New Magic Kingdom Guide Tips & Tricks and Must Do's

[livingskies78]

Hello Everyone
Since this is our first time Going to Disney World and after reading page after page of Awesome Tips and Tricks.
I wanted to update IMwink amazing Information as it's hasn't been updated since Jan 2010.

So please contribute any info or things that might have changed and I will compile onto one page

Animal Kingdom http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2828403
Epcot http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2828391
Hollywood Studios http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2828384
Magic Kingdom http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2828368

The Magic Kingdom is beginning an expansion that will nearly double the size of Fantasyland. To make way for this transformation, Mickey's Toontown Fair closed on February 12, 2011. Fantasyland construction will be completed in phases with most new attractions open by 2013

Park Maps
http://www.wdwinfo.com/maps/MK.htm
http://www.wdwinfo.com/maps/index.htm


Refurb

Swiss Family Treehouse - Nov 1st- Nov 17th 2011
Liberty Square Riverboat- Nov 9th 2011 -Feb 3rd 2012
Dumbo Jan 9th - Feb 17th 2012
BTMR - Jan 9th - Apr 30 2012

What We Have So Far

Must do Event
1. Rope Drop (RD) – you can more done in the first four hours than the rest of the day
2. Pre-open Ceremony – 15 Minutes prior to open there is a show that involves Characters, nice start to a Disney Day


Top Tips
1. Do not try to do everything at MK in one day. There is too much to do and you will frustrate yourself and not enjoy what you do get to see. We
2 Make Pre-open ADR’s – if you get a breakfast ADR before open you can get a great picture with the Castle while no one else is in the park.
3. Plan to have late lunch or early supper or just a snack while you wait for the parade, you can eat while you save your spot.

Secrets, Cool Stuff, and other Tips
1. Wake up Tinkerbell - not happening anymore
2. The barber shop in the MK has a special for "first haircuts."
After the haircut, DS received a Mickey ears hat that said "first haircut," a certificate commemorating the occasion, and Mom got a few locks of DS's hair in a tissue
3. Flag Ceremony – at 5:00 pm there is a Flag Ceremony where they lower the US Flag. A veteran service member will assist in the ceremony. The veteran gets a certificate and pictures. A veteran can inquire about participating at City Hall Support our Veterans!!!
4 Roy Disney Statue - Location: Magic Kingdom Town Square
You may have walked past it many times without realizing it's there. In the center of the Town Square, near the flagpole is a statue of Roy Disney. Roy is sitting on a bench. There is room for a guest or two, especially if you want to have your picture taken with Roy. Many guests are unfortunately unaware of this tribute to Walt's brother. They may not even be aware of his contribution to the development and success of Walt Disney World. This lesser-known Disney is quite unheralded. What I like most about this treasure is that it recognizes the other Disney responsible for WDW.
5. Riding the train around, and riding on the last car. The conductor will often let a child (or two or three) stand in the back and be guest conductors, helping push the spiel button or saying "all aboard" over the mike.
6. Push the Talking Trashcan – His name is Push. He comes out from Mickey's Star Traders every hour or so and roams for 20 minutes.
7. Talking Goofy bench by Tony's - this is also a great photo op
8. Lilo and Stitch Restrooms – in Cosmic Rays and reportedly a few other places you can hear Stitch in the Women’s Restroom talking, sometimes looking for Lilo, and you can hear Lilo in the Men’s Restroom looking for Stitch.
9. Fireman for the Day - the firehouse in the Magic Kindgom they have an honorary fireman of the day. They get hats and get to ring the bell. The CM's working at the firehouse sang, "For he's a jolly good fellow!"
10. Props - In the Main St. train station lower level, up on one of the shelves (Cast members (CM's) can halp you locate it) you can see Aladdin's lamp as well as other characters' belongings waiting to be picked up. Some park guest lost and found items are there too, is the artificial leg with the name Smith on it (a Mary Poppins joke) one of these?
11. Disney Cartoon Shows - Although the Main St. Cinema is gone, old Disney cartoons are still shown, in a small theater, with seats, in Exposition Hall.
12. Liberty Square Christmas Shop if you look closely, it's actually three separate shops with the walls opened between them. They are supposed to be owned by three different colonial families- a German family, a woodcarver's family, and a musician's family. Check out the details the next time you go! Also find the hidden park in the back of the Christmas Shop
13. Liberty Square Tree - The 13 lanterns hanging in the Liberty Square Tree representing the original 13 U.S. colonies. Its the big tree to the left when facing the Paddle Wheel Boat.
14. Presidental Step - In Liberty Square, there is a gate around a door -- it guards a marble slab that used to be threshhold or a step at Monticello. President Jefferson actually walked on it long ago.
15. Spitting Camel - this big gold camel is at Aladin's Magic Carpet ride.
16. Sword and the Stone - near Golden Carrousel. Guests can attempt to pull out the sword. Used to be part of the "The Sword in the Stone Ceremony" that is no longer performed. It is rumored that every so often someone is still allowed to pull out the sword.
17. Willie the Giant When you go to Sir Mickey's Shop in Fantasyland, look at where the roof meets the walls. You will see Willie the Giant from Mickey and the Beanstalk peeking into the shop.
18. Mutascopes - thought they were just for display, but when you put a penny in, they actually work! There are 4 or 5 of them, and some of the lightbulbs were burned out so didn't work, but know at least two of them did, and it only cost a penny to find out. The kids thought they were great. You put in a penny, start turning a crank and a short silent movie plays for you.
19. Frontierland Shooting Arcade now open from a long Refurb - changed from 50 cents to $1


