When people think of Disney World they tend to think of the Magic Kingdom. The Magic Kingdom has become synonymous with Disney World and most people refer to the park as Disney World. However the Magic Kingdom is one of four theme parks that make up a small part of Disney World. Where its older brother Disneyland is the happiest place on earth, and the Magic Kingdom is the most magical place on earth. What is it that makes this magical place so magical, though? Read on to find out what makes this magical kingdom so magical.
The Magic Kingdom was the first park to open at Disney World and while it was still Disney World the Magic Kingdom was most of that world with only a few hotels and gold courses besides the Magic Kingdom itself. It was in 1971 that the Magic Kingdom opened with a dedication by Roy Disney the brother and business partner of Walt Disney. In 2007 it saw over 17 million guests making it the most visited theme park in the world and as part of Disney World it is the most visited tourist destination in the world as well.
Many problems plagued the opening of the park. In fact to save time and money part of the park had cement laid at different levels to make the ground even and to this day it causes a problem when work is done in the park as they do not know the depth of the cement in all places but this was done to make sure the park made it opening day schedule. When the Magic Kingdom opened it had 23 attractions 3 were completely original from the other Disney park that was then open in Anaheim.
The Magic Kingdom today is made up seven lands, Main Street USA, Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, Mickey’s Toontown Fair, Frontierland, Adventureland, and Liberty Square. Many rides are similar to Disneyland including, Pirates of the Caribbean, the Haunted Mansion, Snow White, Dumbo, It’s a Small World, and Jungle Cruise to name a few.
Some of the more popular attraction in the park is Space Mountain, which is a roller coaster in the dark. Space Mountain at the Magic Kingdom opened before the one at Disneyland and you can tell by how much bumpier the ride is in Florida. Buzz Light Year’s Space Ranger Spin is also a popular ride in Tomorrowland.
Fantasyland’s major rides are Peter Pan, It’s a Small World, Winnie the Pooh, and Mickey’s Phillarmagic. In Liberty Square you will find the Haunted Mansion that is located in a different land in each Disney park, and the Hall of presidents a show with audioanimatronic presidents. Mickey’s Toontown Fair lets you meet Mickey up close and personal. Frontierlands main draw is Thunder Mountain. In Adventureland you will find such famous Disney rides as the Tiki Room, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Jungle Cruise.
One noticeable difference about the Magic Kingdom to Disneyland is the size, there is a lot more park and more walking required. Some rides that are the same as in Disneyland may be a bit longer in Disney World offering slightly more to see in each ride along with other slight variances.
The Magic Kingdom will always be a wonderful place full of magic as long as there are those that believe in that magic.
