What to eat and do at Disney’s Magic Kingdom
I know it’s been a few days, a week actually since I’ve blogged last. That’s because I spent the past four days in one of the most magical places on earth, Walt Disney World! My friend, Caitlin, ran the Disney Wine & Dine 10k and the half marathon all in the same weekend. I decided to join her (as a spectator of course), and we had so much fun exploring all of the parks and eating all of the food. We fit so much into our trip that I’m going to break this trip up into several blogs + videos! I was so excited to capture the moments for the blog, and I hope you enjoy it! If you are a Disney first, I hope this post will help you navigate your upcoming trip to Disney! If you’re a Disney pro, I hope this blog brings back all the happy feels. We plan on revisiting Disney, so if you have any recommendations for next time, leave them in the comments! 
TRAVEL VIDEO FOR WALT DISNEY WORLD VLOG!!!
Our trip began on Thursday evening. We got to the airport around 6 pm and had some time to spare. We were both hungry, so we stopped into the 1897 Market. I ordered a spring mix salad with seared salmon. It had tomatoes, quinoa, granola, raisins, cucumber, and vinaigrette dressing. The salad was delicious, and it hit the spot!
We took off for Orlando around 8:30 pm. The rain and wind made the flight super rough, the guy next to me was eating the smelliest Chick-Fil-A while skyping very loudly, and I was just so grateful once the plane landed. The flight to Orlando is only an hour and fifteen minutes from Charlotte, so it’s a quick trip. We took the Disney Express bus to our hotel, which was another 35-minutes. We stayed at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. It’s under a bit of renovation right now, so we got a pretty good deal on our room. Other than having to walk a long way to our room, the renovations didn’t bother us at all. Our stay was great, and they were so friendly there. I’d stay there again for sure!
We got to our room after midnight. We were ZONKED! I unpacked some things, brushed my teeth, and headed straight to bed. 
We had our trip pretty much mapped out before heading to Disney thanks to Caitlin. She’s the Disney expert. On Friday morning, we headed to the Kona Cafe at the Polynesian Village Resort for breakfast. Do yourself a favor, and add this place to your list, especially if you’re a coffee lover. Their coffee is french pressed 100% Kona coffee. I’m still daydreaming about it. You can find many notes on the internet with other people who agree! Make sure to make your reservation in advance. It’s a trendy place, but for a very good reason! 
I ordered two eggs over medium, bacon, fresh fruit, and oatmeal. Everything was fresh and cooked to perfection! There wasn’t a bite left. 
Caitlin ordered their famous Tonga Toast! Tonga toast is banana-stuffed sourdough french toast dusted in cinnamon sugar and topped with strawberry compote! You definitely have to check out the video so you can see this. If you want to try a famous Disney staple, you’ll have to order this.
After breakfast, we headed to the ESPN center to pick up Caitlin’s bib and race stuff at the expo. 
And then we finally made it to the Magic Kingdom! When you are purchasing your tickets into the park, make sure to schedule your fast passes far in advance. You can connect them with your magic band, scan, and go! It’s a good idea to plan and schedule your trip using “Your Disney Experience” online or on the app.
Seeing all of the Christmas decorations around Disney made me feel so happy! You guys know how much I love the holidays. 
First things first. Make sure to get a pair of Minnie ears! This photo cracks me up. I had many people messaging me about how it looks like I’m levitating in the picture. And now, I can’t unsee that. I guess Disney is just THAT magical.
When we got to Disney, we used our fast pass and rode Space Mountain. I was in the front of the cart, and it was SO MUCH FUN, yet terrifying. I could ride roller coasters all day long. I know some people hate them, but they make me feel like a kid again. I mentioned this in my video, but use fast passes for popular rides, or you’ll spend most of your day waiting in long lines. It’s so worth it. 
You can bring your food into Disney, but that’s no fun! We wanted to get the full Disney experience. We stopped into Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Cafe for lunch. This is a great quick stop with tons of seating. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly place to dine, this is a great spot. The prices were very reasonable. This cafe is located in Frontierland. 
We ordered a veggie bowl, the jerk lettuce wraps, guacamole, a strawberry lemonade, and churros. The veggie bowl had black beans, roasted vegetables, and yellow rice. This veggie bowl is an excellent option if you’re a vegetarian. But if you’re vegan, just ask for white rice! The warm churros are served with chocolate dipping sauce. 
