Main Street, U.S.A.
We’re walking right down the middle of Main Street, U.S.A. and loving every single second.
There is no Magic Kingdom without Main Street. This land is the first place you see as you enter the most magical place on earth.
There’s also a lot of history on this street thanks to it being modeled after Walt Disney’s hometown of Marceline, Missouri. Plus, there are all kinds of hidden Easter eggs celebrating Imagineers.
While there aren’t any major attractions, besides the railroad, there’s plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment, including the parade and fireworks.
Here is everything you’ll encounter during your magical time on Main Street.
Attractions:
Walt Disney World Railroad - Main Street, U.S.A. Station
A steam train that takes guests on a loop around all of Magic Kingdom. There are 3 stops – at the end of Main Street, in Fantasyland (back by Storybook Circus), and in Frontierland between Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
Entertainment:
Festival of Fantasy Parade
Parades and cavalcades can be seen from Main Street, as they make their way from Frontierland. Check your My Disney Experience App for the most up to date parade and cavalcade times each day.
Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade
Parades and cavalcades can be seen from Main Street, as they make their way from Frontierland. Check your My Disney Experience App for the most up to date parade and cavalcade times each day.
Happily Ever After
Happily Ever After is a must see nighttime entertainment spectacular with fireworks and projections that happen on the castle and down Main Street, U.S.A. Happily Ever After is not to be missed. It’s a fantastic show, with an amazing soundtrack, stunning imagery, and the chance to see Tinker Bell fly. Check your My Disney Experience App for the most up to date show times each day. You should definitely grab a spot no less than 60 minutes before showtime.
Casey Corner's Pianist
A talented piano plays familiar songs outside the Quick Service restaurant.
The Dapper Dans
An iconic barbershop quartet who sings in harmony, tap dance, and tells jokes.
The Main Street Philharmonic
Hear the legendary marching band playing songs from classic Disney films, plus ragtime and swing standards.
The Flag Retreat
This occurs once daily, usually around 5pm, where you can watch the American Flag retire for the night during a patriotic ceremony at the flagpole in town square on Main Street, U.S.A.
Characters:
Snow White
Mickey Mouse
Main Street, U.S.A. Bucket List:
Adventureland
We can show you the world, shining, shimmering splendid.
Ok, maybe not the world, but we can definitely show you all that Adventureland has to offer, including the chance to fly on a magic carpet and even meet Aladdin and Jasmine.
Of course, Adventureland is also known for serving the famous Dole Whip, being home to the iconic Jungle Cruise, and giving guests the opportunity to live their best pirate life on Pirate’s of the Caribbean.
Adventureland is also where you can find Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room, which was the first attraction to ever feature Audio Animatronics when it debuted in 1963 at Disneyland.
Attractions:
The Swiss Family Treehouse
Essentially a big walk through treehouse that allows kids to burn off some energy. It’s themed after the Swiss Family Robinson movie and involves climbing through various rooms and stairs.
The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
Climb aboard a colorful, 4-passenger flying “rug” and take off into the air to the soothing sounds of Middle Eastern music. Soar around a giant genie bottle and magic lamp and enjoy a new view of the colorful bazaar below. If you’re seated in the front row, you can direct how high or low you fly by moving an onboard lever up or down. If you’re sitting in the back row, pressing a magic scarab will tip your flying carpet forward or backward.
Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room
A show featuring over 300 animatronic birds, flowers, and other things that perform various songs, including some Disney tunes.
Jungle Cruise
Jungle Cruise is a river raft ride where animatronic animals and corny jokes abound.
Every Jungle Cruise Skipper has their own “routine” with jokes so every ride is a little bit different. Little ones who are easily scared should maybe be told ahead of time that the animals are all pretend.
Pirates of the Caribbean
"Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate’s life for me!" In our opinion, it definitely should be for you too. An 8 1/2 minute gentle boat ride through a Caribbean city of pirates. This attraction has over 125 animatronics, including 3 Jack Sparrows so be on the lookout for those. Pirates of the Caribbean is an absolute must. The dark boat ride continues to be a fan-favorite and for good reason. It’s family-friendly. It’s fun. It includes Captain Jack Sparrow. And, of course, we can’t forget about Redd the pirate.
