 | | 4 of the 6 themed lands in the Magic Kingdom have a similarly themed resort to match (see the chart | | | below). The Magic Kingdom is considered to be the "flagship" park and all MK hotels are "deluxe"
level resorts.
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| | The Magic Kingdom is separated from the parking lot and resorts by the Disney-created Seven Seas | | | Lagoon. Disney used the dirt to elevate the land where the MK is today allowing for service corridors
to be built underneath the park.
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| | The MK park is actually built as a building 2 story (3 in some cases). The infamous "tunnels" are on | | | the first floor. Many guests picture them to be dark Indiana Jones inspired, torch lit tunnels but they
are actually just industrial hallways with florescent overhead lights. Take the Keys to the Kingdom tour
for a personal visit to the corridors, or Utillidoors as Disney refers to them.
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| | Walt wanted to create a barrier from the outside world so that he could more realistically create his | | | magic. By placing the parking lot and transportation center almost a mile away, guests get a sense
that they are leaving the real world behind and entering someplace magical as they are ushered in by
ferry, bus, or monorail! This was all done by careful planning and design.
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| | The MK ferryboats are not on guide tracks. Each week or so, the ferry's make their way out to the | | | service area located far behind the Contemporary for fuel and maintenance.
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| | If traveling by bus to the MK, just as you pass the Contemporary, pay attention to the bridge you will | | | travel under. This "water bridge" connects the Seven Seas Lagoon to Bay Lake. When was the last
time you saw a bus go under a bridge and a ferryboat pass by overhead?
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| | As you are about to enter the park, notice how the Main Street railroad station blocks your view of the | | | park. The station acts as a curtain which won't "open" until you've passed under it. As you pass
through the tunnels, the show has begun and you are now on stage.
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