The Happiest Place on Earth

My first visit to any theme park in US was none other than the world’s  happiest place – ‘Disney’s Magic Kingdom’, Orlando, Florida. This is the place where childhood’s fairy tales and fantasies come true.

Read along with me and get the amazing experience of magic’ of  Disney’s Magic Kingdom.

THE MEMORIES

When I was kid, before going to bed, my mom used to read the fairy tales of Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and Snow White every night to me and my brother. My mom introduced me to these Disney Princesses and made me believe in fairy tales and that dreams come true.

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Image Source: Giphy.com

Since then , I had fantasy to visit Disney world and finally this dream came true on 18th April 2015. My companion in this dreamland was my soulmate, ‘Peeyush’. Though it was his second visit but he was equally excited. I didn’t sleep the night before our visit due to the excitement.

THE DRIVE

We started from our place, Tampa around 6:30 AM and our destination was Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Orlando which is almost one and a half hour drive. As soon we left from our place, we went to Starbucks Drive Thru and took our Coffee No.1 to kick start the day along with two Bagels and Honey Oatmeal Cookies. I was going for a drive on an Interstate in US for the first time. We took I-4 towards Orlando. This is the beautiful Interstate with three wide lanes on both the sides. There is lush greenery along both the sides of the Interstate. It seems God has himself painted the scenic beauty, everything looks just perfect. The roads were as clean as a whistle. The sun was rising and the sky was as  clear as crystal. The amazing part was everybody was driving smooth. Though people drive their vehicles at 70-100 mph on the Interstate but since majority of the people follow the traffic rules, driving here is smooth and safe.

Interstate 4, Florida, USA
Interstate 4, Florida, USA

As we reached the entrance of Walt Disney World- Orlando, I was super excited and just could not wait to enter the kingdom of happiness. However, we were stuck in heavy traffic near the Magic Kingdom for half an hour. Finally, we reached around 8:15 AM. Since it was a weekend therefore  it was very crowded even that time. Even in the parking, there was huge rush.

An Entry to the 'Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida
An Entry to the ‘Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida

THE PARKING

One of the fascinating thing about Magic Kingdom parking lot is that it is divided into two sections — ‘THE HEROES’  and ‘THE VILLAINS’. Then smaller sections within each as Woody, Aladdin, Peter Pan, Simba, Mulan and Rapunzel (Heroes lot), and Zurg, Jafar, Hook, Scar, Cruella and Ursula (Villains lot). Each lot also  has its own color, so essentially, all you have to remember is one of these three characteristics (hero, Rapunzel or blue) and you can find your car. Fortunately, we got ‘THE HEROES’ Lot and section was ‘Peter Pan’. So I was happy to be the part of ‘THE HEROES- Peter Pan’ section.

THE WELCOME I MISSED

Usually the Disney’s Magic Kingdom park opens at 9:00 AM to 12:00 AM every day but that day it opened an hour before the scheduled time, at 8:00 AM. Disney World welcomes its guests for the day in a grand ceremony where a train comes along a platform over the main gate filled with few Disney’s characters dancing and welcoming the crowd. Then the gates open and the huge procession of men, women and children of all walks of life enter the park together, full of hope, happiness and life. There is a mountain of expectations from Disney World and believe me, Magic Kingdom doesn’t disappoint.

Though I missed the grand welcome but when I reached inside, there was a complete transformation in me. I was a little kid again, jumping and screaming  at top of my voice. I was ecstatic and excited and could not believe that I was inside ‘Disney’s Magic Kingdom’-a place where dreams come true.  There is an ambiance of joy all around and it just rubs on to everyone.

