Is Magic Kingdom the Best Disney Park for Grown Ups?
When we think of Disney World, the theme park we probably think of first is the Magic Kingdom. With classic attractions, an iconic castle, and so much more, the Magic Kingdom is a must-do on any Disney trip. And, it’s probably the best way to visit disney world for guests young and old. That’s because no matter what age you are, the Magic Kingdom is a magical theme park to visit.
If you’re an adult visiting the Magic Kingdom, you might be wondering if the Magic Kingdom is the best park for you? The short answer is Yes! There’s so much to see and do—from thrill rides, great dining options, entertainment and much more.
So, let’s take a look at why we believe the Magic Kingdom just might be the best Disney Park for adults.
Attractions
The Magic Kingdom is known for its classic attractions — many of which might seem like they aren’t for adults. But, whether you’re flying on Peter Pan’s Flight in Fantasyland or sailing with Captain Jack Sparrow on Pirates of the Caribbean in Adventureland, the attractions in the Magic Kingdom will bring out your inner child.
If you’re into thrill rides, the Magic Kingdom has you covered too with Splash Mountain, Space Mountain, and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. There really is something for everyone, and attractions at the Magic Kingdom are some of Disney’s best and most iconic. If you’re an adult visiting the Magic Kingdom for the first time, we always recommend getting your ride on and embracing feeling like a kid again.
A pro tip for those adults visiting the Magic Kingdom without children, if you want to take advantage of the Fantasyland attractions, we recommend getting Fastpass+ for these rides or riding them during Extra Magic Hours, if you’re staying at a Disney Resort, or at rope drop to avoid long lines.
Restaurants
If enjoying a good meal is at the top of your Disney vacation wish list, you’re in luck. The Magic Kingdom has a ton of dining options to fit your tastes and budget. If you’re a foodie, you’ll enjoy some unique and gourmet dining experiences; if you’re into no frills theme park food, you’ll find burgers, fries, and sandwiches to keep you filled and fueled throughout your day in the Magic Kingdom too. Here are some of the best of the best restaurants and dining experiences in the Magic Kingdom that are extremely popular with adults.
Skipper Canteen: Located in Adventureland, this table service restaurant is inspired by the classic Magic Kingdom attraction, the Jungle Cruise. You’ll find yourself washed ashore in the jungle and served exotic, delicious food. Your skipper (aka server) will help you navigate some unique menu items that you wouldn’t expect to find in a theme park — like whole fried fish, noodle bowls, and vegetable curry stew.
Even if you’re not an adventurous eater, you’ll find plenty to enjoy including grilled steak, fried chicken, and lamb chops. As an added bonus, Skipper Canteen is one of the restaurants in the Magic Kingdom where you can order beer and wine.
Columbia Harbour House: Hear ye, hear ye! Columbia Harbour House, located in Liberty Square, is a quick service restaurant that’s inspired by a colonial New England fishing town. That means you can order proper fish and chips, clam chowder, old fashioned pot pie, and more. We love Columbia Harbour House for unique quick service options that aren’t just burgers and fries, but that everyone will love too.
It also includes some healthier options for those looking to avoid fried food. The Lighthouse Sandwich, made with hummus and vegetables is extremely popular as is the grilled salmon entree. Plus, it’s a great place to rest and recharge for a bit with ample upstairs seating where you can find a quiet corner to enjoy your meal.
Crystal Palace: If being a big kid is important to you as an adult visiting the Magic Kingdom, then you have to go to the Crystal Palace. This table service restaurant is a character meal, which means you’ll enjoy an all-you-care-to-eat breakfast, lunch, or dinner with Winnie the Pooh and his friends from the Hundred Acre Wood. It’s a unique experience and a fun way to meet characters too.
Tony’s Town Square Restaurant: That’s amore! If you’re looking for a quiet romantic dinner at the Magic Kingdom, look no further than Tony’s Town Square. This table service restaurant is inspired by the classic scene in Lady & the Tramp, and you can recreate your own spaghetti and meatballs shared kiss with your loved one at Tony’s. You’ll find hearty Italian food here that’s perfect for a romantic evening. And, if you’re a wine drinker, you’re in luck. Tony’s Town Square serves a variety of Italian wines.
