MK Must Sees- What can we not miss?

[PrincessMegara]

I'm going with my family and BF in March for spring break, and it will probably be our last trip for quite a while. My BF is 20 and has never been, so he is my biggest concern for attractions and activities. He will do all the classic Disney rides, like Haunted Mansion and Space Mountain. But what else do I need to have him do to make his first and maybe only time the most magical?
Any and all advice is appreciated, and thanks in advanced!

 

[Robo]

I'm going with my family and BF in March for spring break...
what else do I need to have him do to make his first and maybe only time the most magical?

So, he's just a temporary BF?

 

[Robo]

Be sure to see...

Festival of Fantasy Parade (Afternoons)
Celebrate the Magic (spectacular show projected on the front facade of the Castle)
Wishes (MK fireworks)
Mickey's PhilharMagic (4D Movie, the best at WDW.)
Monster's Inc. Laugh Floor (Interactive comedy show)
Try (in advance) to get a reservation at Be Our Guest Restaurant (in Beast's Castle)

to posting on the DISboards, PrincessMegara!

 

[BrianL]

Honestly at MK nearly everything is a must do! Robo hit some of the high points above, but for a first visit especially, assuming you are rope drop people, catch Welcome Show before park open (it really sets the tone for a trip). Also, Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean are classics, as well as Peter Pan's Flight.

Also, get a classic snack, like a Dole Whip or a turkey leg. For whatever reason, MK has the BEST popcorn in the world, I dunno why, it just tastes better than anywhere else.

Have a fun trip!

 

[Robo]

Also, Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean are classics, as well as Peter Pan's Flight.

Agreed.
But, I didn't mention those because...

He will do all the classic Disney rides, like Haunted Mansion and Space Mountain. But what else do I need to have him do...

 

[PrincessMegara]

Thanks for your suggestions, guys!
We will absolutely be doing every classic disney thing- in all honesty, we are going to try to do EVERYTHING, but I know how difficult that is.
Dole Whip is an absolute must, but thanks for the tip about the popcorn, we are going to have to try that!
We have never been Rope Drop people before, but we definitely want to this trip.

 

[tinkerbesh]

Star Tours, TZTT, RnRC, TSMM, Expedition Everest, Dinosaur, Spaceship Earth, Sum of All Thrills, Test Track.

 

[50surgeries2012]

Be sure to see Illuminations: Reflections Of Earth at EPCOT. The music is fantastic, and the atmosphere of the show is outstanding.

 

[LaurenT]

Mickey's Philharmagic is my personal favorite.

 

[ConnecticutNonna]

7DMT...

 

[TI double-GUH ER]

We saw the opening show for the first time this summer. It was fantastic!

To Robo's excellent list I'll add meet Mickey. Maybe even the talking Magician Mickey!

 

[buccikulju]

Just so he understands that Magic Kingdom and WDW in general isn't just about running around, might I suggest a trip on the train or boat while munching popcorn. Or maybe take the raft to Tom Sawyers and explore. Sit "a spell" on the rocking chairs.

 

[Good Morning Dewdrop]

We think Enchanted Tales with Belle is a must do but I"m not sure if a 20 year old guy would think that...

 

[siskaren]

Star Tours, TZTT, RnRC, TSMM, Expedition Everest, Dinosaur, Spaceship Earth, Sum of All Thrills, Test Track.

Be sure to see Illuminations: Reflections Of Earth at EPCOT. The music is fantastic, and the atmosphere of the show is outstanding.

The OP asked about must dos at MK, not the other parks.

 

[Hudson Hornet]

Magic Kingdom
Must dos:
7DMT
Big Thunder RR
Splash Mountain
Haunted Mansion
Pirates
Space Mountain
Monster's INC Laugh Floor
Mickey's Philharmagic
Eat at Be Our Guest
Eat a Dole whip AND a Citrus swirl
Electric Light Parade
Fireworks

Do if you can fit it in:
Jungle Cruise
Buzz Lightyear
Tea Cups
Peter Pan
Tom Sawyers island
Festival of Fantasy Parade

Although we always do these, a 20 year old guy can probably skip:
Country Bear Jamboree
Winnie the Pooh
Tiki Room
Tree House
Stitch
Speedway
Carousel of Progress
Carousel
Dumbo
Enchanted Tales with Belle
Character Meet n Greets
Hall of Presidents
It's a small world (really hurts to put this ride here)
Steam boat
Railroad

EPCOT:
Do everything except Captain Eo and The Circle of Life. I might skip the Mexico ride as well, but do go into the pavilion because it is really neat to look around.
Avoid eating in Future World. Eat in the world showcase. I think all of the pavilions have something special to offer, with the exception of China. I find their food offerings to be subpar even for standard americanized versions of Chinese food.

Hollywood Studios:
I say do it all (excluding the little kids play areas) because there ain't much to do.
There are no real must do eateries at HS. By far the best and most expensive is Brown Derby.

Animal Kingdom:
Do all attraction (again excluding the little kid stuff)
There are three really good places to eat: Tusker, FlameTree BBQ, Yak and Yeti. If he were 21 I would also recommend the Dole Whip with rum. Delicious!

If the weather is warm enough, I would also take him to Blizzard Beach. I loved Blizzard Beach and Typoon Lagoon in my twenties.

 

[TI double-GUH ER]

Oh - another thing, get him a "first visit" button -- that can lead to some fun interaction with CMs. Plus they look great with mouse ears...

And - if he likes Pirates (or the Pirate movies) - do one of the Pirate adventures. They take a little bit of time, but are fun and it's neat to see how the magic band activates the different stations.

Have a great trip!!

 

[Juwu]

Brought my parents for the first time in November.

They were most amazed by the fireworks and Celebrate the Magic (show on the castle) well worth using a FP for.