Disney. Magic Kingdom. 2019. “Disney World Is Undergoing Some Very Exciting Changes This Year — Learn About Them All!” by Megan Dubois, 14 Feb. 2020. Popsugar Family, Group Nine Media, http://www.popsugar.com/family/changes-coming-to-walt-disney-world-this-year-47185917.

Without a doubt, Disney World in Orlando, Florida is about to undergo some serious refurbishment in the coming months. It’s unknown how the current state of the nation and closure of Walt Disney World will affect the planned updates, but the previously announced renovations are listed below.

Magic Kingdom

Swiss Family Robinson Tree House (Attraction): Closes 4/27/20; Reopening 5/4/20.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (Attraction): Closes 5/4/20; Reopening 5/22/20.

TRON Lightcycle Power Run (New Attraction): Opening 2021.

Smith, Thomas. TRON Lightcycle Power Run. 2019, disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2019/05/exciting-progress-is-being-made-on-the-tron-attraction-coming-to-magic-kingdom-park/.

The TRON attraction is based on the guest-favorite attraction TRON Lightcycle Power Run at Shanghai Disneyland.  This coaster-style attraction will allow riders to board a train of two-wheeled Lightcycles for a thrilling race through the digital frontier. The ride will be placed in Tomorrowland and is expected to be open next year for Disney World’s 50th Anniversary.

Epcot

Spaceship Earth (Attraction): Closes 5/26/20; Reopening 2021(?) TBD

Space 220: (New Dining): Opening 2020

Le Creperie de Ratatouille (New Dining): Summer 2020

Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts and Barbecue (New Dining): Opening 2020

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure (New Attraction): Summer 2020

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind (New Attraction): Opening 2021

Play! Pavilion (New Attraction): Opening Summer 2021

Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana (New Attraction): Opening 2021

Harmonious (New Nighttime Spectacular): TBD

(See my previous post dedicated to Epcot for more details on all of the changes to come)

Hollywood Studios

Roundup Rodeo BBQ (New Dining): Opening 2021

The Mickey Shorts Theater (New Attraction): Opening March 2020

Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway (New Attraction): Now Open

Disney. Magic Kingdom. 2019. “Disney World Is Undergoing Some Very Exciting Changes This Year — Learn About Them All!” by Megan Dubois, 14 Feb. 2020. Popsugar Family, Group Nine Media, http://www.popsugar.com/family/changes-coming-to-walt-disney-world-this-year-47185917.

The newest ride to hit the parks, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway is a family-oriented ride located within the Chinese Theater (soon to be rebranded as the Mickey Shorts Theater). The first Disney attraction featuring Mickey and Minnie Mouse, the trackless ride takes guests inside a Mickey cartoon short.

Disney Springs

Drawn to Life (New Attraction): Opening April 17, 2020

Ample Hills Creamery (New Dining): TBD

City Works Eatery and Pour House (New Dining): Now Open

Disney. Magic Kingdom. 2019. “Disney World Is Undergoing Some Very Exciting Changes This Year — Learn About Them All!” by Megan Dubois, 14 Feb. 2020. Popsugar Family, Group Nine Media, http://www.popsugar.com/family/changes-coming-to-walt-disney-world-this-year-47185917.

Disney Springs is going to be gaining a few new restaurants in a few months including the City Works Eatery and Pour House, which will feature over 90 beers on tap and classic American bar food. It’s located on Disney Springs’ West Side next to the NBA Experience. The bar is going to be the spot to be at Disney World for watching sports since they have 17 large-screen TVs and a state-of-the-art sound system.

Let Your Adventure Begin!

Disney’s Hollywood Studios. “Hollywood Studios Update: October 2019,” by Tom Bricker, Oct. 2019. Disney Tourist Blog, CafeMedia Family, http://www.disneytouristblog.com/hollywood-studios-update-october-2019/.

Debuting on May 1, 1989, Disney-MGM Studios was the third theme park to open at Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, after the Magic Kingdom in 1971 and Epcot Center in 1982. In its original conception, Disney-MGM Studios was to operate not only as a theme park, but also as a fully functioning television and movie production studio. In 2008, MGM Studios transformed into Hollywood Studios. As Meg Crofton, president of Walt Disney World at the time stated: “The new name reflects how the park has grown from representing the golden age of movies to a celebration of the new entertainment that today’s Hollywood has to offer–in music, television, movies and theater.” Since then, it has flourished into a mixing pot of old-school Hollywood charm and new-age technological advancement within movies.

