Walt Disney World/Magic Kingdom

Walt Disney was never one to rest on his laurels. Disneyland was a huge success, but the amount of space available there in California was too restrictive. Disney had bigger ideas, far bigger than would ever fit at Disneyland.

The solution was to buy up thousands of acres in Central Florida, southwest of Orlando, for a new "Disney World", big enough to hold all the ideas he and his Imagineers could dream up. The centerpiece was to be EPCOT, Walt's idea for an experimental "community of tomorrow" where real people would live, work, and play. Although a Disneyland-style park was part of the planning—a necessary concession to economic realities—Walt had very little interest in recreating what he'd done before, and his energies were focused on EPCOT.

Unfortunately, he passed away in 1966, not long after revealing his plans to the world. His dream of EPCOT died with him, but his brother and business partner, Roy O. Disney, was determined to go forward with the Florida project. The project would start with the Magic Kingdom.

Roy Disney worked tirelessly to ensure that the park would open, to preserve at least a part of his brother's last and greatest dream. On October 1, 1971, the Magic Kingdom did indeed open, with many similarities to Disneyland but many differences as well. It was a roaring success and, though Roy Disney died just two months later, Walt Disney World was successfully launched, and it has thrived ever since, with the Magic Kingdom as its anchor.

The Magic Kingdom is at the northernmost reaches of the Walt Disney World property. You'll take World Drive north to the massive parking lot, which is actually about a mile (1500 meters) south of the park. No problem, though—once you park your car, a tram will take you to the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC). That's also where hotel shuttles from non-Disney resorts will drop you. You're now looking across the Seven Seas Lagoon at the Magic Kingdom. From here, simply get on a big ferryboat or the express monorail to the Magic Kingdom. Either way you go, enjoy the scenery along the way—Goofy has been known to waterski around the ferry from time to time, and the monorail route passes directly through the lobby of Disney's Contemporary Resort.

Parking at the Magic Kingdom is $30 per car, although Disney resort guests can park for free—just show your Key to the World card at the toll gate.

The monorail is the most obvious choice here. The resort monorail (inside track) travels clockwise around the Seven Seas Lagoon, stopping inside the Contemporary, and then at the TTC, the Polynesian Village, and the Grand Floridian, coming back around to the Magic Kingdom. Due to the direction of travel, Contemporary Resort guests might want to consider walking to the Magic Kingdom; it's the only resort from which that is possible.

Fort Wilderness and the Wilderness Lodge are not on the monorail route, but they have buses available. Also, all of the resorts have water taxis that travel between their docks and the Magic Kingdom gates; they can be a fun, scenic way to start your visit. (The Contemporary water taxi runs only during the absolutely most crowded periods; don't count on it being available.)

Shades of Green has its own shuttle buses that take guests to the various parks. Guests at that resort can also walk to the Polynesian to take the monorail or water taxi, but it's a five-minute walk with no sidewalk; use caution.

From other areas of the property, simply go to your resort's bus stop and wait for the Magic Kingdom bus to arrive. You will be dropped off in front of the Magic Kingdom gates, not at the TTC.

Take the Transportation and Ticket Center bus (from Epcot, take the Epcot monorail instead) to the TTC and then transfer to the monorail or ferryboat to the Magic Kingdom.

There is no direct bus service to the Magic Kingdom from Disney Springs. Instead, you should first go to any resort (preferably Saratoga Springs or one of the monorail resorts) and then change modes of transportation.

Modeled after a stereotypical early 20th-century small town, Main Street, U.S.A. is the gateway into the Magic Kingdom; the view straight down the street to Cinderella Castle serves to draw you inward upon arrival. It is also, of course, the exit, which means shopping galore, the better to entice you with souvenirs on the way out. You'll find most of the basic services, like Guest Relations, here, but not much in the way of attractions.

Do stop in at the Crystal Arts glass shop, though, as they often have glass blowers working in the shop and watching them is fascinating. And keep an eye out for some of the colorful characters who make appearances from time to time, especially the Dapper Dans barbershop quartet.

1 Harmony Barber Shop. Daily 9AM-5PM. This may not seem like much of an attraction, but for many guests an old-fashioned barber shop is indeed a novelty. Everything is done the way they did it a century ago—except the prices! The Harmony Barber Shop specializes in first haircuts; bring your never-shorn toddler in and the barbers will take extra-special care to make it an exciting and memorable experience. Adult haircut $19, children 12 and under $15, first haircuts $18, beard trim $10.

1 Main Street Vehicles. Ride a horse car, omnibus, jitney, horseless carriage, or fire engine from the entrance to Cinderella Castle and back. These vehicles only run if crowd levels permit, usually early in the morning; as of December 2017, hours are from 8AM until 10:15AM.

2 Town Square Theater. Mickey is preparing to give a magic show at this old-time theater, but he's always up for greeting guests backstage. (There's no actual magic show... just the meet-and-greet with Mickey.) Don't forget you can use FastPass+ here; it might save you some time. Also in the same building is a magical portal that shrinks you down to fairy size and leads to Tinker Bell's Magical Nook, where Peter Pan's friend waits to greet her friends.

3 Walt Disney World Railroad - Main Street, U.S.A.. A 19th-century steam train that circles the park, the station is above the entrance to the Magic Kingdom at its southernmost point, with additional stops at Frontierland and the Storybook Circus area of Fantasyland.

Adventureland recalls the Victorian-era tales of exotic adventure in far-off locales. Near Main Street, the environment evokes the jungles of deepest Africa, of the type explored by David Livingstone and H.M. Stanley in the late 19th century. Walking westward, you'll pass through the Middle East and the South Pacific before arriving at the Spanish outposts on the Caribbean Sea during the Golden Age of Piracy. Just around the corner are the Spanish flavors of the American Southwest in Frontierland.

