Everyone has different things that they must do when they walk into a Disney park. Different things that they look forward to each visit; that keeps them coming back time after time. We got together and thought about our favorite things about Magic Kingdom. This was a difficult task, because we all love so many things, but we had to choose.
Question 1: What is your favorite ride/attraction?
Shannan: Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
Shannan loves this relatively new addition to Magic Kingdom park. She loves the way this family friendly coaster "twists and turns" to create a fun and whimsical ride experience. Add in being able to see the characters from Snow White brought to life in stunning animatronics and she know this will be a ride that will not disappoint.
Jessica: Splash Mountain
Jessica is a huge fan of Splash Mountain and needs to ride it multiple times a day when she visits the park. With a ride time over 5 minutes, she loves the nice relaxing journey through the ride channel aboard the log. The final drop is a great thrill and offers fantastic views of the park; and the splashdown is a refreshing splash on a hot Florida day.
Matt: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Matt is a roller coaster enthusiast and this ride scratches that itch. A long ride time, multiple lift hills and an old style feel make this a wonderful coaster for park goers looking for a bit more of a thrill. A wild west theme of prospectors in a Frontier town completes the theming of the ride and gives some fun scenery to look out for.
Peter: Pirates of the Caribbean
Peter's choice is one of the rides present on opening day. In fact, he was torn between this and a couple other opening day classics; Jungle Cruise and Haunted Mansion. Pirates of the Caribbean is a relaxing boat ride through various scenes depicting a port town under siege by pirates. Modern updates have added in Jack Sparrow and others into the theming which makes it even more enjoyable for him as a fan of the movie franchise.
Question 2: Where is your favorite place to eat?
Shannan: Tony's Town Square Restaurant
As the name implies, Tony's is located in Town Square just to the right past the railroad station after entering the park. Themed after Tony's where Lady and the Tramp shared their iconic dinner scene, guests can find all sorts of nods to that movie while looking around at the decor inside the restaurant. Shannan loves Italian food and this place has a menu full of delicious pastas, pizzas and more. A sometimes forgotten gem due to being at the front of the park, Shannan highly recommends you give it a try if you haven't already.
Jessica: Be Our Guest
What can be better than dining inside Beast's Castle. That is the main thing that draws Jessica to this location. The restaurant is found in Fantasyland to the left of Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and features three rooms; the ballroom, the library and the west wing. While getting a table in the west wing is a bit difficult make sure to pop your head in and take a look. For breakfast and lunch this location was a quick service dining credit with some fantastic menu items we hope returns soon. During dinner it transforms into a fine French cuisine menu with a price tag to match. Regardless, make sure you get your reservation early as they book fast for this fantastic location.
Matt: Crystal Palace
Somewhat surprisingly, Matt chose Crystal Palace. He used to enjoy the location when it was a buffet but feels the change to a family style restaurant is what now sets it apart as an awesome dining option. Found to the left at the end of Main Street U.S.A. (turn towards Adventureland, the building looks a bit like a greenhouse and is filled with Victorian splendor. Matt feels the menu now matches the elegance of the decor. The menu now features chicken, prime rib and pork chops and has a great dessert platter to share with the family. Hopefully, Winnie the Pooh and friends return soon to accompany this fantastic transformation of eating experience.
Peter: Jungle Navigation Skipper Canteen
Not surprisingly, Peter chose Skipper Canteen. A huge fan of Jungle Cruise, this restaurant is themed after that iconic ride as the main dining room is the skipper's mess hall. A couple other rooms like a private study and the adventurer's club complete the seating areas of this restaurant. Trinkets and collectibles from all the adventures of the company adorn the walls and there are so many things to look at that you can go time and again and always notice something new. When Peter goes to Disney, he looks for fantastic dining experiences beyond the "amusement park food" and this menu doesn't disappoint. The menu has unique and exotic cuisine with some inspiration in the dishes coming from other regions of the world. Give it a try and we are sure you'll agree.
Fun Fact: A "secret" bookcase separates the skipper mess hall and the Adventurer's Club room. Walk through it and look at which book is used to activate the opening mechanism.
Question 3: What is your favorite "hidden gem"?
Shannan: Tile Mosaic in the Castle
Everyone loves walking right through the middle of Cinderella's castle. But not a lot of people really pay attention to things when they do. They are hurrying to get in line for their favorite ride or they are trying to get to a dining reservation or they are just plain exhausted from a long day. Take a glance the next time you head through and you'll notice the walls are decorated with a beautiful tile mosaic display depicting the scenes from the story of Cinderella. If you have never seen it before, it is breath-taking.
Jessica: Cinnamon Roll at Gaston's Tavern
Just to the right of Be Our Guest across a small bridge you will find Gaston's Tavern set in the small town from the movie Beauty and the Beast. Inside you will find a cinnamon roll as big as your head! On mornings when her family doesn't have dining plans, this treat is a guaranteed must. After a couple early morning rides; a cinnamon roll, a Lafou's brew (apple/pear slushie) and a rest in a wonderfully decorated space are sure to delight.
Matt: Somewhat Secret Beast Meet and Greet
Earlier in this blog, we mentioned how awesome Be Our Guest is and at night the menu becomes a fine French dining experience. A fact, that isn't publicized, is that Beast himself is there waiting to invite you into his castle. After you wrap up dinner you can head into the parlor and meet the Beast who is very happy you have chosen his castle to dine in for the evening. It is the only consistent spot to meet the Beast on property and a nice addition to a wonderful meal.
Peter: More Than Pineapple Dole Whips
Everyone knows about Aloha Isle and the famous Dole Whip Pineapple floats. Did you know that dole whip comes in other flavors beyond pineapple? Sunshine Tree Terrace next to Swiss Family Treehouse always has a different dole whip flavored float available to check out. Lunching Pad, Cheshire Cafe, and Galactic Goodies also have been known to feature various floats regularly. There is nothing quite like a refreshing swirl of dole whip in a juice and looking around at other snack stands might have you finding a delicious hidden gem!
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