Seeing Tinkerbell Fly at Magic Kingdom

 

On this trip we were so happy that we had time to go to Magic Kingdom 4 different days!! Yes, that is correct, we went to Magic Kingdom 4 days on our trip. Normally, we only have 1 day and we are always stressed and running because we want to get everything done. But we planned on doing 2 days in each park so that gave us two days. Then we realized it was on $10/per day to tack on two more days in the park. We had originally planned on going to 3 days in Magic Kingdom (MK) and 3 days in Disney's Hollywood Studios (DHS), but after two REALLY--and unshaded--hot days in DHS, we changed our minds. 

I recognize that I am a bit of a Disney fanatic, but there is something amazing and wonderful about the Magic Kingdom. Walking through Magic Kingdom I have all the feels. From nostalgia of past experiences in the park, to excitement of watching my family experience something for the first time. At one point I was walking across Fantasyland towards Liberty Square and I could not help but smile as I heard the iconic music, saw all the laughter (and sometimes iconic stress) on people's faces, and knew people in lines were going to enjoy the experience. I also admit that watching the Happily Ever After Show, I got a bit choked up at the end. (told you I was a Disney fanatic). 

There is SO much to do in MK that you need to have a plan. Know what rides that you want to do and plan a route. The new Genie app is supposed to help with that, but don't be afraid to do it on your own as well. We made it a family experience to sit down and decide what rides we each wanted to do. We would start first with the ride that had the longest lines throughout the day (7 Dwarves Mine Train, Splash Mountain, Space Mountain, etc). Then do all the other rides and shows in that area. Don't waste precious time walking across the park to different lands. Do all the rides then move on. 

Know height requirements. MK is one of the best parks for rides that all family members can ride. If you do know what rides require you can make plans--either have someone watch the younger people or make sure if someone is close to the height they wear higher soled shoes (we have found Sketchers and Cowboy boots give them that little edge if they are close). 

As you have learned over the years, I travel for the people and the sites, Lady Hiva travels for the food. We loved our experiences at the MK restaurants. You can read more detailed thoughts on Walt Disney World Restaurants on this post. 

We ate at Be Our Guest and requested to be in the West Wing (previously we had been in the Ballroom). We ate at Cinderella's Royal Table and that is special because it is in Cinderella Castle. We loved the food and theming of Jungle Cruise Skipper Canteen too! 

We were lucky enough to be there during the transition from summer décor to fall décor. We also saw all of the preparations for the 50th Celebration in October. We were so excited to score some of the merchandise! (Key is going shopping early. Most of the time we shop at the end of the day, but the stores are ravished by then. So this time we went in early). 

Koala Bear was KNOCKED out already in the stroller. 

It was so much fun to have cousins with us on one of our days at MK. Our kids are about the same ages so they spent so much time talking and entertaining each other! 

Watching fireworks as we boarded Splash Mountain!

We found one of our new favorite places in the park--ride Big Thunder Mountain during the fireworks!

SO MANY PEOPLE! HAHA

Because of my allergy to shellfish, all my dishes on Disney property came out with these bamboo sticks. Lucky Dragon decided to collect them. At Cinderella's Royal Table the server thought it was funny, after I made a comment about knowing which plate was mine, to put 6 sticks in my dessert!~ HAHA. It is moments like this that make the experience amazing. 

You can see in the photos that we are wearing bladeless neck fans. Lady Hiva bought them online before we went. They were AMAZING to have during the humid days. 

The Haunted Mansion is a family favorite (thanks to Lady Hiva's love for it). We went on it nearly 10 times. I think the only ride that surpasses it for our family is Pirates of the Caribbean.  

The ride that was SO long line wise was Jungle Cruise. Maybe because the movie released just  a week before we went, but it is was SUCH A LONG line. 

These two spent a majority of their time in the stroller. Again, it provided a shaded place to ride and sleep. Last time we named our stroller Donald (he was blue) this time the little Muggles decided to name it Walt. Even our family caught on when we said "where did we park Walt?" 

I love all rides...but I have to admit teacups are not my favorite! #doitforthekids

One of the things that I love about Disney is the detail of their work. It makes such a difference to see how they make everything quality and keep it that way. There are so many hidden places that people just walk right passed. Next time you are there, take some time to look at the window dioramas in the Emporium windows. They are like colorful historical museums! 

One of the things I have never done before--usually because we are rushing, is the Hall of Presidents. It is so amazing. I cannot leave that show without feeling a deep sense of pride and patriotism. Add this this to your "must do" list. It is also a great way to get an air conditioned break. 

Another fun show was the Carousel of Progress. It was so much fun to go through the show and see things that I grew up with (like the but shaker machine below--my grandma had one! )

The Enchanted Tiki room is one of our favorites. You can often hear the theme song for the Tiki room and the Pirates of the Caribbean throughout the house.