ATTRACTIONS

Toy Story Land. “Toy Story Land is just the beginning of a multi-year redo at Disney’s Hollywood Studios,” by Ken Storey, 2 July 2018. OrlandoWeekly, Foundation, http://www.orlandoweekly.com/Blogs/archives/2018/07/02/toy-story-land-is-just-the-beginning-of-a-multi-year-redo-at-disneys-hollywood-studios.

As of writing, I would consider Hollywood Studios to be split into three separate areas: Sunset Boulevard, Toy Story Land, and Galaxy’s Edge. The latter two are some of the newest additions to Walt Disney World, each packed full of attractions for all members of the family. Iconic rides like the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, (based on the popular television series which originally aired from 1959 to 1964; guests find themselves propelled up and down the abandoned elevator shaft of the Hollywood Tower Hotel, unexpectedly dropping and rising) and Rock ‘n’ RollerCoaster (a indoor 125-speaker, 24-subwoofer, 32,000-watt audio inverting coaster inspired by Aerosmith through the darkened freeways of Los Angeles), are situated down the strip of Sunset Boulevard alongside neon signs and old time-y 50’s jazz and swing in the air. Toy Story Land and Galaxy’s Edge have some of the most impressive theming I have ever experienced in an amusement park, and the Slinky Dog Dash (pictured above) is wholesome fun, and a super satisfying coaster for enthusiasts and kids alike; everyone will enjoy it.

Attractions in Galaxy’s Edge is another animal. Two rides: Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, (ride in the famous cockpit of the Millennium Falcon on a daring flight—and whether you’re a pilot, engineer or gunner, every role is crucial), and Rise of the Resistance (a massive attraction with multiple ride systems that is unlike anything you’ve ever experienced at Walt Disney World Resort) have seen lines that are unfathomable. In fact, Rise of the Resistance employs a digital line (due to the ride length of ~20 minutes and the massive amounts of people who have been flooding to the ride since it’s opening in December 2019) where guests can join an online queue once they enter the park. Be warned: the park opens at 6:00 or 7:00 and the queue is usually filled for the entire day 10 minutes after the official rope drop. From personal experience, the park opened at 7:00 and we were given notice at 6:45 that the ride was booked for the entire day. THAT’S how you hype up a ride, and the hype must be for a reason.

Overall Rating of Hollywood Studios Attractions: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

DINING

Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant, disneyworld.disney.go.com/en-eu/dining/hollywood-studios/sci-fi-dine-in-theater/.

The standout dining experience in Hollywood Studios id the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater, which serves classic diner burgers and shakes all while playing classic American movies as guests are seated in car-shaped booths. The food and atmosphere is AWESOME; highly recommend. A more refined option can be found at The Brown Derby (which is highlighted in a dining experience alongside Fantasmic!), as well as several simple counter service placed all around the park.

Oga’s Cantina in Galaxy’s Edge is a sight to be seen; there is a line similar to one for an attraction (think 20-30 minutes outside of the building waiting to be allowed in). Oga’s serves both table service meals, and exclusive Star Wars inspired cocktails and drinks. Be sure to make a reservation in advance to witness the atmosphere and cuisine of a true galaxy cantina meant to cater to bounty hunters, smugglers, rogue traders, and weary travelers of all ages coming together to refuel, enjoy music, and conduct meetings—no questions asked.

Overall Rating of Hollywood Studios Dining: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

FUN FACTS AND SECRETS

• Imagineers used 1927 blueprints from the original Grauman’s Chinese Theatre to build an exact scale replica — one that represents the way the famed Hollywood theater looked on opening night, as opposed to today.
• Three Disney animated films were almost entirely produced here: “Mulan,” “Lilo & Stitch” and “Brother Bear,” and Hollywood Studios animators contributed to the classics “Beauty and the Beast,” “Aladdin” and “The Lion King.”
• The Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster is the resort’s only indoor roller coaster that was built outside; the entire 3,403-foot track was constructed first, followed by the exterior shell built around the roller coaster.
• The Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster was the first roller coaster at Walt Disney World to take guests upside down — something it does three times per ride.
• Just outside the park near Galaxy’s Edge, Disney will be building a “Star Wars”-themed resort aimed at making guests feel as if they’re living in a luxurious starship in outer space. The idea is to create a seamless, immersive “Star Wars” experience from the rooms to the rides.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Without a doubt, Hollywood Studios is my favorite park. The atmosphere here (especially at night when the neon signs are lit up and the jazz seamlessly blends into the Star Wars soundtrack as you near Galaxy’s Edge) cannot be explained or compared to any other Walt Disney World Park. As a huge Star Wars fan, I have no qualms with the mass of Star Wars merchandise and influence in the park, though I understand that people who don’t care as much could be thrown off with the overload of events.

