The Magic Kingdom®
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Magic Kingdom® Attractions
Magic Kingdom News
Disney's Fantasyland to See Expansion This past weekend, at the D23 Expo, the Walt Disney Company announced plans to further reinvigorate aging corners of its domestic theme parks. The thought for these efforts is that the new plans will further expand Fantasyland and modernize the Star Tours rides in the Florida Orlando location.
The majority of the expansion efforts will be the Fantasyland section of the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World in Orlando. The once Magic Kingdom, which opened in 1971 an...
Disney Artist Brings Vivid Authenticity To Audio-Animatronics Ba... LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. - How do you carve out a niche as the principal Disney sculptor when you're following a bona fide Disney Legend? For Valerie Edwards, director of sculpting for Walt Disney Imagineering, the passing of the tools from the fabled hands of Blaine Gibson has involved the challenge of sculpting the likeness of President Barack Obama.
Edwards' sculpting is for the Hall of Presidents attraction at Wa...
Disney World's Space Mountain Closes For Refurbishment Space Mountain , the classic roller coaster ride in Walt Disney World, closed yesterday for renovations.
Included in the rehab will be a new track, new ceilings and improvements to the queue area. The track modifications will be strictly cosmetic; no change in the course of the track will be made.
While no date has been given for when the ride will reo...
Disney Fairies Set To Open this Month at Walt Disney World Disney introduced the world to The Disney Fairies on Wednesday, just in time for the October 28 release of their DVD . The film features Tinker Bell as well as her friend Iridessa, Rosetta, Silvermist and Fawn.
They also announced that they will be opening a new attraction based on the Fairies, called Pixie Hollow. The Hollow will be located in the Mickey's Toontown Fair section of the park...
JWL Media Releases Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party, 2008 E... Windsor, Conn. (September, 2008) - Today, JWL Media has released their latest title, Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party, 2008 Edition DVD .
Jeff Lange presents this all-new DVD from the 2008 Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World!
Not So Scary Entrance Scenes
Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the party as you enter the
More>>For more Disney news visit our
Disney news section.
Magic Kingdom® Overview
The Magic Kingdom® opened on October 1, 1971, under the supervision of Walt's brother, Roy Disney. Although the Magic Kingdom shares the same name
as it's sister park in California, there are subtle differences throughout the park. When you first arrive in the Magic Kingdom you
are wisked away to Main Street USA, a town modeled after the early 1900s. From there the Magic Kingdom is divided into six more different themed lands; Adventureland,
Frontierland, Liberty Square, Fantasyland, Mickey's Toontown Fair and Tomorrowland. Be sure not to miss the famous Magic Kingdom parade that happens everyday at 3:00 pm.
Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom® theme park is 107 acres large, and it is also home to three of the largest mountains in Florida; Big Thunder(197 ft), Space Mountian(180 ft), and Splash Mountian (87 ft).
Magic Kingdom® History
The death of Walt Disney took a major toll on Walt Disney Productions, and WED Enterprises in 1966.
His passing was untimely and in the middle of the most aggressive expansion his company has seen since
opening Disneyland in 1955. Plans were well underway for a second theme park destination.
Walt had overseen the acquisition of just over 27,000 acres of swampland in Central Florida
where it was his intention to reinvent Disneyland but on a much larger scale. It would be called
"Disney World," and would feature a Magic Kingdom®, in the likeness of Disneyland® in California.
The Magic Kingdom® was completed and opened with the first phase of Disney World in 1971,
under the supervision of Walt's brother, Roy Disney, who insisted that the property be renamed "Walt Disney World," to stand as a permanent legacy of his visionary sibling.
The Seven Themed Lands of The Magic Kingdom
Guests will notice that they are transported to different times and locations as they travel through the Magic Kingdom's seven unique lands.
Although each land is so different from the next, they all seem to mesh together perfectly into each other with a great flow. These lands are Adventureland, Frontierland, Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, Liberty Square, Main Street USA and Mickey's Toontown Fair.
