Top 10 Moments of Disney Magic
Describing something as “magical” at Walt Disney World, Disneyland, or the other worldwide parks is cliched and overdone. While the Disney Parks are awe-inspiring places that overfill people with joy and leave them speechless, magical is used a tad too much. It’s probably not the best word to describe a steak you had at Yachtsman Steakhouse. Okay, bad example–it absolutely is.
Yet, there plenty of things that happen at Walt Disney World and the other parks that words simply do not do justice. Inarticulable moments where you’re left speechless and overcome with a sense of magic. I hesitate to call these wow-moments because some don’t have that sense of grandiosity and don’t blow you away, but are no less amazing.
Even as I try to describe what this list is and isn’t, I’m struggling. I suspect that, despite my babbling and lack of a coherent explanation, most of you (some of you?) are nodding along, knowing what I mean. I guess that’s the thing about magic: we can’t readily define what it is, but we know it when we see it…
Note: this list contains spoilers, and a lot of them. In several instances, the moment on this list is the defining aspect of a particular experience or attraction. Since this list covers every park in the world, if you are spoiler-averse and haven’t visited one of the parks, you should probably stop reading now…
Second note: that this does not mean ‘Magical Moments’ in typical Disney parlance (which is a Cast Member going above and beyond to make something special happen for a guest). All of the things on this list are experiences that can be enjoyed by anyone without any special “pixie dust.” Sorry if there’s any confusion–I couldn’t think of a more apt post title.
Okay, on with our favorite magical moments from around the Disney world…
11. Close Encounters of the Dragon Kind
I know this is item #11 on a top 10 list, but when it comes to the greatness of dragons, I think we should all be willing to make some exceptions. Fair enough?
I’m referring to La Tanière du Dragon, which is a walk-through attraction beneath Le Château de la Belle au Bois Dormant at Disneyland Paris. I’ve sat down in the dragon’s lair and watched it for the longest amounts of time–it’s always one of the first things I do whenever we go to Paris. This dragon is shockingly captivating for what is, in essence, a sleeping dragon that awakens in quick bursts of energy.
10. Animator’s Palate Second Show
In our Animator’s Palate Review, I remarked: “It’s sort of like The Magic of Disney Animation: The Restaurant. It’s an engaging, dynamic restaurant that has that certain je ne sais quoi that can best be described as Disney magic.” I think that’s apt, and that show remains my favorite implementation of Disney’s Living Character Initiative.
However, it’s the second show–a show we saw for the first time on our Norway cruise this summer–at Animator’s Palate that wowed me even more. In this, guests draw characters at the beginning of the meal, and these creations come to life later in the evening. It’s a concept that might sound hokey on paper, but it was the most captivating “interactive” experience I’ve ever had. Something that you drew has come to life? Really impressive.
9. Night Parade’s Approach
The specific moment that jumps to mind for me here is when Jiminy Cricket’s introduction of SpectroMagic ends, the Main Street lighting goes dark, and you begin to see the parade in the distance. Alas, that is no more.
Fortunately, the remaining night parades have similar moments. Seeing Paint the Night approach is mesmerizing, and I still get goosebumps as the music starts and the first floats of Dreamlights approach. For reasons that elude me, there’s something truly magical about Disney’s night parades, even the simple and older ones, and I become entranced by their special spell of light, glimmering, shimmering, carousel-ling. 😉
8. Holiday Castle Lighting
Say what you will about Frozen, but the moment the Cinderella Castle is transformed into an ice palace is truly a sight to behold. This should make sense: Christmas lights are beautiful, and Cinderella Castle is beautiful. Much like a maple bacon cupcake, you sorta wonder: why didn’t someone think of this sooner?
In actuality, the whole is more than the some of the parts. This isn’t just some Christmas lights haphazardly draped over the castle. The lights give Cinderella Castle a resplendent glow, and elevate it from just another ordinary theme park ( 😉 ) into something that truly resembles an ice castle. Seeing this transformation occur before your eyes is breathtaking, and worth braving the crowds to see.
7. Captain Jack Comes to Life
There are numerous wow moments in Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure that showcase Imagineering’s pushing of the technical envelope, but Captain Jack’s transition from a skeleton to pirate is (in my estimation) the most incredible to behold.
This is in large part because it occurs first, occurring as the atmosphere is building and not much has happened. This ‘whoa’ moment is kicks the attraction into high gear with a progressively more grandiose wow-inducing slate of scenes. Battle for the Sunken Treasure alone could probably populate an entire “how’d they do that?” top 10 list, but this early scene is tough to beat.
