If you’re planning a trip to Walt Disney World, you’re probably wondering about the Magic Kingdom must dos that will make your day unforgettable. From iconic rides and parades to hidden gems and tasty treats, we’ve rounded up the ultimate list of can’t-miss moments that will ensure your day is nothing short of magical. Let’s dive in!

Magic Kingdom Overview

Magic Kingdom has the most attractions of all four Disney theme parks, including a nighttime fireworks spectacular and parades. It is also the oldest of the four parks, bringing a sense of nostalgia to all who visit. That said, with a limited time in the park, it is tough to see and do everything. Ultimately, your priorities will depend on your family dynamic—do you like roller coasters? Are you traveling with an infant? Do you prefer character meet and greets and dining over attractions? Our must-do guide offers a variety of noteworthy attractions, dining, and entertainment options we’re sure will satisfy your family’s priorities!

Magic Kingdom Must-Do Attractions

There are over 20 rides alone to choose from at Magic Kingdom. While all of them have an appeal to them and are sure to keep guests entertained, some rides are a better use of your time than others.

TRON Lightcycle / Run

The newest roller coaster and most thrilling ride at Magic Kingdom lives up to its very long-anticipated debut. The ride has a height requirement of 48 inches, so it may only make some people’s must-do list if you are traveling primarily with little kids, but if you can, this is a must-ride! Guests climb on a Lightcycle (which you’ll recognize from the TRON movies, similar to a motorcycle seat) and launch at high speeds through indoor and outdoor coaster portions. The ride is relatively short yet incredibly smooth, so this may be a good way for guests weary of roller coasters to start!

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin

This Toy Story staple is fun for the whole family as there is no height requirement! Tap into your inner competitive space ranger to challenge your partner as you defeat evil Emperor Zurg along your journey. Hop in your vehicle and shoot your laser blasters at all the Zurgs to score points. In the end, you may just become a Galactic Hero!

“it’s a small world”

As one of the few opening day attractions left, “it’s a small world” is a dive into nostalgia that everyone can relate to. This simple 10-minute boat ride has no height requirement and will have the whole family singing along to the tune at the end (whether you like it or not). The ride is also entirely in the air conditioning and rarely has a long wait time, creating the perfect mid-day ride experience to rest your feet.

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

Step into the dwarfs’ mine car from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and journey through their mountain with tons of twists, turns, and small drops! The ride has a 38-inch height requirement, though it is one of the best first-time roller coasters for kids! Mine Train is consistently one of the most popular rides at Magic Kingdom since its 2014 opening, so it usually has a lengthy wait time. You may want to consider purchasing Lightning Lane Single Pass entry to avoid the wait.

The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh

Not only is the ride fun but so is the queue! Hop into a honey pot and follow along with the classic Winnie the Pooh story we all know and love, with a few fun twists! Bounce like Tigger, run from the Heffalumps and Woozles, and float through a rain storm with Pooh and his friends. This ride has no height requirement, so you can bring the whole family along!

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

The wildest ride in the wilderness has guests racing through caverns and gold mines on a thrilling roller coaster. The ride requires a 40-inch height and is a step above Seven Dwarfs Mine Train on the thrill scale.

Peter Pan’s Flight

Another original opening day attraction, Peter Pan’s Flight, consistently has some of the longest waits in the park. The story of Peter Pan, Wendy, and Captain Hook comes to life as you board a ship and fly through London and Neverland with the help of Tinker Bell’s pixie dust. The nostalgia is high with this ride, which makes it so popular. The ride is a replica of the opening day Disneyland attraction that Walt Disney himself helped design, making it one of the most beloved rides in the park.

Haunted Mansion

Foolish Mortals are welcome in this haunted mansion, where 999 ghosts are housed. This slow, dark ride may seem frightening for small children on the outside, but the fun, silly tunes, and dancing ghosts tell a different story. The queue has interactive play opportunities to keep the little ones occupied as well!

Magic Kingdom Must-Do Entertainment

The Disney magic isn’t just in the rides themselves; the entertainment brings a lot to the table and Magic Kingdom is filled with some must-do’s!

Character Meet and Greets

What is a trip to Disney World without an encounter with Mickey Mouse?! Character meet-and-greets are set up all throughout the park allowing you to interact with Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, Disney Princesses, Aladdin, Stitch, and more! Some character meet-and-greets have designated areas and wait times on the My Disney Experience app, while others are sporadic, and guests just line up.

Festival of Fantasy Parade

The fun-filled parade makes its way around Magic Kingdom every day to the delight of park-goers. The parade is full of music, characters, dancing, and more. This is a great way to see most of the most popular characters if you don’t want to wait in line for actual meet-and-greets. Just keep in mind that they’ll only wave at you – no autographs or posed photos.

Happily Ever After

This mega fireworks show happens nightly and you won’t want to miss it! The best view is facing Cinderella Castle on Main Street, U.S.A. to see lights, lasers, and special effects projected onto the castle and the world-class fireworks in the sky. The nearly 20-minute firework show combines your favorite characters, villains, and the most popular songs to tell a story. We recommend finding a spot to watch early on Main Street, U.S.A, the hub, or the train station!

Magic Kingdom Must-Do Snacks

Ready to snack your way through Magic Kingdom’s must-do list? The good news is that you don’t have to wait in long lines at quick service restaurants or make a dining reservation at a table service restaurant — all the best food can be found at snack stands around the park! However, we do recommend a character dining meal if you want to have a full interaction with specific characters without waiting in line.

Dole Whip

Head over to Aloha Isle in Adventureland and grab the most popular Magic Kingdom sweet treat. This frozen treat comes in pineapple, vanilla, or swirl flavors. However, Pineapple is the original and most popular. Since its increased popularity, you’ll find Dole Whip variations including floats, sundaes, and more.

Cheeseburger Spring Rolls

Adventureland is also home to the Spring Roll Wagon where you can get one of the best savory snacks in all of Disney World. We’re sure spring rolls don’t come to mind when you think theme park food, but these have people raving. The exact spring roll flavors often change, with the most consistent offerings being the cheeseburger spring rolls and pepperoni spring rolls. Both are a must-try!

Warm Cinnamon Roll

Gaston’s Tavern in New Fantasyland is the place to be for a large, warm cinnamon roll that will satisfy any breakfast craving. The cinnamon roll is enormous, of course, since it’s from Gaston and is shareable for the whole family. While at Gaston’s Tavern, check out the Lefou’s Brew, a frozen apple juice drink infused with marshmallow flavors.

Comments

Did your favorite ride, show, or snack make our Magic Kingdom must dos list? Let us know in the comments your number one must-do ride when you are at Magic Kingdom!