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Top Experiences You Can’t Miss in the Magic Kingdom

Cinderella-Castle
Credit: Disney

The Walt Disney World Resort is an absolutely massive vacation destination with incredible experiences throughout every corner of the Disney Parks, Disney Springs, and Disney Resorts. With so many wonderful things to enjoy, the Magic Kingdom is always at the top of the list for Guests who are looking to experience classic and thrilling attractions, charming and well-themed areas, delicious dining, wonderful entertainment, and more.

Child with parents and balloon in front of Castle

Credit: Disney

With so many wonderful experiences in the Magic Kingdom including Splash Mountain, Buzz Lightyear‘s Space Ranger Spin, the Jungle Cruise, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid, and more, Guests might not know exactly which ones are considered to be must-dos. From over-the-top entertainment to some of the most beloved attractions, these ten experiences simply have to be enjoyed on every single visit to the Magic Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort.

Haunted Mansion

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Haunted Mansion

One of the most beloved attractions throughout the entire Walt Disney World Resort is the Haunted Mansion, which can be found in the Magic Kingdom’s Liberty Square. Guests approach an impressive manor home before moving through an eerie graveyard and realizing that something might not be quite right on the inside. Soon Guests learn that the mansion is inhabited by 999 happy haunts who cause all sorts of eerie happenings while also maintaining a sense of humor.

Hitchhiking Ghosts

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The Haunted Mansion is iconic for a number of reasons and Guests absolutely love hearing the favorite song “Grim Grinning Ghosts” as they whisk through scenes in their Doom Buggies checking out characters including Madame Leota, Constance, and the Hitchhiking Ghosts. With creepy moments and unforgettable characters, the Haunted Mansion is a must-do in the Magic Kingdom.

Credit: Disney

Pirates of the Caribbean

Another iconic attraction that Guests cannot miss in the Magic Kingdom is Pirates of the Caribbean, which can be found in Adventureland inside the Castillo del Morro fort. Guests move through the fort and into a seaside dock where they set sail through eerie caves and learn the fate of pirates from the past while being reminded that dead men tell no tales.

pirates of the caribbean

Credit: Disney Parks

Once through the caves, Pirates of the Caribbean brings Guests through a burning seaside town where the pirates are hard at work swashbuckling and causing general chaos, all set to the tune of “Yo Ho (A Pirate’s Life for Me).” With several appearances from Captain Jack Sparrow, the infamous auction scene with Redd the pirate, and plenty of other memorable moments, Guests can’t miss out on enjoying Pirates of the Caribbean.

Mickey

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Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade

There are several live entertainment options throughout the Magic Kingdom, including an afternoon parade that is full of whimsy and fun. The Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade comes to life each afternoon in the Disney Park and works its way through Frontierland and Liberty Square before progressing down Main Street, U.S.A. towards the entrance of the Magic Kingdom.

Maleficent Dragon

Credit: Disney

The Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade features vibrant and whimsical floats filled with favorite characters including Pinocchio, Peter Pan, Rapunzel, Merida, and more. While clapping along to the upbeat music, Guests can wave and check out all the fun floats, including a steampunk Maleficent in dragon form who breathes fire at the unsuspecting spectators!

Dapper Dans

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Dapper Dans

Another wonderful live entertainment option to enjoy in the Magic Kingdom are the Dapper Dans, a classic barbershop quartet that can often be found serenading Guests on Main Street, U.S.A. throughout each day. Dressed in classic pinstripe suits in pastel colors and straw hats, the Dapper Dans perform medleys of Disney favorites, ragtime classics, and even holiday hits throughout the year. They are an often overlooked, yet wonderful live entertainment act to enjoy and truly add to the charm and ambiance of Main Street, U.S.A.

Big Thunder Mountain

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Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

While there are plenty of family-friendly attractions in the Magic Kingdom, there are also a fair share of thrills, including Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in Frontierland. This massive attraction welcomes Guests into the mining town of Tumbleweed, where time and nature haven’t always been kind, leaving behind some treacherous mines.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

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Guests soon find themselves boarding runaway trains and setting off on the wildest ride in the wilderness as they whip through dark caves and abandoned mines and around sharp corners and turns throughout the mountain. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad definitely should not be missed, thanks to its big thrills and its wonderful views of both Frontierland and the Rivers of America.

