Magic
Kingdom Overview.. 2
Ariel's
Grotto. 2
Fantasyland
Special Events and Shows. 3
Dream
Along with Mickey. 3
FINAL
SWORD CEREMONY TOOK PLACE ON AUGUST 15, 2006. 3
Walt
Disney World Theme Park Guides: 3
Epcot 3
Cinderella's
Golden Carrousel 3
Walt
Disney World Theme Park Guides: 3
Disney-MGM
Studios. 3
Dumbo
the Flying Elephant 3
Disney's
Animal Kingdom Theme Park. 3
Mad
Tea Party. 3
Mickey’s
PhilharMagic. 3
Dream
Along with Mickey. 3
Sword
in the Stone. 3
FINAL
SWORD CEREMONY TOOK PLACE.. 3
Magic Kingdom Overview
Magic
Kingdom map
It has often been said that the true essence of Disney magic
can be experienced simply by stepping foot inside the Magic Kingdom.
Opened in 1971, the venerable theme park has withstood more than three decades
of changing cultures, a constantly shifting social climate, and an explosion of
technology that has left lesser places outdated and obsolete. Yet, somehow, the
Magic Kingdom continues to remain the
undisputed king of Theme Parks, drawing more yearly visitors than any other.
How the Magic
Kingdom has managed to
maintain its charm and appeal over the years is a lesson in simplicity. It has
stayed true to its original vision, a place where families could gather in a
clean and safe environment to enjoy the time they spend together. No trip to
Disney World is complete without visiting the Magic Kingdom.
For veteran visitors to Walt Disney World, visiting the Magic Kingdom
is like visiting an old friend. To first time visitors, they find themselves
quickly, and almost helplessly, transported back to their childhood.
The Magic Kingdom is divided into five distinct areas (lands),
arranged in a spoke-like formation, all meeting at the top of Main Street USA
right in front of Cinderella
Castle. The five lands
consist of Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, Frontierland, Liberty
Square and Adventureland.
Each land is themed to its appropriate title and maintaining that theme is
paramount to the parks operation. A vast network of underground tunnels connect
all sections of the Magic Kingdom, thus preventing guests from seeing any of
the necessary "behind the scenes" operations, and preventing cast
members from one land from having to walk through another. Well, that was the
original idea anyway - recent changes to park policy now allow cast members to
walk freely through the park in whatever outfit they happen to be wearing.
The Magic
Kingdom contains some
real "don't miss" attractions, depending on what age bracket you fall
in. One of this parks strengths is the
cross-generational appeal of many of it's better
attractions. Splash Mountain
is a good example. It's not unusual to
see three generations of family members riding together. Other favorites
like Pirates of the Caribbean, Jungle Cruise, and Haunted Mansion
offer similar appeal to a wide range of visitors.
Video - Pirates of the Caribbean
(updated) (2:46) (Windows Media)
Video - Splash
Mountain (2:05) (Windows
Media)
Space Mountain, while dated, is still one of the best
attractions at the Magic
Kingdom. It is rumored that
Space Mountain will soon go down for an extensive "update", and will
likely be down for quite some time (the Disneyland counterpart was down for
more than two years). I suggest you
experience this attraction while you can - this is one of the last classics at
WDW to remain undisturbed for many years.
I trust the new version will be great, but I'll miss the old version
just the same.
Most spectacular of all Disney's parks are the parades and
fireworks displayed at the Magic Kingdom in Orlando. Most notably, the current
combo of the "Wishes" fireworks show, and the perennial nighttime favorite, Spectromagic.
If these two performances don't impress you, then you're already dead
and no one's bothered to tell you.
From a touring perspective, the Magic Kingdom
can present some real challenges for those who want to experience the
"magic" and not wait 90 minutes on each attraction to do so. As our
site visitors have learned over the years, a good plan is probably the single
most important tool you can use to get the most from your vacation. Especially if you plan to visit the Magic Kingdom
during peak times, I strongly recommend TourGuideMike's
online itinerary planner. It's well
worth the investment to get the benefit of Mike's years of research.
