Tag Archive: magic kingdom

  1. Best Rides By Age Group at Magic Kingdom

    How old were you when you first visited the Magic Kingdom?  What was your favorite ride?  Which rides did you avoid?  Of course the Magic Kingdom has something for everyone, but some rides fit better than others. Here’s a look at the best rides, by age group…

    Best First Ride for All Ages

    Perhaps the most iconic ride in the Magic Kingdom is “It’s A Small World.”  Passengers take a leisurely boat ride through the countries of the world while serenaded by the classic, mind-sticking song.  The ride is calm, joyful, and great for all ages.  It may not be the most time-efficient ride first thing in the morning (there will be longer waits for other rides later in the day, so you may be tempted to rush elsewhere first), but it will be easier to get the memorable song out of your head if you ride early.

    Best Rides for Babies (2 and under)

    Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room in Adventureland is technically an attraction and not a ride, but it is nonetheless a hit with the little ones due to its singing flowers, talking birds, and lively music.  There is a “scary part” with thunder that may upset some toddlers, so be prepared to give them a hug until the birds resume their melody.

    Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress in Tomorrowland is another attraction enjoyed by the younger crowd.  It involves clapping, singing, and a dog.  It also provides a good opportunity for parents to rest in air-conditioned comfort.

    Walt Disney World Railroad (with stops in Main Street, Frontierland, and new Fantasyland) gives an interesting whirl around the Magic Kingdom.  It also offers a relaxing, continuous motion that might help lull the little one into a powernap.

    The Prince Charming Regal Carrousel in Fantasyland has horses, mirrors, sparkles, and is in the center of the magic.  Babies love it.

    The Haunted Mansion in Liberty Square is perhaps the most counterintuitive ride for this age group.  Yes, it could terrify slightly older kids, but babies love the flashing lights, floating objects, and catchy song.  The darkness in the stretching room may come as a surprise to little ones, so hold them if possible.  My daughter rode it for the first time when she was nine months old and stared in wide-eyed joy the entire time.

    Best Rides for Preschoolers (3-5)

    The Dumbo the Flying Elephant ride in new Fantasyland combines one of the most popular rides with one of the best childhood pastimes: a playground.  Hidden within the queue is an indoor playground that is so fantastic, my daughters have waited in line just to play.  This ride also allows kids to control the altitude of their elephants, which could potentially be more fun for the child than for his/her adult companion.

    The Magic Carpets of Aladdin in Adventureland is, like Dumbo, a spinning ride that features spitting camels and the ability to move your vehicle up and down.  You also get a fun view of Cinderella Castle.

    The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh in Fantasyland takes you through the pages of your favorite Pooh tale as little ones gaze at all of the inhabitants of the Hundred Acre Woods.  Just be prepared for the adorable gift shop at the exit, Hundred Acre Goods, and have some distraction on hand to avoid a possible “I want this” meltdown.

    The Country Bear Jamboree in Frontierland is an attraction with singing bears and their wise-cracking friends.  Little ones may not get all of the jokes, but they will love clapping along with the toe-tapping tunes.

    Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid in new Fantasyland is an entertaining voyage under the sea that features songs and scenes from The Little Mermaid.  Your little one can also help magical crabs sort their treasures in the interactive queue.

    Best Rides for Big Kids (6-8)

    The Mad Tea Party teacups in Fantasyland are good for younger age groups, but big kids especially enjoy spinning the cups on their own.  Remember that seven year olds can ride this by themselves, so parents can accompany them through the queue and then sneak out through the exit to avoid motion sickness.

    Pirates of the Caribbean in Adventureland offers swashbuckling action for older kids, including buccaneers, sword fights, and a waterfall drop that is just-scary-enough.  This ride also exits into a perfectly-themed gift shop that will appeal to this age group, so offer to try out the nearby Pirate’s Adventure ~ Treasures of the Seven Seas scavenger hunt if you want to avoid splurging on a souvenir (Bonus: You can also earn a FastPass+ voucher for Pirates of the Caribbean if you complete three Pirate’s Adventure missions).

    The Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover in Tomorrowland is the most underrated ride in the Magic Kingdom.  Its often overlooked entranced and unassuming name can elicit whines of “I don’t want to ride a boring ride,” but it is exciting to whizz past Cinderella Castle and through Space Mountain.  If there is no queue, you can ask politely to stay on for a second ride.

    Astro Orbiter in Tomorrowland is the big kid spinning ride.  It towers above the skyline and boasts fantastic views of the park, especially after dark.

    Best Rides for Tweens (9-12)

    Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin in Tomorrowland is a live-action videogame.  Players/riders spin their vehicles and shoot targets as they battle the evil Emperor Zurg to save the galaxy.  Be prepared to ride this multiple times to beat your high score.

