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The Rides & Shows
Main Street U.S.A.
This picture perfect street, lined with gingerbread trimmed shops, takes you back in time to a bygone era…and to a most magical place. Off in the distance, reaching up toward the clouds, is Cinderella Castle. As you make your way along the street be sure to take note of the second story windows as many make mention of Disney’s original and most important cast members…those who helped create the magic that is Disney.
The Walt Disney World Railroad
Rating: Fair for most, Fun for younger kids
Description: Train ride
For Ages: Appropriate for all ages.
With additional stops in Frontierland and Mickey’s Toontown Fair, this authentic steam train offers a relaxing and slower-paced ride that everyone in the family can enjoy as it tours around the entire park perimeter. Open antique-style train cars with brass lanterns hanging from above make their way along the tracks lined by shrubbery, bamboo and brush. You’ll get a momentary glimpse of the resorts that surround the Seven Seas Lagoon (as you near the Main Street Station) and a brief peek at Splash Mountain (as you near the Frontierland Station) with Indian villages and assorted wildlife (including a rattlesnake or 2) scattered along the route as well. If you make the trip around the entire
park it takes approximately 20 minutes. Older kids (over 9 or 10) may find this one a bit too subdued, but younger kids and parents (especially those with tired feet) simply love it.
The vast majority of Main Street is dedicated to shopping and dining with an atmosphere reminiscent of the late 1800s. As you’re walking along, you may very well hear the barbershop quartet singing a harmonic tune or perhaps catch the brass band as it marches along stepping to the beat. Shops include the Main Street Cinema, the Emporium, the Main Street Confectionary, and Town Square Exposition Hall among many others. Along Main Street you can find everything imaginable, including toys and clothing (from t-shirts and casual wear to golf and resort wear), housewares, and everything in between. The Confectionary is the place to stop if you’re in need of something sweet as the shelves are filled with sugary treats.
The Main Street Vehicles
While not really a significant ride like Dumbo or Splash Mountain (which is why they lack a rating), these vintage vehicles let you hop aboard for a quick trip up Main Street.
The horse-drawn trolley is one of the most notable in the collection however the antique cars, fire engine, and others are a site to see as well. You can take a closer look at the entire collection in the garage located near Town Hall, next to the Harmony Barber Shop - you may even catch a glimpse of the horses when they’re not pulling the trolley.
Consider This: Be sure to walk around, looking in every nook and cranny along your way down Main Street -- or you may just miss some of the magic. Take a picture with Roy Disney, Walt’s brother, on his park bench in the center of Town Square, watch as the glass blowers as create intricate little trinkets at the Crystal Arts boutique, or have the kids hair cut (or colored with gel) at the Harmony Barber Shop. Sometimes it’s the most innocent and simple activities that can be the most memorable at the end of the day so don’t pass up the opportunities to create the memories that can last a lifetime. My first memories of Disney are from a trip made back when I was only 7 (to Disneyland) and while some of the rides certainly made a lasting impression, it was the overall experience that remained so memorable in my mind. If you rush through the parks simply heading from ride to ride, overlooking everything else, the experience as it was intended will be lost. What you’ll remember is the rushing, the lines, the waiting, and the exhaustion, but none of the fun.
Character Meet and Greets along Main Street U.S.A.
Town Square and the area near the Forecourt Stage of Cinderella Castle are the 2 spots along Main Street for getting up close to your favorite Disney characters. They will pose for photos and sign autographs fir kids and adults alike at select times throughout the day.
Be sure to check the park’s Times Guide & New Information for the most up-to-the minuteschedule.
Dining along Main Street U.S.A.
*Please note for detailed reviews click here.
There’s plenty to eat along Main Street as well – for all the details be sure to check out Dining at Disney or The Magic Kingdom Restaurants - listed below however is a brief description of your various options.
Tony’s Town Square Restaurant
Specialty: Italian (Kids Menu)
Indoor full service
Open for lunch and dinner
The Plaza Restaurant
Specialty: American (Kids Menu)
Indoor sit-down service (with limited outdoor patio seating)
Open for lunch and dinner
Casey’s Corner
Specialty: American (No Separate Kids Menu)
Indoor counter service (with limited outdoor patio seating)
Food for Thought:
For those of you with children who only eat hot dogs (or at least prefer them above all else) consider getting one (or two) to go. Many times you’ll find that kids, especially younger ones, are more apt to eat on the go that to sit and savor their meal. Doing this may also save you from the occasional defiance you may encounter at the designated time you’ve decided to dine.
The Plaza Ice Cream Parlor
Specialty: Desserts (No Separate Kids Menu)
Indoor counter service
The Plaza Ice Cream Parlor Menu
The Main Street Bakery
Specialty: Pastries and Desserts (No Separate Kids Menu)
Indoor counter service
The Tomorrowland Terrace Noodle Station
Specialty: Asian (Kids Menu)
Outdoor counter service
Open for lunch and dinner (seasonally)
The Crystal Palace
Specialty: American (Kids Menu)
Character dining
Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Shopping on Main Street U.S.A.
Almost anything you could ever want, or need, can be found along Main Street U.S.A. from trinkets to toys and more. The Main Street Emporium, the Main Street Cinema, and Town Square Exposition Hall have it all. Tons of plush toys, art supplies, trinkets and souvenirs line the shelves as does a wide selection of resort wear, character clothing, and accessories. If sweets are on your shopping list, be sure to stop by the Main Street Confectionary for an incredible array of tasty treats. For all the details click on Shopping at Disney - listed below however you’ll find a brief list of what you’ll find along Main Street.
-The Main Street Cinema is filled with Disney movies and music on DVD’s, Videos, CD’s, and cassettes. There’s also a selection of books and plush toys.
-The Emporium (which opens to Disney Clothiers, the Main Street Athletic Club, and more…stretching the entire block) is where you’ll find toys, trinkets, and souvenirs of all sorts.
-Main Street Confectionary is filled top to bottom with sugary sweets and treats of every sort. You’ll find everything from Mickey pops to sour drops, with plenty of familiar favorites mixed in as well.
-Le Chapeau, set off to the side just a bit, sells hats of all sorts. Even if you’re not in the mood to buy, trying a few on can be tons of fun.
-Crystal Arts features handmade glass trinkets and crystal creations, many of which are made right before your eyes.
-The Main Street Market is filled with food items like pastas, cocoa, and cookies with a small selection of housewares available as well.