Hollywood Studios houses the best firework and finale shows on property; both Fantasmic! and A Galactic Spectacular cannot be missed nor forgotten. The latter of the two gives me chills every time I see it, there are not enough words of praise for this place. Dining leaves a bit to be desired, but its easily overlooked by the pure joy that walking into this place gives me.

Overall rating of Hollywood Studios: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Timeless and innovative, encapsulates everything a park should be: fun, themed well, and packed full of festivities.

Travel Around the Globe, Under the Sea, into Outer Space… and Beyond!

Walt Disney World’s Epcot. “New Hotel Inside Epcot?” by Tom Bricker. DisneyTourist Blog, Elite Cafemedia Family & Parenting, http://www.disneytouristblog.com/new-hotel-inside-epcot/.

Walt Disney World’s second theme park, Epcot, (which stands for Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow) was envisioned to be an actual city where people would work and live with new technology presented by the very best in industry, opening its doors on October 1, 1982. Today, Epcot is known for its World Showcase, which focuses on guiding guests from country to country, exploring native food, culture, apparel, and beverages. Closer to the gates lies several “pavilions” as they are called in Epcot throughout Future World, though the entire park is set to undergo a massive redesign, further explained below.

ATTRACTIONS

Test Track. “Test Track at Epcot is closing for refurbishment soon,” by Ryan Ogilivie, 21 Oct. 2019. Inside the Magic, Elite Cafemedia Lifestyle, insidethemagic.net/2019/10/test-track-at-epcot-closing-ro1/.

Epcot is known to be the “adult park”. It houses few attractions, and most of the parks attention is directed toward the World Showcase, where it is customary to find large groups of adults drinking “around the world” as its become known to be called. While this isn’t necessarily a bad thing depending on why you’re in Disney, it makes Epcot a difficult park to bring children and expect that they’ll be entertained.

Rides include Test Track (shown above), where guests design a virtual concept car and put it to the test, reaching speeds of up to 60 mph, Spaceship Earth, the flagship attraction of Epcot and the signature symbol of the park which takes riders on a tour within the geosphere through the technological history of mankind, and Soarin’, an 180-degree, 80-foot IMAX digital projection dome, featuring spectacular aerial footage, pleasant scents and graceful motion to create the soothing sensation of flight throughout a journey around the globe.

Perhaps the most infamous ride at Disney World, Mission: SPACE, (a simulator which allows guests to experience what liftoff feels like while applying up to 2.5G’s to create weightlessness) generated quite the controversy upon opening in 2005 when a 4-year old male rider passed out and died aboard, and in 2006 when a middle-aged woman died. An investigation was later held, and the ride was deemed safe and in perfect working order. However, this prompted Imagineers to scale down the thrill level, giving guests the choice of either the full, original experience (Orange Team), or a milder version (Green Team). I have never ridden this ride, nor do I have any desire too, frankly.

Overall Ranking of Epcot Attractions: ⭐️

DINING

Brandon, Pam. Le Cellier Steakhouse. 2013, disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2013/01/canadas-le-cellier-steakhouse-at-epcot-goes-to-all-day-menu/.

What Epcot lacks in attractions, it makes up for in dining options. Notable restaurants include Le Cellier Steakhouse in Canada, one of Disney’s most exclusive steakhouses and most difficult reservations, Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in Norway, which provides Disney Princess dining alongside a traditional Norwegian buffet-style breakfast and brunch, and countless food carts and vendors in each country which serve authentic cuisine. This is what Epcot is known for: good food.

I obviously cannot testify about how satisfying Epcot’s alcoholic offerings are, but I’ve only read and heard good things. Guests will never go hungry in Epcot, and there is something for everybody. My personal favorite stop would be Karamell-Kuche, a chocolate and caramel bakery in Germany which makes the BEST chocolate-covered strawberries and caramel popcorn you’ll ever try.

