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You are here: Home / Travel / Florida Attractions / Disney / Top 10 Must-Dos for Your First Visit to the Magic Kingdom

Top 10 Must-Dos for Your First Visit to the Magic Kingdom

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February 23, 2015 by cindy 14 Comments

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Since I have been visiting Walt Disney World since 1972, one of the things I love to do is take people who have never been and make sure they see the most important things. Our family has created a somewhat fluid list over the years of what you must do on your first visit to each of the Walt Disney World Parks in Florida. Over the next few weeks I’ll be sharing those lists with you. I hope you find them helpful. Today we start with the Magic Kingdom.

updated 1-11-19

Top 10 Must-dos for your first visit to the Magic Kingdom

10. Ride Dumbo the Flying Elephant

Dumbo is a classic family ride that has been in the Magic Kingdom since opening day. Recently Dumbo moved from Fantasyland to the Storybook Circus area of the park. There are now two Dumbo rides side-by-side and a circus themed play area for kids to play in while they wait their turn to ride.

9. Character Meet and Greets

Whether you want to meet your favorite princess, pixie, mouse or space ranger the character meet and greets at the Magic Kingdom are not to be missed. While there are chances to meet Disney characters all over the Magic Kingdom, check your guide map and times guide for times and locations, two places use Fastpass+ to make your experience even more magical. At Princess Fairytale Hall you can meet Anna & Elsa or Cinderella & Rapunzel and at the Town Square Theater you can meet Mickey Mouse or Tinker Bell. I recommend getting a Fastpass well in advance of your visit if you wish to meet any of these popular characters.

8. Space Mountain

If you are 44″ or taller and want to zoom through the galaxy, then Space Mountain is the ride for you. This classic Disney attraction, and oldest roller coaster in Florida has been a favorite in the Magic Kingdom since the ride opened in January of 1975.

7. Festival of Fantasy Parade

We are huge fans of Disney parades and the Festival of Fantasy parade is now my 2nd favorite Disney parade ever! This parade debuted on March 9, 2014 to rave reviews. The magnitude of the floats, the wonderful music and the multitudes of Disney characters in this parade is mesmerizing. Add to that the signature steampunk fire-breathing dragon and Disney has significantly raised the bar for theme park parades! The parade usually steps off in Frontierland at 3pm daily but check your times guide or My Disney Experience App for the specific day and time of your visit. You will want to find your spot for the parade at least 30 minutes in advance so plan your day accordingly.

6. The Jungle Cruise

Maybe my family is just crazy but no visit to the Magic Kingdom is complete with out a trip on The Jungle Cruise. The corny jokes, fun skippers and animatronic animals make this ride a quirky piece of Disney fun. Top 10 Must-dos for your 1st trip to the Magic Kingdom

5. Dole Whip

It is my belief that everyone must try a Dole Whip at least once. Personally, I am a purist and I prefer the classic Dole Whip but many people enjoy the Dole Whip Float better. Whichever you choose, try this pineapple treat-it is a Disney rite of passage-and a great way to cool off on a hot Florida day. Dole Whip is available at Aloha Isle in Adventureland.

4. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is a roller coaster that opened in New Fantasyland May 28, 2014. Guests must be 38″ tall to ride this coaster with rocking trains and a 39 foot drop. Beware the ride’s cars are not very comfortable for larger guests.

3. Pirates of the Caribbean

This classic Disney ride opened December 15, 1973. It is a must-do for everyone in your traveling party. See if you can find all 3 Jack Sparrows as you wind your way through the world of pirates. Remember-dead Men Tell No Tales…

2. It’s a Small World

Yes, the song might get stuck in your head but if you have traveled all the way to Florida and don’t ride this classic ride, you have wasted your money. “The happiest cruise that ever sailed” had its beginnings at the 1964 New York Worlds Fair and was an opening day attraction at The Magic Kingdom. While there are almost 300 dolls in this attraction, only 2 are from North America. Can you find them?