-Uptown Jewelers sells everything imaginable from charms and bracelets to earrings and watches. Whether you’re looking for costume jewelry or fine jewelry (whether gold orsilver), kid’s watches or high end time pieces, you’ll find plenty to choose from. They also offer a selection of picture frames and pens.
-The Main Street Gallery is filled top to bottom with posters, cells, lithographs, and collectibles of all kinds. You’ll also find a selection of post cards, books, and more.
Adventureland
Whisking you off to faraway lands is what Disney does best, and Adventureland is no exception. From the Caribbean Islands to the Markets of Marakesh (or somewhere just as exotic), Adventureland is filled with the sounds of distant beating drums, dense hanging vines strewn throughout the thatched roofed shops, and with tiki gods that summon you to play in their sacred waters.
Swiss Family Treehouse
Rating: Fair
Description: Outdoor walk-through attraction
Ages: Appropriate for any age, best for kids who are old enough to handle stairs well.
This towering tree full of twisted vines and Spanish moss is a gigantic replica of the tree house in which the Robinson family made their home after being shipwrecked. You can see how the Robinsons lived as you pass by their rooms throughout the gigantic tree.
 While appropriate for any age, there are hundreds of stairs leading up and down and throughout the tree’s branches. The height may bother some, while the sheer amount of climbing required may very well bother others. Kids over 3 or 4 tend to fare rather well overall as climbing seems to be second nature to them however some parents may have trouble keeping up.
Shrunken Ned’s Junior Jungle Boats
Rating: Forget It (though young kids find it fun)
Description: Remote-controlled boats (extra fee)
Ages: Appropriate for kids of any age, but most interesting for kids 3-6.
This is really more of a distraction than an attraction. With all of the wonderful rides and shows to take in, the boats, while fun for a few minutes, most likely wouldn’t be missed if you passed them by. There are simply too many other really great attractions to take time out for this one. Besides, operating them will cost you extra, and while it may only be a few quarters, there are better ways to spend your money in the park (and elsewhere).
Though if kids insist, as they often do, they likely have fun navigate their boats about the tiki gods.
The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
Rating: Fantastic
Description: Children’s ride (moves around as well as up and down)
Ages: Best for kids 2-6, but appropriate for any age.
If you want to see the sights of Agrabah, flying high over the marketplace in a magiccarpet is the way to go. These colorful carpets fly up and down and all around (much like Dumbo in Fantasyland) with you in control. Be sure to watch out for the camel-- you may get caught off guard when he decides to spit, getting any unsuspecting riders ever so slightly wet. This is a very popular ride with younger children and with good reason. Keep in mind however that the lines are often lengthy because of this.
The Enchanted Tiki Room under New Management
Rating: Fun
Description: Small (compared to other theaters) indoor theater show with animatronic characters
Ages: Best for kids 4-8, but appropriate for any age.
Zazu and Lago take center stage in the Tiki Room production as they entertain the audience with songs and silliness. Guests sit on rows of benches that line the perimeters of what appears to be an indoor tropical rainforest. You will find yourself surrounded by hundreds of colorful birds, peculiar plants, and tropical greenery. This musical of sorts is rather amusing and most definitely visually exciting. It’s a show definitely well worth seeing. It also provides an entertaining break from the heat of the sun as well as all the walking around.
The show itself is quite loud and when you add in the occasional bursts of thunder and flashes of lightning, it can be frightening to younger children. It almost borders on over stimulation with its fairly intense audio and visual effects. The singing birds, pounding thunderstorms, and flashing lights all going at the same time definitely test your senses of sight and sound however, I still recommend it.
Jungle Cruise
Rating: Fair + to Fun
Description: Outdoor boat ride (through exotic jungles)
Fast Pass
Ages: Best for kids ages 4-8, but appropriate for any age
A ride that has been around since the beginning, the Jungle Cruise takes you on an expedition through the jungles of Africa and Asia as well as the Nile Valley, past lions and elephants, headhunters and hippos (all animatronic, of course). All in all, it’s a relatively relaxing ride with a fair amount of very silly humor added in for good measure thanks to your captain (though honestly some are better at it than others). While the slower pace of the ride makes for a nice break in the day, it also ensures that older kids would rather wait this one out on dry land.
Smaller children who can’t necessarily understand that the animals aren’t real may get a bit frightened, thinking they might be in danger. Otherwise the ride is really quite tame.
Pirates of the Caribbean
Rating: Fantastic
Description: Indoor boat ride (through the pirate-riddled Caribbean)
Ages: Best for kids 4-12, but appropriate for any age
The queue takes you through the dark and somewhat dank dungeons of what appears to be an old island fortress before you set sail through the Caribbean in search of treasure and adventure. The entire atmosphere is somewhat foreboding. The ride is for the most part rather smooth and uneventful however there is one small waterfall, or flume, along the way. As you sail along the waters, pirates, some rather familiar, line the shores carousing and singing, fighting and pillaging the town for all to see. In the summer of 2006, Disney revamped the ride, updating the storyline and spiffing up the special effects to include the now famous characters of Barbossa, Jack Sparrow, and Davy Jones from Disney’s popular Pirates flicks, Pirates of the Caribbean; Curse of the Black Pearl and Dead Man’s Chest.
Most of the ride takes place in a rather dark atmosphere, with some portions of the ride even in complete darkness. There is a small waterfall, or flume, that you come upon in the darkness, but it is relatively mild and rather short. My 3-year-old son (now 5) survived it without any difficulty (though I knew it was coming, and I had my arm around him for reassurance). I wouldn’t necessarily recommend the ride for children that small, but it goes to show that some may very well be able to handle it without incident. Just so you know, some of the characters and scenes are quite seedy (and even macabre) by Disney’s standards, but keep in mind that they are pillaging pirates after all.
Character Meet and Greets in Adventureland
Characters from Peter Pan are often available at the Pirates of the Caribbean. For the most up-to-the minute schedule, check the park’s Times Guide.
Shopping in Adventureland
The Agrabah Bazaar is of course located near the Magic Carpets of Aladdin. A handful of stores, each offering unique trinkets, toys, and clothing, are fashioned to look like a marketplace you might find in some far-off exotic land. The Pirates Bazaar, found at the exit of the Pirates of the Caribbean, features plenty of swords, guns, and pirate wear, not to mention pirate themed toys. They feature a small selection of island-style clothing and resort wear, with plenty of jewelry to choose from as well.
