Magic Kingdom

I love Disney World (I don't care how old I am) and the Magic Kingdom is the quintessential Disney World park/experience. The castle, the rides (Splash Mountain, Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, the list goes on), the attractions (the Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, etc.). There are some hidden gems all throughout the park, but one thing people typically forget to do is Carousel of Progress... It's in the back of Tomorrowland, and it was actually Walt Disney's all-time favorite ride (he played a major role in its creation).

Of the major parks, Magic Kingdom is the one geared for young kids, or the young at heart. My best advice for Disney is PACE YOURSELF. With short vacation times these days, and the desire to have the most magical vacation ever, stress levels are high with the parents. DON'T TRY TO SEE IT ALL IN ONE DAY. RELAX! Especially with small kids. Just see and do those things you might like, get your child's input beforehand, so if there is a wait, they're willing to invest their time too.

It's best to get there when the park opens. If you stay "on property", that's earlier than when those unwashed masses are allowed in. In the afternoon, the lines are long, so wait to use your FASTPASS for those rides that tend to have long waits.

Be prepared to walk...a lot. If for you, getting exercise needs to involve escaped circus animals, spend some time increasing your walking stamina before you leave. Go for long walks in your neighborhood, at the mall, something. Walk as much as you can to prepare for the insane amount of walking you'll be doing at Magic Kingdom. Getting there, and being exhausted on your first day is no fun.

I highly recommend "The Unofficial Guide to Disney World" series of books and website if Disney is your main roadtripping destination. More tips in there than I could ever put in this review.

My last thought is, be prepared to wait in line at Disney, especially if you are going in high season, you just can't avoid it. Spend that time in line planning the next thing you want to do, or just playing silly games with your kids. The kind that don't involve them staring at a mobile device. Games like I Spy, 20 Questions, I'm Going On a Picnic. And if you're lucky, that's what they'll remember about Disney World.

Definitely a must on your bucket list if you have kids. If you don't have kids, and your parents never took you? Go anyway. You will have a great time.

Best times of year is October and January if you like to avoid crowds. I've heard good things about the ride reservation system, but it was not in place last time I was there.

Great memories going there as a kid. As the name implies, it's a magical place for a kid, and perhaps even the grown up kid. For me, I think it's about discovery. There's so much to explore and see and experience. So much imagination. Why aren't all kingdoms built like this?

Magic Kingdom is pretty awesome... but there are only a handful of rides for "big kids"... that said you must do the following... Splash Mountain, Space Mountain, anything with a mountain! and the old-school Pirates of the Caribbean ride!

As a 12 year old, my class went on a field trip here and I didn't appreciate it as much as I should have. After going back with my wife years later, I had a much better time. (So much so that this is where we opted to spend out honeymoon!)

You can't really walk through any of the rooms in Cinderella's Castle, but it's still fantastic to see/take pictures in front of. The fireworks show at night over the castle is definitely worth staying for.

Tomorrowland and Fantasyland are my two favorite areas to visit. Even if you're not big into roller coasters, you should check out Space Mountain. On really hot days, the Splash Mountain ride will get you nice and cool once you go down the big hill!

I went to Magic Kingdom when I was 8-10 and I didn't really care for it. I was never big into Disney movies or characters so I don't think I was the intended demographic. Regardless, it's a modern marvel and truly larger than life. Definitely one of those places you have to see it to believe it.

Magic Kingdom is as magical and awesome to me today as it was when I was 2 years old. It's insanely clean, and nonsensically fun. Even for a 32 year old, mother of one. Getting your picture in front of Cinderella's Castle, no matter how cliche it is, should be on everyone's bucket list. I don't care how old and cynical you are, walking around the Magic Kingdom immediately transports you back to a time when you believed in fairy godmothers, islands full of lost boys and Caribbean ports attacked by pirates.

Magic Kingdom is truly Disney so much to do for all ages, the one thing to remember is pace yourself it's a long day a lot of walking you will not see it all in one day. I've been over twenty five times and I'm still learning you will love this park

I visited once when I was younger and have generally fond memories. That said, I think Universal Studios and Epcot are much better attractions. What I recall best was getting autographs from various Disney heroes and fiends as well as the "small world" ride. Ever since that fateful day, I have been unable to get that damn song out of my head.