The "Magic" of it All

Magic Kingdom is indeed the park that comes to mind when people think of Walt Disney World. There is good reason for this, though, since it was the first park built for the popular vacation destination & is also quite similar to the original Magic Kingdom at Disneyland. Its opening in 1971 was the opening of Disney World as a theme park resort. As you already know, this park is made up of several different themed lands: Main Street, U.S.A., Adventureland, Frontierland, Liberty Square, Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, & Mickey's Toontown Fair.

No matter which Land guests are enjoying, though, there are several "must-do" attractions within the park which include Mickey's PhilharMagic, Cinderellabration, Wishes Nighttime Spectacular, Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin, Space Mountain, & The Haunted Mansion.

Another major part of Magic Kingdom, though not actually within the park, is the Transportation & Ticket Center. This section of park operations is quite important as it is relied on by ALL guests. Because the park is over a mile away from its parking lot, this is an essential element that provides convienience for guests. To get to Magic Kingdom they are given two options: travel through the Seven Seas Lagoon on a ferryboat or over the lagoon by monorail. (Trams are available to take guests from their vehicles to the ferryboat or monorail.)

Despite the fact that Walt Disney was not alive to see the opening of the park, he was quite active in the planning of it, even calling it The Florida Project. A major part of this plan was the intricate set of tunnels upon which the park is built. These tunnels allow for cast members to move around freely without being seen. They cover the entire park so cast members can be anywhere at anytime, whether in costume or not. It has also been said that this unseen section of the park is like an underground city, which is not too far off the mark. The Magic Kingdom tunnels have everything a cast member will need to report to work, all literally under the radar of any guests. It is quite a sight to see & one that will never be duplicated.

~Steph :)