Magic Kingdom vs. EPCOT: Disney Fans Fight Club Episode 3

The time has come again friends! It’s time to participate in the event we don’t talk about because the first rule is never to speak of it. (It’s fight club, I’m talking about fight club.)

Riker and I have gone head to head debating Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Christmas Party vs. Halloween Horror Nights, and it was a pretty close tie, if I do say so myself. It turns out, though, that there’s something even MORE debatable that we both fall on opposite sides of and feel very strongly that each of us is right — Magic Kingdom vs. EPCOT. 

JP defends Magic Kingdom

Rides

If you got to go to Disney World a lot as a kid and experience how things were when the parks were opening (first of all, majorly jealous, I can only look at pictures), it’s likely that you may have an extra special place in your heart for Magic Kingdom. Why? Because even though some rides have changed over the years, it still has that same classic feel it did when it first opened.

It’s no secret that when we’re talking about iconic rides in Disney World, a lot of people think of Magic Kingdom first. It’s the OG Florida park and took some inspiration from Disneyland, meaning it has that classic, comforting feel to it. In a way, it’s the park that, to me, feels the most like Walt and Roy Disney are right there with you.

For me, I love that Magic Kingdom has rides for EVERYONE in the family. There are plenty of rides with no height requirements that the whole family can enjoy together, but then there are also more thrilling rides like Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and TRON Lightcycle / Run that older kids and adults will enjoy.

And have you ever realized that there are very few rides in Magic Kingdom with those screen elements that make a lot of people prone to motion sickness feel awful? The closest we have is some elements on TRON, but lots of people would argue that the screens there are nothing compared to how Cosmic Rewind makes them feel. This makes the park more accessible, too, allowing those who often feel queasy with screen-based rides to ride many different attractions with their family and friends.

Now, I understand that this argument will change a lot for people soon, as we get the new Villains land expansion and we see Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island transform into the new Cars land on the way. This will MAJORLY change Magic Kingdom and give it a more updated feel. While I personally am excited about these changes, I know it’ll take away some of that nostalgia factor that keeps this park high on almost everyone’s lists when they visit.

Food

I’ll be honest here, friends — Magic Kingdom is not known for its food, and I have no issues admitting that. Because actually, that’s EXACTLY why I love it! I’ve mentioned before that I’m a picky eater, and by that, I mean I’m VERY picky. I’m sensitive to lots of textures, and my tastebuds revolt against most things that I haven’t had before, so even if my brain wants to try something new, my mouth threatens me with, “Try that again and see what happens.”

Magic Kingdom is home to many places where you can find those classic theme park eats in a way that still infuses some Disney magic into it. Don’t know what I mean? Allow me to list some of my personal favorite examples:

• The Cheshire Cat Tail (it’s just a pastry filled with chocolate, but it’s colored like the Cheshire cat!)
• The Cinnamon Roll from Gaston’s Tavern (it’s MASSIVE and super shareable since it comes from Gaston himself, but it’s also just a cinnamon roll and very familiar)
• Corn Dog Nuggets (Casey’s Corner is an iconic staple in the parks, and so are these corn dog nuggets! I’d argue they’ve got enough Disney magic just being themselves)
• Dole Whip (no explanation needed here)

While more adventurous eaters may be thinking, “Yeah, this is exactly why I DON’T like Magic Kingdom; I don’t WANT regular theme park food,” BOY, do I have the best news for you! There ARE more adventurous options in Magic Kingdom, but they’re just admittedly harder to find. And these range from being slightly above a picky eater’s palate to being something true adventurous eaters would like to try.

• Skipper Canteen is the PERFECT place for adventurous eaters to try out! It’s got menu items you won’t find anywhere else in the park, and that’s truly an accomplishment.
• Gaston’s Tavern recently added a Crème Brûlée Croissant that is fantastic for Crème Brûlée fans, but the texture of it very well may throw off picky eaters
• The menu at Golden Oak Outpost changes now and then, but currently, you’ll find tons of more exciting offerings like Shrimp Gumbo with Sweet Potato Fries, Hot Honey Chicken, and Sweet and Spicy Beignets!
• Columbia Harbour House is one of our all time favorites in Magic Kingdom, and that’s because it serves up seafood that we, as a team, adore! I personally am not a seafood fan, so I go for the classic chicken tenders here (who’s surprised), but it offers some great variety!

See what I mean? Magic Kingdom really has dining options for everyone, and while I admit that the quality of the food may sometimes lack a little bit when it comes to other parks, at least I always know I can find something to eat here. I’ll be honest y’all, I’ve got nothing against EPCOT, my favorite ride in the whole resort is there, BUT I’m honestly too picky for many of the dining options there. I find myself heading to Sunshine Seasons, but that’s about it when it comes to quick service options over there for me. In Magic Kingdom, I have a PLETHORA of options to enjoy, and if I’m traveling with someone who wants something a little more exciting, I know what direction to point them in.