Exterior

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Space Mountain

Another popular thrill attraction in the Magic Kingdom that Guests definitely shouldn’t miss out on is Space Mountain, found in the heart of Tomorrowland. Housed inside a futuristic building, Space Mountain brings Guests to the intergalactic Space Port 75 where they can blast off into all corners of the galaxy.

Loading Area

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While Space Mountain only tops out at a speed of 28 miles per hour, Guests truly feel as though they are blasting through the inky darkness of space with unseen twists, turns, and drops amongst the stars. Space Mountain is definitely one of the most thrilling attractions at the Walt Disney World Resort and one that cannot be missed in the Magic Kingdom.

Up close of doll It's A Small World

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“it’s a small world”

There is absolutely no argument that the most iconic and beloved attraction at the Walt Disney World Resort is “it’s a small world” located in the heart of Fantasyland in the Magic Kingdom. This classic attraction was originally developed for the 1964 New York World’s Fair and has been welcoming Guests ever since to enjoy the happiest cruise that ever sailed.

Boat on It's A Small World

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Guests who enjoy “it’s a small world” board brightly colored boats and set off through a series of massive rooms where iconic dolls dressed in traditional clothing help to celebrate the different countries and cultures from around the world. With the beloved Sherman Brothers’ song of the same name being sung in several languages, “it’s a small world” is a quintessential experience that has to be enjoyed on every visit to the Magic Kingdom.

Exterior of Peter Pan's Flight

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Peter Pan’s Flight

Found just across from “it’s a small world” in Fantasyland is another classic attraction that perfectly combines charm and nostalgia for an unforgettable experience. Peter Pan’s Flight invites Guests to step into the home of the Darling family, where Tinkerbell magically sprinkles them with pixie dust and invites them to take to the skies.

Characters from Peter Pan's Flight

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Guests soon find themselves soaring over the rooftops of London and Neverland where they can find favorite characters including Peter Pan, Wendy, Captain Hook, and Mr. Smee. With a charming soundtrack, magical moments, and the whimsy of flying, Peter Pan’s Flight is a must-do in the Magic Kingdom.

Entrance

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Be Our Guest Restaurant

The Magic Kingdom is home to many dining options including both quick service and table service options for Guests to enjoy throughout each day including the Crystal Palace, Cinderella’s Royal Table, Casey’s Corner, and more. While every location is delicious, Be Our Guest Restaurant in Fantasyland is a can’t-miss experience that serves up wonderful cuisine with the opportunity to step into Beauty and the Beast.

Family Dining

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Be Our Guest Restaurant is a table service location open daily for lunch and dinner that welcomes Guests into the Beast’s Castle where they can enjoy classic French cuisine in the West Wing, Grand Ballroom, and Royal Portrait Gallery. With wonderful details, amazing food, and the chance of an encounter with the Beast, dining at Be Our Guest Restaurant is always a good idea while in the Magic Kingdom.

Disney Enchantment

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Disney Enchantment

No day at the Walt Disney World Resort is complete without a wonderful nighttime spectacular, and the Magic Kingdom features its own stunning show that lights up the skies high over Cinderella Castle. Disney Enchantment combines beautiful fireworks, stunning projections on Cinderella Castle and the buildings of Main Street, U.S.A., and a soundtrack filled with favorites from Disney films to bring magic and enchantment to the night. It’s an unforgettable show that is best enjoyed from Main Street, U.S.A., but Disney Enchantment can be enjoyed throughout the Magic Kingdom, making it the perfect end to any day in the Disney Park.

About Caitlin Kane

Caitlin Kane has been visiting Walt Disney World since she was a child and has developed a deep love and appreciation of the Disney Parks with a particular interest in the small details and history that can be found all around. Visiting every chance she gets, Caitlin loves to enjoy the ambiance of the Disney Parks and try something new every time. She can often be found eating and drinking her way through the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, riding the Haunted Mansion, sipping on a Lapu Lapu, pretending Illuminations: Reflections of Earth was still in existence, and enjoying seeing the magic through the eyes of her children. When not in WDW, Caitlin can be found at home in New York dreaming of a ride on Living with the Land and counting down the days until her next trip.