Each land has specific points of interest, and offers a whimsical environment to get lost in.
- Adventureland - As you cross over the bridge onto Main Street USA to go towards Adventureland, you can hear tribal music playing off in the distance; you can see the beautiful lush greenery surrounding you… You feel as if you have stepped right into a jungle in Asia, Africa, or South America. You instantly feel that are many adventures ahead of you in this exotic land.
Adventureland is home to many great attractions. Classics, such as Pirates of the Caribbean, Jungle Cruise, Swiss Family Robinson and the Enchanted Tiki Room are ready to be explored.
There are also some "newer" attractions such as the Magic Carpets of Aladdin, and Captain Jack Sparrow's Pirate Tutorial.
If it be treasure you're after, head on over to Adventureland's shops. Pirate's bazaar, Agrabah Bazaar and Island Supply will suit any adventurer's needs.
Stop and get a bite to eat during your travels at El Pirata el Perico Restaurante, Sunshine Tree terrace or Aloha Isle.
- Fantasyland - As you walk down to the end of Main Street, USA, you enter the most magical land of all...Fantasyland. Cinderella's Castle towers over you as you enter this storybook land of princess and princes.
Fantasyland has many timeless, classic attractions such as It's A Small World, Peter Pan's Flight, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, the Mad Tea Party, Cinderella's Golden Carousel, and Snow White's Scary Adventures.
Some of the "newer" attractions include Mickey's Philharmagic and Pooh's Playful Spot. When your royal family gets hungry you can dine at Cinderella's Royal Table, which is located upstairs inside the castle, or you can head on over to Pinocchio's Village Haus,
Scuttle's Landing, and Mrs. Pott's for something quick to eat. No trip to Fantasyland would be complete without visiting one of the shops around the castle.
The shops, Sir Mickey's, Tinker Bell's Treasures Pooh's Thotful Shop, and Fantasy Faire carry a variety of toys, clothes and jewelry.
- Frontierland - After trekking through the jungles in Adventureland, cross over into the Wild West. Frontierland is full of fun and wild adventures.
The western "town" has banjo music playing and a great "smoky" smell to please the senses. Here you will find adventurous rides such as Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, as well as the Frontierland Shootin' Arcade,
Country Bear Jamboree and Tom Sawyer Island. Frontierland has some great down home cookin' as well. Not only can you get those giant, delicious turkey legs,
but you can stop by at the McDonald's Frontier Fries cart or Aunt Polly's Dockside Inn for a quick snack.
If you are really hungry, you can head on over to Pecos Bill Café to rest your spurs and enjoy a wider variety of foods such as hamburgers, hot dogs, wraps, chili and salads.
Don't forget to pick up all your western gear at the Frontier Trading Post and to stop by the Prairie Outpost and Supply as well as Big Al's for and assortment of treats and trinkets.
- Liberty Square - Liberty Square brings you back to the Colonial days of America, the times of true American Spirit. Sitting in between Frontierland and Fantasyland, it is home to one of the most popular attractions in all of Walt Disney World, the Haunted Mansion. It is also home to such attractions as the Hall of Presidents and The Liberty Belle boat cruise. This picturesque area of Magic Kingdom has many areas to sit, relax and appreciate all the colonial style buildings and grounds. For a quick bite on the go, Columbia Harbor House provides New England fare with counter service quickness. When you are feeling up to a hearty meal, Liberty Tree Tavern will hit the spot with their family style menu. The Liberty Tree Tavern , naturally, derives its name from the Liberty Tree standing in front of it. The more than 130 year old oak tree was transplanted here from another part of the property and stands as a symbol from the Disney film, Johnny Tremaine. There are also some great items, such as tea sets, silver, and kitchenware, that you can purchase here in Liberty Square. Stop by The Yankee Trader, Heritage House, Olde World Antiques, the Silversmith Shop and Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe to see all the various souvenirs.