Overall Ranking of Epcot Dining: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

FUN FACTS AND SECRETS:

• Epcot is about to go through a complete redesign in an attempt to make the park more marketable to families and tie it into the movies. Prominent changes include:
  • The division of Epcot into four distinct areas.
    • World Celebration, which will include the park’s revised main entrance, a reimagined Spaceship Earth, and the removal of the Innoventions buildings. Just beyond Spaceship Earth will be Dreamer’s Point, which will include a new statue of Walt Disney, and a three-story festival pavilion which includes a 360 degree viewing platform on the top level.
    • World Nature, which will focus on “understanding and preserving the beauty, awe and balance of the natural world”, incorporating an attraction inspired by Moana, dedicated to exploring the Journey of Water.
    • World Discovery, a reimagined version of Future World, housing thrill rides like Test Track, Mission: SPACE, and a new high-speed thrill ride Cosmic Rewind, inspired by Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy.
    • World Showcase, continuing to be “a celebration of culture, cuisine, architecture, and traditions” with the additions of two new attractions from Ratatouille in France and Mary Poppins in England.
  • A new nighttime spectacular, HarmonioUS, honoring Disney music interpreted by various global cultures. The show will replace IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth and will feature similar elements including pyrotechnics, choreographed water fountains, searchlights, lasers, floating set pieces, and LED panels.
  • New shows and experiences surrounding Disney movies in their respective countries, like Mulan in China, and Coco in Mexico.

FINAL THOUGHTS:

As it stands, Epcot desperately needs a re-vamp.The park is excellent for those attempting to grab something to eat, have a drink, and watch (in my opinion) the best firework display in Disney World, but for kids and those who want some “Disney Magic”, they will be disappointed. It it also an absolute nightmare to be walking in Epcot on a hot day or when your feet already hurt, because there isn’t much to do but walk. No lie, there’s a photo of my brothers, grandfather, and me all taking a nap at a table in the middle of Epcot because we were so exhausted and miserable with the 90 degree weather and the miles upon miles we’d already travelled. Still, Epcot will be undeniably a different park after the refurbishment, and I have a sneaking suspicion that once it’s complete several years from now, Epcot will rise to the glory of the being the most marketable and frequented park on property.

Time will tell as to the fate of Epcot; fingers crossed for the biggest upgrade in Disney Park’s history.

Overall Rating of Epcot: ⭐️⭐️ Niche guests will enjoy its undeniable aesthetic, but it fails to reach a larger audience. 

Behold the Magic of Nature with Rare Animals and World-Class Entertainment

The Tree of Life. “Animal Kingdom Update: Club 33, Pandora Perfection, Otter Oddities, Entertainment Cuts,” by Tom Bricker. Disney Tourist Blog, Elite Cafemedia Family & Parenting, http://www.disneytouristblog.com/animal-kingdom-update-club-33-pandora-perfection-otter-oddities-entertainment-cuts/. Accessed 16 Jan. 2020.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom opened on Earth Day in 1998. Fitting, as it’s the only Disney park dedicated to animal conservation and the environment. The 500 acres it takes up also makes it Disney’s largest theme park. Containing some of the newest features in Disney World, Animal Kingdom is not a park to be missed.

ATTRACTIONS

Expedition Everest. “Today in Disney History: Expedition Everest Debuts at Disney’s Animal Kingdom,” by Jennifer Fickley-Baker, 7 Apr. 2011. DisneyParks Blog, Disney, disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2011/04/today-in-disney-history-expedition-everest-debuts-at-disneys-animal-kingdom/.

Animal Kingdom is teeming with opportunity for adventure. Popular attractions include Expedition Everest (pictured above), which is located in Asia and is a true rollercoaster and high trill ride, featuring a reverse, and dark ride elements. Also in Asia are the Kali River Rapids, a large water tube ride which, while fun, can result in the need to buy new clothes!

Other non-height restricted rides include the Kilimanjaro Safaris located within Africa, which takes visitors through the Harambe Wildlife Reserve, home to 34 species living in 110 acres of picturesque open plains, shady forest landscapes and rocky wetlands. A staple of Animal Kingdom, the safari is not to be missed, as expert tour guides explain behaviors and habitats. As well, Pandora – The Land of Avatar is one of the newest “lands” in Disney, and contains two attractions: Na’vi River Journey (calm journey by boat, deep into Pandora’s glowing bioluminescent rainforest) and Flight of Passage, (“climb” atop a winged mountain banshee for a breathtaking 3D flight over Pandora’s otherworldly landscape), the latter being perhaps the greatest ride on Disney property.

