Disney's Magic Kingdom - the happiest place on earth! (Disney World Orlando Florida - Magic Kingdom)

Member Name: annar1008

Product:	Disney World Orlando Florida - Magic Kingdom
Date:	06/11/08 (40 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Amazing theming, great fireworks.

Disadvantages: Not many scary rides.

As a child, I was deprived of one of one of my fundamental rights - I was never taken to Disney World!

After 26 years of longing, eager to right the wrong, I finally arrived in Florida this September. In fact, it was only the prohibitive price of flights to Nepal that had finally convinced my partner that a week of Disney fun was just what he wanted to do with his summer break! To anyone out there who is still trying to persuade that sceptical someone, just get them to read this review. My partner now rates it as one of his best trips away - though he'd never admit that in public!

The iconic Magic Kingdom was first on our list and we arrived at about 10:30am after a slight hold up at a timeshare presentation (see my other review). We were incredibly lucky with the timing of our trip. If you feasibly can, go in late September just after all the schools go back. The place was empty! Worried that there may be long queues, we headed straight for the biggest and scariest rides. In fact, across all the parks that we went to, these were the rides with the shortest queuing times. I guess the advantage of visiting these theme parks as an adult is that you don't have to wait in line for 2 hours to see Dumbo the flying elephant.

There are two "major thrill" rides according to the guide: Space Mountain and Splash Mountain. Both were great although slightly overshadowed by the far scarier array of rides at the Universal parks. I'm usually someone who only likes the scary rides (although it takes a far amount of psyching myself up before hand!) but having done the two mountains within half an hour of arriving we turned our attention to some of the tamer offerings. My personal highlight was Mickey's Philharmagic, a 3D film based on songs from all the Disney musicals brought to life with smells and water. Truly incredible!!

They may not have the best rides but what sets the Magic Kingdom apart from all the rest is the bubble of happiness that it creates. As we sat after dusk watching the incredible fireworks display set above the castle, I was struck by a sense of serenity and awe. It is truly amazing how much effort and attention to details has been put into creating this experience (check out the talking rubbish bin in Tomorrow Land). Disney calls all its employees 'cast members' and it's true - they all play happier versions of themselves. For just one day you can exist in a world where everyone smiles at you, from the litter collectors to the toilet attendants. It's infectious too; we were smiling at taxi drivers and fellow hotel guests long after we'd left the park. I reckon the world would be a far better place if everyone spent a little time soaking up the magic!

Summary: Magic Kingdom - well worth a visit!