Walt Disney World is more than just a vacation destination for me.  One of my favorite things about Walt Disney World is all of the history behind it all.  Being an avid Disney-goer, I love checking into all of the little details that there are to know about my favorite place!  Since Magic Kingdom is the park that started it all, I will begin my first blog by talking about my top 5 in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom!

#5: Splash Mountain

This classic log ride takes you through the world of Walt Disney’s 1946 movie “Song of the South.”  With a five-story drop and over 65 Audio-Animatronics within this attraction, it’s no wonder that Splash Mountain has made the top 5!  If you’re looking to have a “Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah” Day, I definitely suggest checking this attraction out!

Looking to get soaked?  Sit on the front row!

Not so crazy about the water?  Try your best to ride on the left hand side of the log and towards the middle!  

Splash Mountain requires a minimum height of 40″ and suggests that expectant mothers should not ride.  In the cooler months, the wait time for this attraction is obviously shorter.  If you will be visiting Walt Disney World over the summer, I suggest using one of your FastPass+ reservations for this attraction!  Be sure to smile on your way down the mountain, there’s a photo opportunity!

Fun Fact: On Splash Mountain’s final drop, your log reaches speeds of over 40 MPH!

#4: Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is like no other roller coaster in Walt Disney World.  With its rocking carts, you can get the most out of the twists and turns around the mountain!  While some may consider this to be a milder thrill, my favorite thing about it is how smooth the track is.  In addition to the smooth ride, check out the faces of the Audio-Animatronics.  These dwarfs were made with the latest imagineer technology and it shows!

Tired of waiting in long lines?  There is a FastPass+ option for this attraction!  When it comes to FastPass+ Reservations, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is the first to go!  If you plan on riding this ride via FastPass+, I highly suggest reserving your spot the day FastPass+ opens up to you!  If you are the stand-by line, Imagineers have designed interactive activities to do the help you pass the time!

Fun Fact:  Walt Disney World has installed a camera on Seven Dwarfs Mine Train!  The camera takes both still-shots and video footage!  Using your Magic Bands, the footage is then linked to your My Disney Experience account for you to view later!  Just another personalized way to enjoy the attraction!

#3: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will always be a Walt Disney World classic in my eyes.  When you hear that Frontierland medley playing, you know you’re on your way to a good time!  What makes this ride great is how fast-moving the line is.  Since there are two trains running at all times with a capacity of 45 riders per train, even a longer wait time will go by quicker!  Big Thunder Mountain Railroad has six trains in total.  Each has its own individual name which are U. B. Bold, U. R. Courageous, U. R. Daring, I. B. Hearty, I. M. Brave, and I. M. Fearless.  While this attraction does happen to be one of the most popular in the park, they do tend to have options for FastPass+ reservations available up to the day that you’re there! After being recently renovated in 2012, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad’s waiting area has now become and interactive queue.  If you have the chance to ride this attraction at night, I highly suggest it!  Also, if you’re looking to get the most from the attraction, request to sit towards the back of the train.

Fun Fact:  The person who provided the voice for the “Hang on to Your Hats and Glasses” announcement, Dallas McKennon, is also the voice of Benjamin Franklin in Epcot for The American Adventure!

#2: Carousel of Progress

Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress will always be a classic to me because it was originally built for the 1964 New York World’s Fair. Walt Disney personally worked on this attraction which to me adds a little touch of magic!  This attraction takes guests through the 20th century to follow an American family experiencing the new progress for each scene.  The attraction features its own theme song, “There’s A Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow’ which is sung during the transitioning of each scene.  The current voice of the father in the show is Jean Shepherd, who people may recognize as the voice of the narrator in “A Christmas Story”.  The voice of the father from the 1964 World’s Fair version was Rex Allen, who is now the voice of the grandfather.   Since the attraction takes place in a rotating theater, it runs continuously throughout the day and never has a wait time.  The show time lasts just over twenty minutes, so it is the perfect opportunity to get away from the heat, sit down, and enjoy what Walt Disney World is all about.  Carousel of Progress holds the record of the longest running stage show with the most performances of any theater production in the country.

Fun Fact:  You should be able to spot several Hidden Mickey’s in the final scene!  My favorite is the Mickey Mouse nutcracker on their mantle!

#1: Space Mountain

The number one attraction is a no-brainer when it comes to Magic Kingdom!  Space Mountain has been providing thrills for guests since its opening in 1975.  Walt Disney has originally developed the idea for this attraction back in the 60’s, but the technology wouldn’t be available to create such an attraction until the 1970’s.  Although there is now a Space Mountain in every Disney Park, Magic Kingdom’s Space Mountain holds the title as first.  Space Mountain was also the first attraction to be run completely by a computer.  Such a progressive attraction seems right at home in Tomorrowland, don’t you think? Similar to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, this attraction has both the Alpha side and the Omega side running at all times! Although this ride tends to have a longer wait, there is a FastPass+ option.  To keep guests entertained in line, Space Mountain has interactive games set up throughout the line while you wait.  Guests must be at least 44 inches tall to ride this attraction.  Though it may seem faster to passengers, Space Mountain only reaches a top speed of 27 MPH.  Be sure to smile for the camera!  Your picture will be taken towards the beginning of the ride!

Fun Fact:  Space Mountain is located about 15 feet below the rest of the park!

Honorable Mentions:

Pirates of the Caribbean

TTA People Mover

Peter Pan’s Flight

Well, there you have it folks! While there are plenty other attractions that I love to see every time I’m in Magic Kingdom, these five attractions are my absolute favorites!  I hope you enjoyed the fun facts and tidbits! Thanks for taking the time to read my blog!  Please be sure to comment and let me know your top 5 in Magic Kingdom!

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