family, there are Pet Care Kennels located adjacent to each of the Theme Park entrances and one by Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground.
Pet Care Kennels at:
Disney’s Animal Kingdom 407-938-2100, Epcot 407-560-6229,Disney’s Hollywood Studios 407-560-4282, MagicKingdom at the Transportation and Ticket Center 407-824-6568, Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground 407-824-2735. Reservations are suggested but not required.
Stroller & Wheelchair Rentals - The Magic Kingdom offers stroller rentals at the front entrance for $15 per day for a single and $31 per day for a double. You can also rent wheelchairs for $10 a day and an Electric Convenience Vehicle (ECV) for $45 a day. The rented units must be returned to the original rental location for the deposit refund. All of the rental items are issued on a first come first served basis. If you want to be sure to have an ECV for the whole trip, you can call Buena Vista Scooter Rental at 407-938-0349.
Daily Parades - Like Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom, The Magic Kingdom has daily parades. The parade at this time is the Disney Dreams Come True Parade which travels down Main Street U.S.A. On special nights catch the SpectroMagic Parade. Check your Times Guide and don’t miss the Dream-Along with Mickey show in front of Cinderella’s Castle. Some of the parade routes and show areas have designated viewing areas for Guests with disabilities. Check with Guest Relations located in City Hall the day of each visit for more information. At the end of the day get ready for Wishes Nighttime Spectacular. Join Jiminy Cricket as he guides Disney characters through this fantastic story told among the stars while lighting up the sky.
THEMED AREAS
After entering The Magic Kingdom get a Times Guide & New Information brochure along with a Guidemap of the park. The Times Guide changes weekly so make sure you have the correct date on the top of the brochure. The Magic Kingdom Park covers approximately 107 acres. Looking at the Guidemap, you can see that it is laid out like a wheel with the hub being located in front of Cinderella’s Castle. The pathways from the hub look like spokes to the wheel and they lead to the seven different themed areas.
Main Street, U.S.A. –This area is just inside the entrance gate. The décor is early 20th century small town America inspired by Walt Disney’s memories of his childhood in Marceline, Missouri. Look for the old-style working Barber Shop. You will also exit the park through Main Street, U.S.A., so when leaving the park you can shop for Disney merchandise that you didn’t want to carry around all day. The Crystal Palace, Tony’s Town Square, The Plaza Restaurant, Casey’s Corner, and the Main Street Bakery are located in this area.
Tomorrowland – This area was originally designed to portray what Walt Disney and his Imagineers thought the future would look like. The exteriors were renovated in the 90’s to give it more of a sci-fi look.
This is where you will find the classic high-speed coaster Space Mountain. Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café and the Tomorrowland Terrace Noodle Station are located in this area.
Mickey’s Toontown Fair – This is the newest themed area, created as Mickey’s Birthdayland. You will find Mickey’s Country House and Minnie’s Country House here. It is the best place to see Mickey and the gang. There are two Meet & Greet the Characters locations here. The Judge’s Tent at the fair is here as well as the Toontown Hall Of Fame located at Goofy’s Wiseacre Farm. Have your autograph books and cameras ready.
Fantasyland – This is themed in a medieval-fairytale style with Cinderella’s Castle as the main entrance to the area. It is not the only entrance but it is the best way to enter Fantasyland. Here you will find many of the most popular rides that made Disneyland in California and The Magic Kingdom in Florida famous. Cinderella’s Castle is the location of one of the two Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutiques where girls age 3 and over can get pampered with a princess makeover. The other one is at the World of Disney Store in Downtown Disney Marketplace. For more information and reservations for either Boutique, call 407-WDW-STYLE (407-939-7895). Fantasyland has two Meet & Greet the Characters locations. Check your schedule of events for “Storytime with Belle” from Beauty and the Beast and for character appearances at Ariel’s Grotto. Have your autograph books and cameras ready. Cinderella’s Royal Table is located in Cinderella’s Castle.
Liberty Square – This area honors America’s colonial heritage and is based on an American Revolutionary Town. You will find the Haunted Mansion here as well as the Hall of Presidents, where every United States President is represented. The attraction is an inspiration for the young & old and should not be missed. The Liberty Tree Tavern and the Columbia Harbour House are located in this area.
Frontierland – This themed area is where guests can relive the Old Wild West. Travel across the Rivers of America and discover adventures on Tom Sawyer Island. For thrill seekers young and old, don’t miss Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Pecos Bill Café is located in this area.
Adventureland – This area explores exotic locations in foreign lands. You may think you are in the Jungles of Africa or a Caribbean town. You might even see Jack Sparrow as you travel through the Caribbean waters while pirates pillage the local village on the Pirates of the Caribbean. The El Pirata Y El Perico Restaurant is located in this area.
