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10 Experiences You Might Not Have Tried at the Magic Kingdom

1) Watch the Dapper Dans

The Dapper Dans are the members of the barbershop quartet that perform daily on Main Street USA. While other guests are busy rushing down Main Street to hit up their favorite attractions, slow down your pace to watch the Dapper Dans perform. This talented group is a must-see experience if you really want to soak up the atmosphere of hanging out on Main Street USA.

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2) See the fireworks from a different perspective

When I visit the Magic Kingdom, I either plan on getting a spot in front of the castle and watching Happily Ever After, or I plan on doing other things for the night instead. If I go with the latter decision, I usually still end up seeing Wishes even though it wasn’t part of the original plan. While other locations might not compare to Main Street, there are a couple of different places around the park that also offer a nice view. If you’re walking around the park when the fireworks start, scope out a backup spot!

3) Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom

Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom is an interactive card game that allows guests to cast spells to defeat villains who are trying to take over the park. When this game came out, I fell into the camp of guests who always passed on it because I thought I’d rather spend time doing other things. Now that I’ve tried the game however, I realize how fun it is, and how addicting it can become to collect the spell cards.

4) Become a galactic hero

Next time you’re over at Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, really put in some effort and see if you can earn the highest score to become a galactic hero. If you take a picture of your score (999,999) and show it to the nearest cast member once you exit the attraction, you’ll be awarded with a special celebration button. With practice, getting the high score is totally doable, so it’s a fun goal to set for yourself with each trip to the park.

5) Dance parties

The Magic Kingdom offers a couple of dance parties, in Tomorrowland, as well as Move it Shake it Dance it Play it on Main Street USA. Many guests, especially those without kids, forgo the dance parties in favor of parades or attractions instead, but the dance parties can be a great time if you allow yourself to let loose and enjoy them.

6) Have a drink

Any Disney fan knows that until fairly recently, the Magic Kingdom has been a completely dry park. Now that Be Our Guest Restaurant and Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen are open, guests can enjoy beer and wine in the park. While you cannot order it outside the seating area, and therefore you must be seated at a table, dining at the restaurant to order it, chances are these are new experience for many Disney guests.

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7) Attend a party

Some of my favorite memories from the Magic Kingdom have been made during Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party—two events that a surprising number of guests pass on each year. If you happen to be visiting the parks during either event, I would highly suggest getting a ticket. The added entertainment and special holiday fun will truly add something special to the rest of your trip.

8) Shows

In each of the parks, I am always surprised to hear about how many guests skip shows and focus only on rides when it comes to attractions. While rides can be more thrilling, shows are equally as entertaining. Disney has always been an entertainment company, so shows you may assume would be “boring” like the Country Bear Jamboree or the Hall of Presidents can actually be quite entertaining. I also think it is worth pointing out that some of the most classic park attractions are shows, and in my opinion you should see them to get the full Magic Kingdom experience.

9) Walt Disney World Railroad

Even though every guest walks under the train station on Main Street to enter the park, many guests never actually experience the railroad. Like shows, the Walt Disney World Railroad is often overlooked in favor of other attractions, however it is also a classic part of the Disney vacation experience that I believe you should try at least once.

10) Rope drop

Many guests prefer to sleep in a little bit on their vacations, however I enjoy seeing the welcome show before the park opens at the Magic Kingdom. Next time you plan to arrive at the park when it opens, but then choose to hit the snooze button on your alarm, try motivating yourself to get to the park sooner to see the rope drop show—you won’t be disappointed.

About Brittany DiCologero

Brittany is a New England-based writer focused on the history of the Walt Disney World Resort. She is the author of "Red, White, and Disney: The Myths and Reality of American History at the Walt Disney World Resort," and "Brittany Earns Her Ears."