Also located in Adventureland is a small unassuming store – the Crows Nest, located just beyond the Pirates of the Caribbean but before you actually enter Frontierland that sells film and various photo supplies.
Dining in Adventureland
*Please note for detailed reviews click here.
Adventureland has a handful of small snack stops as well as 1 counter-service restaurant within its boundaries. – listed below is a brief description of what you’ll find – for more details click on Dining at Disney or The Magic Kingdom Restaurants.
Aloha Isle (across from the Swiss Family Treehouse)
Specialty: Drinks and Fruity Treats
Walk-up outdoor snack spot
The Sunshine Tree Terrace
Specialty: Drinks and Fruity Treats
Walk-up outdoor snack spot
El Pirata Y el Perico
Specialty: Tex-Mex
Outdoor counter service (covered outdoor seating) Open for lunch and dinner (seasonally)
Open for lunch and dinner
Frontier Fries
Walk-up snack spot
Frontierland
The Old West comes to life in Frontierland, and it’s wilder than ever as 3 of the park’s most popular and thrilling rides are located here. With this in mind, be prepared for Frontierland to be one of the most crowded areas in the park throughout the day.
The Walt Disney World Railroad
Rating: Fair for most, fun for younger kids
Description: Outdoor train ride
Ages: Appropriate for any age.
If you didn’t catch the train back at the station on Main Street U.S.A., the Walt Disney World Railroad makes yet another stop in Frontierland. If by now you need a rest from all of the hustle and bustle as you make your way around the park, or if you simply need an alternate method of transportation (other that your feet) to Mickey’s Toontown or even to Main Street, the train will leisurely take you around the entire park, stopping in ToonTown, on Main Street, and heading back again to Frontierland. The entire roundtrip takes roughly 20 minutes.
Splash Mountain
Rating: Fantastic
Description: Flume ride (indoor and outdoor)
Fast Pass
There is a height restriction of 40” to ride.
Ages: Best for kids 6 and up.
With the “Song of the South” in the background (which provides the theme for the ride), you’ll be zip-a-dee-doo-dah-ing your way up, around, and most noticeably down this watery and wild ride through the world of Brer Rabbit . He will lead you on an adventure through the bayous and backwoods with surprises all along the way.
This is by far the most thrilling ride in all of the Magic Kingdom, with several drops--the biggest of course is the last, where you will plunge down what is said to be the steepest flume in the world at speeds of up to 40 miler per hour. The height restrictions placed on the ride prevents most kids who would be frightened by the experience from riding. Others who may have second thoughts are usually warded off by watching as riders plummet down the final drop making a tremendous splash into the waters below. There are periods of darkness as well, though they don’t last particularly long, and really that’s the least of your worries on this ride.
The queue for this ride is shortest very, very early in the mornings (and even then it builds quickly), during the parades, and later in the evenings. The daytime, however, can get brutal with wait times of over 2 hours during peak traveling season. On a trip we made during spring break, our kids actually waited 2 hours and 40 minutes to ride. The Fast Passes had already run out.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Rating: Fun +
Description: Outdoor roller coaster
Fast Pass
There is a height restriction of 40” on this ride.
Ages: Best for kids 7 and up.
This coaster will take you on a wild ride through the gold mines of the Old West. You’ll find yourself on a runaway train as it makes its way twisting and turning through the mine and the mountain, taking you on an adventure you won’t soon forget. The attention to detail throughout the journey is quite impressive, especially considering that you are flying past it all at a rather considerable pace, which is exactly what makes the entire experience so fantastic. If you eyes can focus long enough as you’re flying by, make note of the antique mining equipment that’s scattered about -- it’s the real deal and worth hundred’s of thousands of dollars.
The ride, while not nearly as wild as some of the other coasters in the park (or at any of those other parks nearby) is very fast paced, quite quick on the turns, and somewhat jerky, making the entire ride a bit rough. Thrill seekers will appreciate sitting in the back cars while those hoping to simply survive the experience ought to stay closer to the front. While certainly tamer than most, it would not be a great first coaster ride for younger kids--though for older kids, maybe. If you want to test the waters, younger kids and first-timers should probably head over to Mickey’s Toontown Fair and try the Barnstormer before attempting this one.
Tom Sawyer Island
Rating: Fair + to fun
Description: Outdoor play area
Ages: Best for kids 5-12, but appropriate for younger kids under very close supervision.
If the kids are in need of some wide open spaces to run around and play, this is just the place. A raft ride, departing from just below Big Thunder Mountain, takes you across the water and over to the island. Once there, kids can climb the hills, cross the bridges(bouncing up and down makes it even more fun), and explore the caves. There’s even an old fort aptly named Fort Langhorn (after Samuel Langhorn Clemens -- or Mark Twain as he’s known to most of us) where kids can fire toy rifles and cannons or just explore a bit more. Be sure to keep your eye out for the little lizards scampering all about. Much as you would expect there are plenty of paths (and while there are maps placed about the island, know that little ones, occasionally even a few bigger ones, can easily get lost) crisscrossing the island, just watch your step as the terrain is at times a bit rough. Kids find the suspension bridge, made of immense ropes, and the barrel bridge (a rather bouncy experience) quite fun. The entire island is fashioned after the tales of Tom Sawyer (as written by Mark Twain), and quite worthy of its namesake.
Younger kids can get lost rather easily in all the caves (some of which are rather dark--even I had difficulties making my way around - and possibly quite frightening for younger kids) and trails, so close supervision is a must. Older kids, if they become separated, would likely be able to meet up at an appointed spot--as long as you’ve made a plan with them in advance for such a situation. Restrooms are located at the dock where you arrive as well as at Fort Langhorn. Snacks (mostly desserts) and drinks are available at Aunt Polly’s Dockside Inn (with a handful of tables and rocking chairs located nearby) however as it is only open seasonally you would be wise to check the Times Guide and see if they’re open.
Country Bear Jamboree
Rating: Fun
Description: Indoor theater show
Ages: Best for kids under 10, but appropriate for any age.
Full of very corny jokes and similarly silly songs, this show is most appealing to the younger members of the family (not to mention the adults who may remember the show from long ago). Several rather large and furry animatronic bears sing and swing (in the case of Trixie, anyway) their way right into your heart. Younger kids simply love the entire experience, while parents appreciate the break from walking around, not to mention the air-conditioning on hotter days.