Even if it’s just a couple of sips, you must order the strawberry lemonade slush. It’s super sour and refreshing! I can’t do too much of a sugary drink, or I’ll get a headache, but a couple of sips hit the spot. You must at least try it! This is a fun beverage to split.
For my lunch, I ordered the Jerk chicken lettuce wraps. This is a great gluten-free option at Disney. You can check the menus before you visit the park, so it’s not stressful when looking for something to eat. There are plenty of gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan options all around the parks! These jerk chicken lettuce wraps are bib lettuce cups filled with jerk chicken and topped with vegetable slaw and soy-lime vinaigrette. I added corn and salsa from the toppings bar. 
After lunch, we spent some time riding The Pirates of The Caribbean, visiting the tiki birds (I can’t get that stupid song out of my head), we rode Aladin’s magic carpet ride, watched the performance at the castle, and walked around a ton!
Yay for the Christmas store! This Disney Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe is open all year round.
🎄
After hitting our wall later in the afternoon, we stopped into Main Street Bakery (aka Starbucks) for a cappuccino and iced coffee. There is a Starbucks disguised in every Disney park. Don’t go looking for a Starbucks sign because you won’t see it. Even the baristas are dressed in blue and white bakery costumes instead of the typical green apron. Once you’re inside, everything will start to look like a Starbucks again. You’ll notice the familiar food displays and menu. If you want a coffee, don’t get discouraged by the lines. They go super fast! 
This is the iconic Mickey Pretzel! This was a perfect way for Caitlin to carb load before her race. You can find the pretzels at the Magic Kingdom at a stand on the left side of the castle.
The stand also had glazed cinnamon almonds. These are a great gluten-free (& vegan option!), And they smelled just like Christmas. I ended up having some with my coffee the next day. I’m saving the Dole Whip for next time!! 
We spent some time going in and out of the shops. There is so much to see and do! We saved a lot of things for our next visit like lunch at Be Our Guest restaurant.
We headed to Splash Mountain to use our fast pass. It started to rain, so we thought it would be a fitting ride since we were going to get wet anyway. Holy Moly! So while we were getting on the ride, Disney was under a tornado warning. We spent a couple of minutes going through the tunnel, and when we finally made it out before going down the giant drop, the overlook of Disney was terrifying! The wind was blowing, the sky was dark, and it looked like Disney was in a war zone. Caitlin and I for sure thought we were doomed! Regardless of the weather, the ride was so fun, and we got absolutely drenched! 
We left the park around 5 pm and headed back to the hotel to get ready for our dinner reservation. Disney has buses that will take you to the resorts, so you won’t have to worry about parking or calling Ubers. The bus ride back was fun because I met a new little friend, Maci. She wanted to do a cheer for my video, so make sure to check that out! Goodness, she was the cutest!!!
We had our dinner at the Maya Grill at our resort in Coronado Springs. The restaurant had so many great options, so it was so hard to choose what to order! We started with some warm house-made tortilla chips and salsa. I ordered the sizzling chicken fajita skillet. It came with white rice and corn tortillas. They accommodate gluten and dairy-friendly meals. You just have to let them know, and they’ll make sure to use substitutes. I loved this because I didn’t feel sick or bloated during the trip at all. I had so many great foods, and it was so easy to find something that worked with my lifestyle.
My dreams came true when we headed back to see the Christmas lights and firework show at Disney. This was one of the most magical moments of my life! 
The firework show starts at 9:00 and lasts about fifteen minutes. I had tears just streaming down my face. I know that sound so silly, but it’s just one of those moments that gets you. You may be tired after walking around Disney all day, but you just can’t miss the fireworks. Take a break at the hotel, but then get your butt back to the fireworks. 
The show is more than just the fireworks. The castle is like a screen, and it had different videos playing from each famous Disney song. If you watch my video, you’ll see what I mean!
You’re never too old to enjoy Disney! This is such a fun place and so much to soak in. I can’t wait to go back! I hope to have part two up soon! ❤️
Questions for you!
- Have you ever seen the firework show at the Magic Kingdom?
