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
Disney Parks Celebrate U.S. Military in 2009 Through December 23, 2009, each active or retired member of the U.S. military may obtain one complimentary 5-day "Disney's Armed Forces Salute" ticket with Park Hopper and Water Park Fun & More options. This ticket is valid for five days of admission into the four Walt Disney World theme parks, ...