Entertainment:
A Pirate's Adventure - Treasures of the Seven Seas
You can join this interactive hunt for secret treasures hidden throughout Adventureland. Head over to The Crow’s Nest. Look for the sign that reads “A Pirate’s Adventure” hanging on the building at the far end of Adventureland as you make your way to Frontierland. You may start your adventure up until 30 minutes before Adventureland closes. All you have to do is use your MagicBand or card or pick up a magic talisman, a special card for the treasure hunt. There are 5 mission and they each take approximately 20 minutes to complete. Missions have no time limit. You can stop and restart each at your convenience throughout the day. When you complete each mission, you’ll receive a special treasure finder card.
After you collect all 5, you’ll get your hands on the sixth and final card — signed by Captain Jack Sparrow himself.
Characters:
Jasmine & Aladdin
There are several characters to meet in Adventureland. Aladdin and Jasmine appear together throughout the day at the Agrabah Bazaar next to Aloha Isle. You can find daily meet and greet times for them in the My Disney Experience app.
Captain Jack Sparrow
Across from Pirates of the Caribbean, you’ll also spot the Captain Jack Sparrow. His meet and greet times are in the My Disney Experience app.
Adventureland Bucket List:
Frontierland
It’s the wildest land in the wilderness!
At first glance, Frontierland may not look super exciting, but the land does have a lot to offer, especially three attractions that are all noteworthy.
You can even hop on a log raft and sail across the Rivers of America to explore a special island.
Frontierland has also gone through many changes. It’s no secret that Tiana’s Bayou Adventure replaced Splash Mountain. We think the transformation adds a whole new dimension to Frontierland.
Attractions:
Tom Sawyer Island
A giant island that is basically a playground to explore. You board a raft near Big Thunder Mountain which takes you over to where you can venture around the island. FYI: there used to be hidden paintbrushes placed here and people who found them could redeem them for FastPasses. That is no longer the case.
Country Bear Jamboree (Reopening September 2024)
Country Bear Jamboree is currently closed for refurbishment as of January 27th, 2024 and is scheduled to reopen in September 2024 after receiving a makeover. Soon enough, the bears will be heard reinterpreting favorite Disney songs in different genres of country music. The updated music will pay tribute to the classical revues in Nashville.
Per Disney, “Imagineers are envisioning the new experience as a homage to the classic musical revues in Nashville and they’re working with Nashville musicians to get the authentic country sound.”
Don’t worry, Disney also promises that the attraction “will still have the fun and friendly tone fans enjoy with the same famous characters like the loveable Trixie, Big Al, and others.”
Tiana's Bayou Adventure (Opening Late 2024)
Taking over the former Splash Mountain attraction, this ride will follow Tiana and Louis on a musical adventure as they prepare for their first-ever Mardi Gras performance. The ride is dedicated to Princess Tiana from The Princess and the Frog and follows her story after the movie, meaning we’ll get to see her as a human and not a frog.
There will also be music from the movie. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is a water ride that promises to not only be breathtaking in physical appearance, but captivating in storytelling. We can’t wait to ride Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. We fully expect to love this ride just as much as we do Tiana!
Walt Disney World Railroad - Frontierland Station
A steam train that takes guests on a loop around all of Magic Kingdom. There are 3 stops – at the end of Main Street, in Fantasyland (back by Storybook Circus), and in Frontierland between Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. We recommend everyone ride the train. It’s an iconic attraction, with great views of the park and is also a good transportation method if you want to get to one side of the park to the next!
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
A great intro coaster for people who are working up the nerve to do bigger coasters. The theming is Old West style and there are lots of mountains and caverns to make your way through. There are no big drops like on more intense coasters but there are some fun dips that can lift you out of your seat!
