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Category Archives: Attractions
Top 10 Things To Do at Night in the Magic Kingdom
The Magic Kingdom is the most popular park at Disney World. It’s design, detail, and the experience that it offers is truly magical during the day; but it gets even more magical at night! One of my favorite things to do at Disney World is to explore this park after the sun goes down and the lights come on. Therefore, I have made a list of the top 10 things to do in the Magic Kingdom at night!
1. Wishes Nighttime Spectacular - There’s nothing more magical and spectacular than having the lights go down throughout the Magic Kingdom and hearing Jiminy Cricket’s voice as he tells about wishes as amazing fireworks explode over the castle. It’s worth going to the park at night just to see this show so this is why it’s definitely the #1 thing to at night in the Magic Kingdom.
2. Main Street, U.S.A. - This part of the Magic Kingdom is beautiful during the day, but it’s even better at night when it’s all lit up! Also, you can’t beat that view of Cinderella Castle aglow at the end of the street.
3. Main Street Electrical Parade-Parades are always entertaining; but at night in the Magic Kingdom, you can see the Main Street Electrical Parade where the floats and characters are lit up in lights! This is a must-see at night in the park.
4. Tinkerbell in Flight – During Wishes, a glowing Tinkerbell will fly from Cinderella Castle and over the bridge into Tomorrowland. This is really cool and truly magical, especially if you have your own little princess who happens to be a Tinkerbell fan!
5. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – This popular Frontierland attraction is always a wild ride packed full of details during the day; but at night, it’s a whole new experience as it feels faster and you can’t see what’s coming next! Plus, if you time it right, you might see Wishes exploding overhead as you enjoy your wild ride.
6. The Magic, The Memories, and You-This new show at the Magic Kingdom is usually shown after the Main Street Electrical Parade and just before Wishes. During this show, photos taken throughout the day, along with other colors and effects, are projected onto Cinderella Castle for both an awesome and sentimental experience. This is just something that you have to see!
7. Splash Mountain-This is seriously one of Disney World’s best rides. As you go inside and out Chickapin Hill during your ride, and right before you drop, you’re treated to lofty views of the park which are even more picturesque at night. On my last trip, I rode Splash Mountain at night and watched the Main Street Electrical Parade winding through Liberty Square and Frontierland from above!
8. Take a Walk-Take some time to walk through each land in the Magic Kingdom at night. Each land is even more magical after the sun goes down with the rides, shops, and restaurants all lit up. Also, there are things you can see at night that you can’t during the day. For example, check out the Liberty Tree Tavern in Liberty Square which has glowing lanterns hanging from it’s branches at night; and Tomorrowland really looks like it’s in outer space when you visit it in the dark!
9. Tomorrowland Transit Authority/WedWay People Mover-This simple attraction goes inside and out and all throughout Tomorrowland. It’s a great way to see this land and some views of the castle at night while off your feet and with a gentle breeze to keep you cool!
10. Jungle Cruise-This classic, and hilarious, Adventureland attraction is mainly outdoors so it offers a different ride experience in the dark. It also makes it a little more exiciting!
Have you experienced Magic Kingdom at night? What is your favorite thing at this park after the sun goes down?
Related Articles:
- The Magic, The Memories, and…Wishes!
- By Popular Demand, ‘Main Street Electrical Parade’ Extended Indefinitely
Related articles
- Top 5 Magic Kingdom Hidden Details (chipandco.com)
- New ‘Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom Game Coming Feb 22nd to Walt Disney World (chipandco.com)
Best Rides & Attractions to Nurse or Bottle Feed your Little Ones at Disney World
I know what your thinking this is a funny subject coming from a guy. But I am no stranger to poopy diapers or feeding little ones. While visiting the parks with little ones can be challenging there are some little tricks my wife and I have learned to help make our vacations enjoyable for our little ones when they were still nursing or on the bottle.
Its funny our oldest daughter was only breast fed for 4 months before going to a bottle and our youngest who is now 1 will only take the breast and refuses a bottle. So we have experience with both at the Disney parks.
I will break this up by park to better assist you.
Magic Kingdom
- Carousel of Progress – Sit towards the front of the theater for more privacy as many people sit in the back.
- Hall of Presidents – Sit towards the back, good show length.
- It’s a Small World – Ask for the back of the boat. We have had boats to ourselves before which was great.
- People Mover – High walls make for great privacy
- Pirates of the Caribbean – Ask for a front seat and hope you dont get wet
- The Enchanted Tiki Room – The far side of the theater is the best for privacy
- The Haunted Mansion – If your a family of 4 split up 2 x 2 for privacy
- Walt Disney World Railroad – You are outdoors so be warned
Epcot
- Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros – Short ride so only good for a snack. If it is not busy they will let u go again if you ask.
- Impressions de France – Usually not busy
- Journey into Imagination with Figment – Short ride and noisy but can be done
- Living with the Land – Probably the best ride in all of WDW for feedings. Very calm and relaxing.