- What’s your favorite Disney movie?
- If you have been to Magic Kingdom, please share your most important tip for navigating the park!
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This looks like it was so much fun!! We love the Dole whip– it’s totally vegan-friendly, and sooo good!
What!!! I am saving that for next time. I figured it was some kind of creamy whip! Thanks for the tip 😊
Hi! We went to Disney World in June and the fireworks were my favorite part! It looks like you found some great places to eat! I was kind of disappointed with the eating options when I went. If I ever go back I will write down your suggestions!
You can always look before you go! Disney has pretty much everything on their website and you can add it to the app so you don’t forget!
Ahh, Hong Kong’s Disneyland is no match for this! ❤️
What a magical day, so much fun you had! 🙂
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
I bet it’s just as cool! xo
I’ve never been to the Magic Kingdom but I live super close to Disneyland in California and since your brother is out here you’ll have to visit and compare both parks! My favorite Disney movie is Beauty and the Beast and I totally want to visit Disneyworld just so I can eat at Be Our Guest! Can’t wait to read more about your trip! That Tonga toast looks drool worthy!
Hi, Ashton!
I will definitely be making a trip to Disneyland when I go! Oh, I want to go there too. I’m making a super early reservation for that next time.
xo xo
I love the photos in this blog and all the information you shared. I am going to Disney with my friends next week so thank you, Taralynn (and Caitlin!)
I hope you have so much fun, Danielle!
I’m a native Floridan who grew up going to Disney. The parks have changed so much from when I was a kid. I love the Dole Whip (Epcot has it during the Flower & Garden show & you can get it mixed with rum too). I believe one or two of the resorts has it available too. My favorite park by far is EPCOT.
Hi, Marissa!
I am going to get the Dole Whip when we go back asap! Mixed rum!? YES, PLEASE!
We had a blast at Epcot and the food and wine festival was insane!
xo
So glad you had such a good time in my hometown! Even though I live here, I still love Disney. I have an annual pass so I am able to go quite often. You came at a perfect time of year. You just missed it but Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween party happens at the Magic Kingdom during August, September, and October. You get to trick or treat throughout the park and can dress up if you want to. The Halloween parade and fireworks are a must see!
Hi, Jennifer!
Lucky you! 😊 I don’t blame you for wanting to go often. We heard all about the Halloween happenings at the park! Wish we would have came sooner! Next year! 😊 BUT THANKFULLY, we got to see the Christmas decor! 😊
We are HUGE Disney fans. I’ve been a couple times (Disneyland too!) and it’s just as magical each time!! People don’t realize that there is strategy that goes into a Disney trip: picking specific days for specific parks, going on certain rides in a certain order, etc etc. Last time we went to Disney we never waited in line longer than 10-15 minutes because I had done so much planning beforehand!
Another great tip for saving money at Disney is to go through an official Disney planner. You don’t pay anything extra but they can get you tons of discounts and connections. One example is the Free-Dining promotion Disney always offers in the fall. If you book at a specific resort in Disney at a certain time, your planner can actually get you a Free Disney Dining pass which means you get a certain amount of “points” per day to try different foods in all the parks FOR FREE. Totally worth it!
Hi, Samantha!
THAT IS AWESOME! I love that you’re a planner. Caitlin and I planned this trip literally six months in advance! (all the way back in Hawaii)
I think a Disney planner would be awesome. What a great tip!!
Thanks, for the help and I’m sure others will appreciate this comment!!!
Hi Samantha! Yes, thank you for these tips- they are great!
Hey girl! Love every single one of your posts, as always. Quick question- do you recommend a specific app for overlaying text on photos? Like the white cursive ‘strawberry lemonade slush’ one. Would LOVE a post about your camera/lighting/apps/editing recommendations? I love your style, it’s polished but relaxed and real.
Hi, Misha!
Thanks for the kind words! You can download fonts from online and load them to your computer to fit your style! But a editing post would be a great idea 😉
AN editing post you mean?? 🙄 yeah you’d be great at that
No need to get rude over a typo.
