Staying Young at Heart
Disney World is one of those places that reminds that you’re never quite “grown up” all the way and that sometimes, it’s fun to embrace it.
After a great day at SeaWorld, we decided to dive headfirst into the Disney Experience, starting with the Magic Kingdom. Regardless of your age, walking off the monorail and into the park is an experience that blows you away each and every time. Seeing Main Street in all it’s splendor and looking at the brightly lit castle down the way are two of my favorite parts of the trip.
My children light up every time they come here, and this time was no exception. It’s easy to forget about the heat and humidity when everywhere you look is a chance to be a kid once more.
Grab Fast Passes to Save Time
Although this time, we headed straight towards Space Mountain to grab our Fast Passes (Disney’s innovative way to help you avoid long lines), we could’ve spent hours walking through the shops on Main Street or hanging out with the park’s smiling greeters.
On our way through, we were halted by a parade, which are, in my experience, one of the most fascinating displays in the park. The cast does a tremendous job capturing the magic that is disney, as they dance and sing down Main Street and into Frontierland. They don’t miss a single detail.
As we journeyed through the Magic Kingdom, we spent time in attractions like the Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin (I love this one), Stitch’s Great Escape, It’s a Small World (classic, and timeless), Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, and Pirate’s of the Caribbean, which I think are the best of what the Magic Kingdom has to offer.
A Fitting End to the Night
We ate lunch in the nicely cooled Liberty Tree Tavern, and closed out the evening with a great seat for the awesome fireworks display and Summer Nightastic Parade. As I held my children up to get a good view, watching them wave at Cinderella, Snow White, and Alice, I couldn’t help but smile at the Magic performed here each and ever day of the year. Even the baby was smiling at this one.
Tips and Tricks
Grab a fast pass to Space Mountain and you’ll only spend 20 minutes in line, as opposed to 100. The rides in Frontierland were dead after 8PM, so take your time getting over there. I’d bring a cooler and rent some lockers so you don’t spend a fortune on food and drinks, but even those are moderately priced.
If you want to catch the parade and fireworks, get to a spot early. One of my favorite spots is in near Frontierland on the steps of the Diamond Horseshoe.
Lastly, if you have a baby, I’d skip the tram and just walk. You have to fold up strollers to get on board, and that can be a hassle. You’re never really that far from the main entrance unless you park after 1-2 PM.