6. Mystic Manor Comes Alive
As with Shanghai’s Pirates of the Caribbean, Mystic Manor has no shortage of wow moments and impressive technical effects. However, the one that amazed me the most on my first ride-through–and sticks with me even today–is the first time the “magic” visibly rose from the music box and brought to life the previously-inanimate objects in the first room.
The expression on Albert’s face when he realizes what he’s unleashed probably wasn’t that much different than the look on my face.
5. Star Wars Comes [Redacted]
There are four specific wow moments for me in the new Galaxy’s Edge attractions, with Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance having three of the moments and Millennium Falcon Smugglers Run having the other. (The Smugglers Run ‘moment’ is entering the chess room through sitting in the cockpit.) Of the moments from Rise of the Resistance, two of these would rank ahead of both Mystic Manor and Shanghai’s Pirates of the Caribbean, while one would not.
However, I have a self-imposed spoiler embargo on Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance for all blog posts here until December 2020. After that point, I’ll return and cover these three moments. (If you’ve already experienced the attraction, you can probably guess two of them. The third isn’t quite as obvious.)
4. Drumming Mickey
Big Band Beat had already solidified its place as one of my favorite Disney shows ever about three-quarters of the way through my original viewing of it. Then Mickey Mouse rose, behind the drums and changed everything. At that moment in time, disbelief was fully suspended, and I sat there in awe as Mickey Mouse came alive and played the drums like a boss. I’ve seen Big Band Beat numerous times since, and I still am flabbergasted every time he plays those drums.
Honorable mention here for “Talking Mickey” or any meet & greet character, for that matter. For kids, any of these interactions could be the moment that Mickey Mouse came alive and they met him in the flesh. For their parents, the flood of emotions that followed that experience would likewise rank it highly.
3. The Stretching Room
This is probably the best instance of a ‘magical moment’ being distinct from a ‘wow-moment.’ Sarah thought this was an odd inclusion, especially so high up, but hear me out. Two of the strongest memories of magical moments from my childhood are the entirety of the original Journey into Imagination (that’s one long moment!) and the Haunted Mansion Stretching Room.
Perhaps it’s nostalgia coloring my opinion of this. As simple of an effect as I now know it is, for years I was befuddled by it. I really bought into the Ghost Host’s line, and wondered whether the room was actually stretching or if it was my imagination. (Well, more like whether it was stretching or a clever optical illusion, but still.)
Oh, and even though Journey into Imagination with Figment is not deserving of a spot on this list, I will say that the disappearing butterfly effect deserves an honorable mention. It’s another simple practical effect that leaves a lasting impression.
2. The Kiss Goodnight
I doubt anyone is surprised to see the Kiss Goodnight on this list. One of our early, more popular articles was “The Kiss Goodnight: The Greatest Thing Most Guests Don’t See.” The response to that was so positive that we revisited it with “The Kiss Goodnight, Revisited.”
I think the Kiss Goodnight is an emotional powerhouse for so many people because it’s the culmination of a fun day in the Magic Kingdom. During this moment of pause, you let your guard down and Disney’s careful tugging at your heartstrings “gets you” as you’re already simultaneously drained and satisfied at the end of a long day in the park. We wouldn’t have it any other way.
1. The Big Reveal
From the end of the day to the beginning, our #1 choice is a pretty easy one. The first time you step onto Main Street and see Cinderella Castle, Sleeping Beauty Castle, etc. The first time you step through the breezeway and see Mount Prometheus. Heck, the first time you walk under the arch and see the Cadillac Mountains of Cars Land.
Sure, you might see the castles or those mountains towering in the distance from outside of the parks, but the magic of seeing them revealed for the first time from within the park is that we’ve arrived feeling. It’s like a shot of adrenaline and light-headness and the feeling that your heart is growing three sizes, and probably more, all at once. Again, my explanation of this feeling probably sounds odd and nonsensical, but anyone who has experienced this knows the feeling.
In Memoriam(?): IllumiNations, Illuminated
There are a few moments in IllumiNations that I loved (past tense). The opening narration followed by the torches being blown out. Hearing Walter Cronkite narrate the Peace on Earth tag. The ‘perimeter’ bursts shooting into the center of World Showcase Lagoon. The full “IllumiNations Post Show Stroll.”
