It seems I am always planning my next Disney vacation. Even when I am at Walt Disney World, I am constantly making mental notes about what I want to do on my next visit. Luckily, my next trip is just weeks away. Shhh, do not tell the kids, as they do not know yet!
The Magic Kingdom
When you say Disney World, the first image you are likely to think of is Cinderella’s Castle nestled in the heart of the Magic Kingdom. The sight never fails to take my breath away.
I like to get to the park gates about 30 minutes before it opens. Now, I am normally a night owl. However, when I am at Walt Disney World, I seem to magically wake up before the crack of dawn. Early birds are rewarded, by getting to see, and sometimes be a part of, the official “Rope Drop” ceremony, where cast members and Mickey Mouse himself welcome you to the park.
Main Street, U.S.A
Main Street, U.S.A. is one of the happiest places in the entire resort. I cannot help but be filled with high hopes and expectations for this day when I am there. After all, those around me have likely been planning for this very moment for months, if not years.
First thing in the morning the streets are not as crowded. The shop keepers are out, waving at guests with those over-sized Mickey gloves as they make their way to their favorite attractions. The streets are damp, perhaps from the dew of the morning, or maybe it is the Florida humidity, and if you get to the end of Main Street in time, it takes on a golden hue as the street catches the rays of the rising sun.
This is also the best time of day to get your picture taken in front of Cinderella’s Castle. I rarely like pictures of myself, as I like to be the one who takes the photos. But, if I must be in the picture, I like to have it taken first thing in the morning, while my make-up is fresh, my hair has not been disheveled by Space Mountain, and my clothes are still relatively clean.
Adventureland
At the end of Main Street, U.S.A., most people head to the right and off to Tomorrowland; I like to take a left and go straight for Adventureland. The first major attraction you will see is the Jungle Cruise and it is unlikely to be open until 10AM or later. I bypass it and go straight to Pirates of the Caribbean where there is no wait.
After we ride “Pirates,” we like to go directly to Splash Mountain. I love the happy songs and the watery plunge into the Briar Patch. When you disembark from your log, take a look at the photo gallery. Even if you do not buy the picture, everyone in your party will get a good laugh seeing themselves as they take the big plunge.
Next, go straight to Thunder Mountain Railroad. It is the “wildest ride in the wilderness” after all. Thunder Mountain is always a family favorite; tame enough for the younger riders and those of us with weaker stomachs, though fast enough that my teenager enjoys it as well.
Liberty Square – Quick Take
Once you are finished with Thunder Mountain, head directly for The Haunted Mansion. Enjoy singing ghosts and dancing spirits. Just “beware of hitchhiking ghosts.”
Breathe and Re-energize
Given average winter attendance, the path I just led you down should take about two hours on a weekday and perhaps two-and-a-half on a weekend. It is nothing short of satisfying to know that we have enjoyed four out of the five biggest rides in the park, all before lunch, and all with little or no wait.
Once you exit The Haunted Mansion, it will be time for an early lunch. You will be at the door of my favorite counter-service restaurant in all of Walt Disney World, the Columbia Harbour House. You will not find typical theme park fast food fare here. We enjoy the Anchors Aweigh tuna sandwich and the Broccoli Pepper Corn Sandwich. However, my favorite entree is the Lighthouse Sandwich, a hummus sandwich topped with a tomato slaw.
Fantasyland
Once our batteries are recharged, we like to head for the relative calm of Fantasyland. I say relative, because in addition to throngs of families with very small children, Fantasyland is in the process of a multimillion dollar renovation. However, you can still ride many of your favorite attractions like Peter Pan’s Flight and The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. Be prepared for some of these attractions to be closed periodically during construction. Check your park guide map at the beginning of the day to see what attractions are affected by the renovations.
Liberty Square – Again
After you have strolled through Fantasyland, our party is faced with a tough decision: should we head to Tomorrowland or do we go to the slower paced, but still fascinating Liberty Square? If I am not outvoted, and sometimes I am, I like to take this time to go to Liberty Square.
Having already enjoyed The Haunted Mansion, The Hall of Presidents is the only other major attraction to see. I think I liked it better when I was a kid, but the tour of American history is fast-paced, kid friendly, and genuinely entertaining. It is also home to Ye Olde Christmas Shop, a Christmas wonderland 365 days a year.
And no, I did not forget about the Liberty Square Riverboat. It usually forgets me! Every time I have been to the Magic Kingdom for the past five or so years, the boat seems to be closed for the day. Call it bum luck, although one of these days I will ride the Liberty again.
Tomorrowland
I have my reasons for waiting until the evening to venture into Tomorrowland. The lights of Tomorrowland really create a magnificent atmosphere. The Astro Orbiters fly high overhead, and in my opinion, it is the best way to see the Magic Kingdom from a height only the birds get to enjoy.
Of course, most of the kids want to head straight for Space Mountain. Even if you do not have a FastPass for this ride, the new interactive queue experience makes waiting an attraction. My own competitive nature means that a day at the Magic Kingdom is never complete without riding Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin. Guests shoot laser beams at targets to rack up points and provide much needed power to the toy universe. However, as my kids get older, their point totals are quickly approaching my own.
My final must-see of the day is the Monsters Inc., Laugh Floor, what I consider the hidden gem of Tomorrowland. A cast of friendly and funny monsters need your laughs to power the city of Monstropolis. If you are lucky, and twice I have been, you will get to be a part of the show. It is a great way to relax your tired feet for twenty minutes and get a laugh too.
Back to Main Street, U.S.A.
As the day ends, I like to stroll down Main Street, U.S.A. Note this is an extremely busy time on the street, as it leads to the only public exit of the park. Coming from Tomorrowland, you will pass by the Main Street Bakery and, yes, that is the smell of chocolate chip cookies being piped out into the street. It lovingly lures in weary guests with the promise of a sugary treat or some much needed coffee to keep you going until you collapse in your hotel.
This is the time of day I like to head into the Emporium, the biggest souvenir store in the Magic Kingdom for a little last-minute shopping. Most of the items that you will find at the smaller gift shops throughout the park, you will find here at the Emporium. These shops are often open up to an hour past the published park closing time. So, let the crowds leave the park while you shop. Then you can stroll onto the Monorail or ferry boat back to your car or resort after a full and fun day of magic.
Do not miss out on the adventure and start booking your stay at Magic Kingdom now! Check out Orlandohotels.org for accommodation options near the park.
By Melanie Clatfelter.