I just went to Disney last month and stayed at the Coronado Springs resort! The construction didn’t bother us and the rooms were really nice for less money. I had not been to Disney in years and it was somewhat overwhelming! There are so many things to see and do that we could barely make it through all of them. We did check out the new Toy Story area and the Avatar ride (which is newer but has been there for over a year now). Both were awesome. I’m not a Star Wars person but everyone there seemed excited about that area opening up soon too.
Hi, Kayla!
Glad you had a good stay at Coronado Springs! The Toy Story land was SO PACKED! lol hopefully you got onto the ride! It was a 95 minute wait lol I absolutely loved Pandora!!
Possibly a correction or possibly things have changed since I last visited, but I am pretty sure Fast Passes are free and dont cost extra. https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/faq/fast-pass-plus/cost/
Yes, you’re right! You get them with your ticket. Thanks for correcting me!
I have seen the firework show, but not the recent one. I like when Tink zip lines across everyone from the top of the castle. But normally when the firework show is happening, we ride Mine Train (no line).
I honestly have no idea what my favorite Disney movie is… sad I know.
Most important tip, always take the shortcuts! It gets you away from people with strollers and those people can be SO mean.
I’m so glad you had fun, your pictures are amazing!
Hi, Jenna!
The rides during the fireworks is actually a brilliant idea haha
OMG hahahaha I almost lost my toes twice because of the strollers during the firework show 😂 But they were very apologetic about it, and I don’t blame them for taking the strollers! Kids definitely don’t like standing too long.
Thanks so much for the kind words!!
I loved meeting you at the race! Looks like you had such a fun trip 😃
Awww so great to meet you as well! Disney was amazing!! Hope you did awesome on your half!!
My fiancee’s family live near Orlando and his mom is a Disney FANATIC – she’s a member of every possible club and perk and she goes at least once a month. We join her every year for Christmas and Magic Kingdom is my favorite park.
1. I’ve seen several versions of their firework show, but the latest is my favorite. They include Hunchback of Notre Dame – such an underrated movie! Sometimes I skip the fireworks, but NOT with this show. It’s too good.
2. Beauty and the Beast
3. If you’re a bigger rides person than a firework person – go to the big rides riiiiiight before the fireworks start. No lines! Also, if you want to meet Belle you have to go through an embarrassing interactive attraction that is definitely for tiny tiny kids. If you want to save yourself the mortification, go do it during the fireworks so fewer people see you sneaking into a kid’s attraction to meet a princess 😉
Otherwise, always take a break in your hotel between 11:00 and 1:00. And always stay on Disney property!
I died laughing at your “meet Belle” tips lol!!
His mom sounds like the right person to talk to before making a trip to Disney!!!
Also thank you for all of these awesome tips!!!
Disney expert here! I LOVE the fireworks at the Magic Kingdom. The current show, Happily Ever After, is SO exciting and beautiful and magical, but I think I did like the previous show, Wishes, just a bit more because it had my favorite songs in it! The current show’s animation and original music is SO impressive though.
My favorite Disney movies are The Little Mermaid and Tangled.
Best tip for navigating the Magic Kingdom is to make your fast passes for the morning and then use the app to check wait times and then make more fast passes throughout the day! I’ve gotten as many as 7 in a day before doing that.
Also I highly recommend going to Olivia’s Cafe someday at the Old Key West resort. Amazing shrimp omelette and banana bread French toast! Very underrated breakfast place similar in price and style to Kona.
Hi, Tiffany!
I agree with you. The show was extremely impressive!!
Ahhh I LOVE Little Mermaid!!
Great tip!!!
I’ll add that spot to the list!!
I went to Disney for my honeymoon in the month of November. The weather was perfect! Not too hot, not too cold because we still got to go to the water parks. Can’t wait to go back in a couple years and take our daughter. All these pics make me want to go now but gotta save up first!
Favorite Disney movie is either Robin Hood or Sword in the Stone.
Take your time in the park and just go with the flow.
Hi, Jenn!
Yes! Other than the rain, the weather was pretty dang great! You’re going to have so much fun taking your daughter! I was jealous of all the moms with their kids having the perfect excuse to go to Disney haha!
Great tips! 🙂
What a fun trip! My Disney tip would be to plan your trip on weekdays. The parks can get flooded with pass holders.
What editing software do you use for your videos? I have really loved watching them.
Great tip, Wesley!
