Walt Disney World Florida Magic Kingdom Bucket List

(Contains affiliate links)

As you drive into Disney World you are greeted by the words “Where Dreams Come True”. And they do. They absolutely do. Regardless of age Disney World is the most magical place and it has a place in the hearts of many of us.

There’s nothing quite like the feeling you get as you turn the corner on the Main Street USA and in the distance, Cinderella’s castle begins to appear. Main Street is littered with cute Disney shops, the iconic Disney balloons, Disney characters and the statues which are scattered around the park.

Suddenly it’s like being a child again, so much excitement as you take in the Magic. It doesn’t get the name the most magical place on Earth without good reason. Since time here is so special you want to maximise on what you see and do to really make the most of your time there.

Sometimes the excitement gets in the way and things can be missed. I know this to be true of my visit in 2018 and I was kicking myself for missing some key things to do.

I’ve created a bucket list of things to do on your visit to help make sure you don’t miss anything off.

Disney Apps

First thing you should do is download the app. The Disney World app tells you about all of the shows and gives you a map of the parks. If you book on the app you can book three fast passes per person for the day you visit. You’re able to make restaurant bookings (this is the only way to book a restaurant) and place food orders. When you get photos on rides or around the park you can save it all on the photo pass section to go back to. There’s my plans section where you can add in the fast passes you book, shows and parades you’d like to see and restaurant reservations to keep it in one place.

The app tells you all of the wait times for the rides and updates continuously to keep you up to date with wait times. The less time you wait, the more you can do. This will be invaluable to allow you to make the most of your time.

Ok. Now we’ve covered that let us get onto the bucket list.

Magic Kingdom Bucket List

Disney Headband

Ok. Granted this won’t be on everyone’s checklist, but it is virtually top of mine. Before you enter the park there is a shop with a wall full of ears to choose from. The struggle will be picking a pair. They’re a great extra for all of the Disney photos to look back on. For me, a headband is a must! Want to be super organised and save some money? Order a pair of Disney Ears before ahead of time from the Disney online shop.

Main Street Balloons

I adore the balloons on Main Street. It is a great photo opportunity to hold the balloons in one hand as you gaze down toward Cinderella’s castle. The ones with the Mickey balloon inside the clear outer balloon is my favourite. If you see them after the sun goes down some of them light up inside too. Disney is so extra it’s unreal!

Meet The Characters

Another great one. Definitely, a key thing to do in Disney if you can. There are so many to meet and you can find information on the app and around the park as to where you can meet Mickey and the gang. Some characters have their own designated areas to meet so there is always someone to see wherever you are.

Mickey Shaped Food

Oh, how I love the cute Mickey-shaped snacks you can get. Food is so much better shaped like Mickey. There are plenty of options so there is definitely a Mickey snack for everyone. Doughnut, rice Krispie pop, pretzel, cinnamon roll, ice cream sandwich, ice cream bar, cookie, waffles, chocolate covered apple, the list goes on. See I told you there was something for everyone. Even the Starbucks cups are adorned with mini Mickey faces on them.

Find The Statues

There is a multitude of brass statues in and around the park. One of the first you will see is of Roy and Minnie Mouse sitting on a brass bench at the beginning of Main Street. Around the castle, you will find a few more including the iconic Walt himself with hand in hand with Mickey, the mouse that started it all.

Dine-In One Of The Restaurants

With plenty of restaurants on offer, you’ll find yourself spoiled for choice. My personal favourite is, and this is purely my inner Disney Princess influence, Be Our Guest, and Cinderella’s Royal Table. What could be more magical than dining in the grand ballroom from Beauty and the Beast as you pour your tea from Mrs Potts and drink it from Chip. Dining is available all day and you can choose from breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The Purple Wall

In all of the Disney parks, there is a themed wall which is a popular spot for a photo, they even have their own location tag on Instagram. In the Magic Kingdom, it is The Purple Wall. You can find it as you head into Tomorrow Land near Monsters Inc. This is probably my personal favourite, closely followed by the Bubblegum Wall in Epcot. I adore the way it goes from a cute galactic geo style into a fun light purple shade.

Watch The Festival Of Fantasy Parade

This is a must. If you go to Disney you need to watch the parade. It is such an iconic and incredible spectacle to see. The floats are amazing and everyone involved put on such an outstanding show. There are many great viewing spots around the park. The parade begins at 1400 each day and begins at Frontierland, from there it passed through Liberty Sq and around in front of the castle before reaching Main Street. If you wait on Main Street to view the parade it may take around 10 minutes or more before it reaches you. Some of my favourite viewing points are in front of Cinderella’s castle, near the Christmas shop at Liberty Sq and Main Street. Be sure to find a spot early as you will want to get a good view.

The Rides

This has to be one of the main reasons for visiting the Magic Kingdom. There are some great ones to go on and definitely something for everyone. Space Mountain is my personal favourite, but if you’re not a fan of a coaster hop aboard the People Mover for a trip around Tomorrowland. It also goes inside of Space Mountain so you get a feel for it. Another favourite of mine. Other classics include The Haunted Mansion, It’s A Small World, Peter Pan’s Flight, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train to name but a few. Some rides attract bigger wait times than others so be sure to prioritise those fast passes. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is a good one to fast pass as you generally find this to have a lengthy wait. Don’t forget your Magic Band!

Watch The Happily Ever After Fireworks

Last but by no means least, you must see the fireworks. What an incredible show Disney put on and it rounds off your magical day perfectly. The Fireworks last for around 20 minutes and are combined with a light display on the castle. Disney music fills the park as the colours of the fireworks change to match their films. Like the parade, you must grab the perfect viewing point early to see the display in its full glory. The good spots fill up fast and you’ll want to see them without any obstruction.

I cannot wait to revisit the Magic Kingdom. I hope to see Disneyland Paris very soon, and all being well California in the next year.

Have you visited any of the Disney Parks?

Plan your trip here. Did you know you can book your tickets in advance and often this can save you money.

If you or someone you know is visiting Disney why not get them a Disney Gift Card to use while they’re there?

You can also save money and earn rewards with the Disney Visa Card.

What are your must-do things while there?

I have another travel post on Florida you can check out here.