Frontier Shootin’ Arcade
Rating: Fair to forget it
Description: Arcade games
Ages: Best for kids 5-10 (though personally I would skip it all together unless you’re killing time waiting for your older kids to ride Splash Mountain)
For a rootin’ tootin’ shootin’ good time take your best shot at the Frontier Arcade. Kids (or adults who just can’t resist) can shoot rifles (they’re lined up along the arcade) that use an infrared beam to hit the targets (which in this case happen to be grave markers with some rather humorous epitaphs). While a bit more unique than the average shooting range arcade game, its basically idea is the same. There’s a minimal extra cost for each game played. Parents (or kids if they like) can sit a spell and play a leisurely game of checkers just outside on the barrel and wood checkerboards-the perfect spot to wait foryour little sharpshooters. The somewhat unfavorable rating is not necessarily a reflection of the attraction itself but more due to the fact that there’s so many other far more interesting and unique attractions to experience.
Shopping in Frontierland
Other than the small carts found along the pathways selling their wares, the Briar Patch, Prairie Outpost Supply, and Frontier Trading Post are the only shops in the land, Frontierland that is. The Briar Patch, located next to Splash Mountain, of course features Brer Rabbit merchandise of every imaginable sort with a smattering of Big Thunder Mountain merchandise as well, while the Prairie Outpost Supply features western wear and pint-sized pioneer provisions. The Frontier Trading Post is filled with sweets and treats for little buckaroos (and big ones too). Big Al’s cart, just across from the Country Bear Jamboree, while not an actual shop, is the place to go for coon skin caps, wooden rifles, and stuffed bears.
Dining in Frontierland
*Please note for detailed reviews click here.
There are only a few eateries to choose from in Frontierland – a brief description is just below. For all the details click on Dining at Disney or The Magic Kingdom Restaurants.
Pecos Bill’s Café
Specialty: American, Southwestern (kids menu)
Indoor counter service (with additional outdoor patio seating)
Open for lunch and dinner
Aunt Polly’s Dockside Inn
Specialty: desserts and snacks
Outdoor walk-up snack spot
Liberty Square
East meets West as just beyond Frontierland lies Liberty Square. The colonial period is re-created, bringing to life a bit of New England with a touch of the Old South added in for good measure. This is one of those areas in the park (and there are a few) where you will find yourself having to backtrack just a bit so as not to miss anything. As mostpeople head directly for the Haunted Mansion, they often pass by one of the quaintest sections of the park, with its winding cobblestone streets, lanterns lighting the way (in the evening), and the little shops filled with bits of Americana. The large live oak that stands in the center of the street, known as the Liberty Tree, is a sight unto itself with its grand branches reaching out to offer a bit of welcome shade to passersby. In addition, the Hall of Presidents offers a rather impressive display of Disney’s animatronics and is definitely worth a look-see.
The Liberty Square Riverboat
Rating: Fair to Forget it
Description: Riverboat ride
Ages: Appropriate for kids of any age.
This elegant yet charming steam-powered riverboat looks as if it should be making its way down the waters of the Mississippi, but it’s the Rivers of America that this boat travels. The leisurely ride takes about 20 minutes, making it a nice change of pace for those in need of a break. It’s also a relaxing way to spend your time if you find yourself waiting for other members of the family to head back from the Haunted Mansion. Older kids will probably not appreciate the slower pace but parents and tired toddlers likely will.
The Hall of Presidents
Rating: Fair to fun
Description: Indoor theater presentation
Ages: Best for kids 8-14, but appropriate for any age
While its presentation on the Constitution offers a brief history lesson, the most unique feature of this exhibit is the roll call of each and every one of the country’s past presidents, as well as the current commander in chief. Seemingly brought to life with some rather impressive animatronic engineering, the presidents are really rather realistic.
Adults will appreciate the attention to detail from their facial features to the way they fidget. Be sure to take a few moments to look around the many artifacts and portraits that line the large “waiting” room, you’ll even find the presidential seal in the form of a rug in the very center of the room (and surrounded by a brass circular brass railing for protection).
Looking for a great photo-op? Have your kids (and maybe your husband) stand with their hands and heads in the stocks just nearby.
The Haunted Mansion
Rating: Fun + to Fantastic
Description: Slow-moving indoor ride through a haunted house
Ages: Best for kids 6 and up
With the release of the hit movie a few years back, this ride is even more popular than ever before. Walking up to and making your way through the queue is half the fun. The surrounding graveyard is filled with tombstones that simply must be read--you’ll just die laughing. The entire experience is far more humorous than frightening for most, but how people respond depends largely on their age. After a brief and foreboding welcome by your ghost host, you’ll board your doom buggy and then it’s off through the mansion for your haunted tour complete with spooks and specters, ghosts and ghouls galore. The special effects are quite impressive, and since the release of the movie there have several improvements and additions so it may be even better than you remember.
As soon as you enter the mansion, you’ll find yourself in a somewhat small room where a rather creepy voice can be very clearly heard warning you of what lies ahead, followed by a brief moment of complete darkness with sudden flashes of light. Younger children or even those simply unsettled by the mere thought of ghosts, ghouls, and graveyards can find themselves frightened right from the start. The ride itself is rather smooth with a few tilts and spins though nothing too dramatic. The special effects can easily fool those not able to understand the difference between fantasy and reality.
A tip to those with toddlers in tow: if you find yourself having to take a younger child along for the ride, simply make light of the situation and impress upon them the humor in it all.
Character Meet and Greets in Liberty Square
Woody and his friends are available for photos and autographs at the Diamond Horseshoe
Saloon. Check the park’s Times Guide for the most up-to-the minute schedule.
Dining in Liberty Square
*Please note for detailed reviews click here.
There are 3 eateries to choose from in Liberty Square, each with its own unique atmosphere and offerings. Below is a brief list with details available by clicking on Dining at Disney or The Magic Kingdom Restaurants.
The Liberty Tree Tavern
Specialty: Traditional American (kids menu)
Open for lunch (a-la-carte) and dinner (buffet)
Character dinner (buffet)
Colombia Harbour House
Specialty: American, Seafood (kids menu)
Indoor counter service
Open for lunch and dinner
Sleepy Hollow
Outdoor walk-up snack spot.
Open seasonally
Shopping in Liberty Square
The Yankee Trader, Heritage House and Ye Olde Christmas Shop all offer unique gifts, Disney and otherwise, most with an Americana flair.
Fantasyland
This is the place that every child dreams of when they think of Walt Disney World. It truly is a place where favorite characters and treasured books come to life. The best time to find your way to Fantasyland is very early in the day, long before the 11:00 a.m. rush begins, during the parades, and in the evenings around 7:30 or so (when the parks are open late).
