|
|
In Brief:
Probably the best-known theme park in the world, the Magic Kingdom is just that, magic.
It’s an enchanting land of make-believe come to life, and I have to admit there’s just something that happens to you when you enter the front gates. Your troubles seem to fade as does the outside world altogether when you see the spires of Cinderella’s Castle rising along the horizon as you begin your journey down Main Street U.S.A.
The park is comprised of 7 distinctive lands, each transporting you to a different time and place through meticulous attention to detail, amazing architectural feats, and costumed cast members, all brought together in spectacular fashion thanks to those very creative Disney Imagineers.
Upon entering the park, you encounter the security check area, where you will be asked to open your bags for inspection. The ticket turnstiles lie just ahead along with a guest relations area, where you can purchase or pick up park tickets; collect your park guides, maps, and informational and rent strollers and wheelchairs. Locker rentals can be found underneath the brick archways along with an ATM and pay phones. Once you have actually passed through the brick archways (above which is the Walt Disney World Railroad), you will find yourself standing in the middle of Main Street U.S.A. To the left is City Hall, where yet another guest relations desk can be found. Here you can make dining arrangements, gather up any additional information you may have neglected to just minutes ago, and take a minute to gather your thoughts before starting off for the day.
The Magic Kingdom is by far the most intensive of all the Walt Disney World parks and as such takes a fair amount of time to explore. Even if you are traveling during the slower months, if you have children whose age range means that both the children’s rides and the more thrilling rides are on your list, touring the park will take at least 2 full days. If you are willing to split up, a single day may suffice. Peak season is another matter entirely. Two days would be the minimum time required to cover the park properly (the lengthy queues for the rides, and often at the restaurants, play a rather large role in this…while simply contending with the overwhelming crowds as they make their way (seemingly all at the same time) through the parks walkways has an affect as well).
If however you know what to expect, you’re prepared with a plan (that includes an extreme amount of flexibility), and you can manage to avoid the urge to rush about from ride to ride (which I’m telling you will lead to sure insanity) and take your time to truly enjoy the magic that Disney has created (and that you came for in the first place) you will do well.
|
