From Disneyland to Walt Disney World: Everything a Disneylander Should Do at the Magic Kingdom

There’s been a longstanding debate amongst Disney Parks fans about which is superior- Disneyland or Walt Disney World. Of course, when comparing these, one must specify Magic Kingdom and not the whole of Walt Disney World, which encompasses four theme parks and two water parks.

One must also consider the similarities and differences between them. In doing so, each individual will have an opinion. But instead of endlessly debating the subject, I offer an alternative perspective where each park has its virtues.

Disneyland offers a more intimate experience, a nostalgic atmosphere, and more of a local scene. Magic Kingdom is much larger in scale and space, and more tourists visit. For the Disneyland frequenter who is visiting Magic Kingdom, they should focus on the attractions, restaurants, and entertainment that are unique to the Orlando Park. Likewise, it’s important to remember that in Magic Kingdom you’ll physically be walking much more and in generally warmer, more humid weather. So, at least two days to see everything is necessary.

With so much to see and do, planning one’s trip can be daunting. We’ve got you covered with a handy guide that will help the Disneyland park-goer experience everything different that the Magic Kingdom has to offer.

When Walt Disney World guests visit Disneyland, one of the most common reactions is how much smaller Sleeping Beauty Castle is compared to Cinderella Castle. On the flip side, those used to Disneyland stand in awe of Cinderella Castle’s grandeur.

Guests should take photos with the Castle, both close-up and at a distance. You can also walk the bridge, admire the mosaics inside, and capture more premium photo opportunities.

If possible, visitors should book a reservation at Cinderella’s Royal Table. Those only familiar with Sleeping Beauty Castle will love dining inside a real-life fairytale castle. This character meal with the Princesses is pricey but well worth it for first-time guests.

When Magic Kingdom expanded its Fantasyland in 2012, it added attractions and restaurants that have become beloved and iconic. One such attraction is the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. In 2012, Snow White’s Scary Adventures closed. So, maintaining a ride based on Walt Disney’s first animated film was a no-brainer.

The ride itself, which opened in 2014, is a smooth coaster where guests board mine cars and quickly glide by beautiful rock work, trees, the Dwarfs’ diamond mine, and end up next to a glimpse of their cottage. They also kept some of the animatronic figures as a nod to the previous attraction. It’s thrilling enough to satisfy coaster enthusiasts, but not too scary for older kids.

Almost every Disney fan whose home park is Disneyland has one ride that is a “must-do” at Magic Kingdom- the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover. Disneyland guests who remember its PeopleMover lament its absence every day. The fact that Walt Disney World still has this attraction inspires great envy and even a little anger.

However, that jealousy turns to pure glee the moment guests board Magic Kingdom’s PeopleMover. The ride is not fancy or thrilling, but it has an unmatched charm. Moreover, the views the ride offers are quite spectacular. Pro-tip for guests: try to ride this attraction twice. Once during the day, and again at night during the Fireworks show, “Happily Ever After.” You won’t regret that second ride, nor the amazing and unique view of the fireworks.

For being such a beloved film from Disney’s Renaissance, and the first animated film ever nominated for Best Picture, there had been a shocking lack of Beauty and the Beast representation in Disney parks. Magic Kingdom’s 2012 Fantasyland expansion rectified that. This expansion doubled the land’s size and added gorgeous buildings, enchanting experiences, and restaurants.

At Enchanted Tales with Belle, guests enter Belle and Maurice’s cottage and are “magically” transported to Beast’s castle. There, you’ll enjoy a fun and interactive experience in which Belle recounts her story, with audience participation from the little ones. This experience is a must for families with small children. Gaston’s Tavern features impressive architecture straight out of the film, and a fountain featuring the handsome brute. Guests can enjoy small bites such as a cinnamon roll, “Grey Stuff” cupcake, or Ham and Gruyère sandwich. Also, be sure to try the tasty and sweet LeFou’s Brew, a mixture of apple juice, marshmallow, and fruit-flavored foam.

Of course, the peak fairy tale experience takes place at Be Our Guest Restaurant. Having a second castle in a park remains a remarkable feat in itself, but being able to dine there takes it to a whole other level.

There are three room options- the Grand Ballroom, the West Wing, and the Rose Gallery, each featuring beautiful ambiance and stunning decor such as chandeliers and paintings of the characters. It truly feels as if you’ve stepped into the film. Where you sit depends on crowds, but each room has something unique to offer. Like Cinderella’s Royal Table, Be Our Guest is on the more expensive end, with a prefix menu of a starter, entree, and dessert. Ultimately, the entire experience makes it special and will often be the highlight of the trip.

Another Disneyland attraction that was replaced but retained at Magic Kingdom, the Country Bear Musical Jamboree was recently updated with a brand new show. Although losing the original “Vacation Hoedown” and “Christmas” shows is sad, the latest from the Country Bears is just as fun.

In recent years, Disney has integrated IP, or intellectual property, more and more into the parks and resorts. In the Country Bear Musical Jamboree, the bears now sing country music versions of classic Disney songs, including “A Whole New World,” “The Bare Necessities,” and “You’ve Got a Friend in Me.” This reimagining captures the same charm and spirit of the original Country Bears Jamboree, but gives it a fresh, updated feel.