Kids Tips

Best Places to take Memorable Photos
- ADR - get a pre-open ADR s oyou can take a few pictures before the park opens, like the castle and the Walt and mickey Statue
- Hats - different hats from each themed gift shop, cowboy, Buzz, beaver, pirate, victorian ....
Fantasyland
- Cinderella's Fountain - you can line up a shot that has the crown on the wall behind the fountain appear to be on the staue in the fountain
- Cinderella's Wishing Well - It is on a lovely path to the right of Cindy's castle, Path to Storytime with Belle from the Castle. The base of the well has the cat Lucifer chasing all of Cindy's mice.
- Sword and the Stone - near Golden Carrousel. Guests can attempt to pull out the sword.

Tomorrowland
- ZURG - as you exit Buzz Lightyear there is a Great photo op with Zurg behind bars, squeeze through the bars so it looks like they are in jail with him
- Tomorrowland Transit Authority (TTA) - both day and night you can get great pictures of Tomorrowland
- Pleakly - That one eyed alien from Lilo and Stitch is a statue in Tomorrowland and you can take your picture with him.
- Race Car - the race car outside of the Tomorrowland Speedway. A must if you hva e allittle guy who is a car fan!


Adventureland
- Magic Captain Hook - Photopass photographers can add Captain Hook holding a sword to the side of you, photographer may have a sword for you to interact with, located near Pirates Of the Carribean (PoC)
- The Sign for Enchanted Tiki Room. You stand underneath the hammer of the red bird and it looks like he is going to hit you on the head.
- Swiss Family Treehouse You can take great pictures of Magic Kingdom from the top of the treehouse


Fronteirland
- Brer Rabbit's house - a place where kids can play that also makes a great photo op, outside of Splash Mountain
- Tom Sawyer Island Inside the Fort, by the caves, Barrel Bridge.....

Liberty Square
- Liberty Square Riverboat Great photo ops abound for Tom Sawyer Island, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (BTMR) and the Haunted Mansion (HM)! Get a spot on the top deck!
- Liberty Square Riverboat 2ask to ride with the captain on the Liberty Belle. Then you can get some really great shots of people in your party "steering" the boat.

