The Secrets of Disney. The Parks

MAIN STREET, U.S.A. SECRETS

Before you stroll up Main Street, U.S.A., take a moment to realize the era in which you're standing. Far from being simply an "old-fashioned" town, Main Street, U.S.A. dynamically portrays an exciting moment in history...the dawn of the Industrial Revolution and the advent of electricity. Gas lamps are being replaced with electric bulbs, horse-drawn trollies share the road with motorized jitneys and the street itself is filled with the hustle and bustle found in old photos of this era.

Perhaps one of the best examples Disney Imagineers used in capturing this transition to electricity and the new age is reflected in the street lamps adorning Main Street, U.S.A. Notice how the street lighting at the entrance to Main Street, U.S.A. begins with gas lamps, but finishes with electric lamps down near Cinderella Castle.

Now take a moment to study the Main Street, U.S.A. architecture for a secret trick of the eye. Disney Imagineers designed and built the buildings on Main Street, U.S.A. with an optical illusion called "Forced Perspective." By using this technique, they made the buildings appear taller than they actually are. The street level floors were built to full scale at 12 feet in height, while the second story was built slightly smaller at 10 feet and the third story smaller still at 8 feet. In addition, the windows of the second and third stories were built both narrower and shorter than the windows below to further the illusion of height.

Main Street, U.S.A. is modeled after the town Walt Disney lived in as a boy, Marceline, Missouri.

Now take a look at the windows of the shops on the ground floor of Main Street, U.S.A. Keeping the entire family in mind, as well as the magic of a child's imagination, Walt Disney purposely designed the windows to be lower than normal so small children could easily look inside and see their enchanting displays.

Here's a fun secret which Disney Imagineers created to capture the small town feel of Main Street, U.S.A. while adding a whimsical touch. Like so many secrets, it's revealed only to those who pause and observe. As you journey up Main Street, U.S.A., take a right on Center Street and look for the windows at the end of the street which read, "Singing Lessons" and "Music and Dance Lessons." Listen carefully. . .

One of the best ways to get a great view of Main Street, U.S.A. is to take the Horse and Trolley, a Main Street Jitney or the Fire Engine. Jump aboard the trolley, climb to the front seat on top and enjoy the tremendous view. Main Street, U.S.A. will hustle and bustle below you as you take it all in. Be sure to have your camera ready for this unique perspective, as it provides a fun new view high above ground level.

Here's a secret just for parents. If your child really wants a Mickey or Minnie Mouse balloon to make their day at the Magic Kingdom, you'll discover they're sometimes hard to find. Head over to Main Street, U.S.A. and there's a good chance you'll find a balloon vendor near Center Street, especially early in the day.

Disney's commitment to the Guest experience is legendary. As you visit the shops on Main Street, U.S.A., be aware that should you purchase anything and it breaks during your visit, Disney will replace it free of charge. This includes broken souvenirs, lost balloons, even dropped trays of food, ice cream, churros, etc.

As you stroll down Main Street, U.S.A., you'll notice the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor at the far end. This is a tribute to Walt Disney, as ice cream was one of his favorite treats.

Now, as you exit Main Street, U.S.A. and pass into the Central Plaza, look for Walt Disney's window located on the second story of the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor, facing Cinderella Castle. You'll find it at the back of the balcony, behind the railing.

Now make your way to the "Partners" statue of Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse in front of Cinderella Castle. Pay particular attention to Walt's tie. There you will see a symbol made up of three letters, "STR". These letters refer to the Smoke Tree Ranch in Palm Springs. Walt greatly enjoyed visiting the ranch whenever he took a break. . .which wasn't very often.

At the end of the day, many guests choose to watch "Wishes", the fireworks spectacular, from Main Street, U.S.A. This is a great spot to see one of the best shows in the park, as the fireworks appear directly over Cinderella Castle. However, unknown to many, you can also see the fireworks from The California Grill, found at the top of the Contemporary Resort just outside the park. At the time of the show, the restaurant dims the lights and plays the same music heard at the Magic Kingdom. It's a unique perspective on this magical attraction.