Entertainment:
Frontierland Hoedown
Characters:
Country Bears
Frontierland doesn’t have any traditional character meet and greets, but you can meet the Country Bears as they are known to roam near the Country Bear Jamboree.
Frontierland Bucket List:
Liberty Square
Hear ye! Hear ye! It is time to explore Liberty Square, which you can find in Magic Kingdom situated between Frontierland and Fantasyland.
Designed give the feeling of Colonial Era America, Liberty Square houses one of the most iconic attractions in all of Walt Disney World – The Haunted Mansion. Plus, this is the land to visit if you want to hear (or take a nap while) all of the presidents’ of the United States speak, ride the Liberty Belle, or get a waffle covered in fresh fruit and chocolate-hazelnut spread from Sleepy Hollow Refreshments. You can also see a replica of the Liberty Bell.
Attractions:
Liberty Square Riverboat
This 17-minute cruise on a steam-powered boat takes you on a 1/2 mile tour around Tom Sawyer Island. While not a priority, if you’re looking for a good time filler or something less thrilling, you may want to hop on the Liberty Square Riverboat, aka the “Liberty Belle.” Plus, you get to see unique views of Magic Kingdom. You might even be able to spot the parade or a cavalcade during your ride! You will catch unique views of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Tom Sawyer Island and the Haunted Mansion.
The Hall of Presidents
This theater (modeled after Independence Hall in Philadelphia) is home to 46 patriotic animatronics modeled after the past and sitting Presidents of the United States. The Hall of Presidents is where you can see an Audio-Animatronic of every person who has served as President of the United States. This isn’t a must-do by any means, but makes for a great place to cool off and is a good time filler.
Haunted Mansion
A tour of various ghost-filled rooms of a mansion. On your way to board your ride vehicle, you’ll first go through an octagon-shaped room that appears to stretch. Did you even visit Magic Kingdom if you didn’t ride Haunted Mansion? This is an iconic attraction that is a must-ride. It is family-friendly, but there are darker moments that may scare little ones.
This is one ride that has all kinds of details, so be sure to pay attention. There are even these Dread family busts in the queue’s cemetery that is actually a murder mystery game.
Plus, there are memorable scenes involving Madame Leota, and Constance Hatchaway. As of November 2023, the Hatbox Ghost made his spooky debut - if you haven't seen him...now is your chance!
Oh, and don’t say we didn’t warn you when you walk off the ride singing “Grim Grinning Ghosts.” You will want to "Hurry Baaaack" to ride this classic attraction!
Characters:
Princess Tiana
While not officially listed in the My Disney Experience app, sometimes you can see Princess Tiana waving from the window above the ticket office.
Princess Merida
You can spot Merida at the Enchanted Glade Gazebo in Liberty Square! You can find meet and greet times for the Brave princess inside the My Disney Experience app.
Liberty Square Bucket List:
Fantasyland
Fantasyland continues to be one of the most popular lands at the park and for good reason.
Not only does Cinderella Castle reside here, but it’s where you can meet princesses, ride some of the most iconic attractions (we’re looking at you, “it’s a small world”), and dine inside not one, but two famous Disney castles.
We’ve seen many changes over the years, including the addition of “New Fantasyland” (and Storybook Circus).
With a lot to see and do, characters to meet, and dining to try, our guide will help you understand the ins and outs of Fantasyland.
Attractions:
Mickey's Philharmagic
A 3D movie featuring the music from various Disney movies. Anybody at any age will enjoy this 11-minute show, but if the 3D effects get to be too much for little ones, removing the 3D glasses usually helps.
Mickey’s PhilharMagic is a fun show that makes for a great break if there are long wait times, it’s hot outside, the weather is icky, or you just simply need a rest!
The show follows Donald as he puts on Mickey’s Sorcerer Hat and decides to try his hand at conducting a concert. He’s then suddenly plunged into a 3D dream world of classic Disney animated musical sequences.
You don’t necessarily need to use Genie+ here since the theater is quite large with plenty of seating, but the show does have a Lightning Lane.
