I went on tripadvisor.com and I typed in Disney's Magic Kingdom. I found that there were over 60,000 reviews and of those reviews 88% of them rated MK a five or four star and only five percent rated the park a two or one star. Right then I had a good idea I would keep reading. So I looked at the one star ratings and there were two let me say popular complaints, COST and CROWDS. I read closer and I chose three or four of the reviewers to explore other reviews written by them. In every account I found that the reviewer fell into two categories they were either anti-Disney or just negative in the first place and all of their reviews were negative. I had to laugh at one when I read how terrible Disney was with people with disabilities from his experience as someone with a disability with arthritis. Now I am not negating the idea that arthritis is painful and does limit some activities but being a father to a child who needs a wheelchair and wears a helmet due to seizures I do have experience in the idea that Disney is very good at helping guests with disabilities. So, you can understand why I do not take 2% of over 60,000 reviews very seriously. Now comes my thoughts on the Magic Kingdom.
As I mentioned in my earlier post on this blog I was last at WDW in 2017 (June to be exact) and we did visit the Magic Kingdom. That visit marked the tenth time I had been to WDW and each time we at least visited MK once (sometimes more) on each trip so I have my thoughts on the place. The Magic Kingdom opened in October of 1971 and is the most visited park of the four theme parks in WDW. Actually it is the most visited theme park annually in the whole world for those of you wondering all four theme parks at WDW are in the top ten world wide and eight of the ten are all Disney theme parks whether in California, Japan, or China.
Let me explain something WDW is expensive. Also, there is crowded and then there is WDW crowded. As a rule it used to be that when students were in school, WDW was less crowded. That doesn't always ring true anymore. As a teacher I usually have to go to WDW when school is out, which is another reason why I am looking forward to retirement in about five-six years. Disney being a business has tried to entice people to come in what used to be historically slow times. Whether it is free-dining or festivals at EPCOT or marathon weekends... some of the "low" crowd times are now crowded whether it be September, January, February, late August or even early December. So yes Virginia it is crowded. However, it also has made the numbers in the summer actually drop or even out. Again, it is not that there are days at MK where it is empty and you can walk onto every ride without a wait but there are days in the summer where it isn't WDW crowded.
Now finally, a trip through the Magic Kingdom. Magic Kingdom is broken into six "LANDS" which surround a central hub and Cinderella's Castle which is the main icon of the park. There is Adventureland, Frontierland, Liberty Square, Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, and Main Street USA. Inside each "land" are attractions, eateries and shops that are themed for that land. Adventureland is the home of the Jungle Cruise and the famous Pirate's of the Caribbean attraction if you go up Main Street and hang a hard left at the hub you will be heading towards this land. Keep heading around and you bump into Frontierland which is the home of Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain (two of the mountains that make up the Magic Kingdom Mountain Range. As you make your way around you will soon enter Liberty Square which is the home of the Hall of Presidents and the Haunted Mansion. If you exit the Haunted Mansion to your left you will come into Fantasyland which has a plethora of attractions including Small World, Seven Dwarves Mine Train, the carousel, Dumbo to name a few. If you keep heading left you'll find yourself in Tomorrowland home of Space Mountain, the People Mover, and my personal favorite attraction Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress. Again keep heading left and you'll end up at the castle and back at Main Street USA which has entertainers throughout the day like the Dapper Dan's it is also the finishing point for the Festival of Fantasy Parade.
The Magic Kingdom has some really good restaurants some which are considered Quick-Service and also there are table service ones. Quick Service are restaurants where you order at the counter and then get your food and find a spot. Table Service is where you are given a table and someone comes and takes your order, also there is a buffet at MK called Crystal Palace. I am not going into reviews of the places I have eaten at while in MK (or any other park that will follow) except to say I have my favorites. In MK my favorite table service restaurant is Liberty Tree Tavern while I have a tie for quick service where both Casey's and Sleepy Hollow.
I have already shared with you my favorite attraction which is Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress which would be followed in this order Splash Mountain, Haunted Mansion, and Barnstormer for sentimental reasons because it is the first coaster my oldest son and I ever rode at WDW.
It is not that I do not like the other attractions or dining experiences it is that these are my favorites in my favorite park.
If you are planning a trip to the Magic Kingdom (or any of the other WDW destinations) don't think you can or have to do it all. Make sure you have a plan and make that plan flexible. Most of all have fun and be a kid again unless you are already one.
Someone once said it is not about the stuff, it is about the memories and the experiences. Some of my favorite times I have with my children are when we reminisce about a trip we went on or are planning the one we are going on. Take your time, take plenty of pictures, and again HAVE A MAGICAL TIME!
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