Whether you’re visiting Magic Kingdom for the first time or you’ve spent more time there than at your real home, you still might not have done everything. The design of the park encourages repeat visits, and some of the most entertaining options are less heralded. I’m not talking about obvious things like riding Space Mountain or watching the various fireworks and parades. Let’s talk about the hidden gems at the park. Below is a list of nine things you must do at least once while you’re at Magic Kingdom.
1. It’s delicious. Don’t believe me? Ask the dishes!
Image: Disney
Getting to eat at Be Our Guest is still something of an event. Even a couple of years after the restaurant’s debut it remains the most difficult Advance Dinner Reservation to claim. When you eat there, there’s something you simply must do. No matter how cliché it sounds, you have to sample The Grey Stuff, one of the tastiest desserts at any theme park in the world. This cookies and cream panna cotta looks like a cupcake, but the flavor is pure ambrosia.
2. Shhh! Figaro, there’s somebody in here!
Image: Disney
Pinocchio’s Village Haus is one of the hidden gems of Magic Kingdom. It’s a quick service restaurant that seems understated and simple on the surface. Some lucky guests know that it harbors a secret, though. A few of the tables in the building overlook the adjoining It’s a Small World attraction. You can people watch the line queue as well as the departing boats. While so many meals at Magic Kingdom suffer from a certain sort of sameness, Pinocchio’s Village Haus is different each time. You enjoy a rare view of other theme park tourists relishing their time at the Most Magical Place on Earth.
3. If only Casey could but get a whack at that.
Image: Disney
While we’re on the subject of dining options at Magic Kingdom, you’ve undoubtedly walked by Casey’s Corner more times than you can count. Perhaps you’ve even grabbed a hot dog a time or two. Have you ever stopped to listen, though? The smiling pianist at Casey’s Corner is a local institution. His name is Jim Omohundro, and he’s held the same job for more than 30 years now. He adds the background tunes that provide the exterior ambience for your meal. At some point, you need to take the time to enjoy performances such as this one.
4. He started practicing some of the boss’ best magic tricks before learning how to control them.
While a certain other park in Orlando, Florida, enjoys the presence of a famous wizard, you should remember that Walt Disney first dabbled with magic in 1940. His Florida park cheekily plays on this with an interactive card game. Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom presents an opportunity to enhance your day at the park. As a sorcerer’s apprentice, you’ll receive a Key Card. This activates special “missions” handed out by Merlin himself. Through your Key Card, you’ll have a chance to fight several Disney villains throughout the various themed lands of Magic Kingdom. It’s silly fun that turns a theme park visit into a series of quests, and it’s well thought out. Your Key Card tracks your progress, which means you can pick up where you left off the next time you visit the park.
5. In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun.
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The Dapper Dans can carry a note, crack a joke, and wear a seersucker suit like nobody’s business. They also ride a bicycle built for four. This unforgettable act is a celebrated part of Disney folklore. Still, I’m constantly surprised by how many other Disney fans indicate that they’ve never taken the time to enjoy a performance. This barbershop quartet is recognizable from far away, and any self-respecting theme park tourist has to watch them at least once.
6. Where. Is. My. Super. Suit???
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One of the reasons why Brad Bird’s The Incredibles is such a masterpiece is that the superheroes are a family. When they put on their costumes, they are still husband and wife, parent and child. They’re also ridiculous looking in the best possible way. The Incredibles is my favorite Pixar film, and I love that Tomorrowland includes #INCREDIBLESSuperDanceParty, which is exactly what it sounds like. If you time your visit to this area of the park well, you can watch cast members in giant Incredibles outfits get down to all the hits from Disney Radio. The whole thing is a bit surreal, but it’s also joyous to participate in The Incredibles Dance Party.
7. The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.
Image: Disney
What Walt Disney accomplished at the 1964 New York World’s Fair ranks among the greatest business triumphs of his era. One of the lingering remnants of his historic achievement is the Carousel of Progress. Enjoying this examination of changing 20th century culture is more than just a look back at the wide-eyed optimist age of Space Age citizens. It’s also the most direct way to connect to Walt Disney while you’re enjoying the park he envisioned but didn’t live long enough to enjoy for himself. Disney and his Imagineers lovingly crafted the Carousel of Progress, and every generation of Magic Kingdom guest who watches it becomes a part of its heritage.
8. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
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When you want to go down Main Street but you prefer to do so in style, only one option exists at Magic Kingdom. Technically, they’re called the Main Street Vehicles, but each “car” has its own style. The Fire Engine, the Horse-Drawn Street Car, the Jitney, and the Omnibus comprise the fleet of the Main Street Vehicles, and each of them is unmistakable in its own way. These rides hearken back to the early 20th century when cars didn’t have onboard computers and Bluetooth. They weren’t even guaranteed to have roofs. At least once when you’re visiting the park, you have to ride the rails on Main Street, enjoying views like this one. It’s equal parts absurd and exhilarating. Wherever you stand on the topic, there’s no denying that you’ll have a smile on your face as the other guests, the lesser ones reduced to walking like filthy commoners, greet you on your grand transport. The Main Street Vehicles are one of the most memorable experiences you’ll ever have during a Disney vacation.
9. Come on, gang! All out for Uncle Sam!
Image: Disney
The lowering of the flag has special historical significance at Walt Disney World. The flag retreat ceremony occurs at 5:00 p.m. each day at Magic Kingdom, signifying the end of daytime at the park. If you’re unfamiliar with his life story, Walt Disney was a passionate patriot who aided wartime efforts at the tail end of World War I and throughout World War II. Since his twin American theme parks are universally associated with American values, guests from all over the world take the time to watch the country’s flag descend while a philharmonic accompaniment of Star Spangled Banner. Afterward, the entire audience has the option to sing God Bless America. In a cynical age, it’s unexpectedly touching to participate in such a sincere event. Someday before you’re ready to head to your Advance Dinner Reservation, visit Main Street U.S.A. to watch this ceremony.
So, how many of these have you completed and how many more do you want to do? Which underrated aspects of a day at Magic Kingdom would you suggest as additions? Leave a note in the comments section!