    The Jungle Cruise in Adventureland has animatronic animals to amaze little kids, but its true fame comes from its plethora of bad (good?) jokes.  Tweens who love puns and wordplay will enjoy jokes like, “What do you call ten giraffes on the same trail?  A giraffic jam.”

    The Haunted Mansion in Liberty Square mixes fear with humor.  Younger children may balk at the ghosts and overall tone, but slightly older kids will enjoy the pun-filled tombstones and somber cast members.  Out of all of the Magic Kingdom’s attractions, the Haunted Mansion feels the most real.  If your child wants to further explore the attraction’s lore, they can find the new Tales from the Haunted Mansion book series in the nearby Momento Mori gift shop (I can never say no to a book, and these were well received by my nine year old daughter).

    Best Rides for Thrill Seekers (from youngest to oldest)

    When your child is old enough to experience thrill rides (the age can vary by child, so use your best judgment), take a spin on The Barnstormer in new Fantasyland.  This small coaster feels surprisingly fast, but it’s short enough to promise a quick escape for those who find themselves terrified at the top of the hill.

    The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train in new Fantasyland is a smooth, exciting coaster that combines state of the art animatronics with swinging train cars.  The wait can often be excruciatingly long, but there are games in the queue to pass the time.  If your child is somewhat fearful of speeds, then request a seat near the front of the train because the back feels noticeably faster.

    Splash Mountain in Frontierland is a water ride, and it repeatedly warns that you WILL get wet.  It has small drops and smooth turns through the tale of Brer Rabbit and his furry friends.  It is relatively smooth sailing until you fall into the Laughing Place and then climb a hill that leads to a sudden drop into the briar patch, which always gives me a jolt of adrenaline.  Fortunately it ends in a jubilee of singing animals that is sure to put a smile on anyone’s face.

    Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in Frontierland takes riders to the wild west as it winds over and through valleys and mountains.  You will be jostled and shaken throughout the ride, so it is not as mild as other thrill rides, but it is a treat for older thrill seekers.

    Space Mountain in Fantasyland is the Magic Kingdom’s ultimate thrill ride.  It is dark, fast, unpredictable, and has single-file seats, so riders have no one to hold in the event of terror.  This is not a ride for anyone afraid of space travel (real or imagineered), so only take the launch if you can handle the biggest thrills.

    Of course, the Magic Kingdom’s rides are not just for kids.  The diverse attractions are sure to be appealing to magic-seekers of all ages!

  2. Restroom Review: Where to Go in the Magic Kingdom

    Admit it, restrooms are a big part of your life. We don’t talk about them often enough, but we should because a bad bathroom experience can ruin your day (or your clothes). Blogs about Walt Disney World regularly review everything from attractions to food to characters, but they shy away from numbers one and two. Now we’ll go where no blog has gone before…

    The newly opened Buc-ee’s restroom in Katy, Texas, which is my standard for restroom quality

    Overall, Disney restrooms are above par. I live in Texas, home to the world famous Buc-ee’s gas station restrooms, which are regularly voted the best in America, so I have high toilet standards, and Walt Disney World regularly exceeds them. Every restroom in the Magic Kingdom has baby changing tables (even the men’s!), waxed paper seat covers, and a seemingly endless supply of TP and hand towels. Even so, some bathrooms are better than others, and some are downright intolerable. You could easily spend an hour or more each day using the restroom, especially if you have little ones in tow, so it’s important to choose your throne wisely with these tips…

    Rapunzel Restroom

    The Rapunzel Restroom is the best in the Magic Kingdom

    Located at the base of Rapunzel’s tower between the Haunted Mansion and “it’s a small world.” This is my favorite restroom in the Magic Kingdom. It is impeccably themed with the women’s restroom decorated by Rapunzel (sun-shaped lights, painted walls and ceilings, and shelves along the back wall holding Rapunzel’s favorite things) and the men’s decorated by Flynn Rider (frying pans and the color brown).

    Pros: Lots of stalls in two rows, a long mirror along the back of women’s, convenient stroller parking just outside, low sinks, benches outside beneath floating lanterns, excellent theming, companion/family restroom (unisex), nearby drinking fountains, no lines

    Cons: Children do not want to leave. Seriously, my daughters have spent fifteen minutes examining the knick-knacks on the shelves in the women’s restroom.

    Tip: Take photos of the décor on the walls to compare the men’s and women’s restrooms, but be careful to take unobtrusive photos without other guests.

    Pirates Restroom

    Spanish style tiles adorn the Pirates Restroom

    Located inside the Pirates of the Caribbean gift shop. This is a must-use for anyone who has held it while riding over waterfalls.

    Pros: Single row of stalls with a wide aisle, full-length mirror in the women’s, low sinks, good theming, benches in a covered area outside, companion/family restroom (unisex), no lines

    Cons: Stroller parking outside the gift shop, “spitting toilets” (This is a real phenomenon that has been observed on many occasions: the toilets in the women’s restroom splatter when they flush. My husband has not confirmed if this is true in the men’s. Avoid using stalls with wet seats because those are most likely the spitting toilets.)