& thank you!! I use FCPX!
AHh I loved this! Ps I understand the teary fireworks. They’d legit make me cry every. Single. time.
It’s just one of those magical moments! 😊
It really is the most magical place on earth!! I love all the places you ate. Great ideas for whenever I go back!
Thanks, Emily! 😊
Those lettuce wraps looks amazing!!
1. I haven’t seen it. Sounds awesome!
2. Mulan
3. I haven’t been since second grade, so my biggest tip would have been make sure you don’t get separated from your parents haha.
Oh, they were soooo tasty!
Hahahaha great tip!!!
What is in the yellow rice that makes it vegetarian-friendly but not vegan-friendly?
I read that it was cooked in chicken broth so I wanted to make sure I noted it 🙂
Can I start by saying I really want those rose gold minnie ears???
I’ve only been to disney world once as a high school freshman. It was a class trip and a huge deal because we spent so much time and effort fundraising. Unfortunately I never got to enjoy it because there was a norovirus outbreak and half the class (including myself) got sick. I was only able to go to Epcot, but I did really enjoy visiting all of the different “countries”. I definitely want to go back for the marathon… someday!
My all-time favorite movie is Beauty and the Beast 🙂 I particularly enjoy the live action remake because Luke Evans is the hottest man in existence 😉 😉 😉
Aren’t they so cute?!
So sorry to hear your experience wasn’t good 😞 especially when you work so hard for the trip.
A couple of years ago when I went to Epcot, I didn’t get to enjoy it because I was extremely sick, so I know how that is!
YES!! One of my favorites too.
So happy you had an amazing time! How did Caitlin do in her races? I went this past March so I was able to see the fireworks show. It was pretty good but I was more impressed with the previous fireworks show called Wishes (which I saw in 2016). It had more of the classics instead of the newer movies so you’ll have to YouTube it 🙂 My favorite movie is the Lion King and Beauty and the Beast. Best tip I have for navigating Disney is to put fast passes in a clock wise or counter clockwise order so you’re not running all over the place; also book dining as soon as you can because Be Our Guest fills up quick (my favorite restaurant inside the park).
I LOVE your green sneakers in this post! What brand/model are they? Were they comfy for walking through the parks all day? 🙂
They are from Aldo! Very comfortable.
We haven’t been to Disney World since 2013. We used to go for 12-15 days every year (family of five) but it’s just gotten so incredibly expensive and crowded that we haven’t been back. We’d actually pay the outrageous cost if there was a week or two during the year when crowds were down but it’s always crowded now. 🙁
Have you ever seen the firework show at the Magic Kingdom?
YES! And while I love Happily Ever After, WISHES will always be my fav. <3 I worked at Epcot during the time Wishes was showing, so I had seen it plenty of times, and still cried every time.
What’s your favorite Disney movie?
The Little Mermaid!
If you have been to Magic Kingdom, please share your most important tip for navigating the park!
I agree on riding the big rides during the fireworks, also the teacups are an important staple and they make the best pictures/crazy videos! Another tip is to use the shortcuts, especially when trying to get from Thunder Mountain to the Jungle Cruise; there's a bathroom walkway and it's the best to use. And of course, always get a new pair of ears every trip. 😉
Hi Taralynn, first things first-the Disney levitation,wow, this is so far the best accidental illusion I’ve ever seen and i noticed it straight away as i was scrolling even before i read the comments underneath 🙂 Disney magic? Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Cafe meal looked absolutely stunning, I’m in awe 🙂 Thank you for great mood and even greater advice and tips 🙂
Thank you so much for talking with Maci. She really enjoyed the short time that she spent with you. She still talks about you. Looks like you girls enjoyed yourselves. Thanks again! 😊
This just made my whole day!! We still talk about Maci! You’re raising the sweetest and most outgoing little girl! Tell her we said hello! ♥️
Looks magical!
Planning my 2019 trip now so this post was perfect. Especially as I’m travelling as a vegan with a friend who is gluten free. I’ve made sure to note your recommendations! 🙂
Next time you go, if you want to order ears ahead of time, let me know! My friend and I have an etsy shop under Once Upon a Castle Crafts and we can make you a custom set if you don’t see any you like or you want matching ears with your friends!
Erin