Mainstreet USA
- Paw Prints - near Tony's Town Square Restaurant there are Paw Prints in the cement from Lady and the Tramp
- Goofy Bench - a Goofy Statue is sitting on a bench near Tony's Town Square Restaurant
- Magic Tinkerbell - Photopass photographers can add Tinkerbell into your hand, can also be found near the Castle
- Train Station at the top of train station looking toward castle
- Casey - Next to the Casey statue
- Walt and Mickey Pose Stand in front of the Walt and Mickey Statue and recreate there pose
- Little Statues - Right near the Partners statue, in front of the castle, there are little statues of several of the Disney characters. It's fun to catch your children next to Chip and Dale or the others
- Scenes - When you first walk into MK in the right under the train station (where the photo place is) go inside and around the back and there are some scenes where you can take some pictures. (snow white, black and white mickey mouse, 100 Dalmatians and a few more)

 

[livingskies78]

Attractions

Tips for Extra Magic Hours
AM Rides
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (BTMR)
Cinderella's Golden Carrousel
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
Haunted Mansion (HM)
"it's a small world" (IASM)
Mad Tea Party
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Mickey's PhilharMagic
Peter Pan's Flight
Snow White's Scary Adventures
Splash Mountain

PM Rides
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (BTMR)
Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin
Cinderella's Golden Carrousel
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
Haunted Mansion (HM)
"It's a small world" (IASM)
Magic Carpets of Aladdin
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Mickey's PhilharMagic
Peter Pan's Flight
Pirates of the Caribbean (PoC)
Space Mountain
Splash Mountain
Stitch's Great Escape
Tomorrowland Indy Speedway
Attractions With Fast Passes(FP)
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
Mickey’s PhilharMagic
Peter Pan’s Flight
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh

Ride Height Restrictions
Big Thunder Mountain Rail Road (BTMR) – 40”
Splash Mountain – 40”
Space Mountain – 44”
Tomorrow Land Speedway – 32” to Ride, 52” to Drive
Stitch’s Great Escape – 40”


Tips for Rides
Adventure Land
1. Jungle Cruise (JC)
- 1.1 Ride Length - 9 minute 5 seconds
- 1.2 Each of the scenes in Jungle Cruise (JC) is taken from the True-Life Adventure Film Series that Walt Disney produced in the early 1960's
- 1.3 The airplane tail is from a Lockheed purchased specifically for that scene. The front half is in the Great Movie Ride at Disney Hollywood Studios
- 1.4 Just before boarding the boat, look for sign that says "Employee of the Month". It reads "E.L. O'Fevre" (Yellow Fever).
- 1.5 Near the beginning of the Jungle Cruise (JC), look very carefully at the tribal head carvings on the three canoes at Pygmy Beach. You may see vague resemblences of Mickey, Donald, and Goofy.
- 1.6 - The cruise takes on a whole different feel when ridden in the evening in the dark -- this is also a less crowded time to take the ride.
- 1.7 If you're lucky and your little one is the only child on a particular cruise, the skipper may just let him or her take the wheel

2. The Magic Carpets of Alladin
- 2.1 Ride Length - 1 minute 30 seconds
- 2.2 The vehicles are rider-controlled and you can fly your magic carpet up, down or pitch forward or backward. The front control is up and down, the back seat control pitches the carpet forward or backward.
- 2.3 Each seat can hold 2 adults and probably a small child, or one child and one adult.

3. Pirates of the Caribbean (PoC)
- 3.1 Ride Length - 8 minutes 30 seconds
- 3.2 On the boat, just before it goes under one of the bridges, look for a bald pirate who was close to the water, on the left side. Just before the boat went under the bridge, he turned his head toward our boat and winked!
- 3.3 Rumor - one of the Pirates is an old Abraham Lincoln figure from the Hall of Presidents that was replaced
- 3.4 there is a window you can look in and down and see two skeletons playing chess. The board layout is supposed to show a stalemate
- 3.5 most of the waiting queue is indoors.


Fantasy Land
4. Cinderella’s Golden Carousel
- 4.1 Ride Length - 2 minute
- 4.2 Cinderella’s own horse is here and is distinguishable by one very unique feature—it is the only one to have a gold ribbon on its tail. Cinderella’s horse is white, wears a red bridle, and is second rank in from the outside.