4 Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room. The original Tropical Serenade show is back! A roomful of wise-cracking Audio-Animatronic birds serenade you with classic tunes. After years "Under New Management", a minor fire in early 2011 prompted the Imagineers to take the opportunity to restore the older show, which is nearly identical to the one Walt Disney created for Disneyland.

5 Jungle Cruise. Tour the world's jungle rivers, from the Amazon to the Nile to the Irawaddy. The cruise's pilots are well-armed, both with pistols and with the worst puns mankind has ever known. View the back side of water, and get sprayed by the elephants, but please, no "hand-outs" to the crocodiles! (updated Jul 2025)

6 The Magic Carpets of Aladdin. Guide your carpet up and down as it spins around and around, but if you don't watch out for the spitting camels, you're going to get a little wet!

7 A Pirate's Adventure ~ Treasures of the Seven Seas. Would-be pirates can pick up a treasure map and help Captain Jack Sparrow find the Treasures of the Seven Seas. It's an interactive scavenger-hunt game that takes players of all ages across Adventureland to seek the treasures..

8 Pirates of the Caribbean. The classic swashbuckling adventure along the Spanish Main now features Captain Jack Sparrow from the blockbuster film series. A bit spooky at the beginning, but once the pillaging starts, things start to get silly.

9 Swiss Family Treehouse. Tour the shipwrecked Robinson family's ingenious home. Be warned: lots of stairs.

Frontierland celebrates the United States west of the Mississippi in its 19th-century frontier years (with just a bit of rural Southern flavor). From Mark Twain's Missouri to the California Gold Rush, there's a lot of adventure packed into a small area.

10 Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. A roller coaster with a runaway mine train theme. No inversions, but the hairpin turns, fast hills, and frequent tunnels make for an exciting ride.

11 Country Bear Jamboree. Live stage show with country music-singing Audio-Animatronic bears. Best enjoyed with lots of hand-clapping and foot-stomping from the audience.

12 Tiana's Bayou Adventure. A log flume ride based on the 2009 film The Princess and the Frog, with a thrilling 50-foot drop. Guests riding the attraction experience the culture of New Orleans. You will get wet, and you may get soaked; one way to avoid that fate is to buy a rain poncho at a gift shop and wear it onto the ride. .

13 Walt Disney World Railroad - Frontierland. A 19th-century steam train that circles the park, with stops at Main Street, U.S.A. and the Storybook Circus area of Fantasyland.

Step back into colonial America in Liberty Square, where freedom and independence are buzzwords and powdered wigs are the height of fashion. Even the flower beds are red, white, and blue in this patriotic harbor town. A majestic live oak serving as the local Liberty Tree, where patriots would gather to debate and plan is here too.

14 The Hall of Presidents. This attraction starts with an inspirational ultra-widescreen film on the history of the U.S. presidency. At the climax, the screen rises to reveal all 46 presidents on the stage, presented in lifelike Audio-Animatronics. Washington, Lincoln, and Trump give brief speeches. (updated Jul 2025)

15 Haunted Mansion. A stately Dutch Gothic mansion sits on a hill to the north of Liberty Square, representing the Hudson River estates of the 19th century. Observant visitors will, however, note some decidedly eerie sounds coming from the mansion; those who venture inside will find themselves immersed in a creepy but occasionally wacky house of horrors. A mostly ride-through attraction featuring 999 happy haunts (which means there's room for one more—did you bring your death certificate?) and the only Disney cast members who never smile. The latest round of renovations in 2008 have done wonders in updating the innovative special effects.

In the courtyard, around the forest, or at the circus, Fantasyland is where Disney's classic animated fairy tales come to life. It is home to many of the most iconic Disney attractions, and is nearly always very crowded. In 2012, Fantasyland underwent an extreme makeover, the biggest changes to hit the Magic Kingdom in its 40-year history. The land is now divided into three distinct sections: the Castle Courtyard, Enchanted Forest, and Storybook Circus.

This area of Fantasyland, closest to the castle, has most of the pre-2012 Fantasyland rides and has remained fairly unchanged during the land's expansion. From rides based on classic Disney animated features to the inimitable "it's a small world" boat ride, the attractions here are among Disney's most beloved and iconic.

16 "it's a small world". Set sail on the happiest cruise around the world, to be serenaded by stylized Audio-Animatronics of children from every continent. This was originally Pepsi and Bank of America's pavilion at the 1964 New York World's Fair. The cheerful theme song is known all over the world, for its message of unity and peace, and for its relentlessly catchy tune.

17 Mickey's PhilharMagic. A computer-animated 3D movie. You think you're in for a magical concert conducted by Mickey Mouse, but Donald Duck swipes Mickey's sorcerer hat, and things go hilariously awry. The audience follows Donald into iconic scenes from Fantasia, The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, and more.

18 Peter Pan's Flight. Experience the story of Peter Pan from your own flying pirate ship. Soar over the rooftops of London, and on to Neverland. Hit this attraction early, as the line can get very long.

19 Prince Charming Regal Carrousel. This carousel was built in 1917, making it the oldest ride in the park. Found dilapidated and no longer operational in 1967 in Maplewood, New Jersey, it has been meticulously restored to its splendor. Non-riders can play a bit of name-that-tune as they listen to the creative band-organ arrangements of classic Disney music.

20 Princess Fairytale Hall. Snow White's Scary Adventures, an opening-day attraction, is gone, but Snow White herself and many of her Disney Princess friends have gathered at the Fairytale Hall to meet their young fans.

Unused and underused space in the northeastern part of the land—some of which was once the 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea ride—has been transformed into a lush fairy-tale setting that stands in stark contrast to the fair-like atmosphere of the Castle Courtyard. Finally completed in 2014, the Enchanted Forest represents the biggest addition to Walt Disney World since Disney's Animal Kingdom opened in 1998.