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Main Gate Entrance, Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Orlando, FL

THE MAIN STREET

As we entered inside the main gate, we saw ‘Town Square Theater’ on the Main street, USA. It was our first stop inside the Magic Kingdom. There was huge queue and we waited for around 45 minutes to see what was the real reason for such a long wait time. To my surprise, I saw Mickey Mouse inside his rehearsal room and waiting to meet his biggest fans.  As soon our turn came to meet Mickey Mouse, he came and hugged me. He showed some card tricks to us, though admittedly, he needed some more practice. 😉

Meet Mickey Mouse at Town Square Theater
Meet Mickey Mouse at Town Square Theater, Main Street, USA, Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Orlando, FL

On Main Street USA,  I saw Starbucks and could not resist myself. I had my coffee No. 2. Then moving ahead, I had a glimpse of  the iconic ‘Cinderella Castle’ from the Main Street which is lined with shops selling food and merchandise. The decor has a set up of a small town of America in 20th century.

Main Street
Main Street, USA, Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Orlando, FL

From Main Street , I could not stop myself and started running to catch the full view of Cinderella Castle. I was  speechless when I reached in front of the castle. It was huge, grand, magnificent, splendid and fascinating anyone could ever imagine. For a moment I felt like I am in a different world. I could not believe that the animated logo of this castle which is shown at the beginning of any movie sponsored by Walt Disney Production is real and standing tall in front of my sight.

Cinderella Castle
Cinderella Castle, Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Orlando, FL

THE FANTASY LAND

After entering inside the castle, we reached Fantasy Land which is themed in a medieval-fair / carnival style. Our first stop in Fantasy land was ‘It’s a Small World’. It is dark water ride featuring more than 300 hundred animated dolls representing the different parts of this world and dancing on a song promoting harmony and universal peace.

It's a Small world
It’s a Small world, Fantasy Land, Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Orlando, FL

Our second stop in Fantasy Land was ‘Princess Fairy tale Hall’. This is the most crowded place with long queue throughout the year. We waited for more than an hour to get inside and meet my favorite Disney Princess- ‘Cinderella’. I was so excited that I forgot about the waiting time. The fascinating thing about long queue was it was filled with little girls dressed in Disney princess costume and carrying autograph diaries and pen for their favorite princess autographs. The dedication of parents was exemplary  who were so much involved to get their little girls look no lesser than Disney Princess. Those little kids looked like angels.

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Finally my chance came to meet my favorite princess from Disney fairy tales- Cinderella. She was adorable and looked like the replica of Cinderella in the book which my mother used to read for me when I was kid. She hugged and welcomed me for my first Disney visit ( As I had Disney’s badge for my first visit to Magic Kingdom). Then she asked about my country and the places I have seen in Magic Kingdom till that time. I also got an opportunity to meet another Disney princess Rapunzel famous for her long hairs.

Posing with Disney Princesses Cinderella & Rapunzel at Fairy Tale Hall, Fantasy Land, Disney's Magic Kingdom, Orlando, FL
Posing with Disney Princesses Cinderella & Rapunzel at Fairy Tale Hall, Fantasy Land, Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Orlando, FL

Other Princesses in Fairy Tale hall were from the billion dollar Disney fame 2013 movie ‘Frozen’ royal sisters- Queen ElsaPrincess Anna  from the kingdom of Arendelle. There was huge queue so we thought to ‘LET IT GO…!’ and keep this in our list for next Disney’s Magic kingdom visit.

It was almost 12:30 PM . There was scorching heat. So I thought to delight my taste buds with Mickey Mouse chocolate ice-cream sandwich. It was vanilla ice-cream sandwiched between chocolate layers in shape of Mickey Mouse. It was yummy…!

Mickey Mouse Chocolate Ice-cream Sandwich at Disney Magic Kindom, Orlando, FL
Mickey Mouse Chocolate Ice-cream Sandwich at Disney Magic Kingdom, Orlando, FL

It was around 12:40 PM and our next stop in Fantasy land was ‘the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train’. This was my favorite ride in Fantasy Land which is indoor as well as outdoor ride. We waited for almost 90 minutes for this ride due to long queue. However, I enjoyed the waiting time because the indoor line up area holds few interactive activities. One is a gem-sorting game where you match up three jewels of different shape but the same color. There is also a spot with barrels full of gems that you spin to create reflective animations of the Seven Dwarfs on the ceiling. If all of the Dwarfs are present on the ceiling, an animation of Snow White appears in the middle of the Dwarfs’ animations. Well our group failed to get all the reflective animations of Seven Dwarfs on ceiling and therefore we could not see ‘Snow White’. 🙁

