Magic Kingdom, opened on October 1, 1971, is a theme park that has literally changed the world. It is the most popular theme park in the world and has helped transform Disney World to the most popular vacation destination in the world. The park was originally patterned after Disneyland in California, but has some distinct differences that make it unique. Magic Kingdom has six themed lands, but will expand that to seven in later 2012 when a new expansion of the Fantasyland area is completed.
Main Street, U.S.A.
Main Street, U.S.A. in Magic Kingdom is simply that, a main street that would exists in any small town in America. It is lined with shops selling both merchandise and food and was inspired somewhat by Walt Disney’s childhood. This area contains guest relations for the park, a working barber shop (reservations recommended), the Emporium which carries a large variety of Disney merchandise, two full service restaurants, a hot dog shop, the Main Street Bakery that sells delicious items throughout the day, and the Main Street Confectionary which sells sweets such as chocolate, fudge, and candied apples. Once the guest arrives on Main Street they are able to see Cinderella Castle in the distance, towering 189 feet over the Magic Kingdom.
Pirates of the Caribbean Ride in Adventureland
Frontierland
The American Old West is the inspiration behind Frontierland at Disney’s Magic Kingdom Park. Cowboys, pioneers, and saloons all find their home in this themed land. Two attractions currently in operation in Frontierland have been around since the park opening in 1971, the Walt Disney World Railroad station and the Country Bear Jamboree. Tom Sawyer Island, which is accessible from Frontierland, opened in 1973. The two award winning rides in Frontierland thought came about later with the advent of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Splash Mountain. Both are Fastpass enabled attractions and offer thrills that most of the family can enjoy.
The Haunted Mansion in Liberty Square
Fantasyland
Fantasyland is a concept that has been replicated in most of the Magic Kingdom style parks around the world and each one has a castle as well as several rides themed after Disney movies. Walt Disney wanted Fantasyland to be a place for the “young and young at heart” and “to those who believe that when you wish upon a star, your dreams come true.” At the Magic Kingdom Cinderella Castle is the parks icon and it also houses Cinderella’s Royal Table restaurant. Fantasyland is currently home to several of the parks most famous attractions, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Peter Pan’s Flight, and it’s a small world.
Fantasyland is currently undergoing a major renovation and expansion project. Most of the new attractions will open sometime in 2013 and will include a new dark ride centered around the Disney movie The Little Mermaid as well as a new castle and area themed after the movie Beauty and the Beast. The Snow White’s Scary Adventures ride will be removed and will be replaced with a ride called the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train in another location. There will also be a new Princess Fairytale Hall constructed where Snow White’s Scary Adventures currently sits and this is where character meet and greets will happen.
Storybook Circus - Set to Open in Late 2012
Space Mountain in Tomorrowland
Astro Orbiter in Tomorrowland
Main Street USA with Cinderella Castle in the Background
Adventureland
Adventureland is themed to remind guests of the distant jungles of Africa, Asia, the South Pacific, and South America. Walt Disney wanted this area to take guests “far from civilization”. Lush plant life is everywhere in this land while totem poles, animal statues, conga drums, and building built in the style of the South Pacific make up the themed aspects of this land. Adventureland is home to many classic Disney attractions including Pirates of the Caribbean which has recently been refurbished and re-inspired by the new movie series by the same name. The Jungle Cruise is another long time Disney attraction and was joined in recent years by The Magic Carpets of Aladdin. Adventureland is also home to what many people believe is the best snack at Walt Disney World, the Dole Whip. A Dole Whip float can be found at the Aloha Isle, located exclusively in Adventureland.
Splash Mountin in Frontierland
Liberty Square
Liberty Square is a land that is themed after the colonial days of America. The area houses replicas of the Liberty Bell and Liberty Tree and is home to one of the most popular attractions at Magic Kingdom, The Haunted Mansion. The Hall of Presidents is also located in Liberty Square and is an excellent experience that features an audio-animatronics figure of every US President.
Peter Pan's Flight in Fantasyland
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh in Fantasyland
Storybook Circus
This new themed land is slated to open sometime in 2012 and is located in the place where Mickey’s Toontown Fair used to sit. This area will include an expanded Dumbo the Flying Elephant ride as well as a children’s roller coaster, The Great Goofini.
Tomorrowland
Walt Disney was known for his many views of the future of our society and some of those views have inspired the Tomorrowland section of Magic Kingdom. Walt Disney thought that “Tomorrow can be a wonderful age…the Tomorrowland attractions have been designed to give you an opportunity to participate in adventures that are a living blueprint of our future.” This land is home to many great classic Disney attractions including Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress and the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover. More modern attractions have also been integrated into Tommorowland including the always popular Space Mountain, a thrilling roller coaster ride to outer space. Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is an interactive game where the rider must help Buzz save the galaxy. The Astro Orbiter sits high above Tomorrowland and gives rider that sense that they are flying while the popular Tomorrowland Speedway gives many youngsters their first chance to drive a race car.
CLICK HERE for a free Disney vacation quote from Big Dreams Travel.