If you’re looking for the best things to do in Magic Kingdom, then look no further! There’s no shortage of fun things to do and rides to get on at Disney World’s original park, and so many snacks that it’s easy to get overwhelmed trying to manage your day.
But don’t worry! We have a list of our favorites and must-do rides, attractions, and snacks here for you to help plan you day. We’ve even included a few hidden gems that you may not know about, and our list of the best things to do in Magic Kingdom will make sure you have the most magical day!
Get Pixie Dusted
To start your Magic Kingdom day off in a truly magical way go get pixie dusted! Head over to Sir Mickey’s, a shop just behind Cinderella Castle. Ask a Cast Member if you can get pixie dusted, and if so, you’ll be sprinkled with glitter and told to make a wish while a Fairy Godmother waves a wand above your head.
This is one of the best free things to do in Magic Kingdom, as well as you can get pixie dusted at any age! You can also get pixie dusted after an experience at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and Harmony Barber Shop.
Enjoy a Dole Whip
Arguably one of the most iconic treats at Disney World, the Dole Whip is creamy, cool, and delicious! Grabbing a Dole Whip from Aloha Isle is one of the best things to do in Magic Kingdom. It’s the perfect treat on a hot day, and a must-do for a Magic Kingdom day.
One of the reasons we love Dole Whip is that many of the flavors – including the original pineapple – are vegan! Those with dietary restrictions don’t need to fear this sweet treat, and can enjoy one of our favorite things to do in Magic Kingdom.
Go Watch Mickey’s PhilharMagic
If you have music lovers in your group, then seeing Mickey’s PhilharMagic is a must-do! We feel like this amazing show is somewhat of a hidden gem, and probably gets skipped more than it should. So make sure you find time to catch this 12-minute show.
Snag a pair of 3D glasses, sit in the air conditioning, and enjoy Donald Duck find himself in some mischief while you enjoy classic Disney songs and scenes. This is one of the best attractions in Magic Kingdom, and a great way to relax during a busy day at Magic Kingdom.
Shop at the Emporium
No trip to Magic Kingdom is complete without a walk through the Emporium – whether it’s to escape the crowds and heat or to buy some great souvenirs. Here you will find all the newest merchandise, seasonal things, and some items you won’t find anywhere else in the parks.
Shopping is always on our list of what to do in Magic Kingdom, and the Emporium can’t be beat there. So grab a new pair of ears, a spirit jersey, and a new plushie of your favorite character and then have a magical day!
Do a Dessert Party
Currently, Magic Kingdom hosts three different dessert parties: a pre-party, a party that takes place during the fireworks, and an after-party. All three of these give you prime viewing of the fireworks show, as well as allow you to eat unlimited treats, cheeses, drinks, and alcohol for those over 21. The dessert parties are a separate cost, and the seats and treats party is the most expensive since you watch the fireworks from Tomorrowland Terrace.
These shows allow guests to relax during the fireworks and not have to fight to find somewhere to watch them, and you get some yummy treats to end your Magic Kingdom night. The dessert parties are one of the best things to do at night in Magic Kingdom, and are also wonderful for adults.
You can wrap up your day with an adult beverage, watch the fireworks, and share this moment with your partner, making this one of the best things to do in Magic Kingdom for couples.
Catch the Festival of Fantasy Parade
One of the best Magic Kingdom activities is watching the Festival of Fantasy Parade. This whimsical, beautiful, and fun parade starts in Frontierland and makes its way through Liberty Square and ends down Main Street. Get there a little early to get a good spot, and to take advantage of the PhotoPass photographers that offer special photos right before!
You don’t want to miss seeing your favorite characters in this parade, including the Princesses with their Princes, and of course, Mickey and Minnie. It’s a great afternoon break in between rides, and definitely one of the best things to do in Magic Kingdom.
Listen to the Dapper Dans
The Dapper Dans are a singing barbershop quartet, and seeing them perform is one of the most fun things to do in Magic Kingdom. They are extremely talented, very funny, and will brighten anyone’s day. You can usually catch them singing down Main Street, at the top of the train station, or even harmonizing while riding one of the Main Street vehicles.
They aren’t exactly a hidden gem, but we know not everyone takes the time to stop and listen. The Dapper Dans are a great reason to slow down, enjoy some great singing, and not rush your day away. Bonus: catching them as the Cadaver Dans at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party! They’re to die for!
Meet Mickey
You can’t go to his house and not meet him, right? Go meet Mickey Mouse at the Town Theater right when you enter Magic Kingdom. Your little ones have to meet Mickey, get a big hug, and get a photo or two. The interactions with Mickey are always the most magical, and this is one of the best things to do in Magic Kingdom with kids.
Although, kids of all ages will enjoy meeting the main mouse, and it’s a great way to start a Magic Kingdom day. We think getting a Mickey hug is one of the best things to do in Magic Kingdom, and it’s a must-do for us.