Overall Ranking of Animal Kingdom Attractions: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

DINING

Festival of the Lion King Screencap. 2017. Youtube, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CVYoZCbeTvQ. Accessed 16 Mar. 2017.

Sadly, I know very little about Animal Kingdom’s dining offerings, as there are little to no sit down restaurants in the park (with the exception being Tiffins in Discovery Island, which provides high class African and Latin inspired cuisine). Most of the other formal meals are provided through the several cultural festivals occurring at Animal Kingdom, like the Festival of the Lion King, and Rivers of Light: We Are One (NOTE: I personally have not been to either, as both are special ticketed events, though I’ve heard lots of good things).

Most of the dining is found in small shops, outposts, and stands. Much of this is ethnic and culturally inspired, and cannot be found elsewhere in Disney. Pandora has a fast casual restaurant called Satu’li Canteen which serves food inspired by Pandora and almost “alien” in nature. Lastly, there is a Rainforest Café near the exit of Animal Kingdom, which is a family tradition during our Animal Kingdom visits. The building is HUGE, and a really neat experience for first timers.

Overall Ranking of Animal Kingdom Dining: ⭐️⭐️

FUN FACTS AND SECRETS

• Disney’s Animal Kingdom is home to one of the leading zoo hospitals in North America, with an emphasis on advanced imaging, digital radiology, ultrasound and endoscopy. Disney’s Animal Kingdom is one of only two animal hospitals in U.S. zoos with computed tomography (CT) scanners on the premises. This has increased the team’s ability to quickly diagnose and treat animals at the hospital.
• Since 1995, the Disney Conservation Fund has directed more than $70 million to 600 nonprofit organizations working with communities to reverse the decline of wildlife in more than half the countries in the world.
• The arrival of two black rhino calves, which were born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, made them two of only 200 in captivity worldwide.
• With the animals in mind, Walt Disney World’s youngest theme park does not sell plastic straws or drink lids anywhere within the park. Instead, guests can use paper straws provided at all food locations.
• Expedition Everest took over $100 million to build; the attraction holds the record for the most expensive roller coaster in the world.
• The iconic floating mountains in the Valley of Mo’ara – there are 22 – peak at about 130 feet above the valley floor. A team of more than 60 artisans from the U.S., Peru, France, Portugal, Japan, and Ireland contributed to creating the art-scape of the floating mountains.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Animal Kingdom is the most immersive and aesthetically pleasing park in Walt Disney World. The park is ginormous, and there is enough variation in what to do to keep the family busy. One of my primary complaints surrounds and issue that plagues the dated attractions: closures. The last two times that I’ve been to Disney I haven’t been able to ride Everest due to maintenance, and unexplained issues. Same goes for Dinosaur, though the life expectancy of that ride is certainly nearing its end.

Flight of Passage is enough of a reason to visit. I have waited 2 and a half hours for that 5 minute ride, and I will stand by this golden statement: it is worth it. Pandora is a wonderful addition to the park, and classic attractions like Everest (when it’s running) and the Safari are continually enjoyable. With plenty of foliage as shade, the park is one of the best choices for a hot day, and there is a sense of just preservation and great care put in place in the park.

Overall Rating of Animal Kingdom: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Teeming with life, bold and bright

Explore Lands of Endless Enchantment, Where Your Fantasy Becomes a Reality

Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, disneyworld.disney.go.com/destinations/magic-kingdom/.

First opening its gates on October 1, 1971, Disney’s Magic Kingdom was the first stage in his Orlando take over. Now, designated into six different themed lands, The Magic Kingdom spans 107 acres, larger than Disneyland, but smaller than Epcot and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Home to Cinderella’s Castle, arguably the most recognizable and iconic building on Disney property, Magic Kingdom is is packed with character encounters, fun shops and a wide range of dining options.

ATTRACTIONS

Pasant, Matt. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. 2009, http://www.flickr.com/photos/pasant/4222457526.