Liberty Tree Tavern: When you’re craving a good homestyle meal, you can’t get any better in the Magic Kingdom then Liberty Tree Tavern. Located in Liberty Square, this table service restaurant is inspired by Colonial Williamsburg. If you’re a history buff, you’ll really love seeing some of the historic touches and dine in one of the 6 themed rooms inspired by Thomas Jefferson, Betsy Ross, Benjamin Franklin, and other famous historic figures.
Of course, our favorite part is the food. You’ll want to gobble up the Thanksgiving inspired food that you can order year-round. Plus, if you’re a beer and wine drinker, you can also order them at Liberty Tree Tavern.
Entertainment
When it comes to entertainment, like shows, fireworks, and parades, the Magic Kingdom offers some of the best. Adults will appreciate, not only, the impressive fireworks show, but also the parades and live entertainment throughout the park. Some of our favorites include:
Happily Ever Fireworks Show: This fireworks show was added in 2017 to the Magic Kingdom and quickly became a guest favorite. This unique show adds in lasers and projects on Cinderella’s Castle along with a beautiful musical score from popular Disney movies, like Aladdin, to help you create your own happily ever after.
Festival of Fantasy Parade: This parade is one of the best parades Disney has ever created. And, if you love Disney parades, Festival of Fantasy is a must-do for any guest visiting. The floats in this parade highlight some of your favorite Disney characters with unique and technically impressive details.
The most impressive? It has to be the Maleficent float that includes a steam-punk, fire-breathing dragon — with real fire. Talk about a fairy tale come to life, right before your eyes.
Dapper Dans: You can’t get any more iconic than the Dapper Dans, on Main Street U.S.A. If you love all things classic Disney, you’ll love the Dapper Dans. This barbershop quartet has been performing at Disney since the park opened in 1971. Adults of all ages will appreciate their take on Disney songs. And, depending on the time of year you visit, you’ll also be treated to seasonal songs too.
Other Considerations
In addition to the classic attractions, great dining choices, and entertainment, the Magic Kingdom offers a lot for adults. One of the biggest perks? It’s close to some of the best disney world hotels for adults, making it easy to spend a few hours in the park without having to worry about missing out on time to rest and relax at your resort. There are three Deluxe resorts on the monorail loop, which travels to the Magic Kingdom include the Contemporary Resort, Polynesian Village Resort, and Grand Floridian Resort and Spa.
Each of these resorts offer easy access to the Magic Kingdom, without having to walk — making it ideal for those wanting to take it easy on their Disney vacation or who have accessibility needs. The Wilderness Lodge Resort is also a quick ferry boat ride from the Magic Kingdom, giving you four deluxe resorts close to the Magic Kingdom.
Another major perk for adults visiting the Magic Kingdom is getting to take advantage of the seasonal, holiday offerings. If you love Halloween, you can embrace your inner child and trick or treat and dress up during Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, a ticketed special event in the Magic Kingdom. It’s a not-to-be-missed event and perfect for adults who don’t have kids but want to enjoy a Halloween evening that includes candy and costumes.
Another popular seasonal event is Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party — a ticketed event, exclusive to the Magic Kingdom. Celebrate the holiday season with a Christmas Party that’s sure to inspire and delight — and that’s filled with hot cocoa, cookies, and even snow on Main Street U.S.A.
Final Thoughts
Overall, adults visiting the Magic Kingdom will find it to be a magical experience filled with classic childhood favorites along with new ones too. There’s so much to see and do, that you won’t run out of things to do. If you want to experience a lot of attractions — the Magic Kingdom has the most of any Disney theme park. The rides also range from mild to thrill — making them perfect for any preference or needs you might have. You’ll find tons of options for fine dining and quick service fare.
And, adults will appreciate that many of the Magic Kingdom table service dining locations now serve beer and wine. In addition, there’s plenty of entertainment, like impressive fireworks shows, parades, and street entertainment unlike any other Disney theme park. There’s truly no better place to enjoy a theme park and experience all that Disney has to offer guests of all ages, including adults, than the Magic Kingdom.
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