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Disney Insider: The Ins and Outs of Magic Kingdom

If you're planning a trip to see Mickey or Minnie, our author has the inside tips on Disney World

Welcome back, travelers!

This time around we’re going to explore what got Walt Disney’s “Florida Project” started: The Magic Kingdom.

The Magic Kingdom opened on October 1, 1971 along with Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Resort, and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground.

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Have you ever wondered why it’s called “Walt Disney World?” Once Walt Disney passed away in December of 1966 -- and never got to see his Florida dream come true -- his brother Roy O. Disney dedicated the property to his late brother, ensuring he would always be remembered for the dreams he started and created for thousands of guests everyday.  

The Magic Kingdom originally opened with 23 attractions (three original to the park and twenty copied from Disneyland).

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The Magic Kingdom now consists of six magical lands with wondrous attractions and shows that will keep you coming back for years. 

The magic begins as you walk down Main Street USA. Walt got his inspiration from his hometown of Marceline, Missouri. Main Street is designed as a turn-of-the-century American town from the early 1900s. Here you’ll find the Walt Disney World Railroad that takes you to Frontierland, many old-fashioned shops and yummy places to eat, and a one way street to the iconic Cinderella’s Castle.  

Next we have Tomorrowland. Prepare to step into the future as you take on the evil Emperor Zurg in Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, or take a step in to the monster world at The Monster’s Inc. Laugh Floor. You can even blast off into space with this high speed roller coaster at one of Magic Kingdom’s most popular attractions: Space Mountain.  

Fantasyland, the most magical place of the park, in my opinion, is where your favorite Disney stories come to life. Take a ride up into the air on the classic ride Dumbo, or explore the Hundred Acre Wood with Pooh and his friends at The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh.

Remember to check out Fantasyland’s expansion, set to open sometime next year. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs are getting their own roller coaster, Belle and the Beasts’ castle will be open for you to explore, and Ariel will be getting her very own undersea adventure for all of her favorite friends to enjoy, and that’s just the beginning. It’s going to be amazing once it’s completed!  

As we continue our tour through the Magic Kingdom, we come to Liberty Square, a salute to colonial America. Although only three attractions reside here, it’s home to one of guests favorites: The Haunted Mansion. Enter if you dare to this exciting ride that takes you through one of the most “frightening” houses you may ever visit.

Also visit the Hall of Presidents, where all of the presidents “come to life” as animatronic figures. You’ll hear famous speeches, and you won’t believe what’s in front of your eyes. 

In Frontierland - you'll head to the wild west with some thrilling rides, such as Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, a roller coaster that’s “the wildest ride in the wilderness!”

If you’re feeling a little hot down in that humid Florida weather, think about heading to Splash Mountain. Take a journey with Brear Fox and Brear Rabbit through their story, and get a little cool down while you’re at it. You can also take a raft over to Tom Sawyer Island, or sing a song or two at the beloved Country Bear Jamboree

Last but not least, we head to Adventureland. Take a ride on The Pirates of the Caribbean and see the recently added Captain Jack Sparrow, and the adventure that inspired the entire series of movies to begin.

And don’t forget to take a tour on the Jungle Cruise! Join your skipper on a journey on the sea to see some animals and enjoy a few laughs along the way. Did I mention you can also fly on Aladdin’s carpet? Cool, right?

On The Magic Carpets of Aladdin, soar high above the air and get a nice glance at the rest of the park. Don’t forget about the Enchanted Tiki Room! Returning to a similar original version the opened in 1971, you’ll see some pretty neat birds and join in on some classic songs.  

Although Magic Kingdom is the most popular park, and probably the most magical, don’t forget about the other great theme parks out there: EPCOTDisney’s Animal Kingdom, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Each posses their own magic that they can’t wait to share with guests like you! 

And we'll explore those in future articles. Until then, may the "ears" be with you!

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