Magic Kingdom At Walt Disney World : Ultimate Guide

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When most people think of Disney World, they automatically think of The Magic Kingdom! It’s no wonder since it is probably the most iconic place in Disney World. It’s where it all started.

Walt Disney Productions began construction of Magic Kingdom park in 1967, right after the passing of Walt Disney himself.

Essentially the idea was to build a world even larger and more astounding than the original Disneyland in California. A feat which they have certainly attained.

Daily Operation and Hours

Depending on what time of year you visit depends on what the hours are. The park always opens for all guests at 9 am. Seasonally the parks stay open at night anywhere from 8 pm thru 11 pm.

During the slower, winter months, they tend to close the park at 8 pm. Once spring comes along and vacation weeks they extend to 9 pm and during their busiest months of summer and fall, they are open until 11 pm.

Extra Magic Hours

For guests staying on property at one of the select Disney World resorts, they will occasionally open 1 hour early or stay open 2 hours later. You must have a resort reservation in order to partake in these extra hours.

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Getting Tickets at Magic Kingdom

There are plenty of places and ways to get tickets for the Magic Kingdom.

If you are planning a trip to Walt Disney World and building a travel package you can add them into the package. Once at Disney, you will either get a magic band or you will get a plastic card pass.

If you are not staying on property or you live within driving distance you can wait and purchase your tickets at the Ticket and Transportation Center or right at the gates of Magic Kingdom Park.

If you are lucky enough to live close to Walt Disney World Resort or you are able to travel to Disney World and plan to visit the parks approximately 10 days or more through the year your best option for tickets may be buying an annual pass.

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Magic Kingdom Parking

There are some differences between parking at Magic Kingdom and the other parks.

At the Transportation and Ticket Center, guests park about a mile from Magic Kingdom. To get to Magic Kingdom’s front gates, guests can either take the monorail or ferry.

If you plan to drive instead of taking public transport, you should budget at least 30 additional minutes for your travel time.

Cast Members assist guests by directing them to the parking lots at the Transportation and Ticket Center.

Those parking too far out from the front gate to walk can take advantage of the shuttle trams that operate from the very end of their row to within walking distance of the front gates.

How Much Does Parking At Magic Kingdom Cost?

  • If you are staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel it is free to park.
  • Regular guests $25 per day.
  • Annual Passholders park for free.
  • Preferred Parking is $45-50/day.

Magic Kingdom Map

There are 6 different lands that you can visit inside the Magic Kingdom.

  • Main Street U.S.A.
  • Adventureland
  • Frontierland
  • Liberty Square
  • Fantasyland
  • Tomorrowland

You can click on the map to enlarge it.

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Rides & Attractions at Magic Kingdom

When you think about Disney World, you think about rides and attractions. This park has it all from a thrilling ride on Space Mountain to a creepy haunt through the Haunted Mansion. Magic Kingdom still has the most rides out of any park in all of Disney World and most of them are must-do rides. Be sure to check out our guide to all of the different rides and attractions at the Magic Kingdom as well.

Frontierland Rides & Attractions

  • Big Thunder Mountain
  • Country Bear Jamboree
  • Tom Sawyer Island
  • Splash Mountain

Liberty Square Rides & Attractions

  • The Hall of Presidents
  • Haunted Mansion
  • Liberty Square Riverboat

Main Street USA Rides & Attractions

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Dining at Magic Kingdom

There are so many options when it comes to dining in this park. There are some really great Character meals, nice relaxing table service restaurants, and great quick service options! Make sure you check out our full dining guide to the Magic Kingdom before you leave.

Fireworks at Magic Kingdom

Fan favorite fireworks Happily Ever After will show for the last time on September 29th 2021.

The Magic Kingdom will debut a new fireworks show, Disney’s Enchantment, on the 50th Anniversary, October 1st 2021.

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Daily Events at Magic Kingdom

There are plenty of fun events that happen at the Magic Kingdom every day.

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Character Calvacades

With the restrictions put in place because of Covid Disney knew that they couldn’t have traditional parades anymore. They also knew that the guests would still want a way to see their favorite characters. That’s where cavalcades come in.

Think of these as mini parades if you will. Every 15-20 minutes or so throughout the day the music in the park will change and 1 float caring 3-4 characters will make their way around the park waving at guests.

The cavalcades all run the normal parade route at the Magic Kingdom, starting in Frontierland and ending at the Fire Station on Mains Street U.S.A.

There are 5 character cavalcades in the Magic Kingdom:

  • Tinker Bell & The Lost Treasure
  • The Royal Princess Processional
  • Fantasyland Friends Cavalcades
  • A Goofy Cavalcade
  • Mickey & Friends Cavalcade

This is a great way to still get to see the characters but not have to wait for hours in the hot weather holding your spot for the traditional parade.

I know not everyone loves these new cavalcades and want the old parades to come back but for families like ours where we have already stood in just about every hour-long line to meet every princess that Disney has, this is a nice quick touch of Disney magic throughout our day at the park. 

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Special Events at Magic Kingdom

Now let’s talk about special events in the Magic Kingdom park. For every season it seems like there is a special event going on at Disney World. There are two special events that take place at the Magic Kingdom every year. One is in the fall and is called Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. The other is Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party

Every Fall, Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party entertains and spooks guests of all ages. MNSSHP offers special ride overlays, fireworks, treats, and trick-or-treating. Make sure to check out our full guide on Mickey’s Not So Scary before you plan your trip.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

If you’ve never been to the most magical place on earth at the most wonderful time of the year, then you are just plain missing out! If you are headed to the Magic Kingdom anytime near the Christmas Season make sure you check out Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party for a great time that will really put you in the spirit of the season.

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How To Get To Magic Kingdom

Getting to and from the Magic Kingdom is pretty easy, but there are so many ways to do it! Which one is best for you? Make sure you check out our Disney World Transportation Guide to find out all you need to know about getting around Disney World Resort.

Magic Kingdom Tips

The Magic Kingdom is definitely the first park everyone first thinks of when they think of Disney World. It’s a can’t miss, have to go back, don’t want to leave part of every trip for my family. Before you leave also make sure to check out our page about Magic Kingdom Tips and Tricks to help you maximize your day at the Magic Kingdom.

Click here to read more about all of the Disney World theme parks.

Are Magic Kingdom and Epcot Connected?

Yes, you can travel between the Magic Kingdom and Epcot by using the Disney World monorail system. The entire trip takes about 30 minutes.

Can Magic Kingdom Be Done In One Day?

Magic Kingdom, in it’s entirety, can not be enjoyably done in one day. Two days is typically recommended, unless you are someone who frequently goes to the Magic Kingdom and knows exactly what they do and don’t like to do.

Does The Skyliner Go To Magic Kingdom?

No, the Disney Skyliner does not go to the Magic Kingdom. Currently the only parks where the Skyliner has stations are Epcot and Hollywood Studios.

How Many Days Do You Need at Magic Kingdom?

There is a lot to do and see at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, which is its largest park. Seeing everything at Magic Kingdom requires two days of planning. In particular, if you’re looking to check out all the street decorations and meet the characters, you should make sure to get there early.