Since opening in 1971, Magic Kingdom has grown into the world’s most attended theme park by welcoming nearly 20 million guests a year. Mickey, Minnie and all of the lovable Disney characters are waiting to greet you at, “The most magical place on earth.”
If you arrive at Magic Kingdom by car, you will enjoy riding one mile across the Seven Seas Lagoon on one of three ferries. They sail every 30 minutes between the Transportation and Ticket Center adjacent to the parking lot and the park entrance. This red-paneled, double-decker boat is modeled after the Staten Island Ferries. It is 120 feet long with a capacity of 600 guests. Originally called the Magic Kingdom II, it was renamed the Richard F. Irvine. This is a tribute to a former art director of 30 Disney films and the chief operating officer of WED (now Walt Disney Imagineering). Mr. Irvine also oversaw the development of Disneyland and designed Walt Disney World. If you are coming to Magic Kingdom from a Disney resort or other parks, alternative transpiration is available such as a monorail or other boats.
Boat Launch, Magic Kingdom Park, 1180 Seven Seas Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Walt Disney World Railroad welcomes you to Magic Kingdom with its steam whistle. The Main Street Station resembles one built at the turn of the century in Saratoga Springs, New York. Notice the window. It declares Walter E. Disney as chief engineer who always was “Keeping Dreams on Track.” The WDWRR trains take you 1.5 miles around the park stopping at Main Street, U.S.A., Frontierland and Storybook Circus in Fantasyland. All aboard!
Main Street Station, Main Street U.S.A., 1180 Seven Seas Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
As you enter the Magic Kingdom, look right towards Town Square Theater at the start of Main Street U.S.A. You may see Minnie Mouse wearing a red and white polka-dot dress and a huge smile. She is thrilled to meet you! Minerva Mouse, best known as Minnie, was introduced in 1928 by Walt Disney Studios in “Steamboat Willie.” Mickey’s sweetheart has appeared in more than 70 Disney cartoons and animated features plus the “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.”
Emporium, Main Street U.S.A., Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
“Sharing the Magic” is a tribute to Roy Oliver Disney, co-founder of Walt Disney Productions and later CEO and chairman of the Walt Disney Company. After Walt Disney died in 1966, Roy fulfilled his younger brother’s dream of finishing Walt Disney World. This bronze statue at Town Square in Main Street U.S.A. was created by legendary Imagineer Blaine Gibson in 1999. People believe Roy and Minnie were Walt’s and Mickey’s shadows behind their success. That is what makes this sculpture so touching.
Emporium, Main Street U.S.A., Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
On the left as you enter Magic Kingdom is City Hall. Inside are the Guest Relations services. The well-trained hosts can answer your questions, provide information regarding events and attractions plus provide maps in several languages. This is also the lost and found office. If you are celebrating a birthday, ask for a button to get special treatment by cast members. In front of this Victorian building is Town Square. This is where you can board one of several vehicles such as a horse-drawn street car, double-decker bus, horseless car or fire engine. Then you can make a grand entrance down Main Street U.S.A.
City Hall, Main Street U.S.A., Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Main Street U.S.A. is the welcoming boardwalk of Magic Kingdom. The colorful facades reflect several regions across America including New Orleans, Chicago, Missouri and New York City. Together they represent a prosperous, turn-of-the-century, New England town. Disney calls their Victorian architecture “Mictorian.” Inside are themed shops, restaurants and even a barber shop offering songs by the Dapper Dans quartet along with your free haircut.
Main Street Cinema, Main Street U.S.A., Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Outside of Tony’s Town Square Restaurant on Main Street U.S.A. is this statue of Goofy. He is sitting on a bench decked out in a gold vest and hat, red tie and purple coat. Sit back and relax beside him. Have your photo taken. If you stay long enough, he may start talking to you. This lovable, two-toothed pooch was Dippy Dawg when he first appeared in “Mickey’s Revue” in 1932. Since then, he has appeared in over 200 animated films and shorts.
Town Square Theater, Main Street U.S.A., Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
You may not be old enough to have watched the original TV show “The Mickey Mouse Club” when it aired between 1955-1959. However, you are no stranger to the Mickey Mouse hat worn by host Jimmie Dodd and all of the Musketeers. The design was inspired by a 1929 short The Karnival Kid and created by Roy Williams, better known as the Big Mooseketeer. Since then, they have become Disney’s most popular apparel. An estimated 2.5 million Mouse Ears are sold annually at Walt Disney World. You can purchase yours, or a Minnie Mouse set with a polka-dot bow, at The Chapeau on Main Street U.S.A. The will also embroider it with your name.