However, the high point for me was Act II as the music builds to its crescendo, and the countries around World Showcase are illuminated. At this moment, I always pause to look around, and marvel at the fact that I’m standing in a theme park in Florida and gazing at faithful representations of different countries of the world, coexisting. That’s an undoubtedly hokey emotional response, but it is what it is.
Although IllumiNations has now been retired for Epcot Forever and later the permanent HarmonioUS nighttime spectacular, I remain optimistic that one or a few of these moments will find their way into HarmonioUS. While I don’t have tremendously high expectations for that show, it would make sense to incorporate the torches and country lighting into that show somehow. Until that happens (or doesn’t), I’ll leave this here, optimistic that it’ll rejoin the list…
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Your Thoughts
What special moments in the Disney Parks really tug at your heartstrings or elicit an emotional response? Anything on this list with which you agree…or disagree? Any questions about any of the items on this list? We love hearing from readers, so please share some of your favorite magical moments at Walt Disney World and beyond, or any other thoughts or questions you have, in the comments!
My tear-jerking magical moment has been discontinued at WDW and I still grieve its loss: riding the bus through the gates at Magic Kingdom and hearing the trumpets play to announce that, after multiple planes, buses, anxious kids and hours of travel, WE ARE HOME. I looked forward to that little touch each time and it always gave me the shivers. Then, a couple of years ago, it was gone, along with the automated sounds that played at the entrance to all 4 kingdoms. Why, Disney, why? Something so simple touched my whole family so deeply. Each year I find myself hoping that it has returned…
For me, one of the magical moments whenever I get to Disneyland is the first “toot” of the Locomotive’s whistle. I’ve always loved the trains and hearing that sound brings me right into the moment.
What about the feeling you get when you enter into the grand ballroom/dining room at Be Our Guest?
It is still magical to me no matter how many times I have been there
Just did MK and stayed for the goodnight kiss. It was ok. I am a crusty old bastard, but maybe it was because one night we stayed til close at 12, and they did it right then? The other night we stayed til close at 10, and they did it at 10:15, 10:30, and 10:45. (Maybe also at 10, but we were still on Splash then).
Your blog is very informative, and I appreciate the tips and recommendations. As for articles like this one, might I suggest you indicate to which location you’re referring for each experience. I’m not yet so fortunate to have visited all the Disney Parks around the world, so I had to separately look up where each attraction was located. Thank you!
Does the “kiss good night” happen at Disneyland in California? I was there a couple weeks ago and I was told it did not.
I remember Parade of Nations night time parade at Epcot in 2000 & 2001. That was the first time (& second) we took our daughter to WDW. The stilt walkers & flags flowing in the night before Illuminations was truly magical.
I also loved that parade! I can still remember the music!
I love this article, I don’t care how many times I’ve entered any of the parks, the first walk down Main Street to the Castle is just awe inspiring…. I literally have tears in my eyes thinking about it now! I have to map out time in the beginning to just walk down Main St. and enjoy the feeling/the other visitors/the castle before I do anything else!
I’m with you on the tears. It just happens (and happening as i type)…i remember the first time it happened wasn’t on my first trip and it was a subsequent visit, with tears rolling down my face, I remember thinking “get yourself together?!”. But I’ve come to accept it and warn those who visit the park with me.
We were in Disneyland with literally 18 other relatives. My husband is “not a Disney person” (though he adores Aulani, so…). And had been a good sport over 3 days with all his in laws. Crammed onto Main Street, I looked at him as paint the night came toward us, and I saw it. I saw the magic enter him, watched his unabashed acceptance of what is best about Disney. He hummed the music next day. He’s not a fanatic but he gets it. And it is an amazing parade.
Tom, I love this article. I believe the list of magical moments differs for each family. The first time we went to Disney World (in 1973), my seven and four year old sons were wondering why their father and I had paused at the entrance to Magic Kingdom (the one and only park at Disney World then). We didn’t plan on hesitating, we both just stopped and looked with awe upon a place we had only seen on TV, and had only dreamed of visiting. And then we looked at each other and saw we were both crying. The boys were jumping up and down with excitement, while we, the adults, had tears of joy running down our faces. It was at that moment I realized one does never really fully grow up.
That day, my sons were chosen to be guests of the day and were honored by being part of the parade in Liberty Square. A cast member read to them from specially prepared scrolls, announcing to the public the importance of these children (as well as all children) to the Magic Kingdom. They were also given commemorative pins (which they both still have). I also realized that during that trip, we had done exactly what Walt Disney wanted…and that was for the entire family to enjoy his theme park together.