So You Know
Older kids (around 10 and up) are usually thoroughly bored with this entire area, which is filled with rides devoted to the younger set.
It’s a Small World
Rating: Fair for adults, fun for kids 8 and under
Description: Indoor boat ride
Ages: Appropriate for kids of any age, but kids over 8 may be bored.
This one’s really an oldie-but still a goodie. I can even remember riding it when I was little (though I experienced it in California way back when). Upon boarding the boat, you’ll find yourself making your way from room to room, each filled with children from around the world surrounding you songs and music, dance and costumes that celebrate their native countries. Younger kids are mesmerized with so much going on all around them, and of course the tune is pretty catchy too. Be aware that you may just find yourself humming it to yourself for the remainder of the day.
Peter Pan’s Flight
Rating: Fun for adults, Fantastic for kids 6 and under
Description: Slow-moving suspended ride
Fast Pass
Ages: Appropriate for kids of any age, but kids over 8 may be bored
The lines at this ride practically require the use of a Fast Pass since they are often well in excess of 45 minutes to and hour, even longer during peak seasons. But it is not without good reason. This is probably one of the most charming children’s rides in all of Fantasyland. The ships will fly you high (not really all that high) above London and on to Neverland, passing over scenes from the classic tale of Peter Pan. The flight takes place in relative darkness, but I have never known any child to get off of this ride anything but happy.
Mickey’s PhilharMagic
Rating: Fantastic + for everyone in the family
Description: Indoor 3-D animated film
Fast Pass
Ages: Appropriate for kids of any age.
One of Disney’s newest attractions, Mickey’s PhilharMagic is quickly becoming a family favorite. Maestro Mickey, while conducting his orchestra, is called away momentarily, and in his absence Donald Duck decides to step in. When he does, everything begins to go awry, and so begins your adventure. Donald finds himself having to chase after the Maestro’s magical hat in hopes of retrieving it before Mickey’s return. Before it’s all over, plenty of other Disney favorites are caught up in the adventure as well. With the show appearing on the world’s largest seamless screen (at 150 feet wide), guests are practically immersed in all that is Disney. The 3-D effects are stunning - far better than I ever seen before - and the magical musical soundtrack completes the experience.
The only cause for concern may be the 3-D effects. While they’re all very innocent, some children are very bothered by the sense that something is jumping out at them. If this is the case, simply have them remove the 3-D glasses, which will greatly diminish the effects. Very young children may be bothered by the loud noises.
Dream Along With Mickey
Rating: Fun for most, fabulous for younger kids
Description: Live stage production (at the front side of Cinderella’s Castle)
Ages: Best for kids 10 and under
Disney’s newest outdoor stage show features none other than Mickey himself, and joining in on all the fun is Peter Pan, Captain Hook, and plenty of other very familiar favorites (both good and evil) singing and dancing their way right into your dreams. The show can be seen several times throughout the day, making it relatively easy to fit it into your schedule at a convenient time. Keep in mind, however, the lines get quite lengthy, even longer than is usual for character meet and greets given the number of people that have just attended the show.
Cinderella’s Golden Carrousel
Rating: Fun
Description: Carrousel (the name gave it away, didn’t it?)
Ages: Best for kids 2-6, but appropriate for any age.
One of the most ornate attractions in all of Fantasyland (or anywhere in the park), Cinderella’s Golden Carrousel is a classic. While it doesn’t fly through the air or whoosh through water, it thoroughly enchants young children, and that’s the whole idea in Fantasyland, isn’t it? The carrousel is filled with colorfully hand-painted horses, and for those who prefer (or are just too young to ride the horses) there are stationary benches as well.
Ariel’s Grotto
Rating: Fun for younger children
Description: Small water play area and character meet and greet
Ages: Best for kids under 6, but appropriate for any age.
While there is a small play area with interactive fountains (and this should come as no surprise - after all, Ariel is after all a mermaid), the big draw here is the opportunity to meet with Ariel and her friends for photos and autographs.
The lines are long (as they are with most character meet and greets), and you have to contend with the water fountains. It’s unlikely that you’ll have any luck keeping little ones (or possibly even yourself) dry while you wait.
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
Rating: Fantastic for younger kids, forget it for older ones
Description: Children’s ride (slowly spins around as well as moving up and down)
Ages: Best for kids under 6
Dumbo is still a popular Disney classic. The appeal is most likely due to the ride’s simplicity, which makes it perfect for even the tiniest of tots. With room for 2, Dumbo flies through the sky, slowly bobbing up and down (with you in charge of the controls) as you go ‘round and ‘round and ‘round some more.
Its popularity combined with its unusually small seating capacity can make
for a rather lengthy queue. Unfortunately, as the ride is located right out in the full sun,
most of the queue is too, making the wait uncomfortable during the hotter months of the
year.
Snow White’s Scary Adventure
Rating: Fair to forget it
Description: Indoor ride (track)
Ages: Not really appropriate for very young children, too tame for the older ones.
The ride takes you through the Cliff Notes version of Snow White, featuring some of the most notable scenes along the way. The wicked witch takes center stage, with more appearances than many of the other characters.
Disney doesn’t include “scary” in the name of a children’s ride without good reason. The evil and wicked witch appears often throughout the ride and most young children find the entire experience too frightening.
Fairytale Garden
Rating: Fair
Description: Stories with Belle
Ages: Best for kids 3 and up
This little spot is saved for storytelling, the perfect afternoon break for tired little tots. Throughout the afternoon, Belle, of Beauty and the Beast, reads to the children who have gathered to listen. Check the park’s Times Guide for the most up-to-date storytelling times.
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Rating: Fun
Description: Indoor ride (track)
Fast Pass
Ages: Best for kids 3 to 5, though appropriate for all ages
You’ll be swept into the gigantic storybook pages, following along with the story of Pooh’s blustery day adventures, as you ride along in honey pots through the hundred acre wood.
As this is yet another very popular ride that’s especially appropriate for younger children, the queue tends to build quite quickly and early in the day.
Pooh’s Playful Spot
Rating: Fun for younger kids
Description: Outdoor play area
Ages:Best for kids 2 to 6
Just across the way from The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh kids can explore the hundred acre wood for themselves at Pooh’s Playful Spot, the parks newest play area.
Small slides, soft surfaces, and plenty of places to crawl around allow kids the chance to run about and use up some of that pent up energy they so often have in surplus.