21 Enchanted Tales with Belle. Guests walk through the cottage where Belle's father lives, making use of a magic mirror to enter the Beast's castle. There, Lumiere and the Wardrobe have arranged a surprise for Belle, and all the guests—kids and adults alike—are welcome to participate in the story. This experience is much more than just the typical autograph and photo session.

22 Mad Tea Party. The Mad Hatter and the March Hare invite you for a spin in a giant teacup. You can spin your teacup around its center axis at whatever speed you like, but that's not the only thing that'll be moving; each group of five cups also spins around a common axis, and then the whole shebang rotates around a giant teapot. Riders with plenty of arm strength can get their teacup spinning to ridiculous speeds; know your limits!

23 The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. Follow Pooh and his friends on an adventure through the Hundred Acre Wood. Might be the most popular ride in the park, at least for the under-5 set.

24 Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. An innovative roller coaster takes guests through the Seven Dwarfs' mine in carts that swing precariously back and forth. This is not a mega-thrill ride like some of Disney's big coasters, but it will still offer plenty of excitement... particularly for kids who've graduated from The Barnstormer over at Storybook Circus.

25 Under the Sea ~ Voyage of the Little Mermaid. In the classic Disney dark-ride style, guests revisit the story of the 1989 film that ushered in the Disney Renaissance. Ariel's Grotto, just outside, lets guests meet and take pictures with the mermaid herself.

Storybook Circus is a wild and energetic area with animals and music galore.

26 The Barnstormer Featuring the Great Goofini (formerly The Barnstormer at Goofy's Wiseacres Farm). A children's roller coaster. Perfect alternative for those too short to ride Space Mountain or Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.

27 Casey Jr. Splash 'N' Soak Station. Kids can play and splash around the circus train from Dumbo. They will get very wet, and you probably will too, even if you just sit around the perimeter. Consider bringing a change of clothes.

28 Dumbo the Flying Elephant. Dumbo spreads his giant ears and flies around and around, and you can make him go up and down as you spin. This classic attraction has been the very first "thrill ride" for countless kids over the years. Now, with two carousels and an indoor "virtual" queuing area with activities and games, the days of insufferable waits for Dumbo are over. (Guests using FastPass+ will bypass the activities inside the big tent.)

29 Pete's Silly Sideshow. Mickey's pals have all been working hard at the Storybook Circus, and you can meet them here, in their circus personae: "Minnie Magnifique", "Daisy Fortuna", "The Great Goofini", and "The Amazing Donaldo". (Mickey himself still holds court down at the Town Square Theater.).

30 Walt Disney World Railroad - Fantasyland. A 19th-century steam train that circles the park, with stops at Main Street, U.S.A. and Frontierland.

Take a glance into the future in Tomorrowland, Disney's homage to the dreams and innovations that will keep humanity moving forward. Very different from the other lands of the Magic Kingdom, Tomorrowland is all about smooth chrome architecture, strange and bizarre creatures, and thrilling spaceflight.

31 Astro Orbiter. Climb into a rocketship and control your altitude as you spin around a central pillar. Quite similar to Dumbo the Flying Elephant in Fantasyland, but the Astro Orbiter is positioned much higher, allowing for some very nice views. It can be a great way to watch the nightly fireworks, if you can time it right. (updated Oct 2017)

32 Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin. An indoor dark ride with a laser gun game. Help Buzz Lightyear beat the evil Emperor Zurg by firing your laser at targets scattered throughout the ride. Some targets are worth more than others, but you won't know which are which! You'll want to ride multiple times to try to beat your scores.

33 Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress. A four-part Audio-Animatronic production taking you through a century of technological progress. Housed in a unique rotating show building. This show originally debuted as General Electric's pavilion at the 1964 New York World's Fair and holds the record of being the longest-running stage show in history. It's a bit dated, but it was one of Walt Disney's favorites and very much embodies his approach to human progress.

34 Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor. Interactive comedy show featuring characters from Monsters, Inc. The animated monsters on the screen will pick on specific audience members and even call them by name. Audience members can also submit jokes via cell phone for the monsters to tell!

35 Space Mountain. The classic rocket-themed indoor roller coaster. It's quite dark, which enhances the thrill because you don't know what's coming next. (And those who've been on it with the lights on will assure you that you probably don't want to see how close you get to the structure above you!)

36 Tomorrowland Speedway. You don't need a driver's license to drive these real gas-powered cars; you just need to be able to reach the gas pedal. Drive around a 0.4-mile (640 m) racetrack (safely secured to a guiderail) and try not to bump into the car in front of you.

37 Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover. Take a round-trip sightseeing tour on an elevated track around all of Tomorrowland. The nearly silent PeopleMover vehicles are an innovative prototype for an efficient and comfortable transport system. The ride goes inside several of the show buildings, giving you behind-the-scenes peeks at both Space Mountain and Buzz Lightyear.

The parades and shows at all of the parks garner big crowds, but the Magic Kingdom really takes the cake, perhaps due to its relatively narrow streets and the sheer popularity of the park. Unless the park is practically deserted, you'll need to stake out a viewing location well in advance of show time (check your Times Guide for the schedule). If you want to sit on the curb or grab a bench seat, you'll want to get there at least an hour ahead of time; if you're willing to deal with a lesser view, you may get lucky and find a decent spot as little as 15 minutes beforehand. (If you're running late for a parade, aim for the end of the route, as the parade takes up to 20 minutes to get there.)

Most importantly, though, if you aren't planning on watching the parade or the show, stay well away from the prime viewing locations. The rides and other attractions will have much shorter lines during these times, so pick a few well away from Main Street and enjoy.

The parades start in Frontierland near Splash Mountain, continuing down the path to Liberty Square going towards the Central Plaza. The parade circles the Central Plaza and then proceeds down Main Street U.S.A. Fireworks are visible throughout the park, but they work best with Cinderella Castle as a backdrop, so most people view them from Main Street on their way out of the park for the night. Plan to be in front of the castle at least an hour ahead of showtime for the best view of the show.

