The Top 10 Things We Love Most about the Magic Kingdom

For many people when they hear the words "I'm going to Disney World" the first image that comes to mind is Cinderella Castle at the Magic Kingdom. As the original theme park at Walt Disney World Resort the Magic Kingdom is pretty much synonymous with the words 'Walt Disney World.'

Things we love about the Magic Kingdom

Like most Disney fans I have my favorite theme park and it's (surprise!) the Magic Kingdom. There's just something so magical about the park that just hits you as soon as you step onto Main Street U.S.A. I could go on and on about the reasons why I love the Magic Kingdom as much as I do, but let's just talk about the top 10 for the sake of time and word count.

10. Walt Disney World Railroad: Every time I visit the Magic Kingdom I have to board the Walt Disney World Railroad for the entire 20 minute route. This classic steam-powered train takes guests around the entire park with stops in Frontierland, Fantasyland, and Main Street U.S.A. Not only is it a good way to rest your weary feet but it gives you a nice preview of the park. Just remember if it's storming (with thunder and lightning) they will shut down the train until the storm passes.

9. Main Street U.S.A.: Despite the throngs of people who are always on Main Street U.S.A. it's where the magic begins for me. From the Town Square all the way down to the hub you just have to walk right down the middle of Main Street. Of course it might be safe to stick to the sidewalks but then you can't look up to read the names on the windows. If you've never checked out the windows, it's essentially the credits of the show that is the Magic Kingdom. You'll find Walt Disney's window at the end of Main Street above the Plaza Restaurant.

Ah, Main Streeet U.S.A.

8. Tomorrowland Transit Authority Peoplemover: The TTA is another must-do attraction if only for the great views of Cinderella Castle as dusk. As much as I like the TTA during the day (it's a great way to cool off from the summer heat) the best time to ride it (in my humble opinion) is at dusk. The Magic Kingdom is extra beautiful and magical at that time of night.

7. Haunted Mansion: If the standby queue isn't too long I suggest skipping the FastPass+ for this attraction and enjoying the interactive queue. It's worth doing at least once. This is one of my all-time favorite attractions at the Magic Kingdom and I'll admit it is also home to the first hidden Mickey I ever found. And if you're in the interactive queue, look for the wedding ring.

You can't miss the Dole Whip!

6. Dole Whip: No trip to the Magic Kingdom is complete without at least one stop at Aloha Isle for a Dole Whip. Actually for me it has to be a Dole Whip Float. It's a requirement. There's always a line for this sweet treat but it is so worth it. Sure you can find the Dole Whip at a few other spots around Walt Disney World, but for me it has to be at the Magic Kingdom.

5. Pirates of the Caribbean: This has been my favorite attraction at the Magic Kingdom for as long as I can remember. FastPass+ or not, I'm waiting in line for this attraction every single time I'm at the park. The queue is my favorite queue at the Magic Kingdom (or probably any of the theme parks) and it's just a classic in my book.

Pirates of the Caribbean is always tops!

4. Splash Mountain: This attraction goes beyond your standard flume ride with more than 100 animatronic characters and several songs that will be stuck in your head all day long. And you just can't beat the five-story drop. Just remember, you will get wet if you're in the front of the log.

3. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train: The newest coaster at the Magic Kingdom is my new favorite coaster. I can honestly say I've never laughed through a whole attraction before (especially when it comes to coasters) until I experienced the 7D Mine Train last summer. It's fun and thrilling and perfect for the entire family, even if you aren't a fan of "traditional" roller coasters.

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is a new favorite attraction

2. Wishes: This nightly fireworks spectacular is the one thing guaranteed to make me cry every single time. It doesn't matter how many times I've seen Wishes as soon as the music starts the waterworks follow. From Tinker Bell's flight down from Cinderella Castle to the incredible finale there is nothing that can compare to Wishes (at least in my book).

1. Cinderella Castle: No matter how many times I've been to the Magic Kingdom (and I've been visiting since 1974) the castle gets me every time. I immediately revert to a 5 year old kid and if you're with me you'll hear me exclaim "It's Cinderella Castle!" as if it's the first time I've seen it. You can keep Earful Tower and Spaceship Earth. For me, it's all about Cinderella Castle.

Wishes is always a favorite!

Tell us, what are your favorite things about the Magic Kingdom? We'd love to hear from you in the comments!

Many thanks to the Disney Food Blog for use of their photo.