Orlando's theme parks and attractions are the best in the world. Opened on October 1, 1971, Magic Kingdom in Orlando is the most famous of the Florida theme parks and is credited with beginning the Floridian tourism boom. The Magic Kingdom theme park covers 433,000 m² at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. It is owned and operated by The Walt Disney Company, through its Walt Disney Parks and Resorts unit. Its layout and attractions are generally similar to those of Disneyland in California. The park contained twenty-three attractions on the day it opened, twenty of them copies of attractions at Disneyland. Today the park map lists forty-eight attractions in seven themed "lands." It's shaped like a giant pizza with seven lands-slices and the wondrous castle in the center. Though only 180 feet tall, it benefits from a technique known as forced perspective. The (fake) second stories of all the buildings along Main Street are shorter than the first stories, and the third stories are even shorter than the second, and the top windows of the castle are much smaller than they appear. The resulting visual effect is that the buildings appear to be larger and taller than they really are. The Walt Disney World Railroad runs along the perimeter of the Magic Kingdom in Orlando and makes stops at Main Street, Frontierland, and Mickey's Toontown Fair.
The Main Street of Disney World Magic Kingdom is lined with shops selling merchandise and food. Bronze statues of Roy Disney and Minnie Mouse greet visitors on Main Street. The decor is early-20th century small-town America, inspired by Walt Disney's childhood. A real working barber shop gives haircuts for fee. The Emporium carries a wide variety of Disney souvenirs such as plush toys, collectible pins, and Mickey-ear hats. Tony's Town Square and the Plaza Restaurant are sit-down restaurants.
Once inside the Magic Kingdom in Orlando head straight for Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain in Frontierland or Space Mountain in Tomorrowland. Families with younger children may want to head directly to Fantasyland complete with Cinderella's Carousel, Dumbo and The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, which is a big deal for kids under 5. Mickey's Toon Town Fair is the best place to see the Disney characters and a visit to the official residences of Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse is a must. Junior space rangers will have a blast at Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin. Haunted Mansion is classic family fun with the spooks.
Remember, there are a few lines at the park. The FastPass feature is an outstanding way of doing what you wish without waiting in the long lines. You simply go to the attraction, get a FastPass ticket and return at the designated time to enjoy the attraction.
The charming Magical Moments Parade is every day in Magic Kingdom in Orlando at 3pm. It's best to get in place 45 minutes beforehand if you want an unobstructed view. Don't leave the park before enjoying Fantasy in the Sky Fireworks too.
Magic Kingdom is a must see for any Orlando vacation. Disney pays attention to details like no other company, and it really shows.