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 Here’s
where it all started in Orlando’s
theme park world, and here’s
where you should start your little
ones. Think of it as Theme Park 101.
In the face of the thrill-ride trend
at surrounding parks, Magic Kingdom
has kept its charm, remaining almost
quaint with its carousel rides and
cotton candy. The park gives pre-schoolers
the most age-appropriate choices for
rides and shows, but grade-schoolers
will get the max from the experience.
For ‘tweens, teens and adults,
the magic never dies.
Pre-Schooler
Favorites
Initiate your pre-schoolers at “Mickey’s
Toontown Fair,” where they can
get autographs from Mickey and Minnie
(along with a slew of other favorite
characters), watch a ‘toon-filled
show, become a character in cartoon-themed
play areas, and – if they’re
brave and at least 35 inches tall
– ride a beginner roller coaster
at “Goofy’s Wiseacres
Farm.” Take the Walt Disney
World Train to get to Toontown.
On
Tom Sawyer Island, boys like to run
around the trails and caves. Girls
might prefer hanging around Cinderella’s
Castle, where they can have breakfast
with the princess and friends. Shows
throughout the day take place on the
stage out front of the castle. Most
little ones like climbing the cool
“Swiss Family Treehouse.”
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For
their first 3-D experience, take them
to “Mickey’s PhilharMagic,”
starring Mickey, Donald, the Little
Mermaid, et al and replacing the “Legend
of the Lion King.” As an introduction
to Disney’s world of animatronics,
all kids seem to enjoy “It’s
a Small World.” Other tot favorites:
“The Many Adventures of Winnie
the Pooh,” “Dumbo the
Flying Elephant,” “The
Magic Carpets of Aladdin,” “Mad
Tea Party” and “Peter
Pan’s Flight.” Witches
and darkness make “Snow White’s
Scary Adventure” true to its
name for many toddlers.
Because
small legs get tired and little bodies
get fidgety, make use of the FASTPASS
system, whereby you can make an appointment
to return to the most popular attractions
within a future time slot (available
for Winnie the Pooh and Peter Pan).
To break bread in the company of Winnie
and his entourage, make reservations
for The Crystal Palace’s buffet,
open breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The Lion King’s wise Zazu and
Aladdin’s smart-mouthed Iago
update and kick up the humor level
in the “Enchanted Tiki Room
– Under New Management.”
Try not to miss the “Share a
Dream Come True” parade, a truly
magical procession of snow globes
come to life.
Grade-School
Winners
Your big
boys and girls can graduate to the
slightly scarier and louder attractions
that are too much for wee ones.
Kids like spinning
at the “Mad Tea Party”
because they can take control. Tomorrowland
is a winner with this age group, especially
“Buzz Lightyear’s Space
Ranger Spin,” an interactive
ride fitted with laser guns; and the
“Indy Speedway,” for kids
52 inches and taller.
They’ll
enjoy most of the classic Disney attractions,
such as the “Haunted Mansion,”
“Jungle Cruise,” and “Pirates
of the Caribbean,” although
the youngest in the age group may
get frightened by the realness of
the robotic figures.
Grade-school
kids should also keep an eye out for
"Stitch's Great Escape,"
starring a 3-D Stitch and other characters
from the popular film Lilo & Stitch.
The new attraction, replacing the
ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter,
is scheduled to open fall 2004. Still
involving aliens, but this time the
soft and cuddly variety, it traces
Stitch’s life before his movie
debut. Chances are your pre-schoolers
even may like this one, too, if they’re
fans of the film and can handle the
dark, sudden noises and over-the-shoulder
restraints.
If
they’re gregarious, take grade-schoolers
to Goofy’s Country Dancin’
Jamboree to learn a few steps from
the cartoon characters.
Although
a bit loud and late for toddlers,
the SpectroMagic finale is a don’t-miss
pageant of fireworks, holographs and
fiber optic technologies that will
fascinate your older ones.
Terrific for ‘Tweens, Teens
and Upward
Once they’ve reached middle
school, kids are ready for the mountainous
thrills of “Space Mountain,”
“Splash Mountain” and
“Big Thunder Mountain.”
The park’s more educational
aspects also appeal to older children
and adults. Don’t miss “The
Hall of Presidents.” Although
other Disney parks offer more variety
in shopping, Magic Kingdom will keep
consumers young and old interested,
especially in the idyllic setting
of Main Street, USA.
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