A Three-Day Guide to Magic Kingdom Attractions

You’ve arrived! Whether you’re staying at one of Kissimmee’s Luxury Vacation Homes or another of the 200 plus local accommodations, you’re going to want to skip the continental breakfast and head straight to the most magical place on Earth. Book the Early Morning Magic and be among the first people in the park, hours before it even opens! Sail high into the sky at Never Never Land with Peter Pan’s Flight, then follow the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, and ride the rails with the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.

After working up an appetite, head to Pinocchio Village Haus for a nutritious breakfast featuring yogurt, fresh fruit, frittatas, and more. Walk off breakfast with a nice stroll through Fantasyland and maybe spy your favorite Disney characters along the way. Visit Tigger and the rest of his 100 acre-woods crew, save Rapunzel from her tower, and meet Ariel under the sea.

By now the morning sun will be beating down, so it may be time to seek reprieve in the cool air-conditioned comfort of “It’s a Small World,” on the happiest cruise that ever sailed. Hear us out: Some people may be tempted to skip this infamous song, but the relaxing, leisurely water ride with the short line is a must-see, classic attraction that has been captivating kiddos everywhere for decades.

Afterward, when you’re feeling peckish, the nearby Gaston’s Tavern is the perfect place to grab a quick snack of fresh fruit, hummus, crackers, and more. Once you’ve refueled, head to Town Square to meet some of Disney’s most famous characters including Pluto, Minnie, and Donald Duck, before lining up along the Central Viewing Plaza to see the Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade. This vibrant procession features a dazzling display of characters, performers, and intricate floats — a sight not to be missed.

Give your feet a rest and choose your steed on the ornate and historic Prince Charming Regal Carrousel (that’s right, two r’s) or skip ahead to Cinderella Castle for the dinner of a lifetime. At Cinderella’s Royal Table you’ll be treated to a spectacular Prix-Fixe dinner with gourmet options like pork tenderloin for the adults, and chicken nuggets or pot pies for the pickier members of your party — all capped off with the castle’s signature dessert, The Clock Strikes Twelve. Of course, the meal is just a bonus, the real treat for younger guests is getting the chance to dress up and meet Cinderella in person! Remember to book ahead, the Magic Kingdom is no place for “hanger.”

After dinner, head back out into the evening air to partake in the Move It! Shake It! Dance & Play It! Street Party and peruse the shops of Main Street while you wait for the most magical part of the evening, the all-new Happily Ever After Fireworks show. A grand spectacular sendoff is a Disney tradition. Their fireworks shows are legendary. Not to be outdone, the Once Upon a Time multi-media display is a stunning audio-visual performance with music, fireworks, and scenes from your favorite Disney films, all set against the iconic Cinderella Castle. Grab the quickest way back to your home away from home to get some shut-eye and prepare for another full day.

Yesterday was a bit of an early start, so why not sleep in today and partake in that hotel breakfast before journeying to the Magic Kingdom. Plan to arrive around 10 AM. Today might be the day you want to book your Disney Fast Passes, as you’ll be hitting some of the park’s most thrilling rides. Trust us when we say you’ll be so excited you won’t want to wait in the lines!

Start the day off in Adventureland at the classic Swiss Family Treehouse. Climb over six stories to view this detailed 19th-century-inspired abode and take in the sweeping 360° views of the park.

Next, head to the Pirates of the Caribbean, a classic attraction full of heart-pumping, swashbuckling, action that inspired the film series. If you’re looking for a little indoor break with some AC, Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room is the perfect south-pacific retreat for an entertaining show featuring a witty audio-animatronics show.

By now, it’s about that time and your stomach might be rumbling, so head to the Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen for an exotic lunch that offers mouthwatering tastes of South American, Asian, and African cuisines, with a selection that even your tiny diners will enjoy. After experiencing the flavors intrepid explorers would have discovered in the 18th and 19th century, why not take your own Jungle Cruise and go on a whirlwind tour of the world’s richest waterways, from the Amazon to the Congo. Cool off with a delicious and Instagram-friendly Dole Whip treat from Aloha Isle and make your way to the next stop: Liberty Square.

Here you’ll find the spooky, ghost-inhabited Haunted Mansion ride and scenic Liberty Square Riverboat, where you’ll experience the rivers of America just as they were over a century ago. After your laid-back riverboat ride, join Mark Twain’s epic tale at Tom Sawyer Island before settling in for an entertaining show at the Country Bear Jamboree.

After a relaxing hour or two, it’s time for more thrill-seeking on the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Race through deep mountain caves and around rocky ledges on a speeding runaway mine train that’s sure to get your heart-pumping.

Now that you’ve worked up an appetite, head to Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Café to rustle up some Mexican-style grub in an Old-West Saloon. Enjoy favorites like fajitas and burritos, or tuck into a juicy Southwestern-inspired burger. Be sure to save room! As you head back toward the park entrance, stop in at the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor along Main Street, where a healthy dose of nostalgia is served along with delicious hand-scooped ice cream and other sweets.

After your late night the previous day, it might be a good idea to end the day on a sweet note and head back to your accommodations for a little unwinding before tackling your third day at the Magic Kingdom.

If you haven’t already gobbled down breakfast, you can fuel up on the go at the Main Street Bakery. This Disney-fied Starbucks offers your old favorites with a mix of the park’s own baked goods. Grab that coffee and get ready to conquer the day! Your first stop this morning will be an enchanted and wacky Mad Tea Party with Alice and all of her pals followed by a twirl in the iconic teacups at the Mad Tea Party ride.

Once you’ve regained your balance, take to the skies with Dumbo the Flying Elephant and get the chance to see more of the park from above. This classic attraction is the perfect ride for all ages as it allows you to choose just how high you’d like to fly.

Should your light breakfast be leaving you a little hungry at this time, pop over to the Be Our Guest Restaurant and dine in French-inspired splendor — fit for a Beast. This is a quick-service lunch destination where reservations are highly recommended, so plan ahead!

Take an after-lunch break on the Walt Disney Railroad for a 20-minute scenic tour past the park’s main attractions. Afterward, travel down Main Street to catch the Dapper Dans, an old-school barbershop quartet who perform classic Disney and Americana tunes a capella. Now’s the time to hit up the shops along Main Street and pick up any souvenirs or gifts you’ve had your eye on.

For dinner, head to the breathtaking Crystal Palace restaurant, a beautiful glass greenhouse inspired by vintage Victorian gardens. Settle in for an “all-you-care-to-enjoy” buffet experience with pasta, savory carved meats, and fresh seafood. Be sure to say hi to Winnie the Pooh and friends, as they regularly attend dinners here and welcome the opportunity to take a photo with you.

Take a post-buffet break with a ride on Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress. Travel through the 20th century to see the progress and innovation of technology through the decades. After that, brace yourself for one last thrilling ride aboard Space Mountain. Blast through the dark depths of outer space on this speeding rocket ride with a 180-foot ascent.

Once the sun goes down, head to the Tomorrowland Terrace for a delicious dessert party on a terrace that offers the perfect vantage point for the evening fireworks display over Cinderella Castle. As you make your way towards the park exit, thinking about the wonderful memories made these past three days, stop for one last awe-inspiring show, the Electrical Water Pageant. Watch as fantastically lit floats with a nautical, deep-sea theme parade down Disney’s waterways to send you on your way with a bit of fanfare.