Magic
Kingdom Rides and
Attractions
Astro Orbiter
The Barnstormer at Goofy's
Wiseacre Farm
Big Thunder
Mountain
Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin
Carousel of Progress
Cinderella's Golden Carousel
Country Bear Jamboree
Donald's Boat
Dream Along with Mickey
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
Enchanted Tiki Room
Hall of Presidents
The Haunted Mansion
It's a Small World
Jungle Cruise
The Laugh Floor Comedy Club New
Liberty Square
Riverboat
Mad Tea Party
Main Street
Family Fun Day Parade
The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
The Many Adventures of Winnie the
Pooh
Mickey's Country House
Mickey's Philharmagic
Minnie's Country House
Peter Pan's Flight
Pirates of the Caribbean
Pooh's Playful Spot
Royal
Court Academy
Snow Whites Scary Adventures
Space
Mountain
Splash
Mountain
Stitch's Great Escape!
Swiss Family Treehouse
The Timekeeper
Tom
Sawyer Island
Tomorrowland Speedway
Tomorrowland Transit Authority
Toontown Hall of Fame
Woody's Cowboy Camp
Dreams Along With Mickey Photos - New
This show is part of the 'Year of a Million Dreams'
Promotion. Taking place in the forecourt of Cinderella's Castle, 'Dream Along
with Mickey' features everyone's favorite Mouse and
Disney characters. This dream inspired show touches on "Happily Ever
After" as well as dreams of exciting adventures. This show actually
focuses on Donald Duck (who once again, does not get top billing, same as with
Mickey's PhilharMagic.) The Disney characters join in
helping Donald realize his dreams. Minnie, Peter Pan and Sleeping Beauty are
among the talented performers.
A villain that is rarely seen outside of the parades is part
of this production. Sleeping Beauty's Maleficent is intent on turning Donald's
dreams into nightmares. As with every great Disney tale, good conquers evil and
the result is a fun, character filled finale.
'Dream Along with Mickey' is performed daily. Check the park
schedule for the day's performances.
Let's Have a Ball
This show had its final performance on 2/24/07
Another 'Year of a Million Dreams' addition, the 'Let's Have
a Ball' guest
participation show, takes place behind Cinderella's Castle. It's hosted by Lady
Lucinda and her merry making sidekick, Simon.
The 'Let's Have a Ball' celebrates those 'Happily Ever
After' moments that Disney is famous for. Join in the "Royal Re-Mix Freeze
Dance," the "Under the Sea Limbo" a rollicking version of
"Simon Says" and the "Grand Waltz." The finale is a performance of "If You
Can Dream".
The 'Let's Have a Ball' is performed daily. Check the park
schedule for he day's performances.
Character Greetings at Ariels
Grotto, Fantasyland Character Festival, and Mad Tea Party (check guide map for
times).
Fairy
Tale Garden
is nestled beside Cinderella's Castle. This sweet little grotto is home to
Belle's Storytime. Several times throughout the day,
Belle (from Beauty and the Beast) arrives to read a story to the children and
mingle with them afterwards. This venue is quite small, lending to the intimate
setting. During the holiday season, it becomes "Belle's Enchanted
Christmas."
Please check your park guidemap
for performance times.
Sword in the Stone
This was a cute ceremony where Merlin chose a child to pull
the sword out of the stone. (That thing didn't budge otherwise.) It took place
in front of the Carousel and was a nice little diversion to watch. The lucky
child chosen would always have the power to pull the sword out and a special
celebration followed. The new "ruler of the realm" would be outfitted
with a robe and crown and presented with a keepsake medallion and certificate.
Ariel's Grotto
Ariel's Grotto Fans of Ariel won't want to miss seeing the
Little Mermaid in her home at the Magic
Kingdom. Located behind Dumbo the Flying Elephant, fans can meet Ariel and get her
autograph. This is also a great place for the kids to cool off in the kids water area and there is also a covered area for the
adults. This area is wheelchair accessible.
