There is absolutely nothing like a trip to Magic Kingdom. Full of surprise and magic, it is a right of passage for any child to experience! It’s all in the details for Walt Disney – and once you discover the extreme lengths Walt went to in making a magical park, it’s quite fascinating. Ready to impress your family and friends? Read on as we share magical fun facts and secrets on Disney’s Magic Kingdom.
A New Perspective of the Magic Kingdom
While most guests gaze at Cinderella’s castle and take in the beauty – most don’t see that there are hidden tricks within the bricks. For example, the bricks become smaller the higher the castle climbs. Disney theme park Imagineers call it the forced perspective technique. The brilliant technique makes the castle looks taller than it would if all the bricks were the same size.
The Magic of the Main Street Design
Not only is the castle designed with forced perspective. All of Main Street USA is designed to look much longer when walking toward the castle than it actually is. When you’re walking towards the exit at the end of the day (when you may be tired and have less energy), the distance appears shorter. Since most people walk on the right side of the street, you’ll find food shops on the right as you enter for those needing a breakfast treat, and retail shops on your right-hand side on the way out – so you can dip in for an easy gift or souvenir.
Fun Flag Facts
Main Street USA is a beautiful display of Americana. Above this idyllic town setting, you’ll find many American flags upon the buildings. But, look closely – none of these flags have 50 stars! The reason is that flags with less than 50 stars are not considered actual flags, which are protected under federal law and require special handling. Thus, they do not have to be taken down in poor weather or illuminated at night (which was wise of Disney – removing hundreds of flags daily would be quite a task!). However, Magic Kingdom does have a “real” flag proudly displayed in Town Square. Each day at 5:00 pm Magic Kingdom celebrates American pride with a flag ceremony to honor service men and women. During the ceremony, a special guest veteran is presented the flag, followed by a short procession down Main Street U.S.A. while musicians play a medley of military songs.
A Special Occasion Visit
If you’re in the park celebrating a special occasion, see a Cast Member for a complimentary celebration button! A cast member with a button-cart is typically stationed on Main Street USA right when the park opens – or simply ask any Cast Member to help you locate one, and they will point you in the right direction. The buttons include Wedding, Birthday, and First Visit designs and an “I’m Celebrating…” button with a blank space to write your custom message. It’s a great (free!) souvenir to go along with the famous mouse ears. Hot tip: Wear it proudly throughout the day – and a few freebies and surprises may come your way!
A Stop at Harmony Barber Shop
Main Street USA has a real working barber shop – a perfect place for a baby’s first haircut or to take a little off the top for those Mickey photo ops. You may even be treated to the musical talents of the Dapper Dans, Disney’s very own barbershop quartet! The special ‘My First Haircut package’ includes commemorative Mickey Ears and a certificate. A fun fact – they also offer free Mickey “dustings” where they sprinkle magical dust over clients who pop in. See more on the Harmony Barber Shop HERE.
Groundbreaking Discovery
The colorful concrete walkways in the Magic Kingdom change and correspond to each section’s theme because a study that Kodak and Disney did found that light reflecting off colored concrete creates more vivid photographs. Beyond the color findings, the ground is also themed to fit the area’s surroundings. The above photo is from outside the Dumbo attraction (yes, those are peanuts and hay indentations)! Watch under your feet throughout your day – the concrete changes to match each area.
Do you Smell Something?
To help create a more sensory experience, devices called “Smellitizers” are hidden throughout the park to entice visitors. Fresh, salty air can be smelled at the Pirates of the Caribbean, delicious baked goods at Main Street USA, and even musky scents at Haunted Mansion (ewww!). All the smells add to the overall magic of Walt Disney World.
Magical Photo Surprises
When stopping by the photographers stationed throughout the park – ask them if they could add a little magic to your shots. Not all photographers have this option – but some will stage your pose for a magical friend or special effects to be added later!