Magic Kingdom houses many classic Disney rides, such as “It’s a Small World” (all-ages boat ride featuring over 300 nations coming together in song and performance), Pirates of the Caribbean (thrilling boat ride through dark caverns descending into the 17th century when unruly pirates wreaked mayhem on the open seas), and Peter Pan’s Flight (venture into the otherworldly Neverland where you never have to grow up). Filled to the brim with small, child-friendly rides and attractions, older audiences will gravitate toward the Mountains: three high-speed and trill coasters, as well as the relatively new attraction Seven Dwarves Mine Train, a coaster similar to Big Thunder Mountain, but showcasing newer technology that allows the ride vehicle to drift side to side (just like a mine cart!)

Splash Mountain is a high tech water-based log ride from on the Disney classic, Song of the South. The ride culminates in a 5-story drop into water, soaking those unfortunate enough to get unlucky. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is located near Splash Mountain, as both are in Frontierland, east of the gate and Main Street U.S.A. Thunder Mountain is a rougher ride, but exhilarating and satisfying for adrenaline junkies. Finally, Space Mountain in Tomorrowland allows guests to blast off into the darkness of outer space in an indoor rollercoaster. Without a doubt, Space Mountain is the most thrilling of the 3, due mainly to it’s dark-ride feature in which riders can’t necessarily see the track, or see the sharp curves coming. However, Thunder Mountain also shares this added experience when ridden at night.

Overall Ranking of Magic Kingdom Attractions: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 

DINING

Cinderella’s Royal Table, disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/magic-kingdom/cinderella-royal-table/menus/.

Having few sit-down restaurants, the star of the show is certainly a meal at the Crystal Palace, located near Cinderella’s Castle. Inspired by England’s Crystal Palace, this spectacular setting offers a terrific buffet for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Adding to the huge menu and lovely setting, you’ll get the opportunity to meet Pooh, Eeyore, Piglet, and other 100 Acre Wood characters. This meal is a must have for any trip to Disney, and is a staple in our family vacations. (There’s even ice cream for breakfast!)

The other memorable dining experience in Magic Kingdom would be at Cinderella’s Royal Table, housed within the castle itself! Entrées include steak, shrimp, roasted chicken pot pie as well as kid friendly food as well, though it is a more high class setting. Cinderella will drop by your table for a visit and take photos, and other princesses such as Belle, Jasmine, Sleeping Beauty and Snow White circulate the dining hall for conversation and pictures.

Overall Ranking of Magic Kingdom Dining: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

FUN FACTS AND SECRETS

• The tallest structure in Disney’s Magic Kingdom is the Cinderella Castle, standing 189 ft tall. The honor for the second tallest structure goes to the Space Mountain, which is 183 ft tall. Both fall just short of the 200 ft mark in which law requires buildings of that height to feature light beacons for safety and aircrafts.
• The replica of the Liberty Bell that can be found in the center of Liberty Square was built from the same authentic cast as the original in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
• Underneath Disney World and Magic Kingdom are miles of underground tunnels called utilidors that house massive costume departments, cast member break rooms, garbage chutes and more.
• If you’ve ever been to the Magic Kingdom, you’ll notice that it carries very strong pleasant smells. That’s because artificial smells are pumped through hidden vents throughout the park to increase the sensory experience of the guests. On Main Street, for example, it always smells like baked goods.
• You can’t actually stay in Cinderella’s Castle, but the mesmerizing building does have a secret suite inside. This was originally built for the Disney family but was never used after Walt passed away before the park opened. The only way to stay there is to win a competition held by Disney.
• The Magic Kingdom is the smallest of the four parks at Walt Disney World. It is even smaller than the parking lot of the Animal Kingdom!

FINAL THOUGHTS

For those who have never been to Disney, Magic Kingdom should be the first stop. It’s immersive, fun for all ages, and there are enough rides and places to eat to keep everybody busy. Depending on when you go and the Florida weather, it can get really hot and there aren’t many places to sit or rest in the shade. The fireworks at night are gorgeous, and when they’re doing their River of Lights performance, the park really comes alive after-hours. Magic Kingdom offers transportation to the nearby Contemporary, Polynesian Village, and Floridan Resorts via the monorail, which is super handy for guests of those resorts or if you are travelling to dinner from the Magic Kingdom.

The park just has a friendly, this-is-where-dreams-come-true sort of vibe that makes you happy when you’re there. Nothing fancy, or incredibly groundbreaking, just classic family fun. Dedicate one day of your vacation to making a stop here, and be sure to take in the atmosphere and aesthetic of the castle and the surrounding lands.

Overall Rating of Magic Kingdom: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Wholesome, and reliably fun.