Since I just returned from a very productive trip where I made it a mission to complete the main part of my deck, I figured this would be the perfect time to introduce everyone to my newest Disney obsession. I will be discussing SOTMK in a series of posts because there is A LOT of information to cover. This is post number one, the introduction.
What is Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom?
SOTMK is an interactive attraction at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom that debuted in February of 2012. Hades is trying to take over the land and Merlin recruits you to help him put a stop to the evil villain. While you are helping Merlin, Hades has recruited the other villains to help him take over the Magic Kingdom. You need to stop him by recovering the four missing crystals that Hades henchmen, Pain and Panic have lost.
That sounds exciting! How do I get started?
You will need to visit one of two kiosk stations.
The main kiosk station is the Fire House next to Guest Relations on Main Street at City Hall.
The second kiosk is behind Old Ye Christmas Shoppe in Liberty Square. It is next to the character greeting area for The Princess and the Frog.
When you go to the kiosk you must present your park ticket and the cast member will give you a portal key that is matched up with your park ticket. You will also be given a pack of randomly sorted cards and a map of all of the portal locations with their corresponding symbols.
If this sounds a bit overwhelming, don't worry. The cast member will train you at a training portal located near the kiosk.
Cards, Maps, Training... sounds great, but how much is this going to cost me?
Believe it or not, the experience is almost completely free. There are 60 cards that you can get for free. The remaining 10 cards (Lightning Bolts) can only be obtained by purchasing a SOTMK booster pack. This is not necessary for general game play. I will discuss the booster packs further in a future SOTMK post.
How often can I get a new pack of cards?
Everyone with a park ticket can pick up one pack between official park opening and one hour before official park closing. Sorcerers can also pick up an additional pack when you beat Hades and Merlin congratulates you.
How long does it take to complete the attraction?
It takes about 2.5 hours to complete on the first level. This can vary based on what location you are given, where you are starting out for the day, what you choose to do between portals, and how many other sorcerers you come across at your portals.
2.5 Hours?!? That's longer than the wait for Peter Pan or the New Test Track! Is it worth it?
YES. It is. It is a great adventure for both the young and the young at heart. It's awesome for those guests like myself who visit Walt Disney World frequently and feel as though they've "done everything". It's also fun for those guests who are not so frequent or even first time visitors because it is completely interactive and it lets you see different areas of the Magic Kingdom.
The best part is that it does not have to be 2.5 hours straight through in one day. You can start your missions and then return to the designated portal the following day/week/etc. This attraction works for people who like to have something to do every minute of their trip as well as for people who like to simply go with the flow.
Even if you don't decide to PLAY the game. The cards are awesome, make for a fun collection, and best of all, are FREE. How often does anyone, let alone Disney, give us something so awesome for FREE?!?
So, now that you've gotten the basics, get out there and save the Magic Kingdom!!