The Chapeau, Main Street U.S.A., Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
In your excitement at arriving at the Magic Kingdom, your will probably never notice the stenciled windows along Main Street U.S.A. If you do, they may seem like fictitious companies. They actually honor retired employees who made significant achievements at Disney during their careers. A few examples on these buildings (left to right): yellow – Bob Matheison (developer of Walt Disney World); green – Ron & Diane Miller (former president of Walt Disney World plus his wife and daughter of Walt Disney); red – Don & Ub Iwerks (executive and animator also son and father) and yellow – Dick Nunis (former chairman of Walt Disney Attractions).
Plaza Ice Cream Parlor, Main Street U.S.A., Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Cinderella Castle is the Magic Kingdom’s most iconic building. Its Romanesque Revival design is modeled after the Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria, Germany. That famous schloss was built for Ludwig II in 1886. Author Charles Perrault’s late 17th century tale “Cendrillon” (or “The Little Glass Slipper”) laid the groundwork for Disney’s 1950 animated film “Cinderella.” The folktale is about a young girl who suffers forced servitude by her stepfamily until rescued by a handsome prince.
Castle Stage, Fantasyland, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
“Partners” is a bronze statue of Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse holding hands. This tribute was first dedicated at Disneyland on November 18, 1993 to celebrate Mickey Mouse’s 65th birthday. This replica was erected in front of the Magic Kingdom’s Cinderella’s Castle in the summer of 1995 and then rededicated on December 5, 2001, for Walt Disney’s 100th birthday. The artwork was created by former Disney animator Blaine Gibson. It stands 6 feet 5 inches tall on Main Street, U.S.A.
Partners Statue, Main Street U.S.A., Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Belle and the Beast whirl together in love on a flower-covered float during the Festival of Fantasy Parade. In the 1991 animated film, “Beauty and the Beast,” the romantic couple dance in a ballroom after a spell is broken and Adam is restored to a handsome prince. The story was drawn from folklore. Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve, born in Paris in 1695, is considered to be the first author of the tale. Her 362 page book was published in 1740. It was later abridged and republished by Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont in 1756.
Castle Stage, Fantasyland, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
The forerunner of Pluto debuted in the 1930 cartoon short “The Chain Gang” as a bloodhound on the trail of escaped prisoner Mickey Mouse. During the orange dog’s second appearance in “The Picnic,” his name was Rover. A year later he became Pluto in “The Mouse Hunt.” Since then, Mikey’s pet has evolved into one of the six leading characters of the Walt Disney Company. He is seen here in the Festival of Fantasy Parade.
Castle Stage, Fantasyland, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
In 2009, Walt Disney Pictures released the animated movie, “The Princess and the Frog.” Audiences watched as Tiana’s dream of opening a restaurant in New Orleans becomes a nightmare when she and Prince Naveen become frogs in the bayou. The story is a blend of two fairytales. The first was “The Frog Prince” (or “The Frog King”) by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm. The Brothers Grimm published it in 1812 as part of 85 other stories. The second was “The Frog Princess,” a novel written by E.D. Baker in 2002. At the end of the film, the two characters fall in love, get married and share a magical kiss which transforms them into humans. These characters on a Princess Garden Float during the Festival of Fantasy Parade recreate their romantic dance after the opening of Tiana’s Palace restaurant.
Castle Stage, Fantasyland, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Tinker Bell was the notion of Scottish author Sir James Matthew Barrie. The fairy first appeared in Barrie’s 1904 play, “Peter Pan” or “The Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up” and then the 1911 novel, “Peter and Wendy.” This small fairy living in Netherland had a crush on Peter Pan and was jealous of any girls around him including Wendy. Perhaps Tinker Bell’s sprinkling of pixie dust made Walt Disney’s animated film “Peter Pan” a success when released in 1953.
Castle Stage, Fantasyland, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Mickey and Minnie are the last of the 100 Disney characters represented during the dazzling, music and dance-filled Festival of Fantasy Parade. They smile while waving to the cheering crowd inside Mickey’s Airship. At 32 feet, the hot air balloon is the tallest of the procession’s nine floats. The parade begins in Frontierland at 3:00 and ends at Main Street U.S.A. so there are plenty of places to see it along the route. Since this extravaganza debuted in 2014, it has become a highlight of any visit to the Magic Kingdom.