Magic Kingdom Special Events
Disney's Pirates and Princess Party - Embark on the adventure of a lifetime in Magic kingdom at Disney's Pirate and Princess Party. Upon arrival you will receive a treasure map that helps you seek out treasure in Pirate Coves and Princess Courts. While you are there, be sure to catch the Enchanted Adventures Parade, and the Magic, Music and Mayhem fireworks spectacular. You are your family will have the pleasure of enjoying the park with minimal wait times on rides, and a lot of fun activities.
Magic Kingdom Backstage Tours
($27.00 per person)
Guests can take their families on a 2-hour journey through the Magic Kingdom Park. This one-of-a-kind
interactive experience takes guests through the park's theme lands in a search
for clues.
Daily - 9:30 & 11:30 a.m.
(Park admission required. 2.5 hours)
($60.000 per person)
THE first tour at Walt Disney World® covers just about every
topic you could ask about while you learn about the 'magic' behind the Magic
Kingdom!
Daily at 8:30, 9:30, 10:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
(includes lunch, 4.5- 5 hours, must be 16+, Park admission required.)
($40.00 per person)
Learn about Walt's passion for steam trains, and join the opening crew as they prepare for another day at the Magic
Kingdom!
Monday, Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Saturdays at the Magic Kingdom® turnstiles at 7:30 a.m.
(3 hours, must be 10+, park admission required)
($25.00 per person)
Travel throughout the Magic Kingdom® Park as you weave your way through an enchanting timeline that chronicles the fascinating history of the world's most famous cartoon mouse. From a doodle on Walt Disney's notepad to the classic Steamboat Willie cartoon through the magical CGI experience of Mickey's PhilharMagic, this tour traces the creation and career of Mickey Mouse.
Daily - 9:00 a.m. - Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
(2 hours)
($125.00 per hour. 6 hours minimum)
Experience the VIP treatment as only Disney can provide. Our VIP Tour Services team customizes your vacation so you spend your time playing, not planning. From the moment you arrive, your personal VIP Guide is there to take care of everything - from creating your ideal itinerary to getting you the best seats in the house for live shows, parades and nighttime spectaculars. Prepare to be pampered with a Disney VIP Tour.
To ensure availability, be sure to reserve your VIP Tour at least 72 hours in advance. As part of your VIP Tour, you can arrange transportation to/from the airport as well as to/from any of our Theme Parks and other area attractions.
Magic Kingdom® Trivia
- The telegraph that keeps clicking at the New Orleans Square railroad station is actually the first two sentences of Walt's Disneyland opening-day dedication speech ("To all who come to Disneyland, welcome. Here, age relives fond memories of the past, and here, youth may savor the challenge and promise of the future.") It is not modern Morse Code but land line telegraphy as used by railroad telegraphers to communicate with train dispatchers and other telegraphers at other stations.
- The induction system used by The Tomorrowland Transit Authority (aka The Wedway PeopleMover) in Tomorrowland® is currently being used by the Houston, Texas International Airport.
- Jack Wagner supplied the synthesized voice for the Main Street Electrical Parade from 1979 to 1991
- Fantasyland® is hosed down with water every night before the Magic Kingdom® firework display to prevent any fires from being started from the firework fallout. In addition to this, The Walt Disney Railroad will not run for approximately 30 mintues after the show so cast members can verify that no debris has fallen onto the tracks.
Magic Kingdom® Hidden Mickeys
- Pay close attention to the ring Walt is wearing on the Partners Statue, located in front of Cinderella's Castle, for a surprise.
- If you go to the Liberty Square Harbor House look carefully at the picture frames to spot a hidden Mickey.
- As you get on the Tomorrowland Transit Authority look at the first dome that you go under. There is a hidden Mickey
up on top. It is hard to see but it is there. Once you see it, you will never miss it again!