Peter Pan's Flight
Board ride vehicles that are suspended from the top, and glide over charming scenery in the dark. Although the ride takes place mostly in the dark, it doesn’t typically scare little ones. Peter Pan’s Flight is an extremely popular ride in Fantasyland - that nearly always has a long line.
Overall, the ride is well-themed and perfect for little ones. Even the queue is adorable, plus interactive! Keep your eyes peeled for the shadows on the wall and for Tinker Bell’s magic.
You’ll definitely want to have a plan when it comes to riding Peter Pan: "Rope Drop" it, get in line during the fireworks, hop in line at the end of the night, or make it a top Genie+ Lightning Lane selection.
It's a Small World
A gentle boat ride takes you through scenery that includes animatronic dolls set in different countries. Try not to get the song stuck in your head!
Did you really visit Disney World if you didn’t ride the most iconic and classic attraction of all time? While you may find yourself singing “it’s a small world” for the rest of your park day, we think it’s worth it, especially if you’ve never been on the slow-moving boat ride.
There are so many colors, cultures, and unity represented in the attraction. It may not be the most exciting ride, but it’s full of nostalgia.
Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
You may want to ride this charming (pun intended) carrousel until way past midnight, but hopefully, you will not turn into a pumpkin! Climb aboard one of 90 unique wood-carved ornate horses at this classic attraction as you bask in the beauty of Cinderella’s Castle. Fairly standard carousel but with Disney music and 90 unique horses. Can you find Cinderella’s horse with the gold ribbon on it's tail?
In addition to a range of horses to ride, there are also benches that are stationary and wheelchair accessible.
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Board a Hunny Pot and go on a psychedelic adventure through Hundred Acre Woods. This is a popular ride and one that most little ones will like. This is a very cute attraction. After all, look at the honey pot-inspired ride vehicles!
There is also an interactive queue perfect to keep little ones entertained during longer wait times. The queue is both indoors and outdoors, with kid-friendly activities in several different areas. Be sure to check out the “honey wall”? You simply use your hands and it’s like you’re playing in honey – but without all of the sticky mess.
Mad Tea Party
Often called “the tea cups,” this ride is fairly iconic in Disney theme parks. Characters from Alice in Wonderland meet near here throughout the day.
The teacups are a classic attraction that everyone should try at least once – of your stomach can handle it, of course.
And if you don’t want ride, you can watch others spin like mad without having to board teacup and that still makes for a lot of fun.
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
An easy coaster with the intensity of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, obviously done with Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs theme. This is one of the most popular attractions at Magic Kingdom. There will most always be a line, so you’ll want to plan accordingly.
You can purchase an Individual Lighting Lane that makes getting in line much easier, but also comes with an additional price. If you don’t want to spend extra money, you’ll want to either take advantage of Early Theme Park Entry to rope drop the roller coaster (if you’re eligible) or hop in line during the nighttime fireworks for lower wait times.
When available, Extended Evening Hours are also a great option to ride Mine Train with much lower wait times. However, these special hours are only offered to guests staying at Disney Deluxe or Disney Deluxe Villas Resort (plus a couple other select hotels).
Enchanted Tales with Belle
One of the most unique and newest attractions at Disney World, this attraction includes entering Maurice’s cottage and seeing characters from “Beauty and the Beast” come to life. The technology here is amazing. We definitely recommend trying Enchanted Tales with Belle!
Not only are the special effects and animatronics amazing, but it’s an intimate experience for Disney fans, especially those who love Beauty and the Beast.
You get to hang in the iconic library from the movie and help Belle tell the story of the night she and Beast fell in love. Even better — the experience concludes with a Belle meet and greet!
Under the Sea - Journey of the Little Mermaid
Climb aboard a clamshell and journey under the sea where you’ll see all your friends from The Little Mermaid. Journey of the Little Mermaid is the perfect ride for all ages.
Keep in mind that there are some darker moments with Ursula, but, overall, it’s a fun attraction that tells the story of The Little Mermaid. This attraction also has a fantastic queue that will make you feel as if you stepped inside Ariel’s world.
There’s also an interactive game in the queue featuring crabs, who are sorting Ariel’s thingamabobs. All you have to do is point out the items that don’t belong and the crabs will take them away.
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
Board an elephant and soar through the air. There’s also a fun play area to visit while waiting. Dumbo is a classic Magic Kingdom attraction that you should try at least once.
You get to board a Dumbo-inspired ride vehicle that you can fly at your preferred height level. It doesn’t go super fast and is, overall, pretty tame.
There are 2 Dumbo attractions here, with one serving Genie+ users and the other for guests using Standby.
Keep in mind there is a very cute interior interactive play area prior that’s part of the Standby queue. The larger play area is for kids ages 4 to 8, with the smaller area for kids ages 1 to 3.
On busier days, you may be given a buzzer and directed to wait inside the play area until your buzzer goes off notifying that you can get back in line.
For guests with little ones, you can also choose to get out of line if they want to play for a bit and then pop back in line.
The Barnstormer
A 1 1/2 minute (seriously) roller coaster for kids featuring Goofy. Although this is a coaster designed for kids, some little ones will still find it to be too intense. The theming here is spot-on. The ride features “The Great Goofini” as he performs his world-famous aerial stunt show.
Even though it’s super short, Barnstormer is truly a fun roller coaster! It’s built for (most) little ones and is basically over before you know it. It’s a great introduction to roller coasters.
Walt Disney World Railroad - Fantasyland Station
A steam train that takes guests on a loop around all of Magic Kingdom. There are 3 stops – at the end of Main Street, in Fantasyland (back by Storybook Circus), and in Frontierland between Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
The Walt Disney World Railroad has a station located in Storybook Circus in the area behind the restrooms.
We recommend everyone ride the train. It’s an iconic attraction, with great views of the park and is also a good transportation method if you want to get to one side of the park to the next.
Casey Jr. Splash 'N' Soak Station
A water play area designed to look like the train from Dumbo. Even if the water isn’t on, this is still a nice, open area to let kids run around in.
The Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station is the perfect spot for kids to run around and splash around in water.
This is even better on a hot day! There are no lines or waiting. You just come and go at your own leisure.
Keep in mind that select portions of the attraction may close during inclement weather.
Characters:
Mirabel
Fairytale Garden - Old Fantasyland
Cinderella
Princess Fairytale Hall - Old Fantasyland
Princess Tiana
Princess Fairytale Hall - Old Fantasyland
Rapunzel
Princess Fairytale Hall - Old Fantasyland
Elena
Princess Fairytale Hall - Old Fantasyland
Winnie the Pooh & Tigger
The Thotful Spot - Fantasyland
Peter Pan
Near Peter Pan's Flight - Old Fantasyland
Anastasia & Drizella (Cinderella's Step Sisters)
Cinderella Fountain Path or Wandering around Old Fantasyland
Ariel
Ariel's Grotto (next to Journey of the Little Mermaid) - New Fantasyland
Goofy & Donald Duck
Pete's Silly Side Show - Fantasyland (Storybook Circus)
Minnie & Daisy
Pete's Silly Side Show - Fantasyland (Storybook Circus)
Fantasyland Bucket Lists:
Tomorrowland
Paging Mr. Morrow, Mr. Tom Morrow. Welcome to our guide to Tomorrowland in Disney's Magic Kingdom Park!
Tomorrowland showcases Walt Disney’s vision of the future. It first opened along with Magic Kingdom on October 1, 1971.
The land might not be the most vibrant or prettiest to look at, but there’s no denying it has two of the most thrilling attractions — we’re looking at you Space Mountain and TRON Lightcycle / Run.
And we can’t forget our beloved PeopleMover that just might be our most favorite attraction to ride on a loop, while taking in some amazing views of the land.
Attractions:
Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor
A comedy show using interactive animation where characters from Monsters, Inc. tell jokes and interact with the audience. It’s not a must-visit attraction, but it’s a fun way to take a break or fill time while you’re at Magic Kingdom. The interactive attraction is perfect for all ages, including those who love Monsters, Inc. and telling jokes.