Castle Stage, Fantasyland, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
The Crystal Palace is a beautiful Victorian building where you can eat a delicious meal and meet Winnie the Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore and Tigger. These wonderful characters were brought to life by A.A. Milne in 1926. It is fitting the English author’s troupe from Hundred Acre Wood are featured here. The Chrystal Palace is modeled after one built in Hyde Park, London, for the Great Exhibition of 1851. The Disney restaurant opened in 1971 as a cafeteria. In 1996, it changed to “A Buffet with Character” serving fish, chicken, meat, salads and of course dessert. There’s something for everyone! The bridge connects Main Street U.S.A. on the left with Adventureland.
The Crystal Palace, 1365 West Monorail Way, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Walt Disney is best remembered for creating animated characters and amusement parks. He also had a passion for wild animals, especially from Africa and Asia. Therefore, he created a series of films called True-Life Adventures from 1948 through 1960. His vision was to recreate the same remote jungles from around the world when Adventureland opened at Disneyland in 1955. Remnants of its origin remain, such as the Jungle Cruise and Swiss Family Treehouse. Yet this section has evolved to include the Pirates of the Caribbean, The Magic Carpets of Aladdin and Tinker Bell’s Magical Nook.
Pirate's Bazaar, Adventureland, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
The Jungle Navigation Co, Ltd. Skipper Canteen opened in December, 2015, in Adventureland. The themed restaurant is run by Alberta Falls, the granddaughter of the famous yet fictional explorer Dr. Albert Falls. After your river cruise along the Nile, Congo and Amazon, enter the crew Mess Hall filled with jungle décor for great African, Asian and South American cuisine. Or step through the library’s false bookshelf to a secret meeting room where The Society of Explorers and Adventurers (S.E.A.) once met. Or eat in the Falls Family Parlor while admiring the memorabilia. Do not forget to order the Kungaloosh for dessert. It is delicious! Kids love the Volcano, a chocolate cake smothered in caramel.
Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd., Skipper Canteen, Adventureland, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
The Magic Carpets of Aladdin opened in Adventureland in 2001. The ride’s centerpiece is a giant genie bottle adorned with characters from “Aladdin,” Walt Disney Picture’s 1992 animated film. While you are spinning around, remember Princess Jasmine’s words to Aladdin, “But when I’m way up here, it is crystal clear that now I’m in a whole new world with you.”
The Magic Carpets of Aladdin, Adventureland, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Disney’s Aladdin movie is based on a folktale from a collection named “One Thousand and One Nights” or “Arabian Nights” when it was released in English in 1706. As the story begins, the Peddler has a camel named Shadigna. Although Prince Ali had 75 camels, Aladdin only had one. And Jasmine called a camel doctor. Could these be the famous camels guarding the Magic Carpets of Aladdin ride? Warning! While you are waiting in line, these cranky camels may spit at you.
The Magic Carpets of Aladdin, Adventureland, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
The Zanzibar Trading Company in Adventureland transports you from Africa to the colorful tents of the Middle East. You will find a treasure trove worthy of a sultan including spices, wooden crafts, Middle Eastern clothes, vases and brass merchandise. You can even buy Aladdin’s magic carpet!
Zanzibar Trading Co., Adventureland, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
The Pirates of the Caribbean is a nine-minute cruise through the Golden Age of Piracy. You will have a swashbuckling good time! This attraction became so popular after opening at Magic Kingdom in 1973 that it inspired Walt Disney Pictures to produce the movie, “The Curse of the Black Pearl” in 2003. The fifth film in the series named “Dead Men Tell No Tales” is advertised on the flag hanging from the Torre del Sol watchtower. Aspiring buccaneers will also enjoy visiting The Pirates League in Adventureland. Here you can be transformed into Captain Jack Sparrow or a member of his plundering crew.
Pirates of the Caribbean, Adventureland, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
The Walt Disney World Railroad covers a track of 1.5 miles connecting Main Street U.S.A. with Fantasyland and this station at Frontierland. The free WDWRR transportation is conducted (pun intended) by four vintage steam locomotives. These reflect Walt’s love of trains since he built the Carolwood Pacific Railroad at his boyhood home. Frontierland has an American Old West theme. The section’s main attractions are Splash Mountain (water ride), Country Bear Jamboree (bear manikins performing western music), Shootin’ Arcade, Tom Sawyer Island and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (roller coaster).