'Seven Dwarfs Mine Train'-A Roller Coaster Ride, Disney's Magic Kingdom, Orlando, FL
‘Seven Dwarfs Mine Train’-A Roller Coaster Ride, Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Orlando, FL

Some other attractions of Disney’s Magic Kingdom Fantasy land are  Peter Pan’s Flight’, ‘The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh’,  ‘Mickey’s Philhar Magic’,  ‘Mad Tea Party’, and ‘Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid’. Due to limited time, we kept these rides in our pending list for next Disney’s Magic Kingdom visit.

THE LIBERTY SQUARE

Our next stop was the Liberty Square  which is based on an American Revolutionary colonial town. We went to the ‘Hall of Presidents’.There was presentation about American history and all the former and present Presidents of United States of America in audio-animatronic figure in a human form. It was prodigious.

'Hall of Fame', Liberty Square, Magic Kingdom, Orlando, FL
‘Hall of Fame’, Liberty Square, Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Orlando, FL

Moving ahead our next ride on Liberty Square was ‘Liberty Belle Riverboat’ or also called ‘Mark Twain Riverboat’. It is a boat ride over ‘Rivers of America’ which is the artificial river created in Frontier land. On this ride, you can get to see some of the amazing scenic views of ‘Tom Sawyer Island’ and Frontier land.

Ride on Liberty Belle Riverboat or Mark Twain Riverboat, Liberty Square, Disney Magic Kingdom, Orlando, FL
Ride on Liberty Belle Riverboat or Mark Twain Riverboat, Liberty Square, Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Orlando, FL
Tom Sawyer Island, Disney's Magic Kingdom, Orlando, FL
Tom Sawyer Island, Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Orlando, FL

THE TOMORROW LAND

It was 2:10 PM and our next destination was ‘Tomorrow Land’ which is conceptualize as an intergalactic city in future based on UFO’s, Rockets, Space- shuttles and Robots.

Our first stop in Tomorrow land was ‘Space Mountain’ which is one of the classic ride of Tomorrow land, Disney’s Magic Kingdom. It is indoor steel roller coaster ride based on galactic theme. On this ride, you will be going inside dark tunnel. I felt like I was travelling at a lightening speed and going to infinity. At one point of time I even felt like I was completely dead. It was heart thrilling experience.

Space Mountain Ride, Tomorrow Land, Disney's Magic Kingdom, Orlando, FL
Space Mountain Ride, Tomorrow Land, Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Orlando, FL

Some other attractions of Tomorrow Land were ‘Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress’, ‘Astro Orbiter’, ‘Tomorrow land Transit Authority People Mover’‘Tomorrow land Speedway’, ‘Stitch’s Great Escape’, ‘Buzz Light Year’s Space Ranger Spin’ and ‘Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor’. We kept all these rides in our pending list for next Disney’s Magic Kingdom visit due to limited time.

It was around 4:30 PM and we could manage to complete only ‘Main Street, USA’ ; ‘Fantasy Land’ ; ‘Liberty Square’ and ‘Tomorrow Land’. By that time, I was completely tired and my legs were hurting badly. Then we went to Starbucks located at ‘Main Street’ and had our Coffee No. 3 along with chocolate muffins and Chocolate Croissants. Within few minutes, my caffeine started working and I became re-energized again to conquer our pending destinations- Adventure land and Frontier land.

THE ADVENTURE LAND

We started heading towards Adventure land.  It represent the theme of exploring new adventures in foreign lands of Asia, Africa, Middle-East, South America and Caribbean Islands.

Our first ride in ‘Adventure land’ was ‘Pirates of Caribbean’ which is dark water ride based on the movie series ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’. It was a simple ride with animated electronic Pirates of the Caribbean characters.

