Ten Things to Love About the Magic Kingdom

The Magic Kingdom is celebrating its 45th anniversary this October so it only seems fitting to spend some time talking about 10 things we love about the original Walt Disney World Resort theme park. This park is more than just the iconic attractions that we all know and love, so let's check out what made the list this time around.

What do you love about the Magic Kingdom?

Walking into the Magic Kingdom everyone eventually heads in the same direction - right down the middle of Main Street U.S.A. So of course, Main Street is on the list of things to love about the Magic Kingdom. To your right you'll find the Main Street Confectionery, home of some amazing sweet treats. On your left you can't miss the Emporium, a must-stop shopping destination. Stop and take a photo in the middle of the street (everyone does!). And who can resist the scent of homemade waffle cones at The Plaza Ice Cream Parlor?

Walk right down the middle of Main Street U.S.A!

Two of the best times of year on Main Street U.S.A. are the Halloween season when the jack-o-lanterns line the street, and Christmas when the festive decorations add some extra holiday cheer to the street.

At the end of Main Street U.S.A. sits the iconic Cinderella Castle. No matter how many times I see the castle, I will admit that I get a little teary-eyed at the sight. And as gorgeous as the castle is during the day, my favorite time to view it is at night as it turns different colors. Walking through the castle toward Fantasyland is a must! Be sure to take a little time and check out the murals on the castle walls.

Cinderella Castle

The middle of this top 10 list is populated by some of my favorite attractions at Magic Kingdom. When I was a kid and we visited the Magic Kingdom, we always rode it's a small world first. (Or at least that's how I remember it). And to this day, it's a small world is one of my absolute favorite attraction at the park. I'll ride it several times in one day, even if that means the song is stuck in my head forever.

Pirates of the Caribbean is my second favorite Magic Kingdom attraction of all time. I love the queue. I love the ride. It's another must-ride-several-times attraction. Haunted Mansion is the other must-ride attraction. Honestly if someone said I could go to the Magic Kingdom but could only ride it's a small world, Pirates, and Haunted Mansion I wouldn't complain.

it's a small world is always on our list of favorites!

If I'm looking for a relaxing attraction I'm either going to head to the Liberty Square Riverboat or the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover. Both attractions are a good place to rest your weary feet and get some good views of different areas of the park. The Walt Disney World Railroad is another must-do relaxing attraction. We love to board the train at the Main Street U.S.A. station and ride it round-trip around the park.

Take a ride on the Walt Disney World Railroad

My new favorite thrill ride at Magic Kingdom is the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. Now some might say "but what about Space Mountain or Big Thunder Mountain Railroad?" and I say, those are OK but I love the Mine Train more " which is why it is on my top 10 list and the mountains aren't. Also, it should be noted that riding Seven Dwarfs Mine Train at night is a lot more fun than it is during the day (at least in my humble opinion).

Nighttime at the Magic Kingdom is, for lack of a better word, magical. Sure the parade and fireworks crowds can be maddening, but do your best to find a spot and take in the wonder that is 'Celebrate the Magic' and Wishes. These two nighttime experiences occupy the number one spot (together!) in my top 10 list.

I was skeptical when Celebrate the Magic started a few years ago but I absolutely love it now. And Wishes is the only fireworks display that I MUST see when I'm at Disney World. I cry as soon as the music starts ... and stop crying my 'happy tears' when the fireworks end. True story. To me, Wishes IS the Magic Kingdom.

Wishes!

And there it is: the 10 things we love about the Magic Kingdom. There is so much to love at the Magic Kingdom but when I'm at the park these are the 10 things I absolutely must see and do. We'd love to hear your favorite things about the Magic Kingdom so leave us a comment!