- Spaceship Earth – Very dark and very smooth. Our little one usually finishes at the top and loves going backwards
- The American Adventure – Long show sit toward the front left
- The Seas with Nemo and Friends – Short tide but doable
- Turtle Talk with Crush – If its not crowded sit at the back of the room on the floor
- Universe of Energy: Ellen’s Energy Adventure – Looooooong ride!
Hollywood Studios
- Beauty & the Beast – Live on Stage – Can be done but very busy
- Disney Junior – Live on Stage – Sit off the the back of the room outside the yellow lines
- Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular – Can get really hot and noisy but we had done it in a pinch. Sat in the far back corner
- Studio Backlot Tour – Similar to a train, can be noisy
- The Great Movie Ride – Some parts are ok others can be very loud. I would worry more about the bad acting.
- Voyage of the Little Mermaid – Little one can get wet when it rains.
Animal Kingdom
- Boneyard – A few benches outside the sandbox.
- Festival of the Lion King – Can get noisy
- Finding Nemo-The Musical – Same as Lion King can be noisy at times
- Flights of Wonder – Nice 20 minute show, not to loud
- Rafikis Planet Watch – The train on the way over is great, just wish it was a little longer.
Finally the Monorail, buses, and Friendship Boats are good too!
If I missed anything let me know but all of the rides above come from our experiences at the parks. Individual results may very depending on the baby, crowd levels, temperature, etc.
Related articles
- How to tour the Parks – Splitting up Epcot (chipandco.com)
- Escaping the Rain at Walt Disney World (chipandco.com)
New ‘Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom Game Coming Feb 22nd to Walt Disney World
When the new “Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom” game debuts at Magic Kingdom on February 22, it will be up to guests to discover and defeat the Disney villains who are wreaking havoc behind the scenes at the Walt Disney World Resort theme park.
In this role-playing game, guests become apprentice sorcerers and embark on a challenge to stop these animated villains from stealing one of the four shattered pieces of Merlin’s powerful crystal ball. Armed with spells in the form of special cards, guests follow magic symbols that lead them to different villain hideouts in Adventureland, Fantasyland, Frontierland, Liberty Square, and Main Street, U.S.A. Once there, apprentices use magic keys to access the villain’s lair, and “spell” cards to halt the evildoers in their tracks.
Seventy different spell cards are part of this trading card game, and guests will receive five complimentary cards every day they play. Each of the cards features a different Disney character that offers a spell unique to his or her personality. Individually created by Disney artists and trading card game experts, these beautiful cards will become a new Disney collectible and trading opportunity.
According to Jonathan Ackley, Project Producer & Creative Director, Walt Disney Imagineering, one of the most exciting aspects of Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom is how guests become active players in the game, interacting with Disney characters at an entirely new level.
“Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom gives our guests a whole new way to become the hero of the Disney story, taking Disney innovation to a new level,” he said. “It’s a great game of discovery and excitement that plays off our wonderful theme park and incredible family of Disney animated characters.”
Imagineers spent more than four years creating and perfecting this unique experience, which can be played in 15- to 20-minute segments throughout guests’ visits to the Magic kingdom, or continuously for up to three to four hours. More than 95 minutes of original animation was created for Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom – the equivalent of a full-length animated film.
While trading card games are popular with about 60 million people in the U.S., this is the first time players can experience the challenge at a Disney theme park. Guests of all ages will love the storytelling, the engagement with Disney characters and the discovery of hidden details at the Magic Kingdom.
Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom is included in the price of theme park admission.
Related articles
- Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom opens to Walt Disney World Guests in February (chipandco.com)
- Sneak Peek at Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom (chipandco.com)
How to tour the Parks – Splitting up Epcot
Many people try to cram as many things in Epcot into one day. Back in the 80′s I used to do the same thing. I have been known do to all 4 parks in one day on many occasions. As I got older (and wiser) I realized Epcot is not a one day park. It is meant to be enjoyed slowly and broken up into several days.
On our past trip I was able to work up a nice 3 day Touring Plan for Epcot where you can really see EVERYTHING! It can be stripped down into 2 days but unless your only at Disney World for a few days try my way (its perfect for parents of infants and those under 5). Also please note we like to get to the parks early to avoid the crowds. If you come in after 10 you are probably going to run into lines. Finally we leave after lunch for naps so these are mainly for the morning hours and work great if you like Park Hopping, if you come in later you’re gonna hit lines and may slow you down some.
Day 1
- Arrive at Epcot when it opens, after the little Park Opening Show head straight to The Land Pavilion and grab a Fast Pass and ride Soarin. If you have a little one don’t forget to do Parent Swap that way your little one can ride it with both parents.
- After you have done Soarin now would be a good time for breakfast (if you have already eaten skip down to the next step) We love Sunshine Seasons for Breakfast! Good, fresh food, great for people watching, and you can even get sushi for breakfast (don’t ask)
- Once you have consumed your meal or after you have ridden Soarin we like to take a nice little boat ride on Living with the Land. For me this has to be one of my favorite rides at Epcot. I studied Forestry and Horticulture in school so the greenhouses really fascinate me. The Behind the Seeds tour is something different to try.
- About the time you are done with Living with the Land your Fast Pass should be ready to go. If not go watch the Lion King’s The Circle of Life show. Most times the wait is longer than the show.