MAGIC KINGDOM TOURS
Steam Trains Tour - accompany the railroad engineers as they prepare the steam trains for another day of service in the Magic Kingdom. You will get into the park before it opens and walk the backstage roundhouse where the trains are serviced and stored. The tour lasts 3 hours and costs $40 per person. Guests must be at least 10 years old to participate. The Steam Trains Tour is available Monday - Sunday at 7:00 A.M.
Disney’s Family Magic Tour - an interactive scavenger hunt through the Magic Kingdom testing your Disney trivia knowledge. “Kids” of all ages enjoy this tour. This tour lasts about 2 ½ hours at a cost of $27 per person 3 years old and up. The Disney’s Family Magic Tour is available Monday - Sunday at 10:00 A.M.
Disney’s Keys to the Kingdom Tour - opens up many secrets to the creation of the Magic Kingdom. You will hear about the many accomplishments, philosophies, and vision of Walt Disney. You will also stop at some backstages and a variety of favorite attractions as you hear the history of the park. This tour lasts 4½ to 5 hours at a cost of $60 per person. You must be at least 16 years old to attend and large bags and cameras are not permitted on this tour. Lunch is provided at no additional cost. Disney’s Keys to the Kingdom Tour is available Monday - Sunday at 8:30, 9:00, and 9:30 A.M.
Mickey’s Magical Milestones Tour - travels throughout the Magic Kingdom Park tracing the creation and career of Mickey Mouse. This tour lasts 2 hours at a cost of $25 per person. It starts at 9:00 A.M. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays only. Suggested age for participants is at least 10 years old for this tour.
All 4 of these tours require admission to the Magic Kingdom. Guests with special needs can be accommodated with prior notice. We highly suggest booking these tours well in advance. To make reservations call 407-WDW-TOUR (407-939-8687).
For the ultimate Disney Experience, book a tour with VIP Tour Services. They will customize a tour for you and help you with show times and the FASTPASS system. They will help you get the best seats in the house for live shows, parades, and nighttime spectaculars. There is a 6-hour minimum at a cost of $125 to $150 per hour per party. Up to 10 people are allowed in your party. Theme park admission is required. To schedule your VIP Tour call 407-560-4033 Monday - Friday 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. eastern time. To make reservations, you must be within 90 days of the day you want to schedule your tour.
RESERVATION DINING
Once Upon a Time Breakfast and Fairytale Lunch - This could be a once in a lifetime chance to dine with the Royal Princess, Cinderella. They provide an all-you-care-to-eat buffet for Breakfast. For Lunch you order off the menu. This Character Dining takes place at Cinderella’s Royal Table in Cinderella’s Castle. A word to the wise, this is one of the toughest reservations to get so call as soon as you can to make reservations. Don’t forget your autograph books and cameras for this Character Dining experience. The Character Dining is only for Breakfast & Lunch and they participate in the Disney Dining Plan.
The Crystal Palace – This is a Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner restaurant featuring Winnie the Pooh and Friends. They provide buffet style food service all day. Your little ones will have a separate buffet just for kids. Any buffet at the Crystal Palace includes the famous sundae bar. Be sure to bring your autograph books and cameras for this Character Dining. The Crystal Palace is located in the Main Street U.S.A area. They are open for Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner and participate in the Disney Dining Plan.
Cinderella’s Royal Table – This is located in Cinderella’s Castle. They offer Character Dining for Breakfast and Lunch (see Once Upon a Time Breakfast and Fairytale Lunch above). After the Character Dining is over for the day they provide dinner off the menu. The cuisine is traditional American with a kid’s menu that will satisfy any young Prince or Princess. You will receive a royal welcome and may see a special appearance by the Fairy Godmother. Cinderella’s Royal Table is located in the Fantasyland area. They are open for Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner and participate in the Disney Dining Plan.
Liberty Tree Tavern – This local tavern is for the colonial patriot in all of us. The Sons and Daughters of Liberty Tree Tavern welcome you to their bounty of the daily harvest. The cuisine is traditional American and the menu includes roast turkey, seafood, chicken, salads, and sandwiches. They also offer a colonial dinner that includes carved meats with traditional accompaniments. The Liberty Tree Tavern is located in the Liberty Square area. They serve Lunch & Dinner and participate in the Disney Dining Plan.
