The Magic Kingdom
[Satellite Image]
At A Glance |
The original Disney theme park in Florida, with much to
see and do, all in around 100 acres. While there are some
thrill rides, none are too white-knuckle.
Under 3's get in for free. 3 to 10 years charged at childrens
rate, above 10 charged at Adult rate. Car parking is free
to Disney hotel residents and Annual pass holders, but otherwise
is charged ($6 USD per day). Entrance fee includes all rides
and attractions. Food/Refreshments extra. Some rides carry
min/max height restrictions.
Disney characters appear throughout the park at various
times.
Time required - 1 Day min.
Best time to visit - Sunday morning.
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The Magic Kingdom is the original Disney Park in Florida, having
been dedicated on the 25th of October 1971, and it is divided
into six worlds, arranged like a wheel, with the magnificent Cinderella's
Castle as the centrepiece at the hub of the wheel. For most
people it's also probably the most magical and memorable of the
three parks, so it's well worth budgeting to spend at least one
full day in the Magic Kingdom if you want to see it all.
Most of the famous Disney characters including Mickey, Donald,
The Queen of Hearts, Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee, Pluto, Goofy
and everyone else can be found scattered at various places throughout
the Magic Kingdom, posing for family photographs and autographs.
Character Meals can also
be booked at The Crystal
Palace in Main Street USA, in the Liberty
Tree Tavern in Liberty Square, and in King Stefan's Banqueting
Hall in Fantasyland.
The daily parade travels through The Magic Kingdom in mid afternoon,
with a second (usually different) parade heading through the park
again during the early evening, shortly after which the "Fantasy
In The Sky" Fireworks display is held.
After passing through the main entry gates, you enter The Magic
Kingdom along Main
Street USA, passing the City
Hall, and the Main Street Town Square, a small American town
centre from the year 1900. During December the Town Square holds
a massive Christmas tree, adorned with lights and presents.
Main Street itself is a collection of small shops, cinemas, and
attractions from bygone days. You can either walk down Main Street,
or catch one of the transportation vehicles, a horse-drawn carriage,
omnibus, or fire engine, for your trip along Main Street and on
towards Cinderella's
Castle, towering over 160 feet above The Magic Kingdom.
Adventureland holds
the Swiss Family Treehouse,
The Jungle Cruise,
The Pirates of the Caribbean,
and the Enchanted Tiki Birds.
Frontierland, themed
like the old west of the 19th century, is home to the Country
Bear Jamboree, along with Splash
Mountain and the Big
Thunder Mountain Railroad. Frontierland is also the starting
point for exploration of the Tom
Sawyer Island, reachable by raft.
Liberty Square,
themed in the colonial era, houses the Hall
of Presidents, The Diamond Horseshoe Revue, The Haunted
Mansion, and the landing stage for the elegant paddle steamer
which plies the waters around Tom Sawyers Island.
Fantasyland was Walt's
idea for the heart of The Magic Kingdom. There are no thrill rides
as such in Fantasyland, which is dominated by the castle and Cinderella's
Golden Carousel,
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
ride, Peter Pan's
Flight ride, The Legend
of The Lion King show, and the charming It's a Small
World cruise. The Castle
Forecourt Stage in front of Cinderella's Castle is the place
to find some of the regular stage shows presented regularly thoughout
the day. Fantasyland was also home to the 20,000
Leagues Under the Sea adventure, an underwater adventure in
the Nautilus, and to Mr
Toad's Wild Ride - rides that are now sadly closed.
Mickey's Starland, (Now Mickey's
Toontown Fair), specially for the younger visitors, is home
to Mickey Mouse and some of his friends. Mickey's
House is a small museum to the career of this famous mouse.
Tomorrowland holds
the ExtraTERRORestrial Alien
Encounter, The Timekeeper,
Space Mountain rollercoaster
ride, along with the Tomorrowland
Speedway for younger visitors, American Journeys presented
in Circlevision 360, Buzz
Lightyears Space Ranger Spin, and the Tomorrowland
Transit Authority (formerly the WEDway people mover) can all
be found in Tomorrowland.
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