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What I Would Do Locked in the Magic Kingdom Overnight

Main Street U.S.A. at dusk
Credit: Disney Parks

Okay, let’s get a few things straight: in this ridiculous fantasy of mine, everything is still operational as if it’s the middle of the day, but none of the rules apply. Hey, it’s my dream. Let me have my fun. So, let’s get into it! For some insane reason, the Magic Kingdom closes for the day, but I am allowed to stay in the Park overnight. I have complete free rein of the entire Kingdom. This includes all of the rides, shows, food. Oh, one more thing: there is no Covid. So everything is as it was back in “ye olden days.” I’m feeling giddy just thinking about all of the possibilities, aren’t you?

Credit: Disney

Take All of the Main Street Pictures

I have never closed out a Park, so this would be the ultimate opportunity. Some of the most iconic Magic Kingdom pictures are the ones of an empty Main Street with the Castle glittering in the background. I would 100% be that person. I’d an entire photoshoot. I’ve always been jealous of the pictures of people laying down on Main Street for their shots. But also I’m skeptical of the cleanliness of that particular pose. If my dad were with me, he’d take all of the little detail pictures of the windows and a different shot at every possible angle. This would take hours.

Credit: DisneyDining.com

Load Up on Snacks

After a long day, I would probably be in dire need of some top-quality Disney snacks. In the Magic Kingdom, this would mean mini corn dogs from Casey’s Corner and at least three Mickey Bars. This is a no-judgment zone. After those delectables, I’d need to wash everything down with a coffee from Starbucks.

Credit: DisneyDining.com

Rides, Rides, Rides

This is my night, so I am going to skip my way all the way to the front of the line at Peter Pan’s Flight and ride that thing at least a half dozen times just for the heck of it. Over and over and over. I would do the same thing with “it’s a small world”. It would take everything in me to be a good guest and not get out of the boat and gallivant all over the attraction (I’ve always wanted to “swim” in the Taj Mahal pool.) After Small World, I would run right over to Haunted Mansion because the last several times I’ve visited Disney, the ride has either been closed or way too busy. Basically, I would just do my all-time favorites over and over again, because why not? I’m looking at you, Pirates…

Credit: Disney

Festival of Fantasy Parade

With the recent news that this glorious parade is coming back, I don’t have to feel sad writing about it. If there was a parade happening just for me, I would love to dart in and out of the various floats and hang out with the characters. I’m always jealous when I see Flynn Rider swinging on the Tangled float. It’d be so fun, albeit incredibly unsafe. But since this is just a dream, we’re going to pretend nothing can hurt me.

Credit: DisneyDining.com

Get Pictures With ALL of the Characters

This is my time to shine, people. When I was little, I would fill up those autograph books like it was nobody’s business. I would obviously spend some time with Mickey and the gang, but I’d also try to hang out with Merida and Gaston and some of the more obscure characters, like Phineas and Ferb! In fact, in this alternate reality, I would probably ask some of them to come on rides with me! Can you imagine sitting next to Phineas on Mine Train? Hilarious.

50th Anniversary characters

Credit: Disney

Have a Little Nap Time

This is a busy night. I’m going to need some time to recharge before continuing my escapades. This calls for a trip to PeopleMover. Since it’s just me, I would ask the ride operator to just let me stay on for a solid half-hour or so for a little cat nap. And you know this is a fantasy because in my world, the ride doesn’t break down even ONCE!

Ride vehicle on Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover

Credit: Disney

Fireworks

Now that I’m a little more rested, I would be fully ready to enjoy that night’s fireworks display. Since the Magic Kingdom would be empty, I would get right up to the Castle to enjoy the show. The idea of watching fireworks without a crowd feels so luxurious. Plus, if I’m all by myself, no one can see me cry like a baby every time the music starts!

Credit: DisneyDining.com

Sleep in Cinderella Castle

I remember when Cast Members would randomly select a family to stay in the suite each night, and I would wish so hard to be picked! We were never picked. But on this imaginary night, I’m sleeping in the suite! How cool would that be? Plus, the pictures from the Castle must be the best ever. I don’t know if I would actually be able to sleep, or if I’d just dance around the place for the rest of the night like a princess. Either way, I would have so much fun!

Credit: Disney

Breakfast at Crystal Palace

Since I won’t need to make a mad dash to any particular ride, I would love to enjoy a leisurely character breakfast at the Crystal Palace. It’s been ages since I’ve enjoyed breakfast with Pooh, so that would absolutely be my top pick for starting the day. Heck, I might just stay there the whole day to prevent my fantasy night from ending!

Photo Credit: Disney

This was a super fun dream to create. If you haven’t let your imagination run wild with this possibility, I highly recommend you try it!

About Molly Elias

Molly Elias has been a dedicated Disney fan since she was 18-months old. She has grown up with and learned from Disney her whole life. As her family's main vacation spot, Disney World is a place of love and laughter and magic for her. Her family also prides themselves on their Disney Cruise Line knowledge and would rather be on the high seas with Mickey than anywhere else in the world. Molly plans to keep Disney in her life forever, while also pursuing a writing career. She recently completed a master's program in creative writing in the hopes that someday she will be able to be a writer for the Happiest Company on Earth. Molly keeps Walt's famous quote at the forefront of her life: "Around here, however, we don't look backwards for very long. We keep moving forward, opening up new doors and doing new things, because we're curious...and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths."