Explore the Enchanting Lands of Disney’s Magic Kingdom

The Magic Kingdom, the first of the four theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort, opened on October 1, 1971, and quickly became one of the world’s top vacation destinations.

When you step through the turnstiles, you enter a storybook land filled with Disney characters ready to whisk you away to a world of fantasy and adventure. Each of the six “lands” that extend out like spokes from Cinderella’s castle follows a theme, with all of the rides, restaurants, and props designed to develop the vision.

Main Street, U.S.A.

Walt Disney’s childhood in Marceline, Missouri, inspired this re-creation of a bustling thoroughfare in early 20th century America, complete with a horse-drawn trolley and vintage barbershop. Guests at Main Street, U.S.A. enjoy street performances by talented singers and dancers including the famous Dapper Dans Barbershop Quartet. Members perform in their trademark striped vests, bowties, and straw hats.

Main Street, U.S.A. restaurants include the quick-service Casey’s Corner; the Crystal Palace, with character dining; and Tony’s Town Square restaurant, where you can enjoy both American and Italian cuisine.

Main Street, U.S.A. Attractions

Many Disney visitors rush through Main Street, U.S.A. in an effort to get to the rides. However, it’s a land worth exploring, with attractions you won’t see elsewhere in the park.

• The Walt Disney World Railroad, a vintage steam engine, offers scenic trips around the park with stops in Frontierland and Fantasyland.
• A horse-drawn vintage streetcar.
• Main Street Cinema showing some of Disney’s early short films.

Main Street, U.S.A. Tips

With expert and insider tips, you can make the most of your memorable day at Disney.

• Celebrating a birthday? Stop at City Hall to pick up a complimentary birthday button to let cast members and other park visitors know it’s your special day.
• Rent a wheelchair or ECV at the stand just inside the park entrance under the train station.

Adventureland

Disney’s “True-Life Adventure” documentary films provided the spark for this exotic land of jungles and wild animals. This area features some of the best souvenir shops in the entire park—Island Supply by Sunglass Hut is a great place to pick up new shades.

Stop at the Aloha Isle quick-service restaurant for a refreshing Dole Whip or the Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen for table service and a variety of cuisines.

Adventureland Attractions

Adventureland appeals to older children with its slightly scarier rides, but younger kids enjoy the Jungle Cruise and the Magic Carpets of Aladdin.

• Pirates of the Caribbean, a rollicking buccaneer boat ride now featuring Captain Jack Sparrow and other major characters from the “Pirates of the Caribbean” film series.
• Jungle Cruise, a tongue-in-cheek trek down the world’s most famous rivers.
• The Magic Carpets of Aladdin, a high-flying spin on a magic carpet.
• The Enchanted Tiki Room-Under New Management, with a humorous spin on Disney’s first attraction to feature the three-dimensional storytelling of Audio-Animatronics.
• The Swiss Family Robinson Tree House, for exploring at your own pace.

Adventureland Tips

Disney World’s strong Americana theme turns to the exotic in Adventureland, where jungles and pirates and magic carpets take you on a journey far from civilization.

• Look for Aladdin and Jasmine in Adventureland.
• Cool off on a hot day on the Pirates of the Caribbean ride; you’ll feel the cool relief the minute you step into the queue.

Frontierland

Tall tales of the Wild West come to life in this prairie outpost where cowboys and miners roam. Frontierland is Disney World’s Western-themed land, boasting great Tom Sawyer-esque appeal. Many of the dining options in Frontierland are themed, so if you’re looking for tacos, burritos, or fajitas, head here.

The Golden Oak Outpost and Westward Ho both serve fast American cuisine or you can go to Pecos Bill Tale Tall Inn and Cafe for quick-service Mexican fare.

Frontierland Attractions

Frontierland boasts some of Disney World’s longest-standing attractions such as the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, which opened in 1979.

• Splash Mountain, a zip-a-dee-doo-dah log ride in search of Br’er Rabbit’s “laughing place.”
• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, a roller coaster ride through towering mesas and an unstable mine.
• Country Bear Jamboree, a raucous revue of singing bears.
• Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade, with more than 100 targets.
• Tom Sawyer Island, where discoveries await.

Frontierland Tips

Popular rides in Frontierland are a good choice for the Fastpass system.

• Use Fastpass+ on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Splash Mountain to bypass the typically long lines. Visit the Country Bear Jamboree while others park-goers line up for the parade.
• Ride Splash Mountain when you need a sprinkle to cool you down.

Liberty Square

Step back to the age of colonial America in this land honoring the country’s early heritage. A replica of the Liberty Bell greets you here. Although small and rather unassuming compared to other areas of the park, Liberty Square still deserves a visit if only to ride The Haunted Mansion, a Disney World classic.

Liberty Square restaurants offer many options, though all focus on American cuisine. Try Columbia Harbour House, Liberty Square Market or Sleepy Hollow for quick service, or The Diamond Horseshoe or Liberty Tree Tavern for a more leisurely meal.

Liberty Square Attractions

You can make a quick pass through Liberty Square, the smallest of the park’s six lands, but you won’t want to bypass it altogether.

• The Haunted Mansion, a gothic manor with a host of family-friendly frights from 999 happy haunts.
• Hall of Presidents, a stirring Audio-Animatronics salute to the United States’ chief executives.
• Liberty Square Riverboat, which makes its way along the Rivers of America in Frontierland.

Liberty Square Tips

Without a popular thrill ride, Liberty Square does not get the same attention as the park’s other lands, making it a good destination when you want to escape the crowds for a while.

• The Hall of Presidents is a good place to sit down and cool off on a hot day.
• The Haunted Mansion’s interactive queue makes waiting in line fun, though the spooky ride may frighten small children.

Fantasyland

Fantasyland aims to be the happiest land of all. Here, fairy tales spring from storybook pages in this whimsical land of castles, princesses, and flying elephants. Jam-packed with attractions and restaurants, Fantasyland appeals to lovers of all Disney stories.

The restaurants here keep with the storybook theme. You can grab a quick bite at the Cheshire Cafe, The Friar’s Nook, Pinocchio Village Haus, or Storybook Treats, or enjoy a full-service meal at Cinderella’s Royal Table and Be Our Guest Restaurant.

Fantasyland Attractions

Bring young children to Fantasyland, where they can live out their Disney dreams.

• Mickey’s PhilharMagic, a 3-D “sym-funny” of Disney music and characters presented in cutting-edge computer animation.
• The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, a gentle journey through the Hundred Acre Wood.
• It’s a Small World, a musical voyage past colorfully costumed dolls of all nationalities.
• Peter Pan’s Flight, a pixie-dusted flight above London to Neverland.
• Prince Charming Regal Carousel, a beautifully preserved merry-go-round of mighty steeds.
• Dumbo the Flying Elephant, a two-seater, popular kiddie ride.
• Mad Tea Party, a ride that whirls and twirls across the stage for the Mad Hatter’s un-birthday party.
• Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, a magical roller-coaster journey into the dwarfs’ diamond mine.

Fantasyland Tips

Carrying an autograph book allows you to collect notes from your child’s favorite Disney characters.

• Visit Ariel’s Grotto to meet the mermaid heroine of “The Little Mermaid” throughout the day and explore her gadgets and gizmos.
• A rotating cast of characters stops by Fairytale Garden to meet and greet guests throughout the day.
• After the Mad Tea Party, characters from “Alice in Wonderland” greet guests several times each morning near the attraction.

Tomorrowland

Leap into the future in this neon-lit land of rocket ships and aliens.

Tomorrowland’s eateries can satisfy a space-age appetite, with Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies and Cool Ship for quick-service snacks, and The Lunching Pad and Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant for a more substantial but still fast meal.

Tomorrowland Attractions

Disney World’s iconic roller coaster (and the oldest in the state of Florida) Space Mountain opened on January 15, 1975. Consequently, no visit to Tomorrowland would be complete without a ride.

• Stitch’s Great Escape!, a close encounter with the naughty alien of “Lilo & Stitch.”
• Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, a whirling interactive battle against evil Emperor Zurg.
• Space Mountain, a high-speed roller coaster ride through the cosmos.
• Astro Orbiter, machine-age rockets to take you on a high-flying spin through the whirling planets.
• Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress, a musical comedy show that originally debuted at the 1964 World’s Fair.
• Tomorrowland Speedway, where guests take the wheel and drive around a 2000-foot racetrack.
• Tomorrowland Transit Authority’s PeopleMover takes riders on a leisurely tour.

Tomorrowland Tips

The Tomorrowland Transit Authority’s PeopleMover generally does not have long lines, therefore, it makes a good ride choice when you don’t feel like waiting at the other attractions.

• Increase your score on Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin.
• Sit down and relax at Carousel of Progress; it’s both dark and cool inside…and one of the park’s top spots for nap time.