Astro Orbiter
Similar to Dumbo and The Magic Carpets of Aladdin, Astro Orbiter takes you above the park and offers fantastic vantage points of Tomorrowland. In order to board, you must take an elevator to the top. This may not be for anyone who’s afraid of heights.
Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin
This is a ride and game in one. You board ride vehicles and then aim at the Zs and earn points which appear on the screens in your ride vehicle. If you like Toy Story Mania! at Hollywood Studios (or really anything Toy Story-themed), you should love this.
Since it stars Buzz Lightyear, while also being both a game and a ride, the attraction can acquire long waits. It’s popular for good reason. Don’t forget to check out Buzz’s Star Command, a gift shop you’ll exit into after getting off the ride. Non-riders can also browse the shop.
If you're competitive like me, I always strive for Galactic Hero - which is max points 999,999! Be sure to snap a photo of your score and visit the cash register in the gift shop for a special prize if you achieve Galactic Hero!
Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress
This 20 minute attraction is a rotating carousel theater that takes you through decades to show how technology has changed over the years. This certainly isn’t the most exciting attraction at Magic Kingdom, but definitely a nostalgic one. Afterall, "There's a great big beautiful tomorrow," and you may just be singing it for the rest of the day (or until your ride it's a small world"). This also makes a great spot to escape the rain, high temperatures, or if you need a rest (for both your feet and your eyes). This is also a great place to spot some hidden mickeys!
Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
A 10 minute long laid-back tour of Tomorrowland. PeopleMover might not look exciting at first glance, but it truly is one of the best rides at Magic Kingdom. It’s relaxing, offers amazing views (during the daytime and nighttime), and is just all-around awesome. This is the best and most unique way to see Tomorrowland. It’s one of our favorite rides that usually has a low wait time – or a line that moves quickly.
Space Mountain
An indoor roller coaster that takes place in the dark. The ride doesn’t go upside down but has lots and lots of drops and quick turns. Space Mountain is an oldie, but still very much a goodie. This is certainly a thrill ride, but one you should ride with caution.
While it doesn’t go upside down, it is very rough and jerky. Plus, the roller coaster operates in the dark, so you can’t see where you’re going. Space Mountain might not be the best ride for kids (or those over 40 hehe).
Tron Lightcycle / Run
A coaster-style attraction that allows guests to hop on a train of two-wheeled Lightcycles, just like in the movies.
TRON is a newest roller coaster that Tomorrowland so desperately needed. Even though there aren’t any inversions or spinning ride vehicles, the roller coaster is intense. The coaster gets up to speeds of 60 mph. It’s one of the fastest coasters at any Disney theme park in the world!
The ride is all about Team Blue racing against the Grid’s menacing Programs, Team Orange. Your goal is to be the first to race through eight Energy Gates and secure victory. TRON currently utilizes the virtual queue system (no standby), as well as Individual Lightning Lane availability. You will not be able to bring loose articles on this ride. There is a double sided locker system you will need to utilize in order to ride.
Tomorrowland Speedway
Most kids seem to love boarding these gas-powered cars and driving them around the track at the super fast speed of 7.5 mph. There are far better rides than this one, but the track is so big that kids are often very drawn to it and want to ride. Because of the lines that build throughout the day, this is a good one to ride at the very beginning of 1 of your Magic Kingdom days.
While not our favorite attraction, there’s no denying kids love being able to say they “drove” a car around the track on the Tomorrowland Speedway at Magic Kingdom. Be warned: the fumes here aren’t exactly pleasant.
Characters:
In addition to spotting Stitch around the land, you’ll also be able to meet Chip and Dale in space-themed outfits. Buzz Lightyear used to make appearances, but no longer does at this time. You can usually find appearance times posted in the My Disney Experience app.
Chip & Dale
Stitch
Tomorrowland Bucket List
Are you ready to begin planning your next Walt Disney World vacation? I'd love to be a part of your MAGIC!
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