Royal Treatment
Did you know that you could become a prince or princess inside Cinderella’s Castle? Boys and girls aged 3 to 12 can receive a royal head-to-toe transformation by a Fairy Godmother-in-Training at the fabulous Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, located in the walkway under Cinderella’s Castle. Elegant accessories, hairstyles, and shimmering makeup await princesses, while heroic boys are given a sensational sword, shield, and sleek hair styling to become a knight. There are several packages offered at the Boutique to customize your experience. Note that this magical makeover experience is EXTREMELY popular – be sure to reserve your experience well in advance.
The Sword in the Stone
In front of the Prince Charming Regal Carousel, just behind Cinderella’s Castle, sits the Sword in the Stone. Many don’t notice it – but those that do try to give it a pull – and try to remove the sword (making for a great photo!). Inspired by the myths of King Arthur, the Sword in the Stone invites guests to try and pull Excalibur—the legendary enchanted sword—from a solid bronze anvil embedded in a great gray boulder. As the legend goes, only someone with honor and inner strength can remove the sword and become the recognized ruler of England! A little secret: While usually nothing happens, once in a great while, the sword is “released” by a cast member with a remote trigger. The sword is lifted out, and a new ruler is crowned from the crowd.
Autographs, please!
Collecting autographs from the many characters in the park is a favorite pastime experience. Don’t forget about the four-legged friends too! Head over to Tony’s Restaurant and ask the hostess for an autograph from its famous residents. They will happily go to the back of the restaurant and grab an autograph from Lady and the Tramp!
Trash Talking
While visiting the parks, you will notice that they have no debris and are remarkably clean. Well, there is magic in the trash cans in Disney too! For example, small pipes shoot the trash through the utilidors under the Magic Kingdom at 60 mph (wow!). Another fun fact: In Walt Disney World, a trash bin will never be more than 30 steps away from you. Walt Disney himself visited other parks when designing Magic Kingdom and counted how long a person would hold onto trash before dropping it on the ground. His number was 30 steps.
Haunted Wait Time
If the wait time sign for Haunted mansion states 13 minutes, there is no wait! It’s just a little ghostly joke from the mansion’s famous residents.
Spitting Good Time
The Magic Carpets of Aladdin ride features a camel that spits water at unsuspecting park-goers. Many think this electronic machine has excellent aim, but think again! There is actually someone sitting nearby the camel that operates it.
Seal of Approval
It took an act of Congress to install the Presidential Seal in the “Hall of Presidents” attraction. There are only three seals in the world: one in the White House Oval Office, one in Liberty Bell Hall, and one in the “Hall of Presidents” at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World!
Happy Hour at the Happiest Place on Earth
Fun thirsty fact! Walt Disney World wasn’t just the happiest place on earth, it used to also be the driest place on earth, as it didn’t serve any alcohol on the grounds of the park. This changed with the opening of the Be Our Guest Restaurant in 2012. As it is an upscale French restaurant, it was decided that beer and wine selections needed to be added to accompany the menu’s food options. Fast forward to 2023, Magic Kingdom now has added libations to all table service restaurants. Some eateries include Tony’s Town Square Restaurant, the Liberty Tree Tavern, Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen, and Cinderella’s Royal Table. Note that alcohol is only sold to dining guests of these restaurants – and is not permitted to be carried around the park (unlike Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios, where this is allowed). Reservations are required for all. Read about all Magic Kingdom restaurant options HERE.
Fun facts and Secrets on Disney’s Magic Kingdom – A Spectacular Display
The Enchantment firework display at Magic Kingdom is a spectacular sight – and an absolute must-see (totally worth missing young ones bedtimes!). Fun Fact: The Walt Disney Company is the largest consumer of fireworks in the world (!) and the second-largest consumer of explosive devices, behind the U.S. Department of Defense. Read more about the firework display HERE.
Will you be headed to Disney Springs during your trip? Read our top 5 things to see, HERE.
Thank you Disney for sponsoring our magical theme park experience. As always, all reviews and opinions are our own.