Festival of Fantasy Parade. Daily 2PM. This Magic Kingdom parade is one of the most spectacular daytime parades they've ever come up with. Combining great Disney music arrangements with floats loaded with special effects, the Festival of Fantasy parade is already attracting a lot of attention. (updated Oct 2017)

Move It! Shake It! Dance and Play It!. This mini-parade, which occurs several times daily, features just a handful of floats, but it's not just a parade! It's also a stage show; when the floats reach the hub in front of Cinderella Castle, they form a circle and start a huge dance party, encouraging kids (and kids at heart) to get out of the crowd and dance with the characters.

Happily Ever After. Disney's fireworks shows are legendary. There's nothing quite like seeing fireworks exploding behind Cinderella Castle. This iteration of the show incorporates lasers and a number of projection effects on the castle walls. The best viewing areas generate very crowded conditions, especially now with the projection effects. If you really want to avoid the crowds, try watching the fireworks from one of the Magic Kingdom resorts; the show's audio is piped into speakers in some of the prime viewing locations.

The Magic Kingdom is host to two extremely popular "hard-ticket" holiday events. On some days from September through December, the park closes early, but guests who pay extra get to stick around to see special shows, partake of free treats, and go on rides with shorter lines. Not all attractions are open during these special events, but most of the most popular ones will be.

These events are held three or four nights a week (although the exact schedule varies). Tickets are very limited, so plan well in advance for the night you want to go. Ticket prices vary, with the most expensive prices closest to the holiday.

Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. late Aug to Nov 1: 7PM-midnight. A five-hour party with two special Halloween parades, the Happy HalloWishes fireworks show, costumed characters wearing costumes of their own, and trick-or-treating throughout the park. Feel free to wear your own costumes, too! Adults $74-115, ages 3-9 $69-110.

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. early Nov to mid-Dec: 7PM-midnight. A five-hour party with two special Christmas parades, the Holiday Wishes fireworks show, complimentary hot cocoa, and snow falling on Main Street U.S.A. Adults $89-109, ages 3-9 $84-104.

After the last Christmas Party, a few days before Christmas, the holiday parade and fireworks show are run in place of the usual events, allowing guests to experience them without buying a ticket to a special event. Alternatively, you can listen to and watch the fireworks shows from the Contemporary, the Polynesian Village, or the Grand Floridian resorts without needing admission to the parties.

Guided tours of the Magic Kingdom are quite popular. All tours can be booked by calling +1 407 WDW-TOUR (939-8687). You will need to have admission to the park to take these tours.

Family Magic Tour. Daily 10AM. If you've got kids, they can't go on the Keys to the Kingdom tour (and for good reason); this, then, is your next-best alternative. The two-hour tour works like a scavenger hunt, looking for themed clues in each of the Magic Kingdom's lands. Ends with a visit from a Disney character. $27.

Keys to the Kingdom. daily 8:30AM, 9AM, 9:30AM. This is the ultimate Disney tour, which goes over, under, and behind the scenes to illustrate Disney history, show you tricks of the trade, and reveal "secrets" of Disney operations. Includes a trip through the Utilidors and other backstage areas. Be warned, though: if this is your first visit to the Magic Kingdom, do not take this tour. Spend at least two days just enjoying yourself and experiencing the Magic. The tour will forever change the way that you look at the Magic Kingdom, like pulling apart a flower to see how it grows: you end up knowing more, but in your mind you will never look at a flower the same way. 4½–5 hours, including a break for lunch at the Columbia Harbour House (order at beginning of tour). Must be 16 or older. $70.

The Magic Behind Our Steam Trains. M Tu Th-Sa 7:30AM. Walt Disney was a big fan of steam trains, and this tour lets you get an up-close view of the real trains in operation at the Magic Kingdom. You can also go behind the scenes to the roundhouse and maintenance facilities, while learning about the history behind each of the locomotives. Three hours. Must be 10 or older. $49.

Like all Deluxe Resorts, the ones near the Magic Kingdom offer plenty of things for guests to do each day. But a few options stand out as worth a trip even if you're not staying nearby.

Electrical Water Pageant. Dating back to Walt Disney World's opening month in 1971, the Electrical Water Pageant remains a little-known treat for guests staying in Magic Kingdom-area resorts. The Pageant involves a convoy of barges that make stops on the water in front of each of the resorts, performing a 10-minute light-and-music show that ends with a red-white-and-blue tribute to the United States. Ask at the front desk what time the Pageant will be visible from your guest room.

There are also smaller boats like Sea Raycers and pontoon boats available at the Contemporary Resort's marina. Some of the other resorts also have small marinas. From $20.

2 Senses - A Disney Spa and Salon, 4111 N Floridian Way (at the Grand Floridian), ☏ +1 407-WDW-SPAS (939-7727). Treatments: daily 8AM-8PM; fitness center: daily 6AM-9PM. The Grand Floridian's spa has an enormous array of indulgent ways to relax, from kid-friendly facials to multi-hour full-body experiences, including just about any type of massage or manicure you can imagine. Of special note are the Grand Romantic Couple's Massage and the Couple's Instructional Massage. Treatments last 25, 50, or 80 minutes. Ages 12 and up for full treatments; ages 4-12 for kids' treatments; ages 14+ for fitness center. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. $25-500.

3 Tri-Circle-D Ranch (at Fort Wilderness, near Pioneer Hall), ☏ +1 407 824-2832. This is where the horses who work at the Magic Kingdom stay in their off-hours, and it's open to the public! They have their own blacksmith shop, where you might see a blacksmith working, or you can visit the free petting zoo. Pony rides are $2.00. Guided horseback rides are available, too, but they start at the Livery near the campground's main entrance; for reservations, call up to 30 days in advance.