Walt Disney
World Theme
Park
Guides:
Magic
Kingdom Park
Disney-MGM Studios
Disney's Animal
Kingdom Theme
Park
Blizzard
Beach Water
Park
Typhoon
Lagoon Water
Park
Downtown Disney
Disney Quest Cirque du Soleil
Wide World of Sports
Park Maps
Year Opened: 1971
No self-respecting amusement park would be without a
carousel. As you would expect, Disney's is spectacular.
There's a lot of history behind Cinderella's Golden
Carrousel. Legend has it that Walt Disney was inspired to include one after
taking his daughter's to the merry-go-round at LA's Griffith Park.
It was built by Italian woodcarvers in 1917 and featured at
Olympic Park in Maplewood, New Jersey. For trivia fans, it's
technically the oldest attraction in Fantasyland. Now it plays Disney tunes as
it spins. We somehow doubt that was the case 90 years ago.
When Disney acquired it, the company artists refurbished the
90 horses so that no two are exactly alike. There are eighteen hand painted
scenes that tell the story of Cinderella on the wooden canopy that covers this
attraction. This 2 minute ride is perfect for young children. If you're a
frequent visitor, take a photo of your little one with each visit and watch
him/her 'grow' over the years.
Speaking of photos, wait until dark. Cinderella's Golden
Carousel is amazing at night. Even if you opt not to ride it, take a minute to
enjoy it's beauty.
This is considered a minor attraction but it is a bit slow
loading so there may be a line. Wheelchair guests must be able to transfer from
their chairs to the horses.
Walt Disney
World Theme
Park
Guides:
Magic
Kingdom Park
Epcot
Disney's Animal
Kingdom Theme
Park
Blizzard
Beach Water
Park
Typhoon
Lagoon Water
Park
Downtown Disney
Disney Quest Cirque du Soleil
Wide World of Sports
Park Maps
Dumbo the
Flying Elephant
Year Opened: 1971
It's hard to think of a ride that's more of a Disney classic
than Dumbo the Flying Elephant. It takes you soaring
over the Magic Kingdom.
Sixteen gondolas of this adorable wide-eyed baby elephant
with the oversized ears carefully circle a small hot air balloon with Dumbo's friend, Timothy Mouse atop. Definitely not a thrill
ride for the older set, it is still exciting for the younger children as is
evident by the long lines for this popular attraction. (The lines are basically
a result of the slow loading of this 2 minute ride.) To avoid an excessive wait, head here first
thing when the park opens or, when staying at a Disney Resort, take advantage
of the morning Extra Magic Hour.
Guests in wheelchairs must be able to transfer from their
chairs in order to ride.
Fun Fact: In Disneyland,
this ride was 'renovated' in 1990 by accident. It had been prepared for
shipment to Disneyland Paris, when they discovered they did not need it as
early as expected. So, it was installed in Disneyland (CA) and a new one was
built and shipped to Paris.
Walt
Disney World
Theme Park Guides:
Magic
Kingdom Park
Epcot
Disney-MGM Studios
Disney's Animal Kingdom
Theme Park
Blizzard
Beach Water
Park
Typhoon
Lagoon Water
Park
Downtown Disney
Disney Quest Cirque du Soleil
Wide World of Sports
Park Maps
It's a Small World
Year Opened: 1971
The “legend” has it that if you ride it’s a small world at
Disney World or Disneyland, the song will stay
in your head forever, its a small world after
all. It’s cool to diss
this ride as a cliché or for being “just for kids”. People will tell you that
they avoid it like the plague.
These are the same people that will turn around and moan
that the Carousel of Progress should be saved, or that they never should have
taken out Mr. Toad ’s Wild Ride. Their reasoning is that
these are Walt Disney’s Legacy (this should be said in an extremely reverent
tone.)