Tony’s Town Square - This restaurant was inspired by the Disney animated classic, Lady and the Tramp. Relive the moment in the movie when the two dogs are sharing the same spaghetti noodle and their lips touch. Bring your Lady or Tramp to Tony’s Town Square for traditional Italian cuisine including antipasto, pastas, pizzas and sandwiches. Tony’s Town Square is located in Main Street U.S.A. They serve Lunch & Dinner and participate in the Disney Dining Plan.
The Plaza Restaurant – This restaurant’s design reflects the eating establishments of the early 20th century. The cuisine is traditional American with grilled sandwiches, salads and burgers. Don’t forget to save room for the hand-dipped ice cream. Watch out for the Banana Split Lovers, they do seem to get a little excited when they get close to their favorite treat. The Plaza Restaurant is located in Main Street U.S.A. They serve Lunch & Dinner and participate in the Disney Dining Plan.
For any of the RESERVATION DINING experiences, we highly recommend calling 407-WDW-DINE (407-939-3463) as soon as you can. You cannot make reservations on-line. You have to call 407-WDW-DINE. Create a vacation schedule and write down your time & reservation # along with the Disney Dining #, 407-WDW-DINE. You are allowed to make dining reservations up to 180 days prior to your visit. It is better to be safe than sorry! When you call, be sure to ask about the Disney Dining Plan. It will save you up to 30% on your dining at the Walt Disney World Resort.
COUNTER SERVICE DINING
Casey’s Corner - Need a quick bite during those strenuous times while shopping for the perfect gift? Casey’s Corner serves up classic hot dogs, fries and cold drinks in a baseball themed eatery. It is located in Main Street U.S.A. They serve Lunch & Dinner and participate in the Disney Dining Plan.
Main Street Bakery - Follow your nose to the Main Street Bakery. This is a great place to stop after you enter the Magic Kingdom for a light breakfast and shot of coffee to get you going for the day. Cakes, pies, and pastries are the main attraction but check out the made to order ice-cream cookies. It is located in Main Street U.S.A. and is open all day. The Main Street Bakery participates in the Disney Dining Plan.
Columbia Harbour House - Enjoy the fish and chicken baskets along with clam chowder, salads and sandwiches at this eatery along the edge of the Rivers of America. This counter service restaurant has a touch of elegance with a nautical theme décor. Check out the cozy 2nd floor dining rooms. The Columbia Harbour House is located in Liberty Square. It is open for Lunch & Dinner and participates in the Disney Dining Plan.
El Pirata Y El Perico Restaurant – This place offers up traditional Mexican items including tacos, tacos salads, nachos and more. The name of the eatery translates to “The Pirate and the Parrot”. It is located across the pathway from the Pirates of the Caribbean and unfortunately for the Buccaneers, they do not take Spanish Doubloons for currency. The El Pirata Y El Perico Restaurant is located in Adventureland. It is open for Lunch & Dinner and participates in the Disney Dining Plan.
Pecos Bill Café - This is one of the most popular counter service restaurants in the Magic Kingdom. They have a lot of seating for the restaurant and one of the Best Fixin’s Bars east of the Mississippi River. It includes all of the fresh traditional ingredients for your hamburger along with unique items including grilled onions, sautéed mushrooms and cheese sauce. The menu features hamburgers, hot dogs, wrapped sandwiches and salads. Pecos Bill Café is located in Adventureland. It is open for Lunch & Dinner and participates in the Disney Dining Plan.
The Pinocchio Village Haus – This is where real boys and girls can go to eat. The seating for this restaurant is a lot larger than it looks from the outside and the walls are decorated with pictures of the Pinocchio story. It is located next to “It’s A Small World” ride. The little ones will love this menu including macaroni & cheese, Smucker’s peanut butter & jelly sandwiches, pizza, fries and desserts. The Pinocchio Village Haus is located in Fantasyland. It is open for Lunch & Dinner and participates in the Disney Dining Plan.
Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café – This is home to the largest counter service restaurant in the Magic Kingdom. Enjoy a Blast-off Burger, Cosmic Chicken or BBQ Ribs while you listen to the Audio-Animatronics lounge lizard, Sunny Eclipse. Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café is located in Tomorrowland across the pathway from the Tomorrowland Indy Speedway. It is open for Lunch & Dinner and participates in the Disney Dining Plan.
Tomorrowland Terrace Noodle Station - Tucked away in a corner of one of the pathways that lead to Tomorrowland is this sleek eatery featuring Chicken Noodle Bowls, Vegetarian Noodle Bowls, Chicken Teriyaki, Beef & Broccoli and a Caesar Salad. Indoor seating is provided, but check out the outdoor seating down by the water overlooking Cinderella’s Castle. The Tomorrowland Terrace Noodle Station is located in Tomorrowland. It is open for Lunch & Dinner and participates in the Disney Dining Plan.