Pirates of Caribbean Ride, Adventure land, Disney's Magic Kingdom, Orlando FL
Pirates of Caribbean Ride, Adventure land, Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Orlando FL

Our next stop in Adventure land was ‘Swiss Family Tree house’. It is a beautiful and giant  tree house where you can hear and see various scenes based on the Disney movie ‘Swiss Family Robinson’.

At Swiss Tree House, Adventure Land, Magic Kingdom, Orlando, FL
At Swiss Tree House, Adventure Land, Magic Kingdom, Orlando, FL

Some of the other attractions of Adventure land are ‘Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room’; ‘Jungle Cruise’ and ‘The Magic Carpets of Aladdin’. Again due to time constraint, we could not manage all these rides and kept in our pending list for  Disney’s Magic kingdom next visit.

At Adventure land, Disney's Magic Kingdom, Orlando, FL
At Adventure land, Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Orlando, FL

THE ELECTRICAL PARADE

It was 8:30 PM and we had our Coffee No. 4. We were waiting for one of the most spectacular event of Disney’s Magic Kingdom. It was Disney’s Main Street ‘Electrical Parade’ followed by ‘Disney’s Musical show’ and ‘Fireworks’.

I bet these  performances are something larger than life and they are bound to impress you.

At Main Street, Disney's Magic Kingdom, Orlando, FL
At Main Street, Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Orlando, FL

Disney’s  Main Street Electrical Parade started at 9:00 PM. It was dazzling, sparkling and filled with beloved Disney characters and dancers, waving at crowd. It got started by a ‘Tinker bell’ which orchestrates the magic, lighting the way with a wave of her wand. More than half a million shimmering lights were carefully synchronized to a memorable soundtrack to create this moving musical spectacle which lasted over twenty electrifying minutes.

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Main Street  Electrical Parade with Tinker Bell, Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Orlando, FL

It was amazing to watch Disney’s characters like ‘Alice in Wonderland’; ‘Cinderella’; ‘Pinocchio’; ‘Snow White and Seven Dwarfs’ and ‘Pete’s Dragon Elliott’  in an electrifying parade.

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Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse on Disney’s Electrical Parade Train, Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Orlando, FL

THE MUSICAL SHOW

After Disney’s Main Street Electrical Parade, now came the most spectacular event of the night for which I was waiting since morning. It was Disney’s Sound and Musical show -‘Celebrate the Magic’ at Cinderella Castle. This show was something larger than life. It was so grand, stunning and all Disney characters were dazzling on the Cinderella Castle. I have never ever seen something so spectacular in my entire life. For a moment, I became nostalgic and went in my childhood memories of my favorite Disney’s characters – ‘Mickey Mouse’‘Donald Duck’‘Cinderella’, ‘Snow White’, ‘Aladdin’, ‘Jasmine’, ‘Pinocchio’, ‘Little Mermaid’ and many more. I could see them live on the Cinderella’s Castle.

The most fascinating thing that touched me about this show was when at the end, image of Walt Disney comes on Cinderella’s Castle and he says

 “I hope that we never lose sight of one thing – that it was all started by a mouse.”

After that ‘Mickey Mouse’ appears on the castle.

The crowd  cheered and applauded him.

I could not stop my tears of joy … I was lost in the ‘magic of Disney’s Magic kingdom.

 THE FIREWORKS

The last spectacular show of the night was ‘Disney’s Magic Kingdom Fireworks’. Wishes come true as the voices of beloved Disney characters narrate this spectacular fireworks show.

 After seeing the the ‘magic’ of Magic Kingdom  that can’t be described, only felt, came alive in the tranquility of that moment. After witnessing the ostentatious display of Disney’s characters which are larger than life…what else could you ask for more in your life…?

