Magic Kingdom Overview~

It has often been said that the true essence of Disney magic can be experienced simply by stepping foot inside the Magic Kingdom.

The Magic Kingdom is divided into five distinct areas (lands), arranged in a spoke-like formation, all meeting at the top of Main Street U.S.A. right in front of Cinderella Castle. The five lands consist of Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, Frontierland, Liberty Square and Adventureland. Each land is themed to its appropriate title and maintaining that theme is paramount to the parks operation.

The Magic Kingdom contains some real "don't miss" attractions, depending on what age bracket you fall in.  One of this park's strengths is the cross-generational appeal of many of its better attractions.  Splash Mountain is a good example.  It's not unusual to see three generations of family members riding together.  Other favorites like Jungle Cruise, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Haunted Mansion offer similar appeal to a wide range of visitors.

Food at Epcot!

Kona Café-- The Kona Café infuses a bit of Asian zest into traditional American breakfast, lunch and dinner fare in the Polynesian Resort. Indulge in the scrumptious cinnamon and banana-stuffed Tonga Toast or choose from a variety of more savory breakfast options like a variety of egg dishes and pineapple macadamia nut pancakes.

Le Cellier-- At Le Cellier Steakhouse, feast on regional cuisine based on recipes from the provinces of Canada. Open for lunch and dinner, the restaurant features succulent prime rib and filet mignon from aged corn-fed beef, and pan-seared seafood, along with its signature dish, Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup. The extensive children's menu aims to please the picky eater.

Tutto Italia-- Tutto Italia Ristorante in the Italy Pavilion at Epcot Theme Park creates a feast of traditional Italian cuisine with the tempting talents of a master chef. Treat the family to a memorable meal in Old World ambiance, amid fine murals of ancient Rome and sparkling chandeliers.

Coral Reef-- Coral Reef Restaurant, located at The Seas serves scrumptious seafood for lunch and dinner surrounded by stunning underwater views of the Caribbean Coral Reef.

Dine on grilled mahi mahi, pan-seared flounder and other seafood favorites, as well as New York strip steak, grilled chicken and vegetable strudel. All the while, look out on the largest inland saltwater environment ever built— containing 85 different species of tropical fish.

Teppan Edo-- Teppan Edo is a Japanese restaurant in the Japan Pavilion in Epcot Theme Park where the spirit of authentic Japanese cuisine is celebrated through the culinary talents of Teppan Chefs cooking traditional dishes on grills at your table.

Be entertained in the communal ritual of Teppan-yaki style cooking in one of the 6 picturesque Teppan Edo dining rooms as skillful chefs chop and stir-fry fresh shellfish, meats and vegetables at your table, served with Udon noodles and steamed rice.

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Canada

When you head to our neighbor to the north, the first thing you'll notice is the the mansard-roofed Victorian-style "Hotel du Canada". The Canada pavilion's centerpiece was inspired by the Chateau Laurier, a historic hotel found in Ottawa.

It's amazing how they manage to feature an entire country's landscaping into the setting. The colorful grounds are reminiscent of the Butchart Gardens found in Victoria.

The majestic Canadian Rockies are featured complete with a boulder strewn stream that rushes to a 30 foot waterfall.

United Kingdom

The United Kingdom pavilion is a bustling destination. Through the seamless blend of architecture that takes you from the streets of London to an English cottage, the essence of this nation is yours to enjoy. Cobble-stoned streets, a quaint pub, the scent of fish and chips in the air combine to make this an authentic “trip across the pond.”

Tucked in the back of the United Kingdom pavilion is the perfect spot for taking a quiet break. There’s a lovely English garden, topiaries and Tigger’s Maze. Children delight in working their way through this puzzle. A copper roofed gazebo is the showpiece of this section. You may find the loveable Winnie the Pooh and the perfectly proper Mary Poppins making appearances here.

While there is no “attraction” at the United Kingdom, there is entertainment with a decidedly British flair. The World Showcase Players are an improvisation group who engage visitors in their hilarious skits. The “British Invasion” performs songs from the Beatles and other British groups.

France

The France Pavilion is a bit deceptive at first glance. Tucked away behind the Chefs de France restaurant (one of the Epcot's best), is an alleyway where the Boulangerie Patisserie is found. This is a fancy way of saying "bakery" and is not to be missed.

When you approach France from the United Kingdom, you stroll over the Pont des Arts inspired footbridge. This spot is reminiscent of the the Seine waterfront, complete with flower carts and artists.

The center fountain is a great place to sit, relax and people watch. Throughout the day the "Serveur Amusant" acrobats perform. It's a fun show where the two talented performers build a tower out of chairs and balance on top.

The 'streets' are lined in cobblestones and as you explore the pavilion, you'll hear romantic tunes being played. Speaking of romance, there's no greater love than the Beauty and the Beast. You'll often find Belle and her fur covered man.

There is an "attraction" so to speak. The "Impressions de France" film is shown throughout the day in the Palais du Cinema. The best thing about this movie is that you actually get to sit. (A nice departure from the Circle Vision movies in China and Canada.)

Morocco

Guarding the entrance to the Moroccan pavilion is a reproduction of the Koutoubia Minaret of Marrakesh, a prayer tower of the 12th century mosque. The intricately carved tower reflects the pride in the craftsmanship that the native artisans took when assisting in the construction of the Moroccan pavilion.

