One of Walt Disney World Resort’s four theme parks (the others being Epcot, Disney-MGM Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom), Disney’s Magic Kingdom first opened its doors on October 1, 1971, with the following attractions: Cinderella’s Golden Carrousel, Country Bear Jamboree, Diamond Horseshoe Revue (defunct), Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Frontier Shooting Gallery, The Hall of Presidents, The Haunted Mansion, it’s a small world, Jungle Cruise, Mad Tea Party, Mickey Mouse Revue (defunct), Mike Fink Keel Boat (defunct), Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride (defunct), Snow White’s Adventures, Swiss Family Treehouse, Tiki Room (now known as Enchanted Tiki Room), Tomorrowland Indy Speedway and Walt Disney World Railroad, which has train stations at the main entrance, Frontierland and Mickey’s Toontown Fair. In those days, adult admission to the Magic Kingdom cost $3.50, while a seven-ride attraction ticket book cost $4.75 and an 11-ride attraction ticket book cost $5.75!
Magic Kingdom Highlights
Over the years, Disney’s Magic Kingdom has added a number of thrill rides and attractions but many of the classic attractions remain much as they were for the enjoyment of new generations of visitors. Some highlights of Disney’s Magic Kingdom include Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, a thrilling roller coaster that winds its way through an Old West mining town; Pirates of the Caribbean, a wild and hilarious adventure that sails you through secret caves and amid intense sea battle toward an island town completely overrun by wily pirates; Space Mountain, an amazing roller coaster that shoots you through the cosmos in total darkness; and Splash Mountain, a fun-filled flume ride that features lively audio-animatronic characters from Disney’s classic movie, Song of the South.
Other not-to-be-missed attractions at Disney’s Magic Kingdom include Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, where you can travel through the cosmos, zapping aliens along the way; it’s a small world, a leisurely boat ride that magically transports you through the countries of the world through song and dance; Mad Tea Party, a colorful ride based on Alice in Wonderland; The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, a fun-filled adventure through the Hundred-Acre Wood with Pooh and friends; Mickey’s PhilharMagic, a 3-D “sym-funny” of fun; and Stitch’s Great Escape!
Magic Kingdom Attractions for Young Kids
Small children will love Mickey’s Toontown Fair, the newest enchanted land at Disney’s Magic Kingdom, which features a number of Disney character meet and greet opportunities at the Judge’s Tent and Toontown Hall of Fame, as well as attractions such as The Barnstormer at Goofy’s Wiseacre Farm, Donald’s Boat, Mickey’s Country House and Minnie’s Country House. In addition, the Walt Disney World Railroad provides a train station at Mickey’s Toontown Fair.
Take advantage of Disney’s FASTPASS, a free reservation system at Disney’s Magic Kingdom that will help you avoid the crowds at the most popular rides and attractions. FastPass attractions for Disney's Magic Kingdom include Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin, Jungle Cruise, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Mickey's PhilharMagic, Peter Pan's Flight, Space Mountain, Splash Mountain and Stitch's Great Escape!
CHARACTER DINING Cinderella's Royal Table
The Crystal Palace
Liberty Tree Tavern
COUNTER SERVICE Aunt Polly's Dockside Inn
Casey's Corner
Columbia Harbour House
Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe
El Pirata & El Perico Restaurant
Peco Bill Tall Tale Inn & Cafe
Pinocchio Village Haus
Tommorowland Terrace Noodle Station
QUICK SERVICE Aloha Isle
Auntie Gravity's Galactic Goodies
Cool Ship
Enchanted Grove
Frontierland Fries
Liberty Square Market
The Lunching Pad at Rockettower Plaza
Main Street Bakery
Mrs. Potts' Cupboard
Plaza Ice Cream Parlor
Scuttle's Landing
Sleepy Hollow
Sunshine Tree Terrace
Toontown Farmers Market
Village Fry Shoppe
TABLE SERVICE Cinderella's Royal Table
The Crystal Palace, A Buffet with Character
Liberty Tree Tavern
The Plaza Restaurant
Tony's Town Square Restaurant
Where are those Comments?! Hey guys, I am just posting to make sure at least someone is still here reading WDW Central! You're starting to scare me! Believe me, I want to hear what you're thinking, even if it's bad. So I'm dedicating this post for all those thoughts you have on the site. ...
It’s a “Bright”-man time in Central Florida This past Friday night one of my favorite singers (yes...go ahead and judge), Sarah Brightman, was in concert at the [relatively] new UCF Arena; the calibur of talent coming to the Central Florida area is really growing. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to go to the show because I was ...
Today is Military Appreciation Day Yes, last Tuesday was Veteran's Day. But today is Golden Corral's "Military Appreciation Monday." Today, from 5-9pm, anyone who has ever served in the military* can get a complimentary dinner.
Help us join Golden Corral and actor Gary Sinise to say thank you to all those who have and are ...
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Trivia
Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park opened on Earth Day, April 22, 1998.
Encompassing more than 500 acres, Disney's Animal Kingdom is the largest theme park at Walt Disney World Resort.
Disney's Animal Kingdom attracts approximately 9.6 million visitors annually.
Cross this street at your own risk! Thanks to a local Winter Park resident for sending us this photo of [probably] one of the funniest things I've seen in the Central Florida area:
(Location: Near Winter Park Village.)
