Cinderella Castle * Walt Disney World, FL

I had a comment to one of my blogs from a couple weeks ago, “What a (WDW) Character; Now Eat Your Breakfast!“, from Stacy. *waves*

She asked:

Any hints and ideas of some uniquely adult fun at Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom are appreciated… I’ve all ready over done Epcot ( and know it inside and out). . .ideas? Emphasis added.

And my answer to this is: “Why yes, I do!” 😀

However, this week I’ll start you off with one park, as there is so much to cover — and I, of course, have to begin with:

The Magic Kingdom

The Magic Kingdom (“MK”), as we all know, is most definitely the epitome of what people think when you say “Walt Disney World” (“WDW”). However, they also usually think, “Place for little kids.” I whole-heartedly agree — and disagree! Of course, it’s probably the greatest place on Earth for little kids to visit at some point in their childhood. What a place where your imagination is allowed to come to life — especially when you can meet your favorite princess in the flesh! But sometimes even us Big Kids get as giddy when we too can become immersed in all things “make believe!”

So, what’s one of the best things adults can do at the MK? Hands down, the RIDES! (Ok after you meet Mickey and Co., and, of course, the Princesses, but keep reading!)

Wanna Go Again?

I don’t know about you, but to me, the MK is the best park on property for rides; mainly because there are so many different types of rides for every kind of kid, big and small! There is just no way you can walk away and feel like you didn’t have fun (however — per the DH! — riding “it’s a small world” (“iasw”) more than once is solely up to your discretion — and your definition of “fun!”), and here are some of our favorites (DH’s “iasw” comment aside)!

Easy on the Equilibrium! Please.

Hit the “TTA” — I know they have added “Peoplemover” to the name, but it was simply just the “Tomorrowland Transit Authority” back when DH and I first discovered how relaxing this “ride” is when we were here on our honeymoon!

Peoplemover a/k/a TTA

Want a Thrill?

Speed, drops, and all in the dark; yep make sure you get in line for “Space Mountain.”

Space Mountain * photo taken by WDW Fan

Or, head over to my favorite, “Big Thunder Mountain Railroad!”

Big Thunder Mtn. Railroad * photo taken by kayjam

Or, how about “Splash Mountain” (just make sure it’s warm out and you don’t mind a wet “seat!” for a bit! ;-)).

Splash Mountain * photo taken by home4us123

Ooo, or do all three!

You actually want to spin around and around and…?

Go grab a teacup (and the wheel!) at the “Mad Tea Party!” DH hates this one too, but that’s only because I have way too much fun on it!

Wheee!

Then again, if you want some action while you spin — and no I don’t mean teetering out of said teacup and falling into the bushes! *giggles* — you could always try to save the galaxy with Buzz over at “Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin!”

Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin * photo taken by Meggera

High flying fun!

If, on the other hand, you prefer your feet off of the ground and want to “soar” a bit:

Don’t forget the classics!

I have to say that my absolute favorite ride, well more of an attraction in this case, is most definitely “Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress!” The big, beautiful “tomorrow” that is shown throughout the years, in what was said to also be Walt’s own favorite attraction, is so nostalgic and always gives me the warm-and-fuzzies, that it’s a must see every time I’m in the MK…and yes that’s multiple times a trip!

CoP at night

Then there’s the “Haunted Mansion” — another must-do every time I walk through the turnstiles; and the new updates? Simply awesome!

Haunted Mansion * photo taken by chezp

The same goes for “Pirates of the Caribbean” — and this was true even before they added Captain Jack Sparrow…yep, good ol’ Captain Jack. That crazy, cunning, mighty good lookin’…what was I talking about? 😛

PotC - Can you find Capt. Jack? * photo taken by stuffnfluff1

Oh right! So, sure, you may think little ones when I say, “Fantasyland;” however, with the new expansion going on and new attractions being built, some of the “old” ones are still around and let me say, they are so worth the time — well I don’t know about waiting in line for an hour or 2! — but if you want something fun for your “inner” little kid, these are not to be missed:

What attraction/ride do you have to see/do when you’re in the park, and why?

It can be more than one too!

Aside from a plethora of fabulous rides, the MK also has some really good food too — a few of which get you some time with your favorite characters!

Admittedly, DH and I have not eaten at all of the restaurants around the MK, this includes it’s (undeniably) most famous, Cinderella’s Royal Table. However, from all of the reviews that I’ve heard, it’s a pretty great experience for little princesses, as well as those of us with slightly larger crowns. 😉 Getting a recommended, no make that a necessary, advance dining reservation (“ADR”) here is a great way to become completely immersed in the magic that is the MK — I mean you’re in Cinderella’s Castle – that’s pretty magical (and romantic)!

Another pretty popular location — and new favorite of ours! — is Tony’s Town Square. This is a great location if you can book an ADR right around a parade time — and request an outdoor table! Did I mention how yummy the food is? Oh, it is and it’s another location in the MK where you can find some pretty special “together time.”

These are two of the places I would recommend if you wanted a meal unique to the MK — and where you’re surrounded by that Disney magic. Now that’s not to say that there aren’t other dining locations throughout the park, because there are quite a few, including Crystal Palace (a character buffet meal with Pooh and friends), as well as some great counter-service spots like Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Café and Casey’s Corner — more of our favorites! 😀

Where do you eat while in the park? Any favorites?

But if you’re looking for some out of the ordinary dining “events,” you should look into the Tomorrowland Terrace Fireworks Dessert Party. This is another thing we have yet to try ourselves, but if Disney can do anything exceptionally well, it’s cook and bake! Oh, and put on a stellar fireworks display, a/k/a Wishes Nighttime Spectacular! *wink*

Something else Disney can do like no other is entertain — be it an afternoon parade, a daily stage show, or a you-just-have-to-see-it nighttime spectacle!

So if you’re looking for something “else” to do while in the MK, make sure you carve some time out of your riding the rides and eating to check out one — or all! — of these (almost) daily events!

• “Celebrate A Dream Come True Parade;”
• “Move It! Shake It! Celebrate It! Street Party;”
• “Dream-Along With Mickey;”
• “The Magic, The Memories and You!;” or
• “Main Street Electrical Parade (“MSEP”).”

Again, admittedly, DH and I aren’t the biggest parade fans; however, if the MSEP is scheduled for an evening that I’m in the MK, I’ll definitely try to find a spot somewhere along the parade route because it’s simply amazing and not to be missed!

Can I Have Your Autograph?

And don’t forget, it’s not just the kids that get to meet their favorite characters — get in line with them! Mickey, Tiana, Rapunzel, Buzz…they’re all here! Just make sure to check the Times Guide for locations and times — and don’t forget your camera! 😉

Lets Party!

There is seasonal entertainment that is very popular in the fall and holiday months; both of which we have done and both of which we will attend whenever we are in the MK, depending on the month we actually visit!

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party

MNSSHP * photo taken by chezp

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

MVMCP * photo taken by Dopey007

However, being that Stacy mentioned that she and her husband are going in June, I’ll just wait to discuss them in more detail for a future blog — because everyone should go to each party at least once!

So, if there is anything else you can recommend for finding fun — as adult-only visitors to the MK — post it!

Tell us what your favorite entertainment is at the MK!

I know that there’s still a lot we haven’t done yet, but with the Fantasyland expansion expected to add more in the coming months, this list is getting longer and I like it!

Until next time…