What do you do first when you go to Magic Kingdom?

When you walk into Magic Kingdom, your mind has to be immediately flooded with all the things to see and to do. Do you make a beeline for the Jungle Cruise and grab some spring rolls on the way, or do you ride the carrousel while nibbling on a turkey leg? Well, we’ve got a list of things for you to do the next time you’re in Magic Kingdom. Let’s check it out!
Welcome to the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. It’s home to some of the most fun and entertaining experiences that you won’t find anywhere else. That means you have to come prepared with a list of must-do activities so you don’t miss out. Here’s a list of 10 things that you need to do the next time you go…
…Otherwise, did you even go to Magic Kingdom?
Eat Something Mickey-shaped
What more quintessential Disney treat is there than something that is Mickey-shaped? Maybe you can think of something, but we sure can’t.

You’ll find them all over the park and in all variations like a Mickey ice cream bar, a Mickey pretzel, or even Mickey-shaped waffles.

Basically, if they can put some ears on it, they will.
Take a Castle Pic
How do you prove you’ve been anywhere these days? You take a picture, right? Well, if you didn’t take a picture of Cinderella’s Castle, did you even go to the Magic Kingdom?

As you know, it’s the iconic symbol of the Magic Kingdom and your picture can serve as that beautiful reminder of the treasured time spent there within all the magic!
Ride a Classic Disney Ride
Listen, there are so many rides at the Magic Kingdom and that makes it hard to choose what you’ll get on, and you have to remember that not all of them are classics. We don’t want you feeling like you didn’t even go to the park if you didn’t get on at least one of the classics like “it’s a small world”…

…or Peter Pan’s Flight (beware of the long line!)…

…the Haunted Mansion is always a winner…

…and you can’t miss out on either of the mountains (Space Mountain or Big Thunder Mountain Railroad).

And that’s not even the full list. You’ll just have to make sure you don’t miss out on riding at least one of them.
Say Hi to the Boss
You can’t come all the way to the Magic Kindom and not say “hi” to the boss himself.

We totally get that you may have mixed feelings about meeting the characters over getting on the rides, but don’t think you have only one way to meet Mickey. You can see him in one of the parades or even at a character meal. So you’ve got options.
Town Square Theater
Have a Dole Whip
Now, right up there with getting something Mickey-shaped has to be getting a Dole Whip.

It’s so recognizable and is basically an icon on its own at this point. Also, can you think of a better way to beat the Florida heat than by having a delicious Dole Whip, maybe from Aloha Isle?
Ride the Carousel of Progress
This one probably should have been included in the classic rides from earlier as it’s one of the OG attractions, but we felt it deserved its own attention.

The Carousel of Progress is such a classic attraction where you experience a family through the last century, as they show how times have changed due to the many modern inventions and you’ll find it over in Tomorrowland. It also doubles as a great place to get a breather from the heat and the crowds. That song is pretty catchy too!
Carousel of Progress
Ride the People Mover
And while we’re in that neck of the woods, you need to hop onto the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover. (Not that it’s a mouthful or anything)

On this relaxing ride, you’ll get some panoramic views of the park that you can’t get anywhere else. You may even get some sneak peeks into some of the other rides too!
Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
Relax and Enjoy Tom Sawyer’s Island
After you’ve ridden Big Thunder Mountain, you need to take a pit stop over at Tom Sawyer’s Island.

You’d be amazed at the amount of people who don’t even realize that you can go here. Don’t miss out on walking the paths, checking out the fort, and walking through the caves on the island.

It’s a unique experience and generally a place where you can miss the crowds.
Tom Sawyer Island
Watch the Fireworks
What Magic Kingdom trip would be complete if you didn’t watch the fireworks show?

The current show, Happily Ever After, is a fan-favorite and quite frankly, one of the most breathtaking fireworks shows that’s ever been at the Magic Kingdom. You’ll absolutely be immersed in it as the projections go from the castle to Main Street, U.S.A., and if you have a MagicBand+ that will give you even more immersion as it synchs to the lights and sounds. It’s an almost 20-minute-long spectacle that will be a memory for you and the family to cherish.
Happily Ever After Fireworks
Shop in the Emporium
We’ve made it folks to the last entry in our list and it’s something that you don’t have to queue up for, get an Individual Lightning Lane, or any of those things. We’re talking about taking a stroll through the Emporium!

Before your time at the Magic Kingdom comes to an end, you’ll have to pop in here and make sure not to miss out on any of the Disney memorabilia you were eyeing. You’ll find just about everything from Mickey ears and apparel to collectibles here, which will make for some great keepsakes.

And remember, that it’s not just all about the shopping as throughout the day you can enjoy performances by the Dapperest of Dans and the parade shows that pass right in front.

There are so many things to do at Magic Kingdom and that was a challenge just narrowing it down to 10. Our recommendation is to go with a plan so you can experience all the rides, food, and entertainment that you want. Until then, let us know your thoughts below, and keep it right here for all the latest Disney news!
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What’s your top must-do in the Magic Kingdom? Let us know in the comments!
7 out of 10.
Tom Sawyer Island was not open when we went, not a fan of.pineapple ice cream so no Dole Whip and Carousel.of Progress Meh!
First and only visit so.I say win!
Australia a long way to visit regularly ?