Magic Kingdom

Mickey Mouse. Tinkerbell. Cinderella. What would childhood be like without the characters and magic of Disney? And when kids (and parents) say they want to go to "the" theme park, it's probably the Magic Kingdom they're thinking of. Here you're walking amid crowds—characters like Snow White and Donald Duck strolling right alongside you—while roller coasters and rides whirl overhead and "It's a Small World" runs through your head.

The Magic Kingdom is the heart and soul of the Disney empire. Comparable (in scope) to California's Disneyland, it was the first Disney outpost in Florida when it opened in 1971, and it's the park that launched Disney's presence, with modifications, in France, Japan, and Hong Kong.

For a landmark that wields such worldwide influence, the Magic Kingdom may seem small: at 107 acres, it's smaller than Disney World's other or "Big Three" parks. But looks can be deceiving: the unofficial theme song—"It's a Small World After All"—doesn't hold true when it comes to the Magic Kingdom's attractions. Packed into seven different "lands" are nearly 50 major crowd pleasers, and that's not counting all the ancillary attractions: shops, eateries, live entertainment, Disney-character meet-and-greet spots, fireworks, parades, and, of course, the sheer pleasure of strolling through the beautifully landscaped grounds.

Many rides are geared to the young, but the Magic Kingdom is anything but a kiddie park. The degree of detail, the greater vision, the surprisingly witty spiel of the guides, and the tongue-in-cheek signs that crop up in the oddest places—for instance, in Fantasyland, the restrooms are marked "Prince" and "Princess"—all contribute to a delightful sense of discovery that's far beyond the mere thrill of a ride.

The park is laid out on a north-south axis, with Cinderella Castle at the center and the various lands surrounding it in a broad circle. Upon entering you find yourself at the foot of Main Street, U.S.A., which runs due north and ends at the Hub, a large manicured circle, properly known as Central Plaza, in front of Cinderella Castle. The castle's golden spires have been polished to perfection and street parties kick into high gear throughout 2009 in celebration of Disney's global "What Will You Celebrate?" promotion. You say it's your birthday? Then you can get in free through December 31 at the Magic Kingdom or other Walt Disney World parks or Disneyland in California.