Wilderness Back Trail Adventure (Segway tour) (at Fort Wilderness). Tu-Sa 8:30AM, 11:30AM. This is a fantastic opportunity to try out a Segway Personal Transporter, and to explore the wilds around the campground. The tour starts at the Bike Barn with an hour of training on how to use the Segway, but then the fun begins. Your guides will take you out for an hour-long tour around the campground, where you can see the stables, scenery, and lots of wildlife. The guides are experts and very good teachers. Great fun. Must be 16 or older and weigh between 100 and 250 pounds (45–115 kg). . $85.

There are two 18-hole championship golf courses in the Magic Kingdom area, as well as a nine-hole walking course. All three courses are in the same area, west of the Polynesian near Shades of Green. See "Golf" in the overview for rules and regulations. Monday through Friday, 18 holes will cost $89 if you're staying at a Disney hotel, and $104 otherwise. On weekends, add $10. During the summer, 10AM-3PM tee times are discounted; ask for the "Summer Price Slice" when you call. Late afternoon tee times are $59 on weekdays and $69 on weekends for everyone. Call +1 407 WDW-GOLF (939-4653) to reserve a tee time.

4 Magnolia Golf Course. This aptly-named course set among the magnolia trees features a Mickey-shaped bunker on the sixth hole. Speaking of bunkers, this course has a ton of them, including fourteen on the fourth hole alone. It's the longest and probably the most difficult of the four Walt Disney World courses.

5 Palm Golf Course. Palm is Magnolia's twin in many respects, although slightly less difficult and slightly shorter. Water hazards are said to be the primary obstacle on this course. Watch out in particular for the 18th hole; it's a doozy.

6 Oak Trail Golf Course. This course is a nine-hole walking course (at the 18-hole courses, carts are not just allowed, but required). It's perfect for families, or for duffers looking for a quick nine holes. One round of golf also counts as one of your "Fun Visits" if you've added the Water Park Fun & More option to your Magic Your Way tickets. Adults $38; under 18 $20.

The Osprey Ridge golf course used to be operated by Disney, but it's now part of the Four Seasons Orlando Resort.

The resorts have their share of shopping as well. Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa in particular has a number of shops, including fine chocolates and designer clothing, on the first and second floors of its main building. The shopping area is very convenient for anyone with access to the monorail.

If you're staying in a DVC villa or a Wilderness Cabin and you need to stock your kitchen, a limited supply of groceries is available at your resort's gift shop.

The Magic Kingdom has an abundance of counter service restaurants; more than at any other park, dining here is dominated by the quick-service segment of the market. On crowded days, cast members at the three largest locations (Cosmic Ray's, Pinocchio's, and Pecos Bill's) will implement managed seating: you will be unable to enter the seating area until your entire party has their food, but once you're all ready, a cast member will find a table for you. That means you won't be able to leave your spouse with the kids at a table while you go get everyone's food, but it's necessary to make sure as many people as possible can get seats.

1 Be Our Guest (Enchanted Forest in Fantasyland). 8AM-2:30PM. Enjoy a light, French-inspired breakfast or lunch in the Beast's grand ballroom (or his mysterious West Wing, or the Rose Gallery). The food is quick but the service is elegant; you'll be fed on fine china, not paper plates! Even though lunch at Be Our Guest is considered a "Quick Service" meal (for Disney Dining Plan purposes) and you still have to find your own table, you can make ADRs for lunch. In fact, you can even pre-order your meal, up to 30 days in advance. Breakfast prix fixe: ages 10+ $20, ages 3-9 $12; Lunch: $10-14.

2 Casey's Corner (Main Street, U.S.A.). 10AM-park close. A baseball-themed restaurant, inspired by Ernest L. Thayer's poem "Casey at the Bat" (also a segment from the 1946 Disney package film Make Mine Music). Don't expect much here, just hot dogs and a couple of sides. $4-7. (updated Nov 2017)

3 Columbia Harbour House (Liberty Square). 10:30AM-varies. Seafood is the specialty at this eatery near the Hall of Presidents. If you're not in the mood, you can also get chicken, salad, or a hummus-and-slaw sandwich. $5-10.

4 Cosmic Ray's Starlight Café (Tomorrowland). 10:30AM-varies. The food is typical Disney counter-service (burgers, chicken, etc.), but with three separate ordering "bays" (each with its own menu), the variety is practically unbeatable. The burger topping bar is pretty good, too. As an added bonus, this is the only counter-service restaurant with entertainment—Sonny Eclipse is an animatronic alien lounge singer, bringing you the galaxy's best hits (and worst jokes) while you eat. Cosmic Ray's is usually very crowded but often worth the hassle. $7-14.

5 The Lunching Pad (Tomorrowland). Three gourmet hot dog options, and not much else. Convenient location right in the middle of Tomorrowland, though. $7–8.

6 Golden Oak Outpost (Frontierland). Open seasonally. A few chicken entrées, plus a vegetable flatbread. Not much seating—this is almost a snack stand rather than a true restaurant. $7-9.

Compared to the other parks, table service at the Magic Kingdom is very limited. The choices are all very good, but most of them have characters and you're probably going to need Advance Dining Reservations for any of them.

(If two prices are separated by a slash, the second price is for children ages 3–9.)

13 Be Our Guest (Enchanted Forest in Fantasyland). Table service for dinner only. In the evenings, Be Our Guest will convert to a table service restaurant, serving more complex French-inspired dishes in two dining rooms. And you can bet Belle and the Beast will be making appearances during the meal. Dinner at Be Our Guest is the only place to obtain alcoholic beverages in the Magic Kingdom; a selection of beer and wine complements the French cuisine.