- Look carefully in the clouds of the sign for Peter Pan's flight to spot a hidden mickey.
- If you have a momement free while playing Buzzlightyear Space Ranger Spin look at the console of your vehicle to spot a hidden Mickey.
- Snow White's Scary Adventures: In the queue mural, there is a mickey on a pair of shorts hanging on the clothesline. Also 3 stones on the chimney of the Dwarf's cottage form a mickey.
Magic Kingdom® Urban Legend
False
This is a common myth surrounding Grad Nite at Walt Disney World. The story goes that some high school students threw Mickey Mouse into the lagoon at the Magic Kingdom, and the cast member died from electrocution from the air-conditioning unit inside the costume. There are 2 myths in this legend. First, there is no proof that Mickey was ever thrown into the lagoon. Second, the cast member would not have been electrocuted, as the character costumes do not contain air-conditioning units.
For more Disney urban legends click here.
Magic Kingdom® Planning Information
- If you are a AAA member be sure to check out the AAA Lounge located next to Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin in Tomorrowland®.
Magic Kingdom® Photos
Magic Kingdom Reviews
 | 9/11/2009 |
Reviewer:
Sherry Hardin, North Royalton, OH, USAI grew up going to WDW practically every summer since 1979. Absolutely the most magical place on earth. In my adult years, my visits have not been as frequent, every couple of years on average. Most recent trip was Aug 2009. I feel so compelled to write this because of my love of Disney.
I did not even know that Disney had job cuts, but you sure can tell, from the moment that you enter the magic kingdom. The reduction in cast members is clearly evident.
Little nuances that made so many attractions so special were missing.
Swiss family robinson treehouse, the music was not playing, and the water wheel was not running.
Big thunder, the waiting in line music was playing, real real real softly, you could hardly hear it.
Splash mountain, while waiting in line, the little bird houses used to have little birds peeping out and singing.
Of course there was the huge disappointment with Tomorrowland. I understand the refurbishing of space mountain, but during the summer????
Tomorrowland attractions were awful.
Hey maybe these are stupid things to complain about, but how about the trash.
NEVER did you used to see trash cans half full or even full, now they are overfilled. I was so disappointed. You NEVER saw a piece of garbage on the ground for more than a few minutes before someone came by with a dustpan or pick up stick.
I absolutely LOVE everything Disney, so I really don't want to create a bad story here, just want to express my observations. Disney had the knack for creating something so different than any other place. I hope they don't forget that.
 | 6/25/2009 |
Reviewer:
Eddy Forsythe, Florence AL,USAMy wife and I just returned home from our first vacation alone in over 15 years and we chose the Magic Kingdom. We have been there on several occasions and knew that's where we wanted to go.
BIG MISTAKE! The park was nasty, the restrooms smelled like one of my grandson's diapers, the staff was rude. Pirates broke down 2 out of the 3 times we rode. Haunted mansion broke down 2 out of the 3 times we rode. Jungle Cruise 1 out of 2 times broke down. The air wasn't working well in the Carousel of Progress. It's a small world broke down while we were waiting to get on the ride. Not to mention that Space Mountain and Hall of Presidents where already down for refurbing.
Splash Mountain was a blast! You just have to get past waiting in line for over and hour in nearly 100 degree temps.
I hope this helps with trying to keep the park running better so that other people don't have the save experience we had. We spent to much money to really get nothing in return.
| 5/8/2008 |
Reviewer:
Ron Milner, Columbus, OH, USASpace Mountain is still my all time favorite attraction at Walt Disney World since 1981. I remember when i first rode Space Mountain I was impressed. I love being able to see what it looks like from the TTA (Tomorrowland Transit Authority). Back in 2000 I got to see what Space Mountain looks like with the lights on for the first time. I was amazed at how Disney was able to put all that track inside the Building. Space Mountain is an Awesome Ride at WDW.
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