 |
Proper Dress Required...
Park greeters at the entrance to the Magic
Kingdom are also looking for inappropriately
dressed visitors.
Park greeters at the entrance to the Magic
Kingdom are also looking for inappropriately
dressed visitors.
| Can you find... Other windows for the fictitious companies?
|
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| Forced Perspective... As you enter Main Street from the Railroad tunnels, the buildings on each side of the street are not full scale. They actually get smaller as they rise. First floors are approximately 12 ft. high, the 2nd. floors are about 10 ft. high and the third floors are about 8 ft. high. Imagineers designed the buildings this way so they would fit the scale of the park. Look at the third floor windows and imagine standing behind it, you should get an idea of how tall you would be compared to it. |
| Don't Miss: The Harmony Barbershop. It's a real barbershop for guests. Try going in the afternoon as waits in the morning can reach 2 hours. |
Windows on Main Street:
Hiding in plain sight are the now famous windows on
Main Street. While they might look like they are
decorated just to make us believe real offices exist
there (actually they do) each window is a dedication to
someone who has been instrumental in the creation of
Walt Disney World. Look for Walt Disney's window at
the railroad station. Not only does it face the castle,
but it reminds us of Walt's love for trains.
Hiding in plain sight are the now famous windows on
Main Street. While they might look like they are
decorated just to make us believe real offices exist
there (actually they do) each window is a dedication to
someone who has been instrumental in the creation of
Walt Disney World. Look for Walt Disney's window at
the railroad station. Not only does it face the castle,
but it reminds us of Walt's love for trains.
M.T. Lotts Real Estate:
Some windows such as M.T. Lotts Real Estate are
nods to the many fictitious companies that were
created to purchase the land for WDW. If word got out
that it was Walt Disney who was purchasing the
27,433 acres in central Florida, the price would have
certainly gone up from the $180 acre he paid. These
windows pay tribute to the false companies that were
created to keep the Disney name out of the Orlando
area.
Some windows such as M.T. Lotts Real Estate are
nods to the many fictitious companies that were
created to purchase the land for WDW. If word got out
that it was Walt Disney who was purchasing the
27,433 acres in central Florida, the price would have
certainly gone up from the $180 acre he paid. These
windows pay tribute to the false companies that were
created to keep the Disney name out of the Orlando
area.
Is Our "Mystery Industry" Disney?
Rumors began to spread that it was Walt Disney
purchasing the land in Florida after he would not deny
or confirm the rumors to the press. Emily Bavar,
Orlando Sentinel reporter once overheard Disney
rattling off a list of reasons why Florida wouldn't work
for him. He mentioned the heat, humidity, water table,
interstate structure an so on. Bavar soon realized
that for someone with no interest in Florida, Walt
seemed to know quite a bit. Soon, Bavar began writing
articles with headlines like the one above, and soon
after, Walt made a formal announcement.
Rumors began to spread that it was Walt Disney
purchasing the land in Florida after he would not deny
or confirm the rumors to the press. Emily Bavar,
Orlando Sentinel reporter once overheard Disney
rattling off a list of reasons why Florida wouldn't work
for him. He mentioned the heat, humidity, water table,
interstate structure an so on. Bavar soon realized
that for someone with no interest in Florida, Walt
seemed to know quite a bit. Soon, Bavar began writing
articles with headlines like the one above, and soon
after, Walt made a formal announcement.
| HIDDEN MICKEY Look for the Hidden Mickeys on the roof line of the railroad station. |
Frank G. Wells' Window...
Wells was the president of the Disney Company for ten years beginning in 1984. In
addition to running Disney, he was an avid mountain climber and reached 7 of the
world's highest peaks. You'll notice his window is higher than any other on Main St.
Wells was the president of the Disney Company for ten years beginning in 1984. In
addition to running Disney, he was an avid mountain climber and reached 7 of the
world's highest peaks. You'll notice his window is higher than any other on Main St.
Engine Co. 71
Engine Company 71 at the
Main Street Fire Dept. pays
a tribute to the year Walt
Disney World
Opened--1971.
Engine Company 71 at the
Main Street Fire Dept. pays
a tribute to the year Walt
Disney World
Opened--1971.
Sharing the Magic...
Located in the center of Town Square, the statue of Roy and Minnie (known as the
Sharing the Magic statue) marks the very spot where Roy read his dedication
speech on opening day. At first, management wanted to name the project "Disney
World" but Roy insisted that it be dedicated to his brother. He had promised Walt
that he would see the project through to completion. On Oct. 1, 1971, with Mickey
Mouse at his side, Roy gave the park its official name, Walt Disney World.
Located in the center of Town Square, the statue of Roy and Minnie (known as the
Sharing the Magic statue) marks the very spot where Roy read his dedication
speech on opening day. At first, management wanted to name the project "Disney
World" but Roy insisted that it be dedicated to his brother. He had promised Walt
that he would see the project through to completion. On Oct. 1, 1971, with Mickey
Mouse at his side, Roy gave the park its official name, Walt Disney World.
