3) See the fireworks in a whole new light
If you’ve been to Magic Kingdom several times already, you’ve probably also seen the nighttime fireworks before. If you’re ready for a new experience at night, why not see the fireworks from a birds eye view? There’s no better place to get that view than from the observation deck outside the private Sonoma and Napa rooms at the California Grill Restaurant inside Disney’s Contemporary Resort. This experience is yours when you book the “Celebration at the Top” event at California Grill, which begins one hour before the fireworks display. Enjoy canapes, sushi and other small plate items before the nighttime show. Choose from California wines and beers. And as the “Happily Ever After” nighttime spectacular begins, you and yours can head out to the private observation deck and catch breathtaking views of the Magic Kingdom as fireworks boom over the park. Reservations are a must and can be made by calling (407) WDW-DINE.
2) Stay for dinner at Beast’s Castle
This is a must-do experience, and because it’s so popular, it’s also a hard-to-score dining reservation. Dinner at Beast Castle is an exciting event for Disney fans of all ages. Once the 180-day window opens, make your reservation via the My Disney Experience app, online at MyDisneyExperience.com or by calling (407) WDW-DINE. Upon your arrival for dinner, you’ll be seated in either the Grand Ballroom, the West Wing or the Castle Gallery. Each of the dining rooms is exquisitely and elaborately decorated. If you get to have dinner in the West Wing dining room, bring your camera because you’ll see the enchanted rose from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, as it drops petals throughout your meal. Enjoy entrées like roasted rack of lamb, Ratatouille, chicken breast, scallops and braised beef. For dessert, try the Grey Stuff—it’s delicious—seriously! Or try the Éclair a l’orange, a custard with chocolate ganache. After your meal, be sure to stay and meet Beast. This is the only experience at which you can have your picture taken with him (he’s not available during lunch hours). There is no substitute for dinner at Beast Castle, so don’t forget to book early!
1) Stay for the Kiss Goodnight
Every night should end like this—and thanks to Disney magic, it does—but only at Magic Kingdom. The “Kiss Goodnight” is a special time at Magic Kingdom, after the park officially closes for the night. It takes place after any of the nighttime spectaculars and usually about an hour after park closing (Magic Kingdom stays open for an hour after its posted closing time to allow Guests time to see the shops on Main Street, take pictures, etc.) It’s at that time each evening, as Guests as making their way down Main Street U.S.A. toward the park exit, enjoying that last-minute browse of the shops, that the “kiss” takes place. “When You Wish Upon a Star” plays throughout the park, and Cinderella’s Castle is covered in lights and twinkles. It’s the last “production” of the evening and such a special way to leave the park. It even makes Disney fans a little misty-eyed at times!
These are just a few experiences to get you started on your tour of the Magic Kingdom. You can’t go wrong, no matter which attractions you experience. How many days are you from your next Disney trip? Better get your planning started! Have a magical day!
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