1. Happily Ever After

The only way to end your day at The Magic Kingdom is by watching the Happily Ever After Nighttime Spectacular. More than a fireworks display, Happily Ever After includes projections, music, and lasers along with the pyrotechnics. Happily Ever After takes place most evenings in the Magic Kingdom, check your times guide or My Disney Experience App for more information.

Did I miss anything? What would you include? Please let’s talk about this in the comments! Are you ready to plan your trip to Walt Disney World? Email Me, my planning services are free to you!

Other Disney posts that might interest you:

Top 10 Must-dos for your First Visit to Disney's Hollywood Studios

Top 10 Must-Dos for your first trip to Disney’s Hollywood Studios
 

Top 10 Must-Dos for your first visit to Epcot

Top 10 Must-Dos for your first visit to Epcot
Top 10 Must-Dos at Animal Kingdom

Top 10 Must-Dos for your first trip to Disney’s Animal Kingdom

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Filed Under: Disney, Featured, Florida Attractions, Travel Tagged With: disney vacation planning, first visit to disney world, Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World

About cindy

I'm Cindy aka TheMomMaven. I'm a happily married empty nester living in Tampa Bay. I love all things Disney and I blog about easy recipes, family travel, family entertainement as well as product reviews and giveaways.

Comments

  1. Diane says

    February 26, 2015 at 9:39 am

    It’s been quite a few years since I’ve been to Disney World. This is a great refresher as I hope to bring my son there one o these days.
    Diane recently posted..How To Get Longer Lashes At HomeMy Profile

    Reply
    • cindy says

      February 26, 2015 at 10:29 am

      Diane, I’m glad you found it helpful!

      Reply
  2. Carlee C says

    February 26, 2015 at 9:43 am

    OK, I am going to have to try the Dole Whip since that is the one thing on this list that I have not tried. Thanks for the heads up!
    Carlee C recently posted..Visiting the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens! #OrlandoEscapesMy Profile

    Reply
    • cindy says

      February 26, 2015 at 10:28 am

      Carlee, I LOVE my Dole Whip!

      Reply
  3. Jennifer Williams says

    February 26, 2015 at 10:04 am

    I think I grew up at that park with as much as we were there. The one thing I wish I had realized sooner was all the dining you could do with the characters. Out of all of our visits we still have yet to do that because everything was always booked even though some of our trips were planned a year ahead. We will get there though.

    Reply
    • cindy says

      February 26, 2015 at 10:28 am

      We love dining with Pooh and friends at the Crystal Palace for lunch.

      Reply
  4. Scott says

    February 26, 2015 at 10:23 am

    My best tip is to skip the parades and ride the rides at that time. Everyone else is standing around watching the floats while the rides are empty!
    Scott recently posted..The Best Party Game in the World?My Profile

    Reply
    • cindy says

      February 26, 2015 at 10:27 am

      Good tip Scott, but you’ve got to see the parades at least once!

      Reply
  5. Leah says

    February 26, 2015 at 12:29 pm

    These are great tips! We haven’t take our kids to Disney yet…I’m hoping to go next year!
    Leah recently posted..How I am Increasing My Energy Level!My Profile

    Reply
  6. chris says

    February 28, 2015 at 4:38 pm

    We have never been to Disneyland, but some day we will finally get there! #VeggieTales

    Reply
  7. Lisa thornbury says

    March 2, 2015 at 2:39 pm

    Great round-up! Makes me want to pack up the family and go. We didn’t get to try a Dole Whip last time so…. must go back soon. 🙂
    Lisa thornbury recently posted..Lego Craft Fail: Pinterest, Why Can’t I Quit You?My Profile

    Reply
  8. Peggy Johnson says

    March 3, 2015 at 10:00 am

    Lots of great tips and ideas…thanks. I can’t wait to go to Disney now…#VeggieTales

    Reply
  9. Jumpman256 says

    March 3, 2015 at 11:02 am

    Did you know Phil Vischer actually wanted to be a Christian Walt Disney? Read his book “Me, Myself, and Bob.” Great read! #Veggietales

    Reply
    • cindy says

      March 3, 2015 at 11:22 am

      I have heard that but I haven’t read the book. Thanks!

      Reply

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