Review: Magic Kingdom Park

Start from the top: What makes the Magic Kingdom so special?
This world-famous theme park is the quintessential Disney experience, with an army of cartoon characters and 107 acres of rides and attractions that at once create a sense of nostalgia and a vision of the future. Seven "lands" evoke individual eras and themes, from the Wild West to jungle to space, all complemented by rollercoasters, parades, street performers, and the most popular Disney characters brought to life.

Fun! What are some of the highlights?
The most popular and spectacular rides are Space Mountain, It’s a Small World, the Haunted Mansion, Splash Mountain, and Pirates of the Caribbean. The Festival of Fantasy parade passes through Frontierland every afternoon and is a great place to stake out a viewing spot.

Got it. How easy is it to find the rides we want to hit?
The Magic Kingdom is huge, and some advance planning is necessary—prioritize the various rides and attractions. The train that loops around the park provides a good lay of the land, and the park is well equipped to welcome guests with mobility issues. Additionally, there are helpful guides and staff at every turn.

That sounds cool. Who would most enjoy a visit to the Magic Kingdom?
It’s hard to imagine anyone having a bad time at the Magic Kingdom—it really does have almost-universal appeal, especially for families. An aversion to crowds could be problematic, though there are quieter spaces to relax if it all gets too much.