In the early days of Modern Life is Good we curated a selection of Walt Disney World Facts. We have decided to give some of them a refresh for 2019. Here are our favorite Magic Kingdom Fascinating Facts. How many do you know?
Opening of the Magic Kingdom
The Magic Kingdom opened on the 1st October 1971 as the first part of Walt Disney World. Also opening on the same day was Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.
Opening Day Attendance
Disney expected 100,000 guests on the 1st day. However, only 10,000 attended.
Magic Kingdom is Popular
The Magic Kingdom is the most popular Theme Park in the World. The park is getting more popular with a record 20.8 million guests visiting in 2018.
Park Full
The maximum capacity is 100,000 which is reached on major holidays. On average just over 50,000 people attend the Magic Kingdom each day.
Cinderella’s Castle
Despite the appearance, there isn’t a single brick in Cinderella’s Castle. The structure is entirely made of fiberglass.
Magic Kingdom Hotel
Sorry folks it does not exist!
However; there is a secret suite inside the castle. The suite cannot be booked and is only used as part of competitions.
Epcot at the Magic Kingdom
Walt Disney’s original plans for Epcot can be seen when riding Tomorrowland Transit Authority.
Tallest Structures at the Magic Kingdom
Cinderella’s castle unsurprising is the largest structure in the Magic Kingdom at 189 foot. But what is the 2nd largest?
Space Mountain is the 2nd largest at 183 foot.
Alcohol at the Magic Kingdom
Traditionally alcohol was forbidden in the park.
In 2012 Be Our Guest became the first venue in The Magic Kingdom to sell alcohol but all other restaurants remained dry. Recently other restaurants in the Magic Kingdom have started to sell a small quantity of alcohol.
Railroad
The Walt Disney World Railroad circles around the entire 1.5-mile perimeter of the park and stops at Main Street, Frontierland, and Fantasyland.
The 7th Land
There used to be a 7th Land in The Magic Kingdom called Mickey’s Toontown Fair. It merged into New Fantasyland during the 2012 expansions.
It’s A Small World
The first incarnation of It’s a Small World debuted at the 1964 New York World’s Fair.
Mr Toad at the Magic Kingdom
Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride was an original park favorite and there were many protests prior to its closure. However, Mr. Toad can still be seen in the Magic Kingdom if you look carefully.
Mr. Toad can still be seen in a picture at Winnie the Pooh where he hands over the deeds to the ride to Owl. In the pet cemetery of the Haunted Mansion there is a tombstone for J.Thaddeus Toad.
Magic Kingdom Tunnels
Ever wondered why you never see a costumed character not quite dressed at the Magic Kingdom?
There are service corridors under The Magic Kingdom that allow cast members to walk between the different areas. The area is called the Utilidor.
The utilidor system is actually constructed at ground level and the park itself was built over that.
Seven Seas Lagoon
There is a man-made lake at the front of The Magic Kingdom. The soil that was excavated was used to build the ground level utilidor for The Magic Kingdom.
Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
Was built in 1917 and was once located at Olympic Park in Maplewood, New Jersey.
The Magic Kingdom Parking Lot
The Parking Lot for The Magic Kingdom is a massive 125 acres. The actual park is smaller at only 107 acres.
Liberty Tree
The Liberty Tree is a real oak tree and is over 135 years old. It was moved to The Magic Kingdom from elsewhere on site prior to opening.
Space Mountain
There are actually 2 roller coaster tracks in Space Mountain. The trains have a top speed of 27 miles per hour.
Opening Day Admission
Admission to the Magic Kingdom was only $3.50 in 1971. However; guests had to buy coupons to ride the majority of attractions.
All-inclusive tickets were not introduced until 1981. To learn more about current park tickets read our guide.
Read More
If you want to learn more facts about Walt Disney World visit our 50 Walt Disney World Fascinating Facts.
Our Guide to Walt Disney World is a great place to start planning a Walt Disney World Vacation.
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