Alycia Perry: Wondrous Events at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom

Magic Kingdom always has spectacular events. This year I was lucky enough to experience the 40^th Anniversary of the Magic Kingdom. I had Concierge training during the day and went there to have lunch at Casey’s Bakery on Main Street U.S.A. Then after class was over a few of us headed over to spend the rest of the day at Magic Kingdom. It was the busiest I have ever seen it! There was approximately 90,000 people and spectacular fireworks were set to go off at 9:00 p.m. Every person in the park gathered around Cinderella Castle to watch the 180 degree firework show. Women were pushing their children’s buggies into my legs, pushing other people over, and screaming at everyone that was also trying to get by and leave the park because of the madness. The Cast Members were not doing crowd control properly. There was absolutely no way to get through on any path because of how hectic it was! It was definitely the busiest day of the year so far in Magic Kingdom. On a bright note, we got limited edition 40^th Anniversary celebration buttons, cupcakes, and maps of the park, but these maps weren’t just regular maps… they had the original design of the park from 1971! I took two of them for safe keepingJ.

Another exciting Magic Kingdom event was the Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party! Because I am a Concierge, Disney gives us complimentary event tickets to be able to experience the event and sell it to our guests. I went one night right after work and made it just in time to see the firework show! This night also had a 180 degree view of fireworks! The park was decorated with pumpkins, festive wreaths, and decorative Halloween colors. It was beautiful! I love Halloween so it was very exciting for me to have Halloween celebrated in the park for over one whole month not just one day! I got to dress up as Minnie Mouse and meet characters that aren’t usually there. There was the Seven Dwarfs and Snow White, Mad Hatter with Alice and Wonderland and the White Rabbit, Queen of Hearts, Jaffar, Captain Hook, and so many more! There were stations all over the park for Trick ‘r Treats and Character Dance Parties with Pluto, Goofy, and Stitch dressed in Halloween Costumes. My favorite part about this party was the amazing parade that was shown! Followed by that was the Villain’s Mix and Mingle show out front of the Cinderella Castle! It was so much fun! One of the main reasons why it is so great for guests to purchase these party tickets is because the most popular main rides of Magic Kingdom are left open until midnight and the lines are no longer than ten minutes all night!

Right now Magic Kingdom is hosting Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. The park is shimmering with shades of red and green and festive wreaths as well. Instead of handing out candy, there is hot chocolate, apple cider, and chocolate chip cookies! On Main Street U.S.A it snows! Can you believe it? Snow in Orlando… truly incredible and reminds me of home. The characters are also dressed up during these parties. They all wear Christmas outfits with red and white. There are character meet and greets as well as Character Dance Parties.

Disney World is filled with surprises for people all over the world. These events are hosted for long periods of time to allow people to get a chance to see and celebrate even when it’s not on the designated day of the holiday. I love being able to see all of these throughout my time here. It truly makes the experience more than just magical, but unforgettable.