Take a Stroll Down Main Street USA: 13 Ways to Make the Most of Your Day at the Magic Kingdom!
If you’ve tried rope-dropping the Magic Kingdom just to sprint to the most popular ride in the park, it might be time to try another (less exhausting) approach. There’s plenty of magic in each part of the park, including your gateway to the Magic Kingdom—Main Street USA! This turn-of-the-century-inspired land offers more than just shopping (though that is certainly part of its appeal). You’ll find entertainment, eateries, and some nifty “secrets” if you take the time to enjoy it. So, take a stroll down Main Street USA with us, and we’ll show you everything this area has to offer!
Catch a Performance from the Dapper Dans
Arguably the most beloved entertainers in all of Disney, the Dapper Dans are a barbershop quartet who perform daily along Main Street USA. They sing, dance, and entertain park guests with vaudeville-style comedy several times throughout the day. With their iconic, colorful striped vests and straw hats, they’re hard to miss! They sing several classic songs, from Zip-a-Dee Doo Dah to Mr. Sandman. Be sure to check out their showtimes on your next visit!
Meet Mickey Mouse (and His Friends)
Is it really a trip to Disney if you don’t say hello to the Mouse himself? You can do just that at the Town Square Theater! The theater has two meet-and-greets running concurrently. Mickey Mouse greets visitors most of the day, typically accompanied by Minnie Mouse. The waits can get quite long later in the day, so plan accordingly.
Say Hello to the Citizens of Main Street
Morning on Main Street USA is a great chance to meet some of the most interesting characters in the Magic Kingdom – the Citizens of Main Street USA. These street performers are out every day, greeting guests and providing some fantastic entertainment. While the Dapper Dans are the best known of these entertainers, they aren’t the only ones you’ll meet! Among their members are also the Mary Poppins-inspired Suffragettes, Fire Chief Smokey Miller, and Jim Omohundro, who has been delighting visitors for over 30 years as Casey’s Corner pianist.
Catch the Main Street Trolley Show
The Main StreetTrolley Show is another popular street show at the Magic Kingdom. The ensemble show runs three times in the morning and always draw a crowd. Featuring The Main Street Dancers (and their trolley), you’ll be treated to a song and dance number that invites you to join in on the fun! The trolley makes three stops along Main Street USA, allowing even more people to enjoy it. The show is seasonal, so depending on the time of year, you may get a completely new experience!
Have a Sweet Treat at the Main Street Confectionery
As you walk down Main Street USA, you’ll be delighted by the smell of sugary treats wafting from the Confectionary. The old-fashioned candy shop is brimming with handmade treats that’ll satisfy any sweet tooth! They have massive candy apples inspired by Disney characters, Mickey-shaped cake pops, Krispie treats, and specialty flavored popcorn you can mix yourself! Don’t see what you want in the display case? The cast members can always make you a custom treat. Now that’s sweet!
Mail a Letter
Did you know that you can send mail from Walt Disney World? You can purchase stamps and postcards from nearby gift shops (or bring your own) and drop them directly into one of the green mailboxes located along Main Street USA. If you swing by City Hall on your way there, a cast member will stamp your letter with a special postmark!
Hop Aboard the Walt Disney World Railroad
Main Street USA is one of three available stops on the Walt Disney World Railroad. You can take a ride around the park on one of four vintage steam trains. The ride is a relaxing way to circle the Magic Kingdom and has been operating since the park opened in 1971. The round trip is about 20 minutes, with stops in Fantasyland and Frontierland.
Listen to a Conversation on The Mystery Phone
One of the lesser-known “secrets” of Main Street USA is the “working” telephone that gives you a glimpse into a conversation of the past. You can find this little gem at The Chapeau, the section within The Emporium dedicated to selling headwear. Once you’re inside, keep your eyes out for a wonderfully vintage hand-crank telephone on the wall. Lift the receiver, and you’ll be privy to the local gossip, advice, and community happenings between neighbors.
Get a Haircut
The Harmony Barber Shop is a real, working barber shop offering haircuts from licensed cosmetologists! Harmony Barber Shop offers a nostalgic experience that harkens back to the mid-century experience. The shop is best known for the “My First Haircut” package for kids. It comes with a cut and a pair of commemorative Mickey ears! However, guests of all ages can get their hair cut at this location.
Get the Perfect Pic of Cinderella’s Castle
It’s difficult to wander along Main Street USA without admiring the Magic Kingdom’s most famous icon – Cinderella’s Castle. You’ll find some of the best spots to grab that perfect vacation photo from your visit along this route. Honestly, there are no bad angles from Main Street, though you may want to take several pics to see which one you prefer. As you can imagine, it’s a popular photo spot! We recommend trying early in the morning or late at night for smaller crowds. There are always several PhotoPass photographers available, no matter what time of day or night, so you can have a professional assistant to help you get the best shot.
Snag a Souvenir (or Several)
Main Street has almost everything when it comes to shopping choices. The Emporium is the biggest shop, taking up several storefronts along the left side of the street. The shop is divided into smaller sections selling apparel, toys, limited edition merchandise, and—of course—all the Mickey ears! Other popular shops include:
- Uptown Jewelers (jewelry)
- Main Street Cinema (retro-themed merchandise)
- Crystal Arts (glassworks and statues)
- Disney Clothiers
Most of the stores along Main Street are open at least one hour after park close, making it much more convenient to pick up those last-minute souvenirs right before you leave.
Look at the Emporium’s “Magic” Window Displays
If you’ve ever taken the time to look at the Emporium’s windows, you’ve probably taken note of the bright displays of merchandise lining the streets. In the windows closest to the park entrance, however, you’ll find something a little different! These windows depict miniaturized scenes from classic Disney films. Currently, there are scenes from Pocahontas, The Little Mermaid, Cinderella, Aladdin, Snow White, and Beauty and the Beast. During the holidays, they often switch out to seasonal scenes, like A Christmas Carol. If you take an even closer look, you’ll see these are animated displays! It’s a cute touch that adds another bit of magic to this part of the park.
Enjoy a Coffee at the Main Street Bakery
If you need a caffeine boost before sprinting off to make your next Genie+ reservation, it might be time to make a stop at the Main Street Bakery! It’s the only Starbucks in the Magic Kingdom. While they offer their usual drinks and pastries, they also feature seasonal or specialty snacks. Make sure you check the menu so you don’t miss out on something delicious!
That’s it for this list, though there’s always more to explore on Main Street USA! Which activities are you planning to do on your next visit to The Magic Kingdom? Let us know in the comments below!
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Photo: Theme Park Tourist via Flickr
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