5. Dumbo The Flying Elephant
- 5.1 Ride Length - 1 minute 30 seconds
- 5.2 This attraction gets long lines as the day goes on. Best bet is to ride early in the day when the park first opens.

6. It’s a Small World (IASM)
- 6.1 Ride Length - 10 minute 30 seconds
- 6.2 Some adults and older children are delighted with the costumes and music, while others find it very boring
- 6.3 A classic Disney Ride that many have as a must-do
- 6.4 In one of the last scenes of 'Small World, there's a balloon and one of the dolls in it is holding a sign saying 'HELP!
- 6.5 Check out Cleopatra winking when you get to Egypt! (She's the one on the barge.)

7. Peter Pans Flight
- 7.1 Ride Length - 2 minute 45 seconds
- 7.2 Peter Pan is one of the most popular attractions at the Magic Kingdom. The line moves slowly, and forms quickly early in the day. Use FASTPASS if you can
- 7.3 As your ship enters the nursery you might notice the building blocks stacked on the floor (a group is by Wendy's bed, another by the window as you exit). If you look closely, you'll see that these blocks spell "P Pan" and "DISNEY."

8. Mad Tea Party
- 8.1 Ride Length - 1 minute 30 seconds
- 8.2 If you have problems with spinning, avoid this ride! you can get quite dizzy on this ride.
- 8.3 Watch for the Dormouse, who periodically pops out of the teapot in the center of the platform.

9. Snow White’s Scary Adventures
- 9.1 Ride Length - 2 minute 25 seconds
- 9.2 If there is a long line, don't wait. This ride is not worth any wat more than a few minutes

10. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
- 10.1 Ride Length - 3 minute 8 seconds
- 10.2 VERY popular attraction. FastPass is almost always a must here! One suggestion is to go get your FastPass when you are ready for breakfast or lunch and about the time you finish eating, it's time to ride.
- 10.3 When Mr. Toad's Wild Ride was converted into Winnie the Pooh Adventure around the turn of this century, they included a scene where Mr. Toad hands off the property deed to the ride (to Owl). To see this scene, look to your left as you enter Owl's house. There's a framed picture on the wall, just inside the doors. You really have to turn around and look 'back', almost.
- 10.4 Try to smell honey as you ride Pooh.



Frontier Land
11. Big Thunder Mountain Rail Road (BTMR)
- 11.1 Ride Length - 3 minute 25 seconds
- 11.2 Height Requirement – 40”
- 11.3 look for a crate that says "Lytum & Hyde Explosives Company".
- 11.4 For the "wildest ride" request a seat in the back rows. For tamer rides, request a seat in the front of the train

12. Splash Mountain
- 12.1 Ride Length - 11 minute
- 12.2 Height Requirement – 40”
- 12.3 Outside, when every third log boat comes down the big drop into the briar patch, an auxiliary water cannon shoots off a charge of water that soaks folks standing on the bridge to Big Thunder Mountain
- 12.4 Seems to have gotten to be a wetter ride than in years past
- 12.5 This is one of the most popular rides in the Magic Kingdom! Lines for Splash Mountain build the minute the park opens (especially in warmer weather).
- 12.6 If you want to get really wet, though, ask to sit up front!


Tomorrow Land
13. Space Mountain – closed until 21 NOV 2009
- 13.1 Ride Length - 2 minute 30 seconds
- 13.2 Height Requirement – 44”
- 13.3 Very Popular, lines build quickly, so grab a Fast Pass. Grab a FP and hop on COP or Astro Orbiter or TTA


14. Buzz Lightyear’s Spin
- 14.1 Ride Length - 4 minute 3 seconds
- 14.2 Even though the line moves quickly, it is recommended you use FASTPASS. Grab a FP and hop on COP or Astro Orbiter or TTA
- 14.4 Some of the big points in Buzz Lightyear are scored when leaving the first room. Turn around and shoot the back of the Orange robots arm or the back of the buzz saw. As you enter the second room, try to shoot the volcano. The jackpot appears to be the 'Z' target at the bottom of Zurg's pulpit, reachable only just as you enter or (facing backward) just as you leave the third room.
- 14.5 Great photo op with Zurg behind bars