- At this point you have finished The Land Pavilion and you are ready to move on some place else. We like to stay on the Epcot’s Future World (West) area. It should be around 11am and the World Showcase is opening which should ease the lines a little bit. Head over and ride The Seas with Nemo and Friends and Turtle Talk with Crush then shoot over to the Imagination Pavilion for Journey into Imagination with Figment. We wait on Captain EO and do it on Day 2.
- Once you are done on the West Side you can head over and try some free beverages at Club Cool and play around in Innoventions.
- It should be around 1pm so you can do lunch, head back to your room, or use your Lines App and Park Hop.
Day 2
- Arrive at Epcot when it opens again but this time head to Test Track and the Epcot’s Future World (East) side. Be sure to grab a Fast Pass before you jump on Test Track. Do the parent swap thing (if you got them) and have fun looking at all the cars outside of the ride. Last time we were able to ride Test Track 3 times in a 20 minute window and ended up giving our Fast Passes to a random family who were floored.
- Next ride Mission: Space, Universe of Energy: Ellen’s Energy Adventure and Spaceship Earth. I have always felt the East Side needs to have one more good ride to use up the morning.
- Since the baby care center is on this side we usually pop in for a little while before we head off to ride Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros. You could easily head over to Captain EO after Spaceship Earth if you wanted. I would avoid Soarin as that area is going to very busy at this point. Club Cool again is always nice or you can visit the other side of Innoventions.
- It should be around 1pm so you can do lunch, head back to your room, or use your Lines App and Park Hop. This is where you can make it a 2 day or 3 day Touring Plan so if you’re not coming back head out to the World Showcase and walk around. Epcot is our favorite park so we visit here 5-6 times a trip. Usually 3 mornings and 2 evenings.
Day 3
- You have 2 methods you can do here. You can arrive at the Main Entrance and do Soarin & Test Track before the World Showcase Opens or you can arrive at 11am – 12pm and come in the back entrance. I have found that if Hollywood Studios has Magic Hours in the AM we will go there ride some rides and then try to make it to Epcot right at 11am via the Friendship Boats.
- Once in the park head towards France and work your way counter-clockwise. Pick any showcase to stop and have lunch. Ride the rides and take in all the shows. There is no rush and be sure to explore EVERYWHERE. Kidcot Stations are perfect for little ones as it gives them a great FREE souvenir!
- If your into alcohol you can also try to Drink Around the World Showcase. La Cava de Tequila is by far my favorite stop and make for the perfect walking drinks. Try the Cucumber!
- By the time you have worked your way around the World Showcase it should be dinner time. Again Epcot has some of the best Dining Options in all of Walt Disney World. If you planned it right you could get a great seat for Illuminations. We love the view from Tokyo Dining!
So there you have it you have just tackled Epcot the Chip and Company way. This is my tried and true method for getting the most out of Epcot. Individual results may very and please keep this article to yourself. I don’t want everyone doing it 
Related articles
- Top 10 Epcot “Must Dos” (chipandco.com)
- Epcot Tuesday’s — The Land (mydreamsofdisney.com)
Top 5 Magic Kingdom Hidden Details
Anyone who has been to Walt Disney World knows that Disney specializes in the details; and I’m always on the look-out for new details or hidden Disney magic that isn’t so easy to find! Today I’m sharing with you my favorie Magic Kingdom hidden details that I have discovered on my visits to the park. Enjoy!
5. Cinderella’s Wishing Well-Located on the path running around the castle near Tomorrowland, you will find a wishing well sitting just off the path facing the castle! You can tell by its details that this wishing well definitely belongs to Cinderella and it makes a great photo spot! Also, the money tossed in the well goes toward charity. Truly magical!
4. Pirate Chess Game-Hidden inside the queue for Pirates of the Caribbean, locked in a cell, be sure to look for two pirate skeletons playing chess! Not only is this fun to find; but chess pros will know that the game pieces are arranged into a deadlock. No wonder they died sitting at the board! How do you know how to find this hidden detail? When waiting in line, look through the prison bars and look down!
3. Cinderella Fountain-Tucked in a corner in Fantasyland, just behind Cinderella Castle, you will find a fountain featuring Cinderella herself! This sweet fountain is a big hit with little princesses; and those of a shorter stature will see that the pattern behind the fountain makes a crown behind her head when viewed at the right angle!
2. Disney’s Coat of Arms-On the front and back of Cinderella Castle, keep your eyes up to find a seal displaying the Disney Coat of Arms. What a great detail and homage to the man responsible for it all!
1. Gus and Jacque-When waiting for to take your picture with Cinderella at Cinderella’s Royal Table, keep your eyes up! Perched above your head are two familiar friends looking over Cinderella, her loyal mice friends, Gus and Jacque!
Have you seen any of these hidden details during your visits to the Magic Kingdom?
Related Articles:
- Hidden Gems: Cinderella Wishing Well (aglassslippervacation.com)
- Teaching History Through the Parks: Magic Kingdom (chipandco.com)
- Best Things I Love About Disney-Pirates of the Caribbean (chipandco.com)