Disney's Magic Kingdom Fireworks, Orlando, FL
Disney’s Magic Kingdom Fireworks, Orlando, FL
Disney's Magic Kingdom Fireworks, Orlando, FL
Disney’s Magic Kingdom Fireworks, Orlando, FL

THE FRONTIER LAND

It was already 10:15 PM and we had to cover our next destination – Frontier land  which is based on the theme of Latin America. It gives an opportunity to you to  relive the American Old West and can see Cowboys. One of the classical  rides of Disney’s Magic Kingdom are ‘Thunder Mountain Railroad’ and ‘Splash Mountains’ which is  located in the Frontier land. We had the Fast Passes for both the rides. (Fast Pass is the privilege given by Disney to any three rides in which you don’t have to wait in long queue but there will be separate line with lesser waiting time).

Firstly, we  went to ‘Thunder Mountain Railroad’ which is indoor as well as outdoor mine train roller coaster ride. The action of the ride takes place completely in the sagging, rotting tunnels of the mountain. You will encounter falling rocks, the smell of sulfur as you pass the phosphorescent pools and flash flood.

I was very much scared by this ride but Peeyush dragged me for it by saying that “You should not waste Fast Pass…,trust me you will have so much fun”. I gained courage and sat on the roller coaster.  As soon as the ride started, there was huge Adrenaline rush in my body.  I closed my eyes and felt that roller coaster was moving up-side down on mountain.  For a fraction of second, I felt that my internal body parts are floating inside my body. When I reached bottom of the roller coaster ride, I felt gravitational force is pulling me back. It was sensational feeling throughout my nerves. The ride was amazing.

Big Thunder Mountain Rail Road, Disney's Magic Kingdom, Orlando, FL
Big Thunder Mountain Rail Road, Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Orlando, FL

Last but not the least, we came to our final legendary ride- ‘Splash Mountains’. This is Magic Kingdom’s “don’t miss” attraction. It is the strength of the park. It is not unusual for you to see three generations of family members riding together on this ride.

This roller coaster ride is combination of steep chutes and animatronics with at least one special effect for each of the senses. The ride covers over half a mile, splashing through swamps, caves, and backwoods bayous before climaxing in a five-story plunge and Br’er Rabbit’s triumphant return home.

I am not a roller coaster person.  So I was the only scared bunny in my entire troupe. The amazing thing I found was the kids out here were very brave and fearless. They enjoy so much on roller coaster rides. They all raise their hands up in the air during any upside down movement or free fall. On contrary, I never ever raised my hands up on any ride but held the grip tightly as much as possible.  Also, I closed my eyes in most of the roller coaster rides. 😀

Splash Mountain Ride, Disney's Magic Kingdom, Orlando, FL
Splash Mountain Ride, Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Orlando, FL

THE GOOD BYE

It was 11:15 PM and we were close to end of our long day. We were hungry so went to ‘Main Street Confectionery shop’ which is old fashioned Candy shop. The amazing thing about this shop is you can see caramel apples, peanut brittle and fudge  made on the  site. We had two chocolate fudges from there and I bought few ‘Mickey Mouse Candies’ for myself as  souvenir. Then I had my usual  Starbucks Coffee No. 5.

Later we went to ‘Emporium’ – the largest gift and souvenir shop of Disney’s Magic Kingdom, located at Main Street.  I bought my favorite Disney Princess- ‘Cinderella’ from there along with a ‘Mickey Mouse’ soft toy as a souvenir for my first visit to Disney’s Magic Kingdom.

'Cinderella' - My favorite Disney Princess
‘Cinderella’ – My favorite Disney Princess
“I love Mickey Mouse more than any woman I have ever known” -Walt Disney

I looked at my Mobile.  It was 11:50 PM and my smart mobile app told me

 ‘Congrats Ana, You have covered 52,400 steps today. Its a milestone achievement’.

I smiled and thought about  an entire day…It was the best day of my life and I got an opportunity to re-live my childhood. Though I could hardly walk by that time but I was content . I was extremely high with  ‘DISNEY FEVER’. I could not have asked for  anything more …!!

16 Comments

    1. So much fun! I wish I would have been there but I felt like I was with all of that detail! I loved the whole day! You make me want to go back without my kids to have a great day by myself being a kid!

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