15. Astro Orbiter
- 15.1 Ride Length - 1 minute 30 seconds
- 15.2 There isn't much to this ride except the wonderful view of Tomorrowland once you are in the air.
- 15.3 This is an exceptionally breathtaking view at night!
- 15.4 Good time killer if waiting for Fast Pass of Buzz or Space Mountain
- 15.5 is a little over twice the speed of Dumbo or Aladdin's Carpets


16. Tomorrow Land Indy Speadway
- 16.1 Ride Length - 4 minute 45 seconds
- 16.2 Height Requirement – to Drive 52”– to Ride 32”
- 16.3 The queue for this attraction is LONG and winding, up and down stairs. In addition, the wait is often long, even though the line moves steadily. Best time to visit is early in the morning.
- 16.4 The queue is long and outside. Bring water.
- 16.5 Cars reach a maximum speed of 7.5 mph with the Briggs & Stratton 9hp engines
- 16.6 Cars follow along a guiding track and are somewhat difficult to steer. Be aware that inexperienced drivers may stop suddenly in front of you, or inadvertently ram you from behind.

17. Stitch’s Great Escape
- 17.1 Ride Length - 15 minute
- 17.2 Height Requirement – 40”
- 17.3 This show gets very dark at points, and the special effects used may be too intense for young children, and even very sensitive or squeamish adults
- 17.4 it also uses a rather offensive smell
- 17.5 Those who tend to be claustrophobic might not like the restraint that comes down over your shoulders for the duration of the show


Liberty Square
18. Haunted Mansion (HM)
- 18.1 Ride Length - 7 minute 30 seconds
- 18.2 Don't miss the old-fashioned hearse drawn by an invisible horse at the entrance to this attraction, notice the hoof prints
- 18.3 Don't miss the pet cemetery -- it's on your left on the hill as you exit the Mansion. See Mr Toad.
- 18.4 at night, look up at the top story right above the front door. If you watch it for a while you'll notice a light pass by it and some shadows, it looks like 2 people are walking by with a lantern.
- 18.5 In the TV room look closely at the sheet music.
- 18.6 In the ballroom scene, there is a lady sitting in a rocking chair. This animatronic figure is a duplicate made from the grandmother in one of the side scenes of the Carousel of Progress (CoP).
- 18.7 At the entrance just before you go inside the last tombstone (for Madame Leota) has eyes on it that open for just an instant.


Main Street
20. Disney World Train Station
- 20.1 Ride Length - 1 minute 30 seconds





3. Pirate Tutorial

Fantasy Land
4. Pooh’s Playful Spot
- 4.1 Play area designed for 2-5 year olds
- 4.2 good place for pics

5. Cinderella Castle
- 5.1 Sit on the stone ledge on the right side of the castle, you may hear Stitch giggle and tell you to be quiet because he's hiding.
- 5.2 the little mice up in the rafters of the lobby of the castle. Gus and Jacques in the throne room at Cinderella’s Royal Table
- 5.3 Inside the walls of the walk-through of the castle is several mosaics. On the mosaic wall furthest from the entrance are the two stepsisters, Anastasia and Drusilla. The mosaic shows one of them with a red face and the other with a green face. Red with rage and green with envy!
- 5.4 try asking the suit of armor for an autograph. what happens??
- 5.4 In the room where you get your picture taken with Cinderella, the flag with the three lions on it represents the Disney family crest.
- 5.5 Now contains the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique



Frontier Land
6. Tom Sawyer Island
- 6.1 find one of the paintbrushes Tom and Huck left behind. If you find one, don't just leave it there -- take it back to a Cast Member for a special prize, maybe even a "go to the front of the line" pass for a major attraction! Please be kind and don't horde the Brushes. The CM will give you a pass for the wholoe family.
Paint Brushes
- 6.2 while in Harper's Mill, look closely at the wooden gears operating. On one of the gears that rotates horizontally, look closely between the cogs. You will see a little blue bird sitting there.
- 6.3 You have ride over on a Raft and wait for a raft to ride back
- 6.4 Strollers are not allowed unless they are for medical purposes

