Magic Kingdom for Adults - February 2005
Written: Feb 11 '05 (Updated Jun 15 '05)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: The Magic Kingdom is one big pro!
Cons: There will always be lines, heat, and pushy people.
The Bottom Line: The Magic Kingdom can be a great experience for adults too!
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| chelledun's Full Review: Magic Kingdom |
Although the Magic Kingdom has gotten a reputation as the most child-friendly theme park, there are plenty of attractions and restaurants here that cater to adults as well. If you are planning an adults-only getaway, you can build your visit focusing on these type of attractions. Even as part of a family vacation, I recommend being sure to visit the attractions you will enjoy along with your twenty rides on Dumbo. I have been to the MK many times, both as a child and after the age of 18, and enjoyed every trip. Although adults will enjoy most Disney attractions, this guide will list and describe some of the top attractions that are particularly enjoyable to adults.
ATTRACTIONS FOR ADULTS
Space Mountain - (Tomorrowland)
This is the ultimate 'big kid' ride, and one of the most popular at the Magic Kingdom. Guests ride in a 'rocket car' on a completely dark roller coaster high above the pavilion's floor. Your travel is illuminated only by stars as you fly through 'space'. Riders are seated in cars of six, and must ride one behind another. The roller coaster's actual ride is not particularly rough compared to a typical roller coaster, but riding in the dark seems to make the experience more intense. Lines form very early, so FASTPASS is recommended. The ride operates with lines going to two sides,each featuring a different experience.
Splash Mountain - (Frontierland)
This ride takes you on a log flume ride, Disney-style. Riders load six-person logs and travel through a variety of scenes from 'Song of the South' featuring Brer Rabit and his friends. There are several minor dips throughout the ride, culminating with the intense five-story drop. The final drop is fun and intense, and the detail and music along the way make this a great overall ride. Keep in mind you may get wet, particularly if weight in your boat is unevenly distributed. FASTPASS or visiting early is recommended here. This ride is fairly lengthy, so I have always felt you get a lot of bang for your wait time.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad - (Frontierland)
This is the third of the Disney 'mountain' roller coasters, and probably the tamest. As a result, adults with fear of roller coasters should probably use this as a test before attempting the other two. Guests board a runaway mine train, which speeds through desert scenery, including in and out of caves and past scenes of a minetown. The ride is fun but a little bit jarring due to the clattery railroad tracks. There is no one major dip as in Splash Mountain, but there are lots of dips and curves along the way.
The Haunted Mansion - (Liberty Square)
While this haunted house has the tendency to frighten some children, adults will just giggle throughout the ride and marvel at some of Disney's best special effects. After visiting an indoor 'stretch room' preshow, guests ride 'doom buggies' through a haunted mansion and graveyard. One of the best parts of visiting this attraction is trying to chat with the cast members, who are instructed to remain rude and distant with the guests in the theme of the ride. I have never seen one crack a smile, but its fun to try! This attraction does have FASTPASS, but it rarely tends to have long lines unless everything else in the park is very crowded, so I would use my FASTPASS elsewhere. This is great on a hot day, since the waiting area is mostly covered and the ride takes you inside for a while.
Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin - (Tomorrowland)
This is one of my family's favorite rides, and we have been known to hop off and run to the end of the line to ride again as many as five times in a row. The ride will take you on a mission as a space ranger to save the universe from Emperor Zorg. However, familiarity with the Buzz Lightyear story is not necessary, as the main appeal of this ride is the chance to shoot the neon targets that surround your vehicle. The vehicles seat two, each with their own gun. Score is kept according to how many orange targets you hit. The cars can be steered side to side to help hit targets. For the truly competitive, we found that riding in a car by yourself allows the most maneuverability. At the end of the ride, you are ranked in a category based on your score. This ride is addictive, as it is practically a guarantee you will want to improve your ranking.
Pirates of the Caribbean - (Adventureland)
This is another ride that is geared to accommodate children but great for adults. Pirates is one of Disney's older rides, and remains a classic. This attraction takes riders through scenes filled with pirates fighting, singing, drinking, and plundering a village. There is a short flume at the beginning, but the rest of the ride is peaceful. One of the best things about this ride is its ability to load quickly due to the large sides of the boats, so don't be alarmed if the qeue looks large.
Peter Pan's Flight - (Fantasyland)
Of the several similar audio-animatronic rides in Fantasyland, I find this to be the most adult-friendly. This ride follows loosely the story of Peter Pan and the adventures of the Darling children. You will board a ship which takes flight upon leaving the Darling's nursery. Your journey takes you through great views of London at night and Neverland, and well as a sword fight between Peter and Captain Hook. Nothing is very complicated, but the ride is visually pleasing and nostalgic. One complaint is that this attraction is very short, lasting only about two minutes, but early in the day lines tend to be short so try to visit then or use FASTPASS.
DINING FOR ADULTS
If you are traveling without children, make the most of it by venturing away from the typical cheeseburger/hot dog fare of the Disney Parks. While the Magic Kingdom does not offer dining options as diverse as the other parks, there are some more creative options.
Columbia Harbor House - (Liberty Square)
This restaurant is counter service. It has a colonial theme and features menu items such as clam chowder, fried fish, and fried chicken. There is generally lots of seating available.
El Pirata y El Perico - (Adventureland)
This counter service restaurant features a somewhat limited menu, but has options such as beef empanadas, taco salads, and churros.
Plaza Restaurant - (Main Street)
This is a sit down restaurant, and tends to be a little more relaxing than some other dining experiences. The menu features sandwiches and salads, some of which are quite creative. Interesting options include chicken and pear salad, reuben sandwich, and the plaza club. Standard fare such as hamburgers and chicken are available as well.
Tony's Town Square - (Main Street)
This sit-down restaurant is themed after the one in 'Lady in the Tramp's' famous scene, complete with red and white checkered tablecloths. The Italian menu features items such as braised pork shank, New York strip, and spaghetti with meatballs.
Overall recommendations...
Although family vacations are wonderful, traveling without children at the MK has certain advantages, including the ability to experience rides with height requirements and more versatility in selecting dining options. For a relaxing, romantic vacation I recommend focusing on the attractions that interest you most and don't get wrapped up in sprinting around the park trying to see every single thing. Overall, the Magic Kingdom can be a fabulous vacation destination for adults, with or without children.
Other Disney Stuff:
Beach Club: http://www.epinions.com/content_147743018628
Coronado Springs: http://www.epinions.com/content_100521381508
Peter Pan's Flight: http://www.epinions.com/content_148621332100
Dinosaur: http://www.epinions.com/content_147863932548
Blizzard Beach: http://www.epinions.com/content_150122565252
Pleasure Island: http://www.epinions.com/content_148432457348
Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Couples
Best Time to Travel Here: Anytime
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