Frontierland Railroad Station, Frontierland, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in Frontierland is a thundering roller coaster that plunges you into the mid-1800’s Gold Rush. Your car rattles through dark mines, multiple tunnels, across a red-rock prairie, through a 200 foot cursed mountain and into the Tumbleweed ghost town. Not screaming yet? How about swooping beneath a waterfall, dodging an earthquake and rocking through a dinosaur skeleton. The whole family will be breathless after arriving back at the railway station. This three-minute thrill ride was designed by Tony Baxter and opened in 1980.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Frontierland, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Liberty Belle is a replica of a Mississippi steamboat from the 1800’s. The three-deck paddlewheel cruises for about 13 minutes along the Rivers of America while passing Liberty Square, Adventureland and Frontierland. The riverboat was originally named Richard F. Irvine when it was built in 1973. In the background on Tom Sawyer Island is Harper’s Mill. The watermill is named after Joe Harper, Tom’s best friend in “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.” The novel was written in 1876 by Samuel Clemens, better known as Mark Twain.
Liberty Square Riverboat, Fantasyland, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
The Hall of Presidents in Liberty Square is modeled after America’s most historic building: Independence Hall. The original Pennsylvania State House was finished in 1753. In 1776, the Declaration of Independence was approved here. In 1787, the Georgian building witnessed the writing of the U.S. Constitution. What a fitting venue for Disney to assemble all of the United States’ presidents for a multi-media show called audio-animatronics. The Magic Kingdom attraction combines a patriotic film of our country’s history, life-size models of our leaders plus speeches by George Washington, Abe Lincoln and the current president.
The Hall of Presidents, Liberty Square, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Since the summer of 2016, Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire is a daily musical and dancing event at Magic Kingdom. The performance is held on top of the elevated Forecourt Stage in front of Cinderella Castle. The rocking, feel-good show features choreographed dancers plus favorite Disney characters including Pluto, Minnie Mouse and, of course, Mikey as the host.
Castle Stage, Fantasyland, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Fans of classic Disney Princesses will love seeing this ballroom dancing sequence during Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire. Featured here are (left to right): Sleeping Beauty (Princess Aurora) with Prince Phillip, Cinderella with Prince Charming plus Snow White and The Prince. They were introduced in 1959, 1950 and 1937 respectively. Fans of recent Disney movies will be thrilled to learn several of the newer princesses are also occasionally featured.
Castle Stage, Fantasyland, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Magic Kingdom is 142 acres of attractions, rides, shops, restaurants and entertainment. Throughout the day, you will encounter countless costumed characters. Each one will share a hug, pose for a picture and give you an autograph. But the unequivocal stars who delight everyone are Mickey and Minnie. This mouse-eared couple will always put a smile on your face. They epitomize the park’s motto, “The Most Magical Place on Earth.”
Castle Stage, Fantasyland, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Your excitement mounts as you enter Princess Fairytale Hall in Fantasyland. The spacious halls with stained glass windows and chandeliers are graced with portraits of all 12 princesses. Then decide to meet with Cinderella and Disney’s newest princess, Elena from Avalor, or Rapunzel along with Princess Tiana. Soon you step into their royal chamber, see their gorgeous dresses and hear their wonderful stories. Next pose for a keepsake photo. You will feel like a princess yourself.
Princess Fairytale Hall, Fantasyland, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Enchanted Tales with Belle is an interactive character meet-and-greet location. Guests start in Maurice’s workshop before stepping step through a magical mirror. Instantly they enter Beast’s library where Belle and Lumiere are waiting to greet them. Soon an interactive fairytale begins. A few lucky guests play characters roles while becoming part of the story. The use of lighting, special effects and set design bring Belle’s world to life.
Enchanted Tales with Belle, Fantasyland, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
This gruesome beast outside of the Be Our Guest restaurant in Fantasyland resembles the famous statue overlooking Paris on the south tower of Notre-Dame Cathedral. Artist Charles Meryon named it Le Stryge or The Vampire. At the Magic Kingdom, this facsimile guards the Beast’s enchanted castle with the Cinderella Castle in the background. This type of evil-looking sculpture is called a grotesque. Similar mythical creatures placed along the roofline of churches are gargoyles designed as drain spouts for rain water. Both were intended to strike fear into the hearts of uneducated, medieval peasants and to protect against evil or harmful spirits.
Be Our Guest Restaurant, Fantasyland, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
The Gaston’s Tavern in Fantasyland is a snack restaurant similar in appearance to where Gaston sings his title song in Disney’s 1991 animated film “Beauty and the Beast.” The tavern features a portrait of the handsome yet conceited hunter over the large fireplace. Antlers and buckskins hang on the walls and are lined with barrels. A non-alcoholic beverage called “LeFou’s Brew” is served. The concoction of apple soda with a marshmallow-foam appears like the beer served in the movie. Outside is this water fountain with a bronze statue of Gaston holding barrels with his foot on the mischievous minion LeFou.