Storefront Windows...
The storefront windows were designed low so that
even the youngest visitors could see inside.
The storefront windows were designed low so that
even the youngest visitors could see inside.
Coming Attractions...
Notice the attraction posters in the tunnels under the
train station as you enter the park. Since the Magic
Kingdom is thought of as a "live show" It's fitting, then,
that the lobby of the "theater" have coming attraction
posters. Attraction posters for most of the headliner
shows like Pirates of the Caribbean, Big Thunder
Mountain RR, and the Haunted Mansion are displayed
here.
Notice the attraction posters in the tunnels under the
train station as you enter the park. Since the Magic
Kingdom is thought of as a "live show" It's fitting, then,
that the lobby of the "theater" have coming attraction
posters. Attraction posters for most of the headliner
shows like Pirates of the Caribbean, Big Thunder
Mountain RR, and the Haunted Mansion are displayed
here.
You're attention please...
There are 4 locomotives on the Walt
Disney World Railroad. The Lilly Belle
was named for Walt's Wife. The Roger
E. Broggie was named the Imagineer
who helped build Walt's scale railroad,
the Carolwood-Pacific. The other two are
named for Walt and his brother Roy
respectively.
There are 4 locomotives on the Walt
Disney World Railroad. The Lilly Belle
was named for Walt's Wife. The Roger
E. Broggie was named the Imagineer
who helped build Walt's scale railroad,
the Carolwood-Pacific. The other two are
named for Walt and his brother Roy
respectively.
| Don't Miss... The Magic Behind [the] Steam Trains tour. Guests are taken to the backstage service area. Engineers tell the history and point out little known facts about the railroad. You can also see the elevated monorail garage. |
A Grand Circle Tour...
While in the railroad station, most
guests just pass through the lobby
and miss all the details on display. Be
sure to tour the lobby and especially
check out the nickelodeon player (it
actually works). Nothing is put there by
mistake; it all has a purpose and tells
a great story.
While in the railroad station, most
guests just pass through the lobby
and miss all the details on display. Be
sure to tour the lobby and especially
check out the nickelodeon player (it
actually works). Nothing is put there by
mistake; it all has a purpose and tells
a great story.
| Don't Miss... the variety of vehicles Disney has operating on Main Street. You can catch a ride in the Town Square area and some claim its faster than walking. Vehicles don't always operate, especially when parades are expected. |
| Secret Tip... The Walt Disney World RR is a fast way to get to Frontierland for headliner attractions like Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. |
It all Started with a Mouse...
Look for the "Partners" statue at the end of Main Street (just in front of the castle).
You'll see Walt Disney gesturing down Main Street with his arm extended and
Mickey Mouse holding his hand. While the exact meaning of the statue is not known,
some believe the statue is symbolizes Walt turning the Magic Kingdom over to his
partner, Mickey Mouse. With Walt never seeing the project realized, the statue
symbolizes that he wanted Mickey to carry on his dream.
Look for the "Partners" statue at the end of Main Street (just in front of the castle).
You'll see Walt Disney gesturing down Main Street with his arm extended and
Mickey Mouse holding his hand. While the exact meaning of the statue is not known,
some believe the statue is symbolizes Walt turning the Magic Kingdom over to his
partner, Mickey Mouse. With Walt never seeing the project realized, the statue
symbolizes that he wanted Mickey to carry on his dream.
Smoke Tree Ranch...
On the Partners statue, notice the tie
clip Walt is wearing. Many think it is
some kind of Asian symbol but it's
actually a monogram for the Smoke
Tree Ranch, am exclusive housing
community in Palm Springs, CA.
Walt purchased a home here in 1948
after trying hard to convince the
board of directors to let him in. They
were reluctant to allow "Hollywood"
types into this privet, natural
community. Walt was a dedicated
neighbor and was often seen wearing
a tie clip with it's initials.
On the Partners statue, notice the tie
clip Walt is wearing. Many think it is
some kind of Asian symbol but it's
actually a monogram for the Smoke
Tree Ranch, am exclusive housing
community in Palm Springs, CA.
Walt purchased a home here in 1948
after trying hard to convince the
board of directors to let him in. They
were reluctant to allow "Hollywood"
types into this privet, natural
community. Walt was a dedicated
neighbor and was often seen wearing
a tie clip with it's initials.
Popcorn Vendors...
In keeping with the theme that the entire Magic
Kingdom is a live "show" notice as you first enter the
park from under the train station (which acts as the
curtain) the popcorn vendors. Even if guests don't
want popcorn, they can't miss the unmistakable
aroma. Combined with the attraction posters, it's
almost like being in a lobby of a theater.