Disney World became our number one destination. Some of our fondest memories involve a Disney trip. I was there a few weeks ago with one of my sons. As we stood in front of the castle and watched it turn into a beautiful ice castle, it was as if those forty-four years disappeared and my grown son was once again a child. It that isn’t a magical moment, I don’t know what is.
Beautiful post.
Wow. Beautiful story. I feel similar but not quite as strong feelings when I enter MK. Not being jest but I hope the executives realize this is the backbone of their “business” and what can separate Disney from the others.
How about the big reveal at Pirates of the Caribbean at MK with the pirate ship firing? That blows me away every time (plus, as I think you mentioned in another post, something about the smells on that ride are just super enchanting).
Also, I know a lot of people find Peter Pan overrated, but I think the main reason it has one of the highest wait times in the park is because if you are one of those people for whom the forced perspective works, I don’t know if there is anything more quintessentially “Disney magic” than the feeling of flying over London.
Agree with a prior poster that seeing tinker bell fly down before the fireworks at MK is very special as well.
If I were to answer for my kids, I think their answer would be when Darth Vader exits the temple in a cloud of smoke at the Jedi Trials of the Temple show. We just happened to walk by on our way to star tours the first time they saw it and they froze in their tracks with eyes as wide as saucers and mouths hanging open.
I’d have to add three, all from Tokyo:
1) Tower of Terror: Shirki Utundu comes to life – and then vanishes (pre-show). “How in the world did they do that?!”
2) Pooh’s Hunny Hunt: Bouncing with Tigger, and then Pooh slipping into the star-filled dream. Wow!
3J Sinbad’s Storybook Voyage: Trying to put my finger on why I love this ride so much….and then realizing that EVERY SINGLE ANIMATRONIC is not only working properly, but also moving in its own unique, and very lifelike way, almost as if they developed a distinct personality for each character. It is the one ride where I could convince myself that all those figures just might actually be alive. I could ride this one 100 times just taking in that level of detail.
A few obvious ones that I think have been missed:
* “Of this – our Spaceship Earth”
* Carousel of Progress – despite the dated futuristic final scene, that scene’s modern take (at the end) on “TAGBBT” always sends goosebumps down me: a sense of understated optimism conveyed through music.
* The introduction to “Disney Dreams” – which I regret the passing of…
* “Come Dream A Dream with Me” (Cara Dillon) “Dreams Tag”. Could never prevent myself from singing along…
* Pretty much all of M&TM at WDS, but especially the theme song
* The moment you recognise the silence on Mysterious Island (and, inversely, the moment you recognise legacy Epcot music in Port Discovery)
* Passing under the “Welcome Arches” at WDW. HKDL is the only other resort with a remotely comparable ‘magical’ entrance.
* The sync and transition of queue line BGM at WDW’s Space Mountain.
* The incredible sense of seclusion at almost all of the Magic Kingdom Resort Area resorts, especially the NG wing of the Contemporary and much of FW.
* Disappearing statue illusion in HTH at TDS
* The obvious finale scene in Journey into Imagination. I remember sitting open-mouthed the first time I saw that. It’s no longer a surprise, but still highly impressive.
* Circle Of Life’s finale, which is possibly the most underrated attraction (on a reputation vs quality basis) in all of WDW.
* At DLP, the HNY light show and the NPB lighthouse.
Next article – least magical things? Spoiler alert – DLP’s appalling Rail entrance experience, TTC-MK buses, the retrospective mess of security checks at almost all parks, TL Dance Party, and TDL’s policy that Fastpass after 6pm seems to mean being grateful for a 45-minute line.
I totally agree about Carousel of Progress. It’s my favorite ride of all the Disney parks because I just love the optimism. The people in each scene marveling at their new technology and talking about how it’s the best time to be alive. I always leave thinking about the marvelous technology that made that ride, that we carry in our pockets, that goes into everything we see around us… it’s the most hopeful and inspiring ride at any theme park, anywhere (now that Horizons is gone). For me, that ride is magic.
To cdd89: although I go fairly often to WDW and do quite a bit of reading about all the parks, I have no idea what most of your acronyms mean, and there surely are a lot of them!
A great list. It’s tough to narrow down, but for me, #1 might be Tinkerbell flying from the castle during Happily Ever After. I’d agree with the Kiss goodnight and the castle lighting (maybe I’m castle-centric?). We saw a video online of the castle lighting in 2011 and booked our first/only Christmas trip largely as a result.