Liberty Square
7. Hall of Presidents
- 7.1 Length - 22 minute 48 seconds
- 7.2 is shown every half-hour
- 7.3 It's also a great place to get off your feet in air-conditioned comfort for a little while
- 7.4 It's probably better suited for children 8 and older

8. Liberty Square Riverboat
- 8.1 Ride Length - 12 minute 45 seconds

Tomorrow Land
9. Carousel of Progress (CoP)
- 9.1 Show Length - 20 minute 45 seconds
- 9.2 Usually no wait and it is a good way to get out of the Sun and wait for FP for Buzz or Space Mountain
- 9.3 it is well worth the time to see this piece of Disney history at least once!

10. Tomorrow Land Transit Authority (TTA) – - 10.1 Ride Length - 10 minute 04 seconds
- 10.2 Relaxing Ride away from crowds touring Tomorrowland from above
- 10.3 This ride is also great at night when the park is all lit up.


11.Play Areas

 

[livingskies78]

Character Greetings

For updated times of Characters check out www.wdwent.com

Main Street U.S.A
Disney Pals visit Town Square
Mickey Mouse ---(FastPass) Town Square Theater

Disney Princess ---Fastpass TownSquare Theater

Adventureland
Characters from a Little Mermaid at Adventureland Veranda
Characters from Aladdin at Agrabah Marketplace
Disney Fairies - Tinker Bell's Magical Nook inside Adventureland Veranda


Frontierland
Characters from Princess and the Frog by Liberty Square Bridge.
Characters from Toy Story
Tommorowland
Out of this World Friends

Fantasyland
Characters from the Peter Pan now between Mickey's Philharmagic and Tinker Bell's Fairy Treasures
Characters from Alice and Wonderland Near Mad Tea Party
Fairy Godmother at Cinderella's Fountain
Rapunzel in Fairytale Garden
Characters from Winnie the Pooh

Have you seen these characters recently if so where

Aladdin
Aice
Ariel
Aurora
Baloo
Belle
Brer Bear
Brer Fox
Buzz Lightyear
Captain Hook
Captain Jack Sparrow
Chip and Dale
Cinderella
Cinderella's Mice
Fairies
Goofy
Jasmine
Lady Tremaine and the Step Sisters
Mad Hatter
Mickey Mouse
Mr. Smee
Peter Pan
Pluto
Snow White
Stitch
Tigger
Tinkerbell
Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum
Wendy
Winnie the Pooh

 

[livingskies78]

Entertainment
For updated Showtimes please see www.wdwent.com

Main Street U.S.A

Dapper Dan`s
Barbershop Quartet on Main Street U.S.A.
Length of Show 20mins

Casey`s Corner Pianist
Tickles the ivories on the snow-white upright at this soda-and-hot-dog restaurant.
Length od Show 20mins

Flag Retreat
Join us as the Security Color Guard conducts the ceremony with Main Street Philharmonic and Dapper Dans.
Length of show: 20 minutes

The Main Street Saxophone Four
Length of Show 20mins

Main Street Philharmonic
12-piece brass and percussion ensemble re-creating a turn-of-the-century ambience with tunes like "Take Me Out to the Ball Game," "76 Trombones" and "Alexander's Rag Time Band."
Length of show 20mins

Main Street Trolley Parade


Glass Blowing Demostrations
Crystal Arts Shop (Daily)
See artisans form glass creations using furnace and torch techniques


Adventureland

Captain Jack Sparrow`s Pirate Tutorial
There are pirates among us! And they're looking to recruit. None other than Captain Jack Sparrow's first mate, Mack, is searching out brave souls who dream of a pirate's life. Can you swing a sword, sail the seas, and spot a cursed treasure before you plunder it? Maybe Captain Sparrow will even let you take the Pirate Oath and join his crew.
Length of sets: 20 minutes

Frontierland

The Nortorious Banjo Brothers and Bob

Comical traveling trio includes two banjo players and a tuba player,
offering everything from cowboy melodies like "Back in the Saddle Again"
to bluegrass, with Disney tunes mixed in.
Length of sets: 20 minutes

Frontierland Hoedown
Interactive parade featuring dancers and the Country Bears. Guests are invited to participate in a square dance and a line dance. Takes place outside the Country Bear Jamboree, Prairie Outpost & Supply and Pecos Bill's Tall Tale Inn & Cafe.


