Magic Kingdom

The Magic Kingdom, where each day begins as Once Upon A Time and each evening ends as Happily Ever After...

The Magic Kingdom Park, when you think of Walt Disney World, this is perhaps the most famous park of them all. With its landmark Cinderella’s Castle, classic rides such as Dumbo the Flying Elephant and Splash Mountain, most visitors make this park not only their first stop but their last stop as well. This is the park in which your little girl can become Cinderella, complete with having breakfast with her, or your little boy can become Buzz Lightyear and save the Universe. Where else in the world can Dad get away with wearing a set of Mickey Mouse ears and will Mom let kids have candy at 10:30 in the morning? No where else in the world, but in this "World"! Of all the parks in Walt Disney World this one is arguably the best place where your fantasy can become reality.

History and Introduction

When Walt Disney World opened on October 1, 1971, the Magic Kingdom was the only park to its credit. At its dedication on October 25, 1971 a wide array of celebrities were on hand to celebrate what has eventually become every family’s favorite vacation destination! Besides Walt Disney's family, Arthur Fiedler conducted the World Symphony Orchestra right in front of Cinderella’s Castle and Roy Disney and Mickey Mouse read the dedication plaque.

Magic Kingdom opened on 107 acres with 6 themed lands (that number has increased to 7 with the addition of Mickey’s Toontown Fair): Main Street U.S.A., Adventureland, Frontierland, Liberty Square, Fantasyland, and Tomorrowland.

You may notice, as you walk down Main Street U.S.A. on a bright sunny afternoon that the buildings seem so tall, or are they? Imagineers, while constructing these buildings, used a trick called "forced perspective" to make it look this way, when in reality they are not a "regulation" 2 or 3 stories tall. They shrunk windows, balconies, and even furniture on the 2nd floors, and shrunk 3rd floors even further, to create this magical illusion. In all, it took more than 9,000 workers to create the finished product you see now. So, grab a seat on the monorail, stand along the rail on the ferryboat, or all aboard the bus so we can take a tour of the enchanting Magic Kingdom, where everything from Disney Princesses, Disney Villains, and space-monsters create a magical, whimsical, land of make-believe!

Getting Around

The most important thing to remember when visiting the Magic Kingdom is its layout. To prevent yourself from back-tracking too much, and losing valuable "ride time", remember that the park is set up like a hub/spoke design, with Cinderella’s Castle and it’s Central Plaza being the center of it all. Be sure to grab a guidebook at the park entrance to help you gain your bearings.

Once you reach the front the of the Castle, there are 5 directions from which to choose to go. You can go straight through the Castle and head directly into Fantasyland, or take one of 4 bridges which are off to either side. On your right, as you face the Castle, there are 2 bridges, one which leads to Tomorrowland, and the other into Fantasyland and Mickey’s Toontown Fair. On your left, the 2 bridges lead to Adventureland and Frontierland (via Liberty Square). While most people walk from one land to the other, the Walt Disney World Railroad circles the parameter of the park, making stops on Main Street U.S.A., Frontierland, and Mickey’s Toontown Fair. In addition, horseless carriages, a fire engine, and horse-drawn trolleys also offer guests one-way trips down Main Street U.S.A.

Be sure to stop at one of the "tip boards", located near Cinderella’s Castle and Tomorrowland, upon your arrival for ride wait times, show times, and other entertainment information.

An In-Depth Tour of the Park:

• Map of Magic Kingdom Park
• The Seven Lands
• Attractions
• Special Events
• Tips and Information
• Magictrips Community Discussion Forum

Transportation:
By Boat - Guests staying at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Wilderness Lodge, and Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground may reach Magic Kingdom by Water Launch.

By Bus -- Magic Kingdom is easily accessible by Disney buses to all areas throughout the Walt Disney World Resort.

By Ferry -- Transportation to and from the Ticket and Transportation Area/Parking Lot.

By Monorail -- Transportation from the Ticket and Transportation Area/Parking Lot. Also, guests staying at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Contemporary, and Polynesian Resorts.

Credit Cards & Money Matters:
American Express, MasterCard, Visa, Discover Card, Diner's Club, JCB International Card, and Disney Credit Card are accepted at all locations, as well as Traveler's Checks, Cash, and Disney Dollars. ATM machines are located near the main entrance (within the Walt Disney World Railroad near the locker rental desk), the walk-through between Frontierland and Adventureland (near the Frontierland Shootin' Arcade), and Tomorrowland (near the exit of Space Mountain).

Fun Facts:

• Here's one to stump your friends with. How many stones are there in Cinderella Castle in the Magic Kingdom? NONE. The whole shell of the building is fiberglass.
• Walt Disney World is home to Florida's two highest "mountains". In the Magic Kingdom, Big Thunder Mountain rises 197 feet above Frontierland. And, Space Mountain in Tomorrowland is 180 feet tall.
• The "Liberty Oak," which is the focal point of the Liberty Square area in the Magic Kingdom, is the proud parent of more than 500 young trees. They all started out as acorns harvested from the majestic oak.

Additional Magic Kingdom Pages:

• Astro Orbiter
• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
• Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin
• Haunted Mansion
• Haunted Mansion Story-Line
• it's a small world
• Magic Carpets of Aladdin
• Space Mountain
• Splash Mountain
• Storytime with Belle in the Fairytale Garden
• Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party
• Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party
• Walk Around the World
• Walt Disney World Railroad
  

Last Updated: May 18, 2009