The stretching room would be way down my list. Unfortunately, I can’t remember the last time I was in there without a significant part of the room saying the lines along with the host. This detracts from the experience.
I’d also agree with Kristy – MSEP is pure nostalgia for me and hearing the intro to that parade and the start of Baroque Hoedown music is special to me.
Another one I thought of- the magic mirror in Enchanted Tales with Belle. The first time you see it is pretty awesome.
The magic mirror is definitely a “How did they do that?” moment. The first (and only time) I was there, I knew it was coming, but was so engrossed in the moment that I didn’t see how it works.
A great list of “magic” moments.. I agree with the ones I recognize, and aim to feel the ones I don’t. I would have to add on my own list this moment: staying at the Contemporary, or Polynesian, or Grand, with a Park-View Room… drifting off to sleep and looking out over the lagoon to see Cinderella Castle, softly changing colors in the distance all the while knowing the cast members are tirelessly working to make tomorrow magical for all of us.
It gets me every time.
Great list. For me, my magical moment is during the Christmas Parade when the Toy Soldiers come marching by. There’s something about the clip clop sounds they make with their boots that makes me think, “Aren’t I freaking lucky to be alive and in this place right here, right now.” Gets me every time.
My top Disney magical moment was on the first day of our honeymoon, stepping on to Main Street (my favorite spot in all of Disney World), and knowing that I had just married the love of my life, and would get to spend the next few days with him at my favorite place. It was a truly magical moment, and makes me a little emotional even thinking about it!
A wonderful list, Tom! I’d like to add one that’s special to me and specific pretty much to WDW.
When we’re driving, passing under the entrance arch, or when we’re flying, getting on the Magical Express… that is, Entering the Disney Bubble. It makes me all giddy and teary-eyed and like I’m a little kid again. I LOVE it!
(And my family thinks I’m a little nuts.)
I’m on board with this way of thinking. Before any of the IN PARK moments happen, a lot has to happen at home first. When I get the official OK from “the boss” to start planning the trip… when I book the flights… when I book the resort… when I order tickets… when I get fast passes… WHEN I RECEIVE THE MAGIC BANDS (that’s a big one!)… waiting to get on the plane at the airport… the magic express… All leading up to the special in park moments!
Great point! I also love all the planning and anticipation. I know getting the fast passes and ADRs are stressful for some, but I love all of it. Thank you for the inclusion.
I suspect that’ll be one for a *lot* of people, so good addition.
At one time, I might’ve included it, too. However, all of our flights to WDW are red-eyes now, and by that point I’m either asleep (hopefully!) or exhausted to the point that I just want to be at the resort already.
Another great list. This makes me want to travel to the international parks in addition to the domestic ones. #9 Illuminations has plenty of wow moments but I agree with you on that part of Illuminations. #8 I definitely feel this during the start of the Mickeys Boo to You Parade, Mickeys Once Upon a Christmas Parade, and the old Main St Electrical and SpectroMagic Parades. #1 is spot on. I would like add these moments: Toward the end of fireworks when plentiful amounts of fireworks are shot off and climax of the song occurs (for example in the old Wishes show: Make a wish…Wishes…Dream a dream…). Another one, although its minor to most folks, its based on my nostalgia and my reverence for Disney Park history, the start of classic Disney attractions such as Buff, Max, and Melvin impatience to get Country Bear Jamboree started, Jose from Tiki Birds starting the show (“My siestas are shorter and shorter…”), the talking skull at Disneyland’s Pirates, or Dal McKennon’s safety spiel on Thunder Mountain (Howdy partners. For your safety…). Splash Mountain is full of numerous wow moments but my wow moment is after the big drop and Zip-a-dee-doo-dah starts.
Some great ones at the end of your comment!
If I were to choose a moment in Country Bear Jamboree, it’d be the finale when all the curtains are raised. The entire show is just so darned strong that it’s tough to include a single moment, hence it not being included on this list at all. 😉
Number 8, thats the moment for me – the lights go down, the music starts, Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls…
MSEP was my favourite parade, and just thinking about that moment gives me that shiver of excitement you got sitting on warm pavement on those gorgeous Florida nights. Sigh.
I wasn’t a fan of MSEP, but I know what you mean–and felt the same way when it started. Dreamlights at Tokyo Disneyland starts exactly the same, and you can feel a palpable energy rise from the crowd when it happens.