The Magic Kingdom

The Magic Kingdom still attracts millions from around the world, drawn here by the opportunity to experience the fun and fantasy that only Disney can deliver. Attendance, once again on the rise at slightly more than 16 million, makes this America's most popular theme park. The 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 available guest services, restaurants, and attractions. The Times Guide (separate from the guide map) will be your key to the daily schedules for showtimes, 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 $67, $56 for children 3 to 9. Kids younger than 3 get in free.

All Aboard -- If your kids appreciate experiences a bit out of the ordinary, ask if you can co-pilot the Disney monorail for a spin around the kingdom. Being a monorail pilot doesn't mean that you get to drive the train, but your family will get to ride up front with the real pilot. It requires a little patience because no more than four or five people can do it per ride, so ask a cast member at the monorail stations at the Grand Floridian, Polynesian, or Contemporary resorts if there's room for you in the cockpit. You may not have much luck during peak seasons or busier times of the day (at park opening and closing), or if there's a pilot trainee on board. But at other times, especially if you're patient enough to wait for the next train, you may be treated to the best seats aboard. Best of all: It's free.

Where to Find Characters

Mickey's Toontown Fair was designed as a place where kids can meet and mingle with their favorite characters all day at the Judge's Tent and Toontown Hall of Fame Tent. Mickey, Minnie, and others can be found in residence. In Fantasyland, look for Ariel's Grotto and the Fantasyland Character Festival for daily greetings. Main Street (Town Square), Adventureland (at Pirates of the Caribbean and near Magic Carpets of Aladdin), and Tomorrowland (near the Space Ranger Spin) are other hot spots. Be sure to have your camera ready and waiting if you want to capture the moment before it's gone.

Tip: If you're willing to spend money to avoid waiting in a line, character meals at restaurants such as the Crystal Palace, The Liberty Tree Tavern, and Cinderella's Royal Table all offer the opportunity to meet your favorite characters. Just don't forget to make Advance Reservations if you go the dining route.

Services & Facilities in the Magic Kingdom

Most of the following are noted on the handout guide maps in the park:

ATMs -- 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' Gallery; 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.

Cameras & Film -- Film and Kodak disposable cameras are available throughout the park, but digital camera equipment is in far shorter supply.

First Aid -- It's located beside the Crystal Palace next to the Baby Care Center and staffed by registered nurses.

Lockers -- Lockers are located in the arcade below the Main Street Railroad Station. The cost is $7, which includes a $2 refundable deposit.

Lost Children -- Lost children in the Magic Kingdom are usually taken to City Hall or the Baby Care Center. Children younger than 7 should wear name-tags inside their clothing.

Package Pickup -- Any package can be sent by a shop clerk to Guest Relations in the Entrance Plaza; allow at least 3 hours for delivery. If you're staying overnight at a Disney resort, you can also have all packages purchased by 7pm sent to your hotel (they will be delivered by noon the next day).

Pet Care -- Day boarding is available at the Transportation and Ticket Center for $10 (tel. 407/824-6568). The center also boards animals overnight ($13 for hotel guests, $15 for others). Proof of vaccination is required.

Strollers -- They can be rented at the Stroller Shop near the entrance to the Magic Kingdom. The cost is $10 for a single and $18 for a double.

Wheelchair Rental -- For wheelchairs, go to the gift shop to the left of the ticket booths at the Transportation and Ticket Center, or to the Stroller and Wheelchair Shop inside the main entrance to your right. The cost is $10; $35, plus a $5 refundable deposit, for electric convenience vehicles.