14 Cinderella's Royal Table (inside Cinderella Castle). 8:05AM-varies. Cindrella invites everyone to dine in her castle; young girls will love this experience the best. If you have to ask what the food is like, you're missing the point, but it's a fixed-price menu with a decent array of offerings. The price is steep, but it includes photos of you and your party in the lobby, a special gift for children ages 3-9, and the chance to meet Cinderella herself. Warning: This is probably the single most popular restaurant in Walt Disney World, so make sure to call very early to get a reservation—ADRs sell out within minutes each day. Prices (including gratuity): Once Upon a Time Breakfast $45/$29, Fairytale Lunch $48/$30, Dreams Come True Dinner $54/$33; Dining Plan requires two credits.

15 The Crystal Palace (Main Street U.S.A., near Adventureland). 8:05AM-varies. A buffet housed in a building inspired by the legendary Crystal Palace in London. The food is a bit more upscale than your average buffet back home, but only a bit. Winnie the Pooh and his friends from the Hundred Acre Wood make appearances throughout the day for photos and fun. Breakfast $48 per adult, lunch $61 per adult, dinner $61 per adult. Tip and tax included.

16 The Diamond Horseshoe (Frontierland). One of the park's opening-day venues, the classic Diamond Horseshoe saloon is once again serving full meals. Choose from three meaty entrees, and eat all you like. Prix fixe $59.99/$35. (updated May 2016)

17 Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen (Adventureland). 11:30 AM to varies. The former mess hall for the skippers of the Jungle Cruise is now open to paying customers (at least, so goes the story). There are a variety of "exotic" type dishes on the menu (influences from the Mekong, the Nile, and the Amazon) as well as a couple of international Coca-Cola flavors. $17-$36. (updated Nov 2017)

With the number of Deluxe Resorts around the Magic Kingdom, it's no surprise that the resort dining options are numerous and high-quality. The Grand Floridian, in particular, boasts several upscale restaurants, including the fanciest restaurant in all of Central Florida, Victoria & Albert's.

21 California Grill (top floor; check-in on 2nd floor). Brunch: Su 10AM-1PM; dinner: daily 5PM-10PM. California cuisine served with the best view on Disney property on the side. The menu changes frequently, as the chefs vary the tastes according to season and their ingenuity. Advance reservations are a must for this restaurant (especially at the time of the Wishes fireworks display), and window seats (some with a view of the Magic Kingdom) are not guaranteed. If all seats are taken, another option is the bar, which offers a great selection of wines and sushi. Sunday's Brunch at the Top doesn't slack off on quality (or price); enjoy high-end breakfast and midday selections prepared in the open kitchen along with the fantastic view. Brunch $80 ($48 ages 3-11); dinner $89; Dining Plan requires two credits.

22 Chef Mickey's (Grand Canyon Concourse, 4th floor). 7AM-11:20AM, 11:30AM-2:30PM, 5PM-9:30PM. An all-you-care-to-eat character buffet hosted by Mickey Mouse himself. Features a separate buffet with items geared for more adult tastes. When they're not clamoring for Mickey's attention, kids will enjoy the setting in the hotel's Grand Canyon Concourse, watching the monorails pass through on their way to the Magic Kingdom. This is among the most popular character dining options, especially for breakfast, so be sure to get advance dining reservations. Brunch service begins May 31, 2015. Breakfast $38/$20, brunch TBD, dinner $47/$24.

23 Contempo Café (Grand Canyon Concourse, 4th floor). 6AM-midnight. A counter-service location with unique computerized ordering kiosks. Grilled flatbread pizzas are very good; also features an array of sandwiches and salads, adding pasta options for dinner (after 5PM). $4-$8.

24 The Wave... of American Flavors (first floor, next to the reception desk). 7:30AM-10PM. Specializes in health-conscious selections. Even breakfast features items like multigrain waffles and pancakes. Lunch and dinner feature some very contemporary dishes; kids too old for the kids' menu might balk at most of the options. $18-$29.

Fort Wilderness is home to two fantastic dinner shows.

25 Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue (Pioneer Hall). 4PM, 6:15PM, or 8:30PM. Western-themed dinner theater, with six high-energy performers singing, dancing, and joking throughout the evening. The show hasn't changed much in its 40 years, but it's still a rollicking good time with great food: fried chicken, spareribs, mashed potatoes, and baked beans, all you can eat. For the grand finale, grab a washboard and play along with the cast! For this show, ADRs can be booked up to 180 days in advance (instead of the normal 90 days). Prices (including tax and gratuity): Ages 10+ $53-$62, ages 3-9 $27-$32 (price varies depending on seating). Dining Plan requires two credits, but can't be used for Category 1 seating except at the 8:30PM show.

If you want some food without the entertainment, you have a couple of options:

26 Meadow Snack Bar (Meadow Recreation Area). Open seasonally, 11AM-5PM. Nothing special here, just a place to grab a quick bite if you happen to be at the campground for lunch or in the afternoon. Pulled pork, tuna salad, pizza, etc. $7-$9.

27 Trail's End Restaurant (Pioneer Hall). Breakfast 7:30AM-11:30AM; lunch 11:30AM-2PM; dinner Su-Th 4:30PM-9:30PM, F Sa 4:30PM-10PM. Not the biggest buffet at Walt Disney World, but it gets the job done, and it's all-you-can-eat. Pizza, pasta, chicken, etc. You can also buy a full meal to go (for a separate price) starting at noon. Crockett's Tavern, a small bar area, is attached. Breakfast $14/$9, lunch $13-$18, dinner $23/$12.

The Grand Floridian is Disney's flagship resort, and it certainly fills that bill when it comes to dining. The menus crafted by the resort's expert chefs are actively sought-out by gourmands from across the country. All of the restaurants (except Narcoossee's) are located in the main building, just steps from the monorail platform.

