Top 5 Things To Do in Magic Kingdom

5. Ride the Mountains

Three of four WDW Mountain rides are located in Magic Kingdom. Big Thunder and Splash Mountain are right next to each in Frontierland. So when you are done riding one, you can hop in line for the other! Space Mountain is on the opposite side of the park in Tomorrowland. Every time I go to Magic Kingdom with a group of friends, we always ride at least one mountain. Between the classic Splash Mountain photo op, screaming on the wildest ride in the wilderness or goofing off of the moving sidewalk exit, memories can easily be made on these rides. The mountains are some of the most popular rides in Magic Kingdom, so the wait times are long. See if you can fit in all three in one day. Don't forget to visit Animal Kingdom to ride the fourth mountain: Expedition Everest.

4. Mickey's Philharmagic

This is one of my favorite attractions in Magic Kingdom and what I consider to be a hidden gem. It is not the most popular ride, so I had no idea what to expect when my friend dragged me in the line. I ended up falling in love with it! It is a 4D film that takes you through some of Disney's best songs. Sometimes the audience sings along, which I love. Also, the attraction is indoors and air-conditioned, so it is a nice twenty minute break from the Florida humidity. TIP: After the curtains close on the screen, turn around and look to the back of the theater. You'll see Donald Duck!

3. Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin

Some people think that this ride is overrated or that Toy Story Midway Mania in Hollywood Studios is better. But I still have to add this to my list. When I took my boyfriend to Disney World for the first time, this was his favorite thing in all of Magic Kingdom. My parents and I had to ride it twice because my dad loved it, too. And one of my coworkers said that he would ride this just by himself anytime he was at MK to try to beat his high score. So if you're getting competitive with a partner or just wanting to have fun by yourself, this is a great option.

2. Cinderella Castle

Okay, so this is the famous icon of the park. But it's more than just a backdrop for cheesy tourist photos. Cinderella's castle is breathtaking in person. There is a stage facing Main Street where shows are periodically performed. Inside is a restaurant, Cinderella's Royal Table and Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique where little ones can be transformed. During certain parts of the day, you can actually walk through Cinderella's Castle. You will see a mural depicting Cinderella's story. You can take the castle shortcut on your way to Fantasyland, Liberty Square or Main Street. Sometimes guests are even allowed to walk on the castle stage, which has the best view of Main Street. So go ahead and take as many cheesy photos as you want! 

1. Festival of Fantasy Parade

This is my favorite parade in all of WDW. Filled with colorful floats, catchy songs and everyone's favorite Disney characters, this is not to be missed. The parade starts in Frontierland and ends on Main Street, so you can get a great view of FOF from anywhere.  Once, I even followed the parade from Liberty Square all the way up to the Main Street Train Station! What I love about this parade is all of the character interaction. Even though Ariel and Merida are perched high above the crowds on their floats, they still make eye contact with individuals. If you're lucky, Flynn Ryder will give you the smolder. The dancers are phenomenal, and also interact with guests in between choreography. The characters walking the parade on foot will go right up to you, talk to you or give you a high five. And the tune of the parade will be stuck in your head for months (Away we go...it's the festival of fantasy!).