Let’s talk about that. Many of the older, or original, if your prefer, attractions at Disneyland
and Disney World have Walt’s touch. Walt and his team of Imagineers,
led by artist and designer Mary Blair (who also created the huge multi-story
murals on the Grand Canyon Concourse at Walt Disney World’s Contemporary
Resort), created it’s a small world as tribute to the children of the world for
the UNICEF pavilion at the 1964/65 World’s Fair. The Sherman Brothers,
responsible for a big chunk of Disney music (ex Mary Poppins)
originally wrote the theme song as a ballad. Legend has it that Walt told them
he needed something “peppy” that would last throughout the ride. It was decided
that the song you love to hate was sped up and sung as a round. What you see
today is very close to Walt’s original attraction for the World’s Fair. Seems
like a pretty good pedigree to me.
After the World’s Fair ended, it’s a small world was moved
to Disneyland, where it remains one of the
park’s premiere attractions. It has also been a staple of Disney World since
1971.
This classic ride has just been unveiled at Disney World
after a year long rehab (if it’s longer then a year….or shorter than a year…
then it’s longer or shorter…it doesn’t make a difference to this article….move
on). While the exterior of Disneyland’s
version has undergone changes, some good, some bad, Disney World’s version has
remained stuck in 1971. There has been some minor
modifications, but for the most part it has remained that brightly colored attraction that people love and love to hate, until
very recently.
Mary Blair ’s original concept for
the ride was a vision in stark white and gold. The huge smiling clock face that
adorns Disneyland’s version is known to
millions as the face of it’s a small world.
This is the classic look for this attraction.
I am very happy to say that Walt Disney World’s version now
has the classic “Mary Blair” look. The mechanics of
the loading area has remained, for the most part, the same. Everything else
about the loading area has been changed. There are recognizable silhouettes of
world landmarks all done in different textures and white and highlighted in
gold. We also now have our very own clock tower with the “seesawing” clock
face. (I was told that every 15 minutes there will be a surprise involving the
clock).
The ride itself has been brought back to its original splendor. (After 33 years, some of those kids were looking
a bit raggedy). They have new costumes, new wigs and new paint. If they
originally sparkled, they sparkle again. The mechanics of the ride have also
been updated. The click clacking noise often heard in the past is gone.. In addition, the soundtrack has been restored as well.
The sound is crisp and clear. And the best part ….all the visible wear and tear
on the building itself, that has been so apparent….has been fixed. It’s like a
brand new attraction.
Disney World has given a classic look to a classic
attraction. From those of us that love this attraction, we say thanks.
P.S…..I rode this ride today in order to write this article
and give my opinion. There was a 90 minute wait. Apparently, the threats of
never being able to get rid of the song aren’t working.
If you like to spin,
you will love the Alice
in Wonderland inspired Mad Tea Party. Sadly, I'm not among those who can
tolerate this ride.
You sit in oversized teacups and you can spin a lot or a
little as the entire ride spins as well. If you have a sensitive tummy or
suffer from motion sickness, definitely skip this attraction.
One cute feature that you can see whether
you ride it or not is the dormouse popping out of the teapot in the center.
If you're an Alice
in Wonderland fan, she often does character meet and greets at the garden
surrounding this attraction as well as the Mad Hatter, Tweedle
Dee, Tweedle Dum, etc. The Mad Tea Party is a great
backdrop for a souvenir photo.
This ride is a virtual little kid magnet. They love the
spinning motion, especially being able to turn it themselves. Because it's on
the slow side to load/unload, long lines are not uncommon. It's best to head
here first thing in the morning (and you may want to have breakfast after
riding it.)
This ride is accessible to wheelchair guests who are able to
transfer to the teacups.
Mickey’s PhilharMagic, the latest
3-D attraction at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom
is beyond compare. Taking three years to complete, and using the combined
efforts of Walt Disney Feature Animation and the Walt Disney Imagineering
teams, this production brings to life everything that makes Disney Magic as
real as you or I on the big screen.
It’s Show time! But wait, the orchestra is missing! Oh dear
where is Donald? This may be Mickey’s Orchestra but Donald steals the show,
literally. The mischief that follows Donald is hysterically appropriate for our
short tempered friend.