Much like the PeopleMover, Disneyland purists lament the loss of Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress- especially since its building sits in Tomorrowland basically empty. That fact is why a ride on Magic Kingdom’s version is at the top of many park goers’ lists.

The Carousel of Progress takes guests on a charming, nostalgic trip through the invention of electricity, all the way to modern-day technology. You’ll also hear the upbeat and inspiring tune “There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow,” written by the Sherman Brothers. The show is set to have a notable update, adding a Walt Disney animatronic to the beginning. There’s also been minor tweaks over the years, but overall has retained its wholesome nature.

One of Magic Kingdom’s best themed restaurants, the Jungle Navigation Co., Ltd. Skipper Canteen has exceptional ambiance, unique food offerings, and a truly fun kind of service. While Disneyland’s Adventureland has excellent food and a relaxing atmosphere at the Bengal Barbecue and Tropical Hideaway, it does not have an indoor, table-service restaurant. That is why Skipper Canteen should be on your list when visiting Magic Kingdom.

The restaurant is meant to reflect the headquarters and mess hall of a Jungle Navigation Company, with a 1930s and 1940s, color-infused flair. They offer a blend of Asian, African, and Latin dishes such as Char Siu Pork, noodles served in Tamarind sauce, curried vegetables, and spiced duck. The servers also tell their best Jungle Cruise-inspired puns and jokes, elevating the experience beyond the delicious food and immersive atmosphere.

Nobody does parades better than Disney Parks, and Magic Kingdom has two of the finest ever. The longstanding Festival of Fantasy Parade has delighted guests since 2014 with its colorful and elaborate floats, upbeat music, and the piéce de résistance, a fire-breathing dragon. The Peter Pan, Tangled, and Little Mermaid floats are especially beautiful.

Magic Kingdom’s newest parade, Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away, is a kind of modern-day brother to Disney’s Main Street Electrical Parade, similar to Paint the Night. The shimmering floats look like, as Disney says, they’re touched by starlight. It’s a testament to the wonders of technology combined with the everlasting appeal of Disney’s films. The prettiest sights include the Blue Fairy, the Frozen, Encanto, Moana, Peter Pan, and Princess floats, and the locomotive that carries the characters Donald, Goofy, Pluto, Snow White, Dopey, Aladdin, Jasmine, Mickey, and Minnie.

A big difference between Disneyland and Magic Kingdom lies in the featured lands. Instead of New Orleans Square, Magic Kingdom has Liberty Square, inspired by America during the Revolutionary War.

The authenticity is spot on, from the architecture and brown path meant to represent sewage to the replica of the Liberty Bell. The land features one notable attraction: The Hall of Presidents. Reminiscent of Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln, this show is more in-depth and ideal for American history enthusiasts.

There are also three eateries. Sleepy Hollow is a small kiosk that serves specialty waffles, funnel cake, corn dogs, coffee, tea, and other beverages. The Columbia Harbor House is a quick-service restaurant specializing in New England cuisine like clam chowder and lobster rolls. The finest establishment is Liberty Tree Tavern, a lovely table-service restaurant with stately Colonial-style decor and an all-you-can-eat menu including mixed green salads, turkey, pot roast, meatloaf, macaroni and cheese, and toffee cake.

Although TRON Lightcycle Run may be known as the shortest coaster that took the longest to build, it still should not be missed. Indeed, the ride itself only lasts approximately one minute, but it promises a thrilling and dynamic experience.

Inspired by the sci-fi TRON film series, guests board a light cycle and ride as if they are m on a motorbike. A quick launch propels riders through a high-speed adventure that impresses thrill seekers and coaster lovers alike. It’s very smooth with speeds up to 60mph, so it may not be for the faint of heart.

For those who can’t handle that level of thrill, it’s still fun to watch from afar and provides an amazing photo backdrop, especially at night.

For many years, Magic Kingdom featured the only Swiss Family Treehouse, after Disneyland re-themed it to Tarzan’s Treehouse. In 2023, Disneyland re-themed it back, but with a caveat. Currently, it’s only inspired by the Swiss Family Robinson film.

To experience the treehouse in its purest form, head to Adventureland in Magic Kingdom. A beautiful and intricate recreation of the Robinson home, guests climb the stairs and see recreations of the water wheel, kitchen, family room, bedrooms, and more, all while hearing the infectious “Swisskapolka” music and enjoying spectacular views.

The Magic Carpets of Aladdin is not a groundbreaking attraction and shares similarities with other spinning rides like Dumbo. Still, Disneylanders should check out this Adventureland attraction for several reasons.

The ride may be similar to others, but it still has unique features. Guests climb aboard “magic carpets” with two rows and a ride capacity of 4 adults. As you soar through the air, you can pretend you’re entering a whole new world of wonder. There are also camels that spit water at passengers, giving the attraction an added layer of fun and anticipation.

Indeed, the Magic Carpets of Aladdin remain an attraction that represents what Disney Parks embody: an escape from the everyday world for the young, and young at heart.