28 1900 Park Fare. 8AM-11:30AM, 4:30PM-8:30PM. A casual buffet amidst the Grand Floridian's classic Victorian atmosphere, where you can have breakfast with characters from Mary Poppins and Alice in Wonderland, or dinner with characters from Cinderella. Supercalifragilistic Breakfast $22/$13; Cinderella's Happily Ever After Dinner $36/$18.

29 Cítricos. 5:30PM-10PM. An elegant European restaurant. If you can't afford to dine at Victoria & Albert's, this is an ideal alternative. There's even an expensive "The Chef's Domain" private dining experience available Tuesdays through Thursdays. Either way, don't miss their specialty tea selections. $23-$46; Dining Plan requires two credits; Chef's Domain $155.

30 Gasparilla Island Grill. 6:30AM-11:30PM. The only counter-service establishment at the Grand Floridian, the fare is pretty typical for resort cafeterias. The video games are completely anachronistic, and they make for a noisy meal, but sometimes you just want to grab something quick and familiar to eat. $6-$9.

31 Grand Floridian Cafe. 7AM-9PM. The Cafe is a step below Citricos and Narcoossee's, offering a somewhat less creative menu, but you'll still enjoy some good food along with the famous Grand Floridian decor. It also has the added advantage of being open for breakfast and lunch. $17-$28.

32 Narcoossee's (near the boat launch). Dinner: Daily 5:30PM-10PM; Brunch: Su 10AM-2PM. A sumptuous seafood restaurant, Narcoossee's stands with Citricos as major destinations for foodies. The menu is a bit more innovative than you'll find at other Disney seafood restaurants, and the view is outstanding; the large windows open right onto the Seven Seas Lagoon, affording a view of the Magic Kingdom and (if your timing is good) the fireworks. Sunday Brunch service (prix fixe) starts November 22, 2015. Dinner $22-$58; Brunch $69/$41; Dining Plan requires two credits.

33 Victoria & Albert's. 5PM-9:45PM. Undeniably the best restaurant on Disney property, and one of the finest in the southeastern U.S., Victoria & Albert's is the only AAA Five-Diamond rated restaurant in Central Florida. It's designed for a more intimate dining experience, which means wear a jacket or a nice dress, leave the children at one of the many popular child activity centers, and have a night out just for the adults. (No one under 10 years old is admitted.) You'll enjoy a seven-course menu designed specifically for your party, as well as completely impeccable service. Wine pairing is also an option. Reservations are required. $135 ($65 wine pairings); Chef's Table/Queen Victoria's Room $210 ($105 wine pairings); Dining Plan not accepted.

All of the restaurants here are in the Great Ceremonial House, which is also the location of the monorail platform. The resort's renowned breakfast specialty (available at Captain Cook's, Kona Cafe, and in-room dining) is Tonga Toast: sourdough bread stuffed with banana, then battered, deep-fried, and topped with cinnamon and sugar. The popular Dole Whip treat is also available here, at the Pineapple Lanai kiosk.

34 Capt. Cook's. Daily 24 hours. A good place to grab a quick bite to eat, although the menu includes only the barest nods to Polynesian flavors (and, of course, the delicious Tonga Toast). $7-$9.

35 Kona Café. 7:30AM-9:45PM. Traditional American fare fused with Asian flavors. Think teriyaki-style strip steak, or coconut almond chicken. The Sticky Wings for Two appetizer gets good reviews, but then, so does pretty much everything on the menu. $17-$28.

36 'Ohana. 7:30AM-11AM, 5PM-10PM. The restaurant's name is the Hawaiian word for "family," introduced to Disney audiences in the movie Lilo & Stitch (although this restaurant is much older than the film; The Walt Disney World Explorer application from the 1990s mentions this restaurant by name). Breakfast features the title characters from the film (and often Mickey and Pluto), though dinner does not. Both meals are, appropriately enough, served family-style, and feature Polynesian flavors without being too exotic. Lilo & Stitch Best Friends Character Breakfast $25/$14; dinner $31/$15.

The restaurants at Wilderness Lodge all fit in well with the rustic forested decor, and they're all within steps of the main lobby.

37 Geyser Point Bar & Grill. Geyser Point is a large open-air pavilion that serves two purposes in one. First, it serves as the pool bar for Wilderness Lodge's two pools, with an extensive menu of cocktails and small-plate appetizers. But it's also a counter-service location with a menu of burgers, salads, and sandwiches (or grilled breakfast items in the morning hours). And if you really don't feel like getting up from your comfy seat to order at a counter, there are servers who will take your order and bring your food right to you. The breezy setting affords great views of Bay Lake in a comfortable, sheltered (and heated, when necessary) setting. Even if it's raining sideways, the pavilion can be completely enclosed for protection. (updated Mar 2017)

38 Roaring Fork. 6AM-midnight. Just a quick counter-service location to get you filled up and on your way. Not a lot of choices, but it gets the job done. $8-$10.

39 Whispering Canyon Cafe. 7:30AM-10PM. Tuck your napkin under your collar, shout as loud as you want, and boo or blow raspberries when the waiter announces that someone is going to SeaWorld or Universal Studios! This is not the place for quiet, retiring types; it's a raucous, energy-filled, foot-stomping eatery with plenty of good home-style food. At lunch, you order à la carte, but at dinner you'll be getting a Canyon Skillet, which is filled (and refilled, as often as you like) with four kinds of meat and several side dishes. Breakfast at the Cafe is somewhat more sedate, as befits the hour, but the servers are still ready to have some fun, and there's even a breakfast version of the Canyon Skillet! breakfast $11-17; lunch $13-17; dinner $33/person.

The Four Seasons Orlando has a number of restaurants. Ravello, an Italian restaurant, features Disney character breakfasts on Thursdays and Saturdays (and selected peak Tuesdays). Capa is on the top floor and boasts views of the Magic Kingdom fireworks.