Fantasyland

Fantasyland Woowind Society
Quartet of saxophonists plays favorite Disney songs with the whimsical, classic sax sound.
Length of show: 20 minutes


Tommorrowland

PUSH the Talking Trashcan
Length of show: 20 minutes

Parades & Fireworks

Parade Route - Robo

Watching Spots
1. Train Station - the train station in the front of the park. You have to stake out a seat for a couple of hours before
2. Santa's Sleigh - A GREAT place to watch parades in the Magic Kingdom is from Santa's sleigh outside the Christmas Shop in Liberty Square. It's about 10 feet back from the curb but you're sitting up higher and you get a great view! Most people don't think to sit there so you don't have to get there too far in advance, and the best thing is that no one crowds you because they're all too busy crowding each other on the sidewalk!
3. Peco's Bill - Grab something to eat and watch the parade nearby

Move It! Shake It! Celebrate It! Street Party
It’s party time when a cast of Disney characters, stilt walkers and other performers process down Main Street, U.S.A. toward Cinderella Castle to high-energy tunes such as “Breakout” and “I Like To Move It.” Floats decked out as gift-wrapped packages are part of the procession, and near the castle, Mad Hatter, Genie, Lumiere and Sebastian – the life and light of the party – pop out of four huge boxes. They join about a dozen other Disney characters headed by Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse to mix and mingle and dance in the street with Magic Kingdom guests during a 12- to 15-minute party that takes place three times daily.
Sign language interpreted performances-- check www.wdwent.com for times

Processional down Main St., USA with stop in Castle hub area. Arrive at least 15 minutes in advance and meet interpreter wearing a blue shirt at the Partners statue (Walt Disney & Mickey Mouse). Interpreters located to the right of the Mr. Incredible/Genie float. NO SEATING.
Main Street Electrical Parade

Brighten your night with the return of a Guest favorite, the more-dazzling-than-ever Disney's Main Street Electrical Parade in Magic Kingdom Park. You'll see plenty that's new: fun-loving Tinker Bell leads the parade, which includes festive new floats inspired by Pinocchio and Snow White.

The Magic, Memories and You

Turns Cinderella Castle into a canvas where guests can view photos taken earlier that day by a Disney’s PhotoPass photographer and projected onto the icon’s exterior. The show, which lasts approximately 10 minutes, will take place before Wishes! Nighttime Spectacular and feature a new song written exclusively for “Let the Memories Begin.”

Wishes

The power of a wish combines with magical moments from cherished Disney films and dazzling pyrotechnic effects to create a thrilling new story-in-the-sky fireworks spectacular.

Fireworks Watching Spots
1. Dumbo Ride - For a different great place to view wishes at MK go in front of Dumbo's ride and face away from the castle. The fireworks are directly overhead!! In fact, they are all around you. You can still hear the music, but the effects are fantastic. There's no need to get there early as few people know about this spot. There are a few tables and chairs so you can sit and have a treat.
2. Tomorrowland Terrace - To watch fireworks at Magic Kingdom, if you're not interested in the parade, a Cast Member suggested we take seats at Tomorrowland Terrace. We were the only people sitting there. Tinkerbell flew right over our heads and we had a spectacular view of the fireworks
3. The Plaza - Watch the Wishes fireworks from The Plaza dining terrace. Tinkerbell will fly right toward you during the evening fireworks
4. Rose Garden - The rose garden to the right of Main Street heading in the direction of the castle makes for a unique viewing location for the fireworks.
- Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe - get there about 45-60 minutes early so you can grab a good table. Then we use the time to relax and have a snack before ending a great day in the MK with an awesome view of the fireworks, and see Tinker Bell make her magic flight to start the whole thing off!
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (BTMR) - just as you exit Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, there is a geyser with a small boardwalk around it near the waters of the Rivers of America. Stand near the geyser (not too close or you'll get wet!) and face the large grove of trees over Tom Sawyer's Island right in front of you. When the show begins, the sky will light up with giant hrysanthemums and a loud cacophony of KA-BOOMS! Usually there are very few people around; that and the fact that you are right on top of the display makes it one of the most intimate viewing of fireworks I have ever experienced!
- The Pier - a small pier in Frontierland on the walkway that runs along the Rivers of America from Splash Mountain over towards where the riverboat is. It was so dark and quiet, it was like having a private viewing! The view is not quite as spectacular as being right in front of the Castle (or a little to the left on the bridge), but this was so intimate, it really did seem like we were the only ones in the park!

