Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
196
107-acre Magic Kingdom is filled with more than 40 attractions (with new experiences
being added almost yearly), unique shops, and themed restaurants. Its most recognizable
feature is Cinderella Castle, the park's icon and centerpiece. And surrounding the castle
are the park's
seven themed lands,
stretching out like the spokes of a wheel.
ARRIVING
The parking lot here is huge—so big, in fact, that it's necessary to take a
tram just to get to the
Transportation and Ticket Center
(more commonly known as
the TTC), where you can buy your park tickets. Each of the parking lot's sections is
named for Disney characters (Goofy, Pluto, Minnie, and so on), and aisles are numbered.
I can't stress enough just how important it is
to write down where you left your vehicle—you
would be amazed at how many white minivans look just like yours!
Once you have your
tickets in hand (or if you've arrived with them—the best route), you'll need to make your
first decision of the day—do you take the ferry or the monorail to the park from the
TTC? The ferry offers a more leisurely (and windy) ride, while the monorail is the
speedier of the two.
Upon arriving at the park entrance, you will have to pass through security and have
your bags inspected. All told, the time it takes to get from your car to Main Street,
U.S.A., is somewhere around
35 to 45 minutes,
sometimes longer. And that total doesn't
include the time spent in lines if you have to stop at Guest Relations or rent a stroller.
You'll face the same agony (complicated by escaping crowds) on the way out, so relax.
This is one of the most crowded parks, so plan to arrive an hour before the opening bell
or an hour or two after.
The most important thing you can do upon arriving at the park is to pick up a copy
(or two) of the Magic Kingdom
guide map
(if you can't find one at the turnstiles, stop
at City Hall or the nearest shop). It provides an array of detailed information about avail-
able guest services, restaurants, and attractions. The
Times Guide
(separate from the guide
map) will be your key to the daily schedules for show times, parades, fireworks, character
meet-and-greets, and park and restaurant hours.
If you have questions, all park employees are very knowledgeable, and City Hall, on
your left as you enter, is an information center—and, like Mickey's Toontown Fair, a
great place to meet costumed characters. Character greeting places are also featured on
the guide map.
HOURS
The park is usually open from at least 9am to 6 or 7pm, sometimes later—as
late as midnight during major holidays and summer.
TICKET PRICES
Ticket prices for adults are $79, $68 for children 3 to 9. Kids
younger than 3 get in free. See “Tickets,” on p. 183, for information on the Magic Your
Way ticketing scheme.
6
SERVICES & FACILITIES IN THE MAGIC KINGDOM
Most of the following are noted on the handout guide maps in the park:
AT M S
Machines inside the park honor cards from banks using the Cirrus, Honor, and
PLUS systems. They're near the main entrance; in Frontierland, near the Shootin' Gal-
lery; and in Tomorrowland, next to Space Mountain.
BABY CARE
Located next to the Crystal Palace at the end of Main Street, the Baby
Care Center is furnished with a nursing room with rocking chairs and toddler-size toilets.
Disposable diapers, formula, baby food, and pacifiers are sold at a premium (bring your
own or pay the price). There are changing tables here as well as in all women's restrooms
and some men's.