Mad Tea Party
Rating: Fair for adults, fun for kids of all ages
Description: Outdoor spinning ride
Ages: Appropriate for kids of all ages.
Under cover from the hot sun, yet still out in the fresh Florida air, the giant pastel colored tea cups will spin you ‘round and ‘round (spinning even more with a little help from you). Some may find this one a bit old-fashioned with all of the technologically advanced rides just around the corner, but the kids (and even some adults) still keep coming back for more.
Anyone prone to motion sickness may not appreciate the feeling in the pit of their stomach after this one. You may want to take a minute (or two) to realign your balance as you step out of the gigantic teacup. The ride may have stopped, but you may
still be spinning.
Character Meet and Greets in Fantasyland
Ariel’s Grotto and the Forecourt Stage at the front of Cinderella’s Castle both feature favorite Disney characters who will be happy to pose for photos with the kids and sign autographs in their books. Scheduled times are listed in the park’s Times Guide.
Shopping in Fantasyland
Fantasyland is chock full of shops, most of which are located right near the exits of the more popular rides. They’re full of trinkets, toys, and souvenirs galore, each following the theme of one of the rides just nearby. Many feature unique merchandise not found anywhere else in the park, so if you see something that catches your eye, don’t pass it up in hopes of finding it elsewhere (especially the merchandise related to Mickey’s PhilharMagic). If you don’t want to have to carry your packages around, have them delivered to the package pick up area next to City Hall located near the front of the park.
Just don’t forget to pick them up on your way out. If you’re a Walt Disney World Resort guest, you can even have your packages delivered right to your hotel.
Shops include:
Tinker Bell’s Treasures, Fantasy Faire, Pooh’s Thoughtful Spot, and Sir Mickey’s.
Dining in Fantastyland
*Please note for detailed reviews click here.
The Pinocchio Village Haus
Specialty: American (kids menu)
Indoor counter service
Open for lunch and dinner
Scuttle’s Landing
Outdoor walk-up snack stand
Scuttle’s Landing Menu
Cinderella’s Royal Table
Indoor sit-down dining
Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Character dining during all meals
Enchanted Grove
Outdoor walk-up snack spot
Mrs. Potts’ Cupboard
Outdoor walk-up snack spot
Mickey’s Toontown Fair
Just as the name implies, this area of the park is dedicated to the Toons, more specifically Disney’s classic Toons, including Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, and Donald. Toontown is set off bordering the far perimeter of the park, and since it doesn’t follow around Cinderella’s Castle, the park’s central hub, the way the other lands do, you can’t really walk through it as much as in and back out of it. The most popular attraction of course is the Toontown Hall of Fame Tent, where kids can meet and greet several of their favorite Disney characters including Mickey and Minnie themselves.
Minnie’s Country House and Mickey’s Country House (and Judges Tent)
Rating: Fun for younger kids
Description: Walk-through attraction
Best (and most appropriate) for kids 2-6
Both are oversized cartoon-style homes, each filled with a handful of interactive play areas for the kids to enjoy. Minnie’s kitchen is a particular favorite as kids can microwave the popcorn, bake a cake in the oven, and peek into the refrigerator. There are also a handful of rooms that are roped off, like the bedroom, where kids can peak into to see just how Mickey and Minnie live. Minnie’s house is just that, a house. A few minutes will do to take the tour and play around for a bit. Touring Mickey’s house will lead you directly to the Mouse himself. Mickey is available in the Judges Tent for photos and autographs throughout the day.
As Mickey is by far one of the most popular characters in the park, the lines can get quite lengthy. You would do best to head here very early in the day or later in the evening. If when you get there you want to skip the line to meet and greet and simply just tour his house, an escape is provided. There is an exit just beyond Mickey’s house and garden but before you reach the Judges Tent, where Mickey is actually located.
Toontown Hall of Fame Tent
Rating: Fair
Description: Part store, Part Meet and Greet
Ages:Best for kids 3 and up
Upon entering this gigantic building, you’ll see that to the left is a large store filled with everything Disney from candy and toys to clothing (with everything in between. To the right are a handful of lanes that lead the way to several of Disney’s characters. Unlike the other meet and greets throughout the park, here Disney cast members will take the photo, which can be purchased and picked up later in the day.
The queue for the meet and greets can at times be excruciatingly long.
Walt Disney World Railroad
Rating: Fair +
Description: Train ride
Ages: Appropriate for kids of all ages
The ride along the railroad is a relaxing way to tour along the perimeter of the park. With stops along Main Street and in Frontierland, it’s also an efficient, not to mention relaxing, way to cross the park when traveling by foot may be out of the question. The entire round trip takes approximately 20 minutes.
Donald’s Boat
Rating: Fun for younger kids
Description: Outdoor play area (with water)
Ages: Best for small children, 4 and under.
Little ones can climb aboard the Miss Daisy and run about in the fountains to cool off on hotter days, making it a great little spot to unleash a bit of their excess energy as well.
If you don’t want the kids to get wet (and these days that’s getting harder and harder to avoid no matter which park you go to), head them off in another direction before they see what they’re missing.
The Barnstormer at Goofy’s Wiseacre Farm
Rating: Fun
Description: Roller coaster
There is a minimum height requirement of 35” to ride.
Ages: Best for kids 5 – 8, though appropriate for kids 8 and up as well
This whimsical-looking roller coaster will fly riders up and down and all around, not to mention through the barn. I say fly as the cars are not really cars at all but bi-planes.
While the coaster was designed with younger kids in mind, it still packs a slight punch with a few downward dips and crazy curves.
As tame as this ride looks, it’s still a roller coaster. While appropriate for adventuresome youngsters, some may still find it too unsettling. Also know that if you need to ride along with the kids, be prepared for a rather tight fit. This one was built with the smaller passengers in mind - not mom and dad.
Character Meet and Greets in Mickey’s Toontown Fair
The Judges Tent behind Mickey’s Country House is where to find Mickey himself, while plenty of other characters can be found at the Toontown Hall of Fame. Check the park’s Times Guide for the most up-to-date schedules.
Dining in Toontown
Toontown Farmer’s Market is the only spot in town (Toontown, that is) to grab a snack or drink. As the name implies, it’s a somewhat open marketplace with a selection of the usual snacks and drinks, but the bonus is that you’ll find fresh fruit here as well.
Shopping in Toontown
The County Bounty and Mickey’s Toontown Fair Souvenirs are filled with clothing, hats,
souvenirs, trinkets, and toys galore.