    Dumbo Restroom

    Young children appreciate the low sinks that are available in most restrooms

    Located in the new Fantasyland by the train station. I often overlook this restroom, but my oldest daughter loves it because it is close to the splash pad.

    Pros: Single row of stalls with a wide aisle, mirrors, companion/family restroom (unisex), low sinks, close to splash pad for quick clothing changes, usually an attendant on duty, no lines

    Cons: Stroller parking farther away, minimal theming, out of the way location

    Gaston Restroom

    “Gaston smells bad.”

    Located next to Gaston’s Tavern in the new Fantasyland. My children hate this one because “Gaston smells bad.” In their defense, the restroom does have a strange odor that is most likely from the tavern next door, not because Gaston himself uses the toilet there (although he often hangs around outside).

    Pros: good theming, wide aisle, mirror, companion/family restroom (unisex)

    Cons: occasional lines for women’s, no close stroller parking, minimal outside seating, strange smell, out of the way location, narrow walkway outside of restroom, no low sink!!! (I think this is the only restroom without one, so be prepared to lift small children when they wash their hands.)

    Pinocchio Village Haus Restroom

    Always look up for restroom theming! This restroom matches the Pinocchio Village Haus restaurant

    Located next to the Pinocchio Village Haus restaurant with an outside entrance. This is the closest restroom to Cinderella Castle.

    Pros: convenient location, good theming, low sink, some benches outside, usually an attendant on duty, large mirror, companion/family restroom (unisex)

    Cons: almost always lines for women’s due to “bottlenecking” at the entrance, no close stroller parking, broken soap and paper towel dispensers (at least during this trip), seemingly not enough stalls, hot during summer

    Cut-Through Restroom

    Intricate tiles also adorn this Adventureland/Frontierland restroom

    Located in the cut-through between Adventureland and Frontierland, near the FastPass+ kiosk, in a covered area that is convenient for eating a Dole Whip in the shade (not IN the restroom, obviously).

    Pros: convenient location, double row of toilets, good theming, low sink, covered benches outside, usually an attendant on duty, cool in the summer

    Cons: small mirror in women’s, occasional lines for women’s (because people don’t see the second row of stalls), no stroller parking, often crowded even when there aren’t lines, no companion restroom

    Casey’s Restroom

    This decor matches the Crystal Palace restaurant next door.

    Located between Casey’s Corner and the Crystal Palace in the same building as the first aid station and baby care center. This is a relatively narrow, small restroom that is close to the hub and convenient during fireworks. I may just be lucky, but I rarely see other people in this restroom.

    Pros: convenient location, low sink, covered benches outside, drinking fountains nearby, sometimes an attendant on duty

    Cons: no stroller parking, no companion restroom, dated interior, narrow single row of toilets, fountain outside that might cause an accident, easy to walk past without realizing it’s there

    Cheshire Restroom

    Located just behind the Cheshire Café near a mysterious “cast members only” door through which characters like Alice and Peter Pan often pass. This restroom is almost a secret.

    Pros: almost always empty, close to covered seating of Cheshire Café, drinking fountains nearby

    Cons: no stroller parking, no companion restroom, no theming, easy to walk past without realizing it’s there

    Speedway Restroom

    A rare photo of the Speedway Restroom without a line out the door. (Seriously, I had to wait for the line to go down.)

    Located in Tomorrowland across from the Speedway. This is my most hated restroom in all of Walt Disney World. Do not go here unless you literally cannot hold it. Try to make it to the Cheshire Restroom instead!

    Pros: convenient location, usually a hard working attendant on duty trying to direct people to open stalls

    Cons: incredibly narrow restroom with stalls a few feet away from the sinks, always lines, no stroller parking, minimal outside seating, not enough stalls in women’s or men’s, no companion restroom, not enough room for wheelchairs or scooters, paper towel dispensers out of reach of children, uncomfortably warm in the summer, so crowded that you will bump into other people

    Emergency Restroom: Tony’s Restaurant

    We’ve probably all used the restroom at the front of the Magic Kingdom near City Hall, which can vary from nearly empty to incredibly crowded depending on the time of day, but sometimes that restroom is inconvenient to reach due to a parade. If you’re ever on the “wrong side” of Main Street and have a bathroom emergency, duck into Tony’s Town Square Restaurant. This restroom is located next to the hosts’ podium, so you can use it without actually entering the restaurant. It’s incredibly small with only three stalls in the women’s and an awkwardly placed changing table, but it is better than nothing in a pinch. Go to the larger restroom across the street whenever possible, but keep this in mind if you have little ones who want to watch a parade from the Town Square porch.

    Other Options

    Of course I have not covered all of the restrooms in the Magic Kingdom. There are others, some popular and some more obscure, that you can discover or rediscover whenever you feel the urge to go.

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