Overall

I feel Magic Kingdom can be summed up in a few words if we really want to narrow it all down: Familiar, Family, and Magical. This is the park you want to go to if you want to take a breath and go “I really made it, I’m really in Disney World.” There’s no feeling like walking down Main Street, U.S.A. and seeing Cinderella Castle for the first time, or for the 50th time!

The magic sticks around here because it’s practically embedded into the ground under your feet each step you take. Are you going to find the best meal you’ve ever had in Disney World here? Not by a long shot, but I think that’s more reserved for the hotels anyway, I don’t think it’s in EPCOT either. But will you find rides and attractions the whole family can enjoy and make many, many magical memories together in the OG Florida park? Absolutely. And I think that’s why my heart will always lie with Magic Kingdom.

Riker defends EPCOT

Rides

We may only have a fraction of the rides that Magic Kingdom has, but we have some super popular choices in the mix! Let’s start with our most popular ride by far — Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.

To ride you can purchase a Lightning Lane Single Pass or grab a spot in the Virtual Queue…but spots can fill up FAST. All of the other popular attractions in the parks are included in Lightning Lane Multi Pass…unlike Magic Kingdom which makes you pay to skip the line at both Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and TRON Lightcycle / Run.

EPCOT is full of cult classics. Living with the Land? Every Disney adult’s favorite spot to relax. Journey Into Imagination with Figment. People would riot if Disney ever tried to get rid of Figment.

World Showcase has some incredibly popular rides including Frozen Ever After in the Norway pavilion. Although it replaced Maelstrom (no, I’m still not over it), fans can’t get enough of the Frozen-themed ride.

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure is another newer attraction that captured the hearts of parkgoers, including me! It originally debuted in Disneyland Paris, but it fits in perfectly at the fake France in World Showcase!

And finally, Test Track (which is currently closed) is getting a full makeover! Set to open in 2025, the thrill ride will get a facelift and nod to EPCOT history. I can’t wait!

Food

I thought about leaving this section blank because EPCOT’s food speaks for itself. That’s REALLY why you come to this park, isn’t it?! There’s really no competition when comparing dining options to Magic Kingdom.

The OG Disney World park is notorious for having some of the worst quick service food. Yes, there are some iconic snacks there…but EPCOT has so many more options that are so much better.

For example, Les Halles in the France Pavilion is probably one of my favorite restaurants of all time. And that’s “just” a quick service spot! In EPCOT, you can also have a fancy steak at Le Cellier in Canada, splurge on a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience at Takumi Tei or Monsieur Paul, have an authentic British meal, or make a reservation to dine while you watch fireworks. And it’s ALL SO GOOD. In fact, I’ve hopped on the Monorail and left Magic Kingdom just to eat (especially now that Disney changed the waffles at Sleepy Hollow ?).

I rest my case. Even if you disagree with me overall, I think there’s a clear winner in the food department…

Overall

I know, I know, EPCOT was under construction FOREVER…but now we’re basically done (save for Test Track which is reopening next year). Magic Kingdom just announced two major projects — a new Cars area and a Villains-themed land — meaning there will be construction walls everywhere for the next few years.

I’m not saying CommuniCore Hall and Plaza are my favorite additions to the park…but the transformation brought us Connections Eatery, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind (AKA everyone’s new favorite Disney coaster), and Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana (Hello? Have you SEEN it there at night?!). This argument might be a bit tougher when the Magic Kingdom expansion is complete…but it’s going to be a pretty lengthy journey!

At the heart of it, EPCOT is my favorite because you can travel the world all in one place. As someone who loves to travel and hopes to visit all of those countries in real life someday, it gives me the feels. How many other theme parks allow you to experience that many cultures in ONE day?! I’m also a huge fan of the Cultural Representative Program that allows people from all over the world to apply to culturally represent their countries as Cast Members in the World Showcase. You learn so much by chatting with them!

Also, although Magic Kingdom is within walking distance of several amazing hotels, I prefer having direct access to Disney’s Beach Club, Yacht Club, BoardWalk, and Swan and Dolphin resorts! It’s hard to leave EPCOT for food with all of those options, but I’ll head to Beaches and Cream every once in a while to feed that nostalgic craving. Or, if EPCOT closes and I’m not ready to head home, I can easily enjoy the nightlife at the BoardWalk!

Magic Kingdom is still incredible and it’s actually home to my favorite attraction (I’m looking at you, Carousel of Progress), but as a park overall, it doesn’t compare to the beloved EPCOT. I have to visit both of these parks each time I go on a Disney World trip, but if I HAD to choose, it would easily be EPCOT.

Now it’s time to decide! Which side are you on? Be sure to let us know in the comments. Also, let us know what you want us to fight about next!

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary vs. Horror Nights: Disney Fans Fight Club Episode 2

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