Magic Kingdom continues as the most visited theme park in the world. However, we have three reasons to dislike Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World.
This signature Disney theme park offers so many great forms of entertainment. However, we wonder if the effort to enjoy those experiences makes the best choice for your theme park time and money.
Based on this thought, we devised three reasons we dislike Magic Kingdom. In fairness, we listed about ten when we sat down next to the gasoline smell of the Tomorrowland Speedway attraction at Magic Kingdom. Still, we narrowed it down to three for these purposes. Besides, we are used to creating top three things lists.
Before we list those reasons, we should point out that the Magic Kingdom deserves to be the most attended theme park in the world. It holds a vast number of attractions. The daily entertainment combined with nightly fireworks creates a magical theme park day. Magic Kingdom offers a great overall experience most of the time.
Despite that, guests should remember that nothing is perfect. Even in an ideal situation, guests of Magic Kingdom will face some things they will dislike.
Three Reasons We Dislike Magic Kingdom: Getting to Magic Kingdom
Unless you are walking from Disney’s Contemporary Resort, the methods to reach the Magic Kingdom can be stressful. Do not forget that you must return to your car or hotel room after leaving Magic Kingdom each evening.
People staying at Walt Disney World hotels have better options to reach the Magic Kingdom than those staying elsewhere. However, the thought of a late-night bus ride or a packed monorail from Magic Kingdom does not make me smile.
Still, for guests staying “off-site,” the stress of parking or using other transportation to the Transportation and Ticket Center before even reaching the Magic Kingdom does not start things off very well. After that, these same guests must use the Disney Monorail or ferry boats, adding time and distress to many visitors. The return trip back to your car or off-site shuttle bus at the end of the night often sabotages the fun of the long day at Magic Kingdom.
Remember, only on-site hotel guests can use transportation directly to Magic Kingdom. Even a ride-share driver must drop you off far away from Magic Kingdom at the Transportation and Ticket Center- ugh!
Crowds, Crowds, Crowds!
Everywhere you look at Magic Kingdom will cause you to see people. When unique entertainment, like parades and fireworks, happens, all the eyes can see is people. Even on a “slow” day at Magic Kingdom, visitors should expect plenty of fellow Disney fans within a short distance. The pathways in certain areas will be challenging to navigate at times. Also, you might want to prepare for a mass of humanity if exiting the park after the fireworks. If visiting Magic Kingdom, however many people you expect to see, add at least 50% to that amount.
Weaker Dining Options
The food at Magic Kingdom is rated as average at best. The weakest counter service options at the four Walt Disney World theme parks are at Magic Kingdom. Also, mostly basic options like burgers, hot dogs, chicken tenders, and fries exist at Magic Kingdom. If you are looking for variety or above-average quality food, we have a hard time recommending anything at Magic Kingdom regarding counter-service food.
The table service options at Magic Kingdom are okay. For example, the signature Cinderella’s Royal Table offers decent food. However, $84 per person plus tax and tip for dinner makes a steep cut into the vacation budget of a family of four. In addition, if you need an alcoholic drink or two at your meal, then the price goes up again. Due to this, we often sneak off to the Disney Monorail Resort hotels to dine at the restaurants there instead of eating at the Magic Kingdom.
Once again, we understand the love and admiration of the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. For many guests, Magic Kingdom marks the highlight of their Disney vacation. If you are part of an intergenerational group visiting Walt Disney World, the Magic Kingdom makes a great theme park to visit. Just remember that not everything will be grand and magical.
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