Tomorrowland
Tomorrowland is a land that allows guests a glimpse into the future (and one that only Disney could imagine). It’s a glimpse however from a very unique perspective – it’s as if you’re looking at the future from the past, I’d say sometime around the 1930s. Disney has a unique way of transporting visitors to an idealized point in time, so it should come as no surprise that they follow suit here. Instead of creating a futuristic land where in just a few years reality may very well catch up (which was actually what happened originally, requiring the entire area to be refurbished and re-created back in the mid-1990s), Disney created a more idealistic look into the future from a classic sci-fi perspective.
Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor
Rating: Fun for all ages
Description: Indoor show
Ages: Best for kids 5 and up, appropriate for all ages
This all new attraction opened in April of 2007 and is an interactive attraction that utilizes the latest in interactive technology allowing guests the opportunity to engage in real-time conversations with Mike and his monster friends as they poke fun at the audience members. The new interactive attraction is a one-of-a-kind comedy club where the routine is never the same as the entire cast is made up of a creative and talented group of improvisational comedians. Guests can even text-message jokes on their cell phones for possible use in the show.
Tomorrowland Indy Speedway
Rating: Fun for kids 6 and under, forget it for kids 9 and older
Description: Outdoor track ride
Ages: Fun for younger kids, a snooze for kids over 9
There is a minimum height requirement of 52” for riding alone, though younger kids arewelcome to ride with their older siblings (provided they meet the height requirement) or parents. Younger kids get the biggest kick out of driving these miniature race cars around the winding track. At speeds of around 7 miles per hour, it’s fairly slow going, but for the kids it’s fast enough. The center guide rail prevents young drivers from diverting too far off course, but it’s possible to veer a bit to the left or right, making for a bumpy ride at times. Some kids may find reaching the pedals a bit of a challenge. In this case, it may require two to get things going, one to steer, and one (that would be you) to push down the pedal. When you’ve reached the end of the track just be aware that not everyone is as adept at stopping as you line up to disembark. You may very well get bumped, giving younger riders a jolt.
Tomorrowland Arcade
Rating: Forget it
Description: Video and arcade games
Ages: Best for kids 6 and up though Appropriate for all ages
While the arcade is full of some interesting games, it’s not an attraction I would take the time to experience given so many other more unique attractions that await you throughout rest of the park – hence the unfavorable rating. If you find yourself waiting for older kids to ride Space Mountain however, it’s a good place to kill some time.
Space Mountain
Rating: Fantastic
Description: Indoor roller coaster in the dark
Fast Pass
There is a minimum height requirement of 44” to ride, and those under 7 are required to
have an adult ride with them. Children 3 or younger are not allowed to ride at all.
Ages: Best for kids ages 8 and up.
The most thrilling ride in the park, Space Mountain will take you on a journey through space that you won’t soon forget. While the tracks themselves (there are 2) are not nearly as wild as some of the biggies like Aerosmith’s Rockin’ Roller Coaster at Disney-MGM Studios or others at Universal Orlando and SeaWorld that I will leave unnamed, with no loops or dramatic drops, the combination of amazing special effects à la Disney and the surrounding darkness make the experience far more intense than if it were out in the light of day.
The entire ride is in almost complete darkness with special effects to simulate space travel. The most unsettling aspect of the ride isn’t the coaster itself but the fact that you have no idea what to expect next. The banking twists and turns come fast and furious, with far less emphasis on dramatic drops (there really aren’t any). You would also do well to leave any sunglasses, cameras, and other small items you’re holding in a locker or with a family member who’s not riding.
Astro Orbiter
Rating: Fair
Description: Revolving rocket ride (similar to, but more intense than, Aladdin’s Magic Carpet)
Ages: Best for kids 5 -8, but appropriate for kids 5 and up
While this is a fairly tame ride, its sheer height affects riders much more than they may expect (it’s located up a level, to overlook Tomorrowland from high above). And even though for the most part the ride simply moves up and down and all around, the rockets seem to tip a bit, creating a slightly uneasy feeling (younger children should definitely sit on the inside).
It isn’t as tame as it looks, and if you’re prone to motion sickness, this one’s not for you. Younger kids (under 5) often are frightened by the height and movement as well as the tippy feeling you get in the rockets.
Tomorrowland Transit Authority
Rating: Fair to fun (depending on how tired you are at the moment or if your waiting for other family members who are riding Space Mountain) Description: Elevated slow-moving tram ride Located up a level, the tram will take you on a relaxing tour of Tomorrowland, even making a run through a section of Space Mountain (all in the light of day, however).
Most riders are parents with small children or infants either waiting for older kids to finish riding Space Mountain or in need of a break and a relaxing ride.
Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress
Rating: Fair-
Open seasonally
Description: Slow-moving indoor ride (stadium seating moves along a track that circle the stages)
Ages: Appropriate for any age.
The slow-moving seating moves around the central display area, where several scenes are displayed one by one depicting how technology has affected life in America and how a family (animatronic) is affected by technological advances throughout their lifetimes. Younger children find the animatronics interesting, but older kids are usually bored as it’s one of the longest (and least exciting) presentations in the park.
Galaxy Palace Theater
Description: Indoor theater
Throughout the year, the theater is used for live entertainment. To see if anything is showing at the time you’re at the park, check the Times Guide.
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
Rating: Fantastic +
Description: Indoor ride (track)
Fast Pass
Ages: Best for kids 3-8, but appropriate for kids of all ages.
This is the most popular ride in Tomorrowland for younger children. And why not-- what kid wouldn’t want to join the ranks of the Space Rangers to save the Galaxy from the evil Emperor Zurg? Each vehicle is equipped with 2 laser guns for shooting your way through the Gamma Quadrant, ridding it of the invading aliens (all marked with a fluorescent “X” so you know just where to aim). In addition, there is a joystick that controls your vehicle, allowing you to spin it around as much as you want (the vehicle’s movement along the track, however, is not under your control). Your score is displayed alongside the laser guns in your vehicle at the end of the ride, and a chart is displayed on the wall for riders to see just where they rank among their other fellow space rangers. Be prepared to ride this one over and over if you have Toy Story fans and young kids in the family.
There is only one very small section where kids may be ever so slightly nervous. Near the end of the ride is a tunnel (or the illusion of a tunnel, anyway) with a strobe light flashing in a way that makes you feel as if the tunnel is spinning around you. While it’s an optical illusion, and only momentary, it can be a little nerve-racking for younger kids -- at least the first time around.