Enter the Grid
Magic Kingdoms newest ride, TRON Lightcycle Run, is a fast-paced, fun zip through a computerized world. It’s great for those who love a thrill ride and can’t resist epically themed roller coasters.
Jump aboard your Lightcycle and race with Team Blue through the futuristic world Disney created based off the TRON movies. This is a must-do for those who want to start their day with an exhilarating trip in Tomorrowland.
Have a Meal Fit for Royalty
There are two places where you can have a royal meal in Magic Kingdom, and that’s at Be Our Guest inside of the Beast’s castle, and at Cinderella’s Royal Table inside of Cinderella’s Castle. Both of these offers characters (only the Beast at BOG typically though), unique dining experiences, and unbelievable atmospheres.
Be Our Guest has three dining rooms to eat in, with the West Wing being a fan favorite with its mysterious look and ominous storm sounds. The food here is French, and offers a prix-fixe menu.
Cinderella’s Royal Table is absolutely iconic, and while it may not be everyone’s favorite food, you can’t beat eating in the castle and having princesses visit your table.
Both of these restaurants offer such unique dining experiences, and they are some of the best princess themed activities in Magic Kingdom. Those who love the Princesses and FantasyLand will enjoy eating here, they’re some of the best places to visit in Magic Kingdom.
Keys to the Kingdom Tour
If you’re looking for something completely unique and different to do during your day, we think doing the Keys to the Kingdom Tour is one of the best things to do in Magic Kingdom. This is a 5-hour walking tour that teaches you about Walt Disney, secrets of the rides and attractions, and even takes you down into the mysterious “Utilidor!”
This is an extra cost, and it’s also only for those 16 and older. You’ll learn a lot during this tour, and we think this hidden gem is great for lovers of Disney history and those who would like to learn some of the secrets behind the magic. The Keys to the Kingdom Tour is one of the best things to do in Magic Kingdom for adults, and a great way to learn more about the man behind the mouse.
Take a Spin on the Carousel of Progress
While the Carousel of Progress may not be the most exciting attraction in the park, we still think it’s one of the best attractions in Magic Kingdom. You’ll learn about American history throughout the last century, and learn about how this iconic show made its debut at the Worlds Fair.
The Carousel of Progress follows an American family through many changes with technology and lifestyles, and is a great place to learn and relax in this rotating theater. We know you’ll be singing the catchy song the rest of the day!
People-Watch on the PeopleMover
Take a ride on the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover, and enjoy the breeze while people-watching and learning about Tomorrowland. This 10-minute ride takes you around Tomorrowland, and even through Space Mountain.
This is the perfect ride for relaxing and taking a break. It’s not the most thrilling, but this iconic ride is a must-do for us. Bonus: ride it at night when everyone else is finding a spot for the fireworks. You’ll get a great view of the castle and fireworks from up above, and it’s one of the best things to do in Magic Kingdom at night.
Visit the Haunted Mansion
The Haunted Mansion is a can’t miss ride for most Disney guests, and we aren’t any different. We have to visit Madame Leota, the Ghost Host, and the 999 Happy Haunts while in the park, and it’s one of the best rides in Magic Kingdom.
There’s so many things to see inside this ride, and it’s more fun than scary. We think you’ll enjoy your ride in a Doom Buggy through the Haunted Mansion, seeing the spooks and hearing their song, and it’s one of our favorite places to visit in Magic Kingdom. Don’t miss this cute and creepy ride, and enjoy an iconic part of Disney World and its history.
Splash Around with Casey Jr.
If you’re looking for something fun for your little ones to at Magic Kingdom, then head over to the back of Fantasyland and go to Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak. This splash pad is great for little kids on a hot day, and they’ll enjoy splashing around the train cars, and cooling off.
Parents can also relax here, sitting down, getting splashed, and not worrying about lines or crowds. This hidden gem offers a different, calmer park experience, letting kids blow off steam and run around. We think this is one of the best things to do in Magic Kingdom with kids, but make sure you bring a change of dry clothes!
Meet Some Princesses
If you’re looking for Princesses, you won’t be disappointed! At the Magic Kingdom, you can meet Belle, Ariel, Cinderella, Merida, Tiana and others. You can go help Belle tell her story at Enchanted Tales with Belle, and meet Merida back in nearby Fairytale Garden. Ariel is in her grotto, and Cinderella, Tiana, and their Princess friends are always at Princess Fairytale Hall.
Lovers of the Princesses won’t want to miss out on meeting their favorites, and kids of all ages love a Princess meet-and-greet. You can meet a lot of Princesses in one day, and we think this is one of the best princess themed activities in Magic Kingdom.
We hope our list of the best things to do in Magic Kingdom have helped you out and now you have a better game plan for your next visit! Maybe there’s even a few new things for you to do, or some old favorites you haven’t done in awhile.
Did your favorite Magic Kingdom activities make it onto our list? Or are you excited to do any of these? Let us know in the comments!