Kiss Goodnight

Cinderella Castle light show.

Electric Water Pagent

Amaze your eyes during this aquatic parade of multicolored fish, turtles, whales, stars and flags. Watch as it floats by the WDW Resort hotels nestled around the Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake. Just head down to the Resort's beach area for a great view. Passing by the Polynesian , Grand Floridian , Wilderness Lodge , Fort Wilderness, Contemporary and the Magic Kingdom

Tips for Other Shows


Fantasyland
1. Dream Along with Mickey
- 1.1 Outside Cinderella’s Castle
- 1.2 The show runs about 20 minutes.
- 1.3 On hot days, there is little to no shade in the area right in front of the castle

2. Mickey’s PhilarMagic
- 2.1 Show Length - 12 minute
- 2.2 This is a 3-D show
- 2.3 In the waiting area there are sets of doors opening into the main theater. The doors on the right lead to the back of the theater and the doors on the left lead to the front rows. Go for the left doors and try to get in one of the first five rows if you can
- 2.4 As an aside, the seats are padded and very comfortable with lots of leg room. This is a great attraction to take in when you need a little break from being on your feet.

3. Story Time with Belle
- 3.1 She reads a story to the children and chooses some children from the audience to help act out the story. Althogh it is outside, it is a lovely shaded area and somewhat cool. A nice way to sit and rest while your children enjoy time with Belle.
- 3.2 Check park map for times


Frontierland
4. Country Bear Jamboree (CBJ)
- 4.1 Show Length - 15 minute 55 seconds
- 4.2 Look for the claw marks on the door
- 4.3 This is a great attraction to see when you want to get out of the sun and off your feet for a spell.
- 4.4 If the line isn't too long, which it usually isn't, you can sit on a bench across from the attraction and wait for the crowd to let out beforre you get in line.

Tomorrowland
5. Monster’s Inc Laugh floor
- 5.1 about 15 minutes long
- 5.2 Theater seats about 400.
- 5.3 Seating is on hard plastic seats.

6. Stitch's SuperSonic Celebration
- 6.1 This show is about 25 minutes long.
- 6.2 There are NO seats. However, cast members lay out mats on the ground directly in front of the stage. This space is VERY limited

Adventureland
1. Enchanted Tiki Room
- 15.1 Show Length - 10 minute
- 15.2 The theater is quite dark, which may frighten some small children. Some children may find some scenes a bit scary or intense because the birds act a little wild and it can get a little loud, but they should be OK
- 15.3 While waiting, sit down on one of the benches across from the attraction. The show rarely fills up and there is not a bad seat in the house. So take a break and sit down rather than stand in line.


2. Swiss Family Tree House
- 2.1 Length - 13 minute 5 seconds
- 2.2 The Swiss flag in the Swiss Family Treehouse is the only flag of another nation that is on display permanently over a Disney attraction.
- 2.3 You get a nice nighttime view of Magic Kingdom from the top of Swiss Family Treehouse
- 2.4 Don't miss the plaques throughout the tree (left) that tell, in journal form, the story of the Robinsons and their sons: Fritz, Ernst, and Francis