1 Shades of Green, 1950 W Magnolia Palm Dr, ☏ +1 407 824-3400, fax: +1 407 824-3665. Owned by the United States Department of Defense, Shades of Green is open only to active and retired military or National Guard personnel, civilian employees of the Department of Defense, and their guests. Merchandise sold at Shades of Green is exempt from sales tax, and rooms are exempt from hotel tax. While the hotel is quite inexpensive, the only available Disney amenity is participation in Extra Magic Hours at the parks; Shades of Green guests don't get a Key to the World card, can't have merchandise sent to the hotel, and cannot participate in the Disney Dining Plan. On the other hand, it's a very short walk to the Palm, Magnolia, and Oak Trail golf courses. $90–$130, based on rank or pay grade.

Disney's expansive Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground is really like two resorts in one—the campsites and the cabins. They share all of the resort's amenities, including two great dinner shows, marshmallow roasts, hiking, biking, swimming, boating and horseback riding, all without ever leaving Disney property. It's a great place for people who want to get away from it all without getting too far away.

Fort Wilderness is the only pet-friendly resort on Disney property, though pets are allowed only in designated areas of the campground. Only a small proportion of sites are in pet-friendly areas, so make sure you mention that your pet will be coming with you when you make your reservation. Once you get there, your dog will have plenty of opportunity to get exercise, with plenty of trails for on-leash walking and the special Waggin' Trails Dog Park for off-leash fun.

2 The Campsites at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort, 4510 N Fort Wilderness Tr, ☏ +1 407 824-2900. These campsites are absolutely the cheapest way to stay at Walt Disney World, bar none—if you don't mind roughing it, that is! Bring your own tent and you can set up stakes for less than $50 a day; sites that can accommodate motorhomes are a bit more. Each site has a picnic table, grill, electricity, and city water; full hook-up sites add sewer and cable TV. Wireless Internet access is available for a fee. $44–$121.

3 The Cabins at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort, 4510 N Fort Wilderness Tr, ☏ +1 407 824-2900. The Wilderness Cabins make it easy and comfortable to "go camping" with the family. Each 500-square-foot cabin sleeps six people, with a queen-size bed and two bunk beds in the bedroom, and a sofa bed in the living room. The cabins also have full kitchens with dishwashers, air conditioning, and an outdoor deck. You'll also enjoy full maid service; they'll even fill and run the dishwasher for you while you're out. If you want the rustic atmosphere and activities of Fort Wilderness without the hassle of bringing your own shelter, the cabins are the way to go. $270–$435.

Four upscale resorts are arrayed around the Seven Seas Lagoon, three of them on the monorail loop, providing easy and fun access to the Magic Kingdom and to Epcot. Each of the resorts also has water transportation to the Magic Kingdom.

The Contemporary and the Polynesian Village are the oldest resorts on the property, and though they've changed a bit over the years, age hasn't diminished their appeal. The Grand Floridian is WDW's flagship resort, with the utmost in style and service. The Wilderness Lodge sits back, away from the monorail but still a worthy companion to the other Deluxe resorts.

Each of these resorts provides the highest level of service and amenities available at Walt Disney World. You'll find dedicated concierge services, mini-bars and refrigerators, turn-down service, upscale restaurants and shopping, and everything else you'd expect from luxury hotels. Each hotel, especially the Grand Floridian, also has some high-end suites available, all the way up to "Presidential"-level. And each of them has Disney Vacation Club villas for extra-homey atmosphere and amenities.

4 Disney's Contemporary Resort, 4600 N World Dr, ☏ +1 407 824-1000. Architect Welton Becket hit a home run in the late 1960s with the striking, iconic A-framed tower of the Contemporary Resort. Even today, the design looks modern and innovative, not dated. Add in the monorail, which runs right through the 10-story Grand Canyon Concourse, and staying at the Contemporary is unlike staying anywhere else. On the other hand, this is Disney's most hotel-like Deluxe Resort; there is no overarching theme, no sense of immersion into a different time and place. But the style and sophistication are unparalleled, and the view from the top is spectacular. $280–2,900.

5 Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort. The circular shape of this resort building provides a stark contrast with the main A-frame tower, but the two look more like siblings than competitors, and they're connected by a covered but open-air fourth-floor walkway. Due to the circular tower, the rooms are wedge-shaped, which makes for some slightly different configurations than the other DVC resorts. Of particular note, the 1-bedroom and larger villas have an extra bathroom compared to the other DVC resorts; the additional shower can be a great morning time-saver, especially if you have a lot of adults in your party. $385–2,475.

6 Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, 4401 Floridian Wy, ☏ +1 407 824-3000. Undoubtedly the highest-end of the high-end Disney Resorts, with Victorian elegance that pays homage to the golden days of Palm Beach. Marble flooring and chamber music in the lobby, three world-class restaurants, intricate decor, and impeccable service are this resort's hallmarks. The basic rooms are very nice but may not seem quite worth the price; you're really paying for the amenities and services that surround the sleeping areas. Senses – A Disney Spa at the Grand Floridian is a short walk away, with Disney's Wedding Pavilion just a bit further. $400–2,900.

13 Four Seasons Orlando, 10100 Dream Tree Blvd, Golden Oak, ☏ +1 407 313-7777. The Four Seasons Orlando maxes out on the luxury scale, with everything you'd expect in a high-end hotel without the Disney accouterments. Disney is involved here, though; there's a character breakfast twice weekly, and Disney cast members staff the Disney Planning Center inside. Package delivery is available from the parks, but guests staying here can't take part in Extra Magic Hours or any other amenities exclusive to Disney resort guests. The Four Seasons folks do like to tout their views of the Magic Kingdom fireworks, though; many guest rooms face the right direction, and the rooftop restaurant, Capa, also promises to be a popular spot for viewing. $545-2,500.