More native craftsmen were used in building this pavilion than in any other in all of the World Showcase. This is evident in the supreme quality of the geometric patterns and mosaic art found throughout Morocco.

The warm terra cotta tiles and carved plaster buildings topped with green roofs amidst the winding alleys and stuccoed archways add to the charm of the "jewel of North Africa".

The flower filled courtyard surrounded by citrus and olive trees, date palms and banana plants, includes a fountain inspired by the Nejjarine fountain Fez. In this area, you can hear Moroccan musicians, watch the exotic belly dancers perform or marvel at the incredible acrobatics of the Houzali Troupe.

Japan and Pick a Pearl

Japan is one of the more picturesque of the countries in the World Showcase. It also is one of the best spots for shopping.

Photo enthusiasts will want to capture the large red torii gate that welcomes visitors to this pavilion.

A towering blue-roofed pagoda, which is a replica of a 7th century Horyuji Temple, is surrounded by beautiful gardens. Footbridges cross streams brimming with water lilies and colorful koi fish.

Japanese maples, bamboo, monkey puzzle trees and other native plantings provide a tranquil garden setting. This is a great place to sit and relax for awhile.

Inside Epcot’s Japan pavilion is the Mitsukoshi Department Store where you will find a variety of items such as anything Hello Kitty to Japanese Swords. Here guests can also choose their own oyster to discover and keep the pearl that lies within.

Your pearl adventure begins as you point out one of the oysters in the tank for the Cast Member to pick out for you. When you make your pick the Cast Member leads you in a countdown opening the oyster. When the pearl is found inside, the Cast Member will measure it for you, and will then celebrate by playing a beat on the drum on the counter. It is so much fun and YOU get to do it! =)

United States

The American pavilion is a colonial-style mansion whose roots are found in the architecture of Independence Hall, Boston's Old State House, Monticello and Colonial Williamsburg. The 110,000 bricks used on the building are all hand-made from Georgia clay and were tinted and aged to add authenticity. The interior floors are made from marble and copper.

Across the World Showcase promenade on the lagoon is the outdoor stage and amphitheater known as the America Gardens Theatre. Live shows such as the Candlelight Processional, Eat to the Beat and Flower Power concerts are held here.

The America Pavilion is all about patriotism, with the gardens planted in hues of red, white and blue. The roses all varieties named for U.S. Presidents.

Before entering the American Adventure theatre, you will see a collection of the flags which have represented the United States during the course of its history. The show is a patriotic look at the concepts America was founded on. Hosted by Benjamin Franklin and Mark Twain, the 29-minute show blends Audio-animatronics with images shown on a 72' rear projection screen.

There are 6 statues on each side of the theatre which represent Individualism, Innovation, Tomorrow, Independence, Compassion, Discovery, Freedom, Heritage, Pioneering, Knowledge, Self-Reliance and Adventure.

There are 35 Audio-animatronic figures used in scenes depicting the Pilgrims' arrival at Plymouth Rock, the Boston Tea Party, George Washington at Valley Forge, the writing of the Declaration of Independence, the Civil War, slavery and the invention of the telephone.

Princess Meal!!!

Can you believe we are going to eat in the castle? Me neither! When we get to our hotel, we will check in, grab something small to eat and then head to the Magic Kingdom!

We will ride a few rides and then enter the castle for dinner! Here are the different menu choices:

Appetizer: Fruit & Cheese Platter with carrots, celery, and ranch dressing for dipping.

Entree Selections: Mini Hot Dogs with potato tots, green beans and carrots

OR Chicken Tenders with Mashed Potatoes, green beans and carrots

OR Beef and Macaroni with marinara sauce and melted Mozzarella served with green beans and carrots

Dessert Selection: Royal Crown Sundae or Raspberry Sorbet.

Selection of Beverages: Minute Maid Apple or Orange Juice, Milk, Soda, Iced Tea, Lemonade, or Punch

Your parents can order from the following:

Appetizers of the Court
Choice of one:

Mixed Greens Salad - Mixed Field Greens and fresh herbs tossed with a White Balsamic Vinaigrette

Rock Shrimp Cocktail - rock shrimp with tomato marmalade

Royal Tasting of Cheese - a trio of cheeses with accompaniments

Soup Of The Day

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Entrées Royale:
Choice of one:

Roasted Beef Tenderloin - sliced roasted beef tenderloin with Duchess potatoes, asparagus, and a tomato Hollandaise

Grilled Pork Chop - grilled bone-in pork chop with roasted butternut squash, braised baby greens, and an apple-onion ragout

Vegetarian "Cassoulet" - baked French-style casserole of cannelini and Garbanzo beans topped with wild mushrooms, zucchini, shallots, tomatoes, and herbs

Fried Chicken - fried chicken with a house-made Macaroni and Cheese and Cheese and Broccolini

Braised Cobia - braised on Pomodorro sauce served with vegetables over angel hair pasta

Duck Confit - duck confit with savory mushroom bread pudding and Hollandaise sauce

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Finale
Choice of one:

Valrhona Chocolate Mousse - A light chocolate mousse presented with berries and raspberry sauce

Créme Caramel - caramel topped with vanilla custard

Seasonal No Sugar Added Sorbet - with berries