Gaston's Tavern, Fantasyland, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
A new version of Ariel’s Grotto opened in Fantasyland in late 2012. Located in a cave next to Prince Eric’s Castle and the Under the Sea ride, park guests can meet Ariel, the princess from The Little Mermaid in her undersea home. Children are especially enthralled to sit on a seashell throne while chatting with the beautiful daughter of King Triton.
Ariel's Grotto, Fantasyland, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
The original “The Little Mermaid” was written by Danish author Hans Christian Andersen in 1837. Since then, the fairytale has experienced more than 50 adaptations. The most popular is Disney’s animated film released in 1989. Its success led to a TV series from 1992 until 1994 plus two movie sequels in 2000 and 2008. Fans of Ariel, the mermaid princess, will enjoy the attraction in Fantasyland called Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid. Since the clamshell-shaped ride opened in 2012, it has allowed visitors to dive beneath the waves into a magical underwater kingdom to relive their favorite scenes from the animated classic.
Ariel's Grotto, Fantasyland, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is a steel roller coaster at Magic Kingdom. The exciting ride for kids and adults opened on May 28, 2014 as part of a major park expansion called New Fantasyland. The attraction features a “tilting vehicle.” This new technology by Vekoma simulates the swaying and tipping of an actual mine cart. The ride is based on the 1937 movie “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” the first animated feature film from Walt Disney.
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Fantasyland, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Step right up to Big Top Souvenirs! The sound of a calliope invites you inside to enjoy fun-filled family games and shopping for park souvenirs. In the center of the action is a confectionary show kitchen offering a medley of delicious sweets. Afterwards, take to the skies on Dumbo the Flying Elephant, one of Fantasyland’s favorite rides.
Big Top Souvenirs, Fantasyland, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
This railroad engineer is waiting for the all clear so the train can depart Fantasyland Station. The locomotive’s namesake is Roy Oliver Disney. He was the co-founder of the Walt Disney Company along with his younger brother Walt. This ride is not a replica. The engine was manufactured by Baldwin Locomotive Works in 1916. It was acquired in Yucatan, Mexico, in 1969 along with three others built in 1925. After refurbishment, they were put in service in 1971. The Magic Kingdom also has a spot for train lovers. The Carolwood Pacific Room is filled with railroad memorabilia and a special exhibit from the Disney family.
Fantasyland Station, Fantasyland, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Cool Scanner in Tomorrowland is a great place to cool off from the Orlando heat. Stand below this alien spaceship from Phaelon for a soothing mist of water vapor. Then satisfy your growling stomach with a quick bite and an icy drink. The snack restaurant’s motto is, “Delivering refreshments to a thirsty galley.” The theme is based on a 1986 sci-fi movie by Walt Disney Pictures titled, “Flight of the Navigator.”
Cool Ship, Tomorrowland, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Adjacent to Space Mountain in Tomorrowland is the Light & Power Co. It opened in 1995 as a huge video arcade. As electronic games proliferated on computers and phones, interest in this attraction waned. In 2015, it was converted to a store with kiosks for creating personalized MagicBands and cell phone covers. Notice the center graphic. The transmission waves symbolize when Radio Corporation of America began broadcasting TV (1931) and FM radio (1934) from on top of NYC’s Empire State Building. RCA was purchased by General Electric in 1986. GE was a major corporate sponsor of Tomorrowland from 1964 until 1985.
Tomorrowland Light & Power Co., Tomorrowland, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
These planets are part of Astro Orbitor. You will be thrilled as your two-person space shuttle spins around them at 11 rotations a minute while also rocketing high and dipping low. The futurist ride was called StarJets when it opened in Tomorrowland in 1974. Beneath the attraction is the Lunching Pad. This quick-serve station sells hot dogs and turkey legs plus drinks and slushies.
Astro Orbiter, Tomorrowland, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
When Magic Kingdom opened in 1971, the Grand Prix Raceway was an international car race rather than the futuristic roadways of Autopia. The original sponsor was Goodyear. In late 1999, the Walt Disney Company and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway partnered to change the track’s theme. Items added were the Yard of Bricks, the Scoring Pylon, Gasoline Alley and the wheel and wing logo. The loading area featured panels with the three Indy events: the Indianapolis 500, the Brickyard 400 and the United States Grand Prix. The name was changed in 2008 to Tomorrowland Speedway. The whole family can enjoy accelerating up to seven miles an hour as they race along the .4 mile track. Ready, Set, Go!
Tomorrowland Speedway, Tomorrowland, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830