Attraction Type: Theme Park
Address: 3111 World Dr.
City: Lake Buena Vista
State: Florida
Zip: 32830
Phone: 407-824-4321
County: Osceola

Description: It has often been said that the true essence of Disney magic can be experienced simply by stepping foot inside the Magic Kingdom. Opened in 1971, the venerable theme park has withstood more than three decades of changing cultures, a constantly shifting social climate, and an explosion of technology that has left lesser places outdated and obsolete. Yet, somehow, the Magic Kingdom continues to remain the undisputed king of theme parks, drawing more yearly visitors than any other.

How the Magic Kingdom has managed to maintain its charm and appeal over the years is a lesson in simplicity. It has stayed true to its original vision, a place where families could gather in a clean and safe environment to enjoy the time they spend together. No trip to Disney World is complete without visiting the Magic Kingdom. For veteran visitors to Walt Disney World, visiting the Magic Kingdom is like visiting an old friend. To first time visitors, they find themselves quickly, and almost helplessly, transported back to their childhood.

The Magic Kingdom is divided into five distinct areas (lands), arranged in a spoke-like formation, all meeting at the top of Main Street U.S.A. right in front of Cinderella Castle. The five lands consist of Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, Frontierland, Liberty Square and Adventureland. Each land is themed to its appropriate title and maintaining that theme is paramount to the parks operation. A vast network of underground tunnels connect all sections of the Magic Kingdom, thus preventing guests from seeing any of the necessary "behind the scenes" operations, and preventing cast members from one land from having to walk through another. Well, that was the original idea anyway - recent changes to park policy now allow cast members to walk freely through the park in whatever outfit they happen to be wearing.

The Magic Kingdom contains some real "don't miss" attractions, depending on what age bracket you fall in. One of this park's strengths is the cross-generational appeal of many of its better attractions. Splash Mountain is a good example. It's not unusual to see three generations of family members riding together. Other favorites like Pirates of the Caribbean, Jungle Cruise, and Haunted Mansion offer similar appeal to a wide range of visitors.

Space Mountain is still one of the best attractions at the Magic Kingdom. Updated during the middle of 2009, this was one of the last classics at WDW to remain undisturbed for many years. The new version includes interactive games in the queue area (following in the footsteps of Soarin' at EPCOT).

Most spectacular of all Disney's parks are the parades and fireworks displayed at the Magic Kingdom in Orlando. Most notably, the current combo of the "Wishes" fireworks show, and the perennial nighttime favorite, Spectromagic. If these two performances don't impress you, then you're already dead and no one's bothered to tell you.

From a touring perspective, the Magic Kingdom can present some real challenges for those who want to experience the "magic" and not wait 90 minutes on each attraction to do so. As our site visitors have learned over the years, a good plan is probably the single most important tool you can use to get the most from your vacation. Especially if you plan to visit the Magic Kingdom during peak times, I strongly recommend TourGuideMike's online itinerary planner. It's well worth the investment to get the benefit of Mike's years of research.

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