A Toddler's Guide to the Magic Kingdom

Disney World offers so much more for toddlers and their parents than just rides. Beyond the rides you can enjoy parades, fireworks, character meet and greets, and Cinderella's castle. Here are my favorite activities other than rides to do at Disney's Magic Kingdom.

Cinderella Castle
Children are in awe at looking at this massive structure. You can catch a peek at the castle as soon as you enter Main Street, U.S.A. The castle serves as the gateway into Fanstasyland (which is a great place for toddlers).

Your children can play inside the castle as you look at the beauty of the mosaic tiles. Some of the tiles are 14-karat gold and reminiscent of the 1950s classic version of Cinderella.

Parades
SpectroMagic Parade
This brightly colored parade can be seen on special nights throughout the Magic Kingdom. Disney Characters and their floats light up the entire kingdom. The lights around the Magic Kingdom are dimmed in preparation of this amazing parade. Your children with love watching as their favorite character rolls by lite up by thousands of tiny lights.

Celebrate A Dream Come True Parade
This parade is done in true Disney fashion. Dance to the music as your most loved Disney Characters float down Main Street, U.S.A. You will be able to pick out classic scenes from your favorite Disney movies as they float past you.

Characters and Autographs
Fairies Meet & Greet
If you have a Tinker Bell fan in the family this is a must stop on your list. This is actually a new character meet and greet area based on the new motion picture, Tinker Bell. Here you drop in the "Fairy Tent" for a chance to meet some of the popular fairies from the movies.

Judge's Tent
Walk into Judge's Tent in Mickey's Toontown Fair and you are sure to run into Mickey Mouse himself. This is a great spot to capture a picture of your toddler with the famous mouse.

Storytime with Belle
Take a much needed story time break. In Fantasyland Belle reads to your little ones. She retells the classic story of Beauty and the Beast. After the show, Belle poses for pictures and signs autographs.

Fireworks
Wishes Nighttime Spectacular

This is the biggest fireworks display in Disney's history. A great place to watch is right from Fantasyland. Be sure to sit close to a speaker and you can actually hear the music that accompanies the fireworks. The only draw back from sitting behind the castle is you may not be able to see Tinker Bell as she "takes flight" from the top of the castle.

If loud noises scare your little ones consider watching from farther away. If your lucky enough to be staying at the Polynesian you can watch right from your balcony. Other great place to watch are from the beach at the Grand Floridian or the restaurant on top of the Contemporary Resort.

Shows
Mickey's Philhar Magic

This is a great way for your little ones to interact with the show. You sit in movie style seating and enjoy a 3D movie lead by Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck. Your travel throughout classic Disney film scenes.

I really enjoy this show. It is funny; if you watch all around you, you will see children reaching out to "pop" bubbles and trying to grab for Mickey.

Playground and other Play Areas
Pooh's Playful Spot

Head over to Fantasyland and let your children run around Pooh's Playful Spot. Here take a moment and sit down and relax as your little ones play. The children can climb on and off tree trunks, go through tunnels, and slide down a honey pot slide.

Mickey's Country House
Minnie's Country House

Both Mickey and Minnie have their own cottages for you to play in at Mickey's Toontown Fair. In Mickey's house you are able to rummage through Mickey's personal belongings. Your child can search through Mickey's refrigerator, enter Mickey's bedroom and look at pictures of Mickey when he was little. Step outside to enjoy Mickey's garden.

When you are done head on over to Minnie's Country House. You can check Minnie's answering machine or bake a cake with one touch of a button. Enjoy walking through Minnie's lavender and pink cottage. Be alert; sometimes you will find Minnie outside at her gazebo.

Sources:
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/magic-kingdom/attractions/
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/magic-kingdom/entertainment/