Stitch’s Great Escape
Rating: Forget it to Fair - (and that’s stretching it a bit)
Description: Indoor theater (of sorts) show (seating is stationary as you watch the
adventure)
Fast Pass
Ages: Best for kids age 6 and up
There is a minimum height requirement of 40 inches to experience the show.
One of Disney’s newest additions to the park, replacing the Alien Encounter, features the wonderfully mischievous Experiment 626, known to many as Stitch. Upon entering the ride, there is a short briefing to describe your training and responsibilities as a newly
recruited alien prison guard. As you make your way to the training area, suddenly the alarm sounds--a new prisoner is arriving, a level-3 prisoner (the worst level possible, of course), and it’s up to you to keep him contained. Then it’s on to the holding area where the experience really begins. The seating is equipped with overhead restraints, and ifyou’re not sitting up straight when it lowers to your shoulders (it automatically adjusts when it senses your body), it will make the remainder of your experience somewhat uncomfortable.
As a note: The restraints are simply for special effects not for safety purposes. Stitch appears in the center, having been teleported to the detainment area. Almost immediately he manages to escape (though I won’t tell you how), wreaking havoc throughout the audience. While the experience is rather lighthearted and somewhat amusing, the visual effects are not.
There are long (and I mean long) periods of complete darkness as well as moments of complete silence. Initially I wondered if the audio or even the power had shut down, though a minute or two later the action started up again. Smaller children were very obviously frightened by this. In addition, the sensory effects (jumping on your shoulders--hence the restraints--breath on your neck, squirting water, and so on) can be frightening to children as well, especially as many of the effects are felt when the lights are out.
If you have ever experienced the Alien Encounter, you’ll find that not much has really changed other than that the horridly ugly and vile alien has been replaced by the cuter, more lovable Stitch. Additionally, a bit of the decor has been reworked to fit with the new storyline.
Character Meet and Greets in Tomorrowland
Buzz Lightyear has been known to stop by for photos and autographs just behind Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin. Check the park’s Times Guide for scheduled times.
Shopping in Tomorrowland
Mickey’s Star Traders, Merchants of Venus, and the Tomorrowland Light & Power Company can all be found here. Between the 3, you’ll find a large variety of clothing, toys, and souvenirs of every sort, many of which are of course devoted to Stitch and the Toy Story characters, but with a large selection of the Walt Disney World merchandise as well.
Dining in Tomorrowland
*Please note for detailed reviews click here.
The dining spots are listed briefly below – for all the details click on Dining at Disney or The Magic Kingdom Restaurants. For the restaurants menus just click on the menu links.
Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café
Specialty: American (kids menu)
Indoor counter service
Open for lunch and dinner
Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies
Outdoor walk-up snack spot
Cool Ship
Outdoor walk-up snack spot
The Launching Pad at Rockettower Plaza
Outdoor walk-up snack spot
The Parades, the Fireworks, and the Extras
The parades (Share a Dream Come True) and evening fireworks displays (Wishes) are experiences that no family should miss. The parade route runs between Main Street U.S.A., past the front of Cinderella’s Castle, and over to Frontierland. The Times Guide will list the most up-to-date schedule--during slower seasons the parade runs less often.
Guests start to gather early to get the best spot, sometimes as much as half an hour or more before it actually begins. No matter where you are, expect it to be crowded. If you have very young children who may have a hard time seeing, plan on planting yourself on the side of the walkway earlier rather than later (grab a ice cream and a drink -- enjoy the well deserved break from walking). As for the spectacular fireworks display, Wishes, which was only recently introduced, it is absolutely incredible. And the coordination of storytelling and music with the actual fireworks is downright impressive. While you can see the fireworks from just about anywhere, the best vantage point is from almost any place around the circular walk in front of Cinderella’s Castle. If you are behind the castle or too far off to the side (into Adventureland or into Tomorrowland for instance), you can still see them, but the presentation just isn’t the same.
Both the parades and the fireworks displays bring with them enormous crowds, so keep a very watchful eye on the kids. Don’t plan on getting anywhere very quickly after they’re over either--it takes a good deal of time for the crowds to disperse. This is especially true after the fireworks, when everyone is leaving the park for the day. Plan on leisurely making your way to the exit as rushing won’t help you avoid the very large crowds already lined up and waiting to board the monorail, bus, or ferry.
Street Performances
1>Captain Jack Sparrow’s Pirate Tutorial (taking place in Adventureland, near the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction): Captain Jack and his mate Mack are in charge of training future pirates in the art of swordplay, making menacing pirate grimaces, and more. Upon completion, future pint-sized pirates will be sworn in as official swashbucklers as they say the pirate’s oath to become honorary buccaneers and part of Captain Jack’s crew.
2> Woody’s Cowboy Camp! (taking place in Frontierland): If you’re lookin’ for a Rootin’ Tootin’ good time…well…you’ve moseyed on over to just the right place. Woody, Jesse, and Bullseye head into town, rounding up guests for the big hoedown along the way. Kids will get to giddy-up, riding on wooden stick horses, through a cowboy obstacle course that’s scattered with cacti, mountains, and mineshafts (which are in fact really their parents donning funny shaped hats) as Bullseye leads the way. For Toy Story fans and kiddie-cowboys (or girls) - this one’s a must!
3> Main Street Family Fun Day Parade (along Main Street U.S.A.): Never before Have guest been invited to join in on the parade along Main Street U.S.A., however keep in mind – this is the “Year of a Million Dreams”. Guests can march down Main Street right along with their favorite Disney characters, floats, and marching bands – there’s even a pint-sized stroller drill team (ensuring that little ones still in strollers – and their parents, have a place in the parade too). Upon reaching Town Square the parade ends with a bang as a patriotic finale wraps up the event.
The Tours
Phone: 407-939-8687
Walt Disney World offers a handful of backstage tours, so to speak, where guests can go behind the scenes and see just how things really work. They can last anywhere from 2-7 hours, depending on which tour you choose. They are also of course at an additional cost. The Keys to the Kingdom takes guests through some of the underground tunnels as well as into some of the operational areas at the Magic Kingdom. Backstage Magic is an all-day (7-hour, anyway) tour behind the scenes of the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and Disney-MGM Studios; and the Family Magic Tour (probably the best choice for families) is a 2-hour tour through the Magic Kingdom done in a more playful way than the other more educational tours.
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