Magic Kingdom

The focal point and, by far, the most popular, if not the most charming, of Walt Disney World's four parks, the Magic Kingdom is the east coast version of Walt Disney's prototype, Disneyland. It uses a "hub and spoke" layout to connect the iconic Cinderella's Castle at its center with the themed lands: Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, Mickey's Toontown Fair, Adventureland, Fronteirland, Liberty Square and Main Street, U.S.A. By focusing on Disney's powerful and emotionally charged catalogue of characters, films and timeless stories and merging them with immersive attraction technologies, the Magic Kingdom exerts a magnetic pull on children and the child in all of us. It is the quintessential theme park experience.

Highlights
It's nearly all wonderful but if you have to narrow down the list:

• Pirates of the Caribbean
• The Haunted Mansion
• it's a small world
• Space Mountain
• Splash Mountain
• "Wishes" fireworks show
• Peter Pan's Flight

Top Magic Kingdom Thrill Rides

Magic Kingdom Dining

Perhaps the weakest of the four parks for restaurants. And the only one not to serve alcohol. Some OK choices:

• Tony's Town Square Restaurant- Italian specialties, themed to Lady and the Tramp
• Cinderella's Royal Table- Atop the castle, medieval themeing, hearty fare.
• Liberty Tree Tavern- Colonial New England themeing and food
• The Crystal Palace- Decent buffet

Magic Kingdom Tips

• As with all Disney parades, grab a spot for the MK's parades at least 30 minutes before they start or you'll be stuck three rows behind mouse-eared guests.
• Check the Magic Kingdom's Fastpass attractions and learn how to make the most of the Fastpass program.
• If lines are wearing you down, head to some of the typically low-queue attractions such as the Hall of Presidents or the Tomorrowland Transit Authority.

New for 2011 and 2012
Let the Memories Begin
The campaign will incorporate guests' images into a nightly show. Learn how to share your Disney memories in a big way throughout 2011 and 2012.

New for 2012
One More Disney Day
Disney celebrates leap year by keeping its parks open for a 24-hour marathon. Plus it is giving away vacations and offering a special hotel deal.

New for 2012 and 2013

Fantasyland Expansion- A major expansion at the Magic Kingdom will more than double the size of Fantasyland. With two phases scheduled to open in 2012 and 2013, the land will offer richer, more immersive experiences and will introduce a wider array of characters. Instead of simple meet-and-greets, the new mini-lands will envelop guests in the worlds of Disney's classic films and get them involved in hands-on adventures.

• Fantasyland Expansion Mini Photo Gallery

Show and Tell: Share Your Best Disney World Photos.
Show and Tell: See other users' best Disney World photos.

Yo Ho, Yo Ho, the Pirates Ride for Me
Check out the seminal Pirates of the Caribbean E-Ticket attraction, including a review, some below-deck insights from Disney Imagineering legend Marty Sklar, a 16-photo gallery--even the lyrics to the rousing "Yo Ho" song. Drink up, me 'earties!

They're Dying to Meet You at the Haunted Mansion
An overnight sensation (that was actually many years in the making), the classic Haunted Mansion ride has remained enormously popular; casual and ardent fans alike typically pair it with Pirates of the Caribbean as the archetypal Disney attractions. Here is my full review, plus links to behind-the-screams secrets revealed, Museum of the Weird facts about the ride, a Haunted Mansion Photo Gallery, a history of the attraction from Disney legend Marty Sklar--even the lyrics to "Grim Grinning Ghosts," the Haunted Mansion theme song.

Oh, the (Halloween) Horror at Florida's Theme Parks
Info about the annual Halloween events at Florida theme parks, including Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World, SeaWorld Orlando, and Busch Gardens Africa.

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year--at Walt Disney World
The Walt Disney World theme parks are magical throughout the year. Add an overlay of holiday cheer, and the parks supersize the magic and fun between Thanksgiving and New Year's. So, put on your Santa hat and your matching red shorts while we check out the holidays, Florida-theme-park style.

Walt Disney World Trip-Planning Resources

• Best Things to Do at Disney World
  As the Theme Parks Guide for About.com, you'd expect that I'd have Disney World tips to share. And you'd be right. If you're making a pilgrimage to Florida, I've got ten things to do at Disney World that I just wouldn't want you to miss.
• Magic Your Way Ticket Program
  Learn how to navigate through the different options, save some money, and land the best deal for your vacation.
• Guide to Walt Disney World Hotels
  Before you get to Disney World, you'll need to make plans, including hotel reservations. Check out About.com's Guide to Walt Disney World Hotels.
• Top 10 Best WDW Rides and Shows
• Top 10 Best Restaurants at Disney World
• Your (Free) Magic Carpet Awaits
  Read about Disney's program that offers complimentary ground transportation between Orlando International Airport and its resort to guests staying at its hotels.
• How to Make the Most of Disney's Fastpass Virtual Line Program
  Riding Dumbo is an archetypal Disney theme park experience. But the 90-or-so seconds of pure joy is often preceded by another archetypal Disney experience: the dreaded 45-or-so minutes spent standing in line. Learn how to bypass some of the queues with Fastpass.