Ranking the Lands at Magic Kingdom
All of the “lands” in the Magic Kingdom have their own unique charm and appeal. So how does one even think about ranking them? Have you ever thought about it? Where do you even begin? Well, I’m up for the challenge!
Magic Kingdom is usually the first park that comes to mind when people think of Walt Disney World. The park is divided into six different themed areas, all stemming from a center hub, built in front of Cinderella Castle at the end of Main Street U.S.A. Think about a bicycle wheel and its spokes, that is exactly how it looks from above.
Each spoke leads to a different land, but all lands are connected, so you can walk through them in any manner you wish. You don’t have to come back to the center to enter another area of the park.
So what are the six different themed areas? Main Street U.S.A., Adventureland, Frontierland, Liberty Square, Fantasyland and Tomorrowland.
Let’s see how they rank!
6. Frontierland
This may be an unpopular choice to put at the bottom of my list, but I’m holding my ground. Of all the lands in the park, this is the one I spend the least amount of time in. The theming is incredible, there is no denying that. You absolutely feel like you’ve stepped into the wild west, but the attractions and food choices overall don’t do enough for me to spend a significant amount of time in the area.
For starters, I don’t do Splash Mountain. Ok, I rode it once (maybe twice), but I don’t like getting soaking wet. Yup, that’s the truth. And because of that, I forgo the opportunity to see one of the cutest themed attractions in the park. But, I’m willing to do that to happily not be sopping wet.
Big Thunder Mountain is fun, I can’t argue that! After all, it’s the wildest ride in the wilderness!! But often the line is too long to wait standby, and it’s usually not the 1st, 2nd or 3rd FastPass+ option I reserve, so it gets pushed to later in the day or evening, and sometimes I end up not riding it at all.
The Country Bear Jamboree is the only attraction that truly lures me into Frontierland. It is quintessential Disney World, been around since the day Magic Kingdom opened in 1971, and is one of the last remaining attractions that Walt himself helped create. For that reason alone, this attraction ranks pretty high on my list – but the land itself. Eh, not my favorite.
The food options aren’t a draw for me either. Pecos Bill is good, but not enough to make the special trip, and the Diamond Horseshoe is good too, but seasonal. So the option isn’t always there.
5. Tomorrowland
When I started evaluating the lands and determining my personal rank, I was actually surprised this didn’t make a higher cut. While it screams nostalgia to me, I feel like the land is a bit disjointed and going through a mini identity crisis.
I will admit, outside of my #1 ranked land (which we’ll get to later), the music in this land is one of my favorites. There is something about walking from the hub, under the Tomorrowland sign, into the land and hearing that futuristic music, I can’t help but smile.
Space Mountain, Carousel of Progress, and The PeopleMover are all classics and the very reasons I enjoy this land. Buzz is cute, but is a bit played out in my opinion, I can’t say I have ever experienced Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor, and The Speedway is so very classic Walt Disney World, but those fumes! That right there might be enough to rank the land lower!
The food options aren’t plentiful in Tomorrowland either. I do like Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café, I think the food is good. And overall this quick service option has a lot going for it; they have a very large menu, lots of seating, a fixings bar and tons of registers open to order your food. All around, it’s a great experience to eat here.
4. Liberty Square
There is not too much to say about this one, except for two things: The Haunted Mansion and Columbia Harbor House.
Liberty Square is located between Fantasyland and Frontierland, you can also access direct from the hub in front of Cinderella Castle. Aside from the fact that this area houses my very favorite Magic Kingdom attraction, The Haunted Mansion, there isn’t a lot in this land to do.
I do absolutely love the theming; the level of detail is incredible. This area is themed to represent Colonial America, it really does feel as if you’ve traveled back in time. It’s very well done, complete with replicas of The Liberty Bell and Liberty Tree, making for some awesome photo ops.
You can find the Liberty Belle Riverboat and Hall of Presidents in this area as well. While neither are my number one favorites, they are classics. I do enjoy seeing the Hall of Presidents from time to time and re-learning about American History. The animatronics are spectacular; and reason in my opinion to take time to experience this attraction. It’s also a great place to cool off for 20 minutes!
The land does offer one of my very favorite quick service restaurants – Columbia Harbor House! It’s simple and delicious and my go-to-choice when at the Magic Kingdom. Liberty Tree Tavern is also another great choice! This table service restaurant serves up one of the best Thanksgiving meals every single day of the year! Both choices rate highly in my book.
3. Main Street U.S.A.
As we move down the line and get closer to my number one land, it gets harder and harder. Main Street U.S.A could easily be number one in my opinion. Granted there are no attractions, aside from the Walt Disney World Railroad, but there is something so special about this area. You don’t need any attractions to define it. That feeling you get every time you step onto Main Street, and see that beautiful Castle, can’t be replicated by stepping into any other land. And for that, it ranks higher than most.
I could sit on Main Street for hours and take it all the sights, sounds and smells. It is quintessential America, or at least the America we’d love to live in, in real life. It’s what inspired Walt Disney when he envisioned and built it, and what continues to inspire me every time I step foot into the park.
2. Fantasyland
Fairy tales, pixie dust and magic! There is no better way to define Fantasyland, right? This is why it ranks number two on the list!
Many of us grew up watching classic animated movies featuring some of the most beloved characters of all time. Snow White, Dumbo, Peter Pan, Winnie the Pooh, Alice in Wonderland, and so many more are all represented in Fantasyland. It reminds me so much of my childhood, and gives me all the feels. This land also has the most attractions to enjoy of all six throughout the park.
There have been so many attractions to come and go over the years (and those I miss terribly like Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride), but some have stood the test of time like It’s a Small World. But no matter what, the essence of what Fantasyland is, and means to those that visit, has not changed. And that nostalgic feeling is what brings me back time and time again.
Some of my favorite eateries can be found here as well! Cinderella’s Royal Table, Be Our Guest, Gaston’s Tavern (that LeFou’s Brew is so good!!) and Storybook Treats. There is no shortage of snacks in Fantasyland!
And let’s not forget the best restrooms on property! The Tangled themed bathrooms are so pretty – it’s a shame that it’s only a bathroom!
1. Adventureland
And finally, number one…. Adventureland! This is hands down my very favorite land is all of Magic Kingdom.
Jungle Cruise, Pirates of the Caribbean, Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room, Dole Whip and Citrus Swirl. That little Orange Bird is calling my name! Need I say more? Not to mention the incredible calypso/jungle music that plays throughout the land. I think the music alone ranks this number one for me. The minute I walk under the Adventureland sign and hear those steel drums, I feel at home.
Adventureland will also soon be home to the exclusive Club 33, which will exist in each of the four theme parks at Walt Disney World.
And let’s not forget The Skipper Canteen! This has become one of my favorite restaurants at Magic Kingdom, going head-to-head with Be Our Guest. What I love most is that the restaurant is perfect extension of The Jungle Cruise attraction – those corny skipper jokes never get old! The theming is spot on and the food is delicious!
For me, there is no debating it, Adventureland always has been and always will be my favorite land at the Magic Kingdom. When the parks opens-up and all go right toward Tomorrowland, I go left toward Adventureland. It is hands down a clear winner for me!
So there you have it, my ranking of the lands at Magic Kingdom! This was harder than it seems! Each land has its own unique qualities that make them special. And I truly love them all for different reasons – but if I ranked them all number one – this wouldn’t make any sense! So, I had to make some hard calls.
Do you agree with these rankings? Or, would you rank them differently? Let me know if the comments below!