In keeping with the theme that the entire Magic
Kingdom is a live "show" notice as you first enter the
park from under the train station (which acts as the
curtain) the popcorn vendors. Even if guests don't
want popcorn, they can't miss the unmistakable
aroma. Combined with the attraction posters, it's
almost like being in a lobby of a theater.
More Movie Credits...
Like most movies, the director's name appears both
at the beginning and at the end of the credits. Walt
has a the last window on Main Street for this purpose.
You can find it over the ice cream parlor.
Like most movies, the director's name appears both
at the beginning and at the end of the credits. Walt
has a the last window on Main Street for this purpose.
You can find it over the ice cream parlor.
City Hall...
Stop in at City Hall to make advanced dining
reservations for anywhere in Walt Disney World and
to ask any questions you might have. While there,
take a look at the paintings behind the counter that
mark the transcontinental railroad joining. The same
scene can be found in the Hall of Presidents
attraction.
Stop in at City Hall to make advanced dining
reservations for anywhere in Walt Disney World and
to ask any questions you might have. While there,
take a look at the paintings behind the counter that
mark the transcontinental railroad joining. The same
scene can be found in the Hall of Presidents
attraction.
| Secret Birthday Tip... If you stop at City Hall and tell Guest Relations that you or someone you're traveling with is celebrating a birthday, they will give you a special birthday pin. Sometimes the birthday pin can get you a little extra magic from cast members in the parks! |
| HIDDEN MICKEY Look for it on the horses that pull the horse-drawn trolley. (bridal) |
Tony's Town Square
Look for the Lady and the Tramp reference
embedded in the sidewalk in front of Tony's Town
Square Restaurant. (paw prints)
Look for the Lady and the Tramp reference
embedded in the sidewalk in front of Tony's Town
Square Restaurant. (paw prints)
Main Street, Marceline...
Main Street, USA is based on the real town of
Marceline, Missouri where Walt once lived as a child.
Walt had such fond memories of this town and felt
that it was a picture-perfect example of the all
American town. One of Walt best memories were the
trains that made stops in Marceline on a regular
basis.
Main Street, USA is based on the real town of
Marceline, Missouri where Walt once lived as a child.
Walt had such fond memories of this town and felt
that it was a picture-perfect example of the all
American town. One of Walt best memories were the
trains that made stops in Marceline on a regular
basis.
Twin Trees...
For each tree growing on Main Street, USA,
a close match is growing in Disney's
greenhouse. If a tree were to die or become
damaged, it could be replaced overnight
without any of the guests ever knowing.
For each tree growing on Main Street, USA,
a close match is growing in Disney's
greenhouse. If a tree were to die or become
damaged, it could be replaced overnight
without any of the guests ever knowing.
Some Magic Begins After Closing...
Each night, after the park closes, Main Street comes
alive with service personnel. Gum is removed from
pavement with high pressure hot water nozzles,
burned out lights are replaced, and spearmint is
sprayed acting as a natural bug repellent. All this is
done so that guests have a magical experience the
following day.
Each night, after the park closes, Main Street comes
alive with service personnel. Gum is removed from
pavement with high pressure hot water nozzles,
burned out lights are replaced, and spearmint is
sprayed acting as a natural bug repellent. All this is
done so that guests have a magical experience the
following day.
Stack it High, Watch it Fly...
This Disney phrase is often used to refer to
merchandise sold on Main Street. Store shelves are
restocked several times a day for most items in the
shops. It seems the more Disney puts out, the more
they sell.
Disney's rain poncho sells more than any other item
in the parks.
This Disney phrase is often used to refer to
merchandise sold on Main Street. Store shelves are
restocked several times a day for most items in the
shops. It seems the more Disney puts out, the more
they sell.
Disney's rain poncho sells more than any other item
in the parks.
| Copyright 2007, DisneyworldSecrets.net. All rights reserved. |
| More secrets coming soon... |
 |
| Main Street, USA prior to park opening |
| Roy Disney's Window |
| Walt Disney's Window on Main Street facing Cinderella Castle. |
Yale Gracie was known for his special effects
ability, especially on the Haunted Mansion.
ability, especially on the Haunted Mansion.
Wells has the highest window on Main. St. for
his love of mountain climbing.
his love of mountain climbing.
Walt Disney wears the Smoke Tree
Ranch tie clip.
Ranch tie clip.
Attraction posters on display in the entrance
to Main Street, USA
to Main Street, USA
Bronze statues of famous Disney characters
surround the Partners Statue. Seen here:
Brer Rabbit from Song of the South.
surround the Partners Statue. Seen here:
Brer Rabbit from Song of the South.
Entrance tunnels: the "curtain" that
Imagineers created to transition guests from
the outside world into the Magic Kingdom.
Imagineers created to transition guests from
the outside world into the Magic Kingdom.
Charles Ridgeway was Walt Disney's
Public Relations Executive.
Public Relations Executive.
M.T. Lotts Real Estate Window
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