The show brings you on a magical trip through many of your favorite Disney films. In hot pursuit of
his runaway "prize". Donald is asked to "be our
guest" by Lumiere (Beauty and the Beast), washed
away by Brooms (Fantasia), joins Ariel under the sea wishing she could be
"Part of that world". Flying high above London with Peter Pan and
Tinker Bell, Shown that Simba "Just can’t wait
to be King", and Aladdin and Jasmine lead him on a Magic Carpet Ride thru
a "Whole New World" before Mickey saves the day.
Now, just telling what Mickey’s PhilharMagic
is about does not do this show justice. From start to finish you are totally
immersed into the world of animation. With the sights the sounds and even the
smells (Sort of like coming home to an apple pie fresh from the oven).This is
the kind of thing that people come to the Magic Kingdom
to see. The ability of Imagineers and Artists of
Disney to take you out of reality and bring you into the world that is
exclusively Disney.
To give you an idea of the immense scale of this Attraction,
the theater houses the world’s largest seamless movie
screen. With Computer Generated Images (CGI) you forget that you’re sitting in
a theater wearing 3-D glasses. For instead of
stretching your imagination yourself, Disney does it for you.
An Attraction that can’t be missed: you’re favorite Disney Characters, the latest in computer
animation, and the Entire Cast of the Disney Co. This combination of people and
technology brings only one question to mind: "What else does Disney have
in store for us?"
Fantasyland Special Events and Shows
Dreams Along With Mickey Photos - New
This show is part of the 'Year of a Million Dreams'
Promotion. Taking place in the forecourt of Cinderella's Castle, 'Dream Along
with Mickey' features everyone's favorite Mouse and
Disney characters. This dream inspired show touches on "Happily Ever After"
as well as dreams of exciting adventures. This show actually focuses on Donald
Duck (who once again, does not get top billing, same as with Mickey's PhilharMagic.) The Disney characters join in helping Donald
realize his dreams. Minnie, Peter Pan and Sleeping Beauty are among the
talented performers.
A villain that is rarely seen outside of the parades is part
of this production. Sleeping Beauty's Maleficent is intent on turning Donald's
dreams into nightmares. As with every great Disney tale, good conquers evil and
the result is a fun, character filled finale.
'Dream Along with Mickey' is performed daily. Check the park
schedule for the day's performances.
Let's Have a Ball
This show had its final performance on 2/24/07
Another 'Year of a Million Dreams' addition, the 'Let's Have
a Ball' guest
participation show, takes place behind Cinderella's Castle. It's hosted by Lady
Lucinda and her merry making sidekick, Simon.
The 'Let's Have a Ball' celebrates those 'Happily Ever
After' moments that Disney is famous for. Join in the "Royal Re-Mix Freeze
Dance," the "Under the Sea Limbo" a rollicking version of
"Simon Says" and the "Grand Waltz." The finale is a performance of "If You
Can Dream".
The 'Let's Have a Ball' is performed daily. Check the park
schedule for he day's performances.
Character Greetings at Ariels
Grotto, Fantasyland Character Festival, and Mad Tea Party (check guide map for
times).
Fairy
Tale Garden
is nestled beside Cinderella's Castle. This sweet little grotto is home to Belle's
Storytime. Several times throughout the day, Belle
(from Beauty and the Beast) arrives to read a story to the children and mingle
with them afterwards. This venue is quite small, lending to the intimate
setting. During the holiday season, it becomes "Belle's Enchanted
Christmas."
Please check your park guidemap
for performance times.
This was a cute ceremony where Merlin chose a child to pull
the sword out of the stone. (That thing didn't budge otherwise.) It took place
in front of the Carousel and was a nice little diversion to watch. The lucky
child chosen would always have the power to pull the sword out and a special
celebration followed. The new "ruler of the realm" would be outfitted
with a robe and crown and presented with a keepsake medallion and certificate.
