The Secrets of Disney. The Parks

BEGIN - MAGIC KINGDOM SECRETS

We begin our walking tour of The Secrets of Walt Disney World® at the Magic Kingdom before continuing on to the rest of the Parks.

Like much of Walt Disney World Resort, the Magic Kingdom® is filled with secrets and surprises. From Hidden Mickeys throughout the park to hidden eyes at The Haunted Mansion, you'll walk past, over and even through countless secrets during your visit.

Our tour of the Secrets of the Magic Kingdom begins at the entrance. . .

WELCOME

Sleep in and you'll miss this first secret. Each day, Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy and the rest of the Disney character gang arrive at the Main Street Railroad Station aboard the Walt Disney World Railroad just prior to the opening of the Magic Kingdom® to greet guests and welcome them to another day of wonder, magic and memories.

Take a moment to stop and listen at the Main Street Railroad Station. Do you hear the telegraph working? It's not just random clicks, but instead Disney Imagineers created the Morse Code rendition of Walt Disney's opening day speech at Disneyland® on July 17, 1955.

The Magic Kingdom awaits, but before you step into this magical world, take a moment to climb the stairs of the Main Street Railroad Station and step inside. It's easy to dismiss it as simply an old railroad station from the turn of the last century, but pause and consider the entire building was actually constructed in 1971! Disney Imagineers successfully captured the look, feel and essence of another era, one which ties seamlessly with Main Street, U.S.A.

Those antique Mutoscopes placed about the room? More than a decoration, they actually work, and they're free! It's another example of Disney's attention to detail. Peer into the viewer of each one, crank the handle and watch the fun old-fashioned movies.

Before you descend the stairs back to Town Square, take in the view of Main Street, U.S.A. from the balcony. This is perhaps one of the finest views of Cinderella Castle you'll find in the entire park and an excellent place from which to view Halloween and Christmas decorations.

Want a stellar viewing spot for the Main Street Electrical parade? The balcony railing at the Main Street Railroad Station gives guests an electrifying view of the parade as it enters Town Square and passes down Main Street, U.S.A. Better plan on arriving at least an hour before the parade begins, though, if you want to get a spot on the railing.

Are you a big fan of the Walt Disney World Railroad? Want a behind the scenes look at what goes into maintaining the locomotives and preparing them for use each day? You're in luck. Disney offers the 3-hour "The Magic Behind Our Steam Trains" tour everyday, except Friday and Sunday. Call 407-939-8687 to learn more and make reservations.

TOWN SQUARE

Unknown by many, Walt Disney designed the entrance to the Magic Kingdom to reveal itself as if you were walking into the opening of a Disney movie. As you pass under the Main Street Railroad Station, you'll notice movie posters on the walls, just as you would if you were walking into the entrance of a theater. The curtain "rises" as you emerge from the tunnels and take in the "opening act" of the Town Square and Main Street, U.S.A. Music fills the air as you smell fresh popped theater popcorn from the old-fashioned popcorn cart, which Disney Imagineers ensure is always stationed nearby. Next, as you begin to walk down Main Street, U.S.A., you'll see the "opening credits" displayed on the windows of the second and third stories of the buildings lining the street. These credits are the names of the Cast Members who played a major role in the creation of Walt Disney World.

Fittingly, Walt Disney's name is the first and last one you'll see on Main Street, U.S.A., just as the Director of a movie is listed at both the opening and ending of the credits. Guests are greeted by a window at the Main Street Railroad Station which reads, "Walt Disney World Railroad Office - Keeping Dreams on Track - Walter E. Disney - Chief Engineer -" A second window for Walt Disney can be found at the far end of Main Street, U.S.A. on the second floor of the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor, facing Cinderella Castle.

Walt's brother, Roy O. Disney, was very instrumental in the creation of Walt Disney World and has a credit listed in a window above the Main Street Bakery. Having your name included on a Main Street, U. S. A. window is considered one of the highest honors of working at The Walt Disney Company.

In addition, as you enter the Town Square, take a moment to walk to the center of the square. There you will find a life-size bronze statue of Roy O. Disney and Minnie Mouse sitting on a park bench. It's a fitting tribute to Roy O. Disney and his tireless efforts to fulfill his brother's wishes to create Walt Disney World. If you arrive shortly after the Magic Kingdom's opening, this area may be crowded with character greetings, so you may wish to visit it later in the day.

Nearby, you'll also find a bronze plaque which contains the text of Roy O. Disney's opening day remarks in 1971.

Happy Birthday!, Happy Anniversary! and Happy 1st Visit to the Magic Kingdom! If any one of these special occasions apply to your visit, be sure to stop into City Hall and ask for a button which tells everyone of your special event. Cast Members will make a special effort to recognize you throughout your day at the park.