The tour we took on Monday was the cherry on the sundae for us, and even Bob, who has been to Walt Disney World many times, was wowed by it. We arrived at the Magic Kingdom an hour before the park opened and were amazed that other people were there already even though no rides were running and shops were still closed.
Our tour guide, Emilia, was very engaging and kept us interested the whole five hours.
We came away very impressed with the details built into this park. For example, in Liberty Square there is a path down the center of the walkway that indicates the trench where the townsfolk would toss the contents of their chamberpots.
This Liberty Bell is made from the same mold as the original bell (in Philadelphia.)
The Haunted Mansion ride looks so different outside from the one in Disneyland because it is set in Liberty Square while in Disneyland it is found in New Orleans Square, each building fitting into the architecture of the region.
We went backstage (sorry, no photos were allowed!) to see what was behind and under the attractions. There is a tunnel system under the streets of WDW where the cast members (there are no “employees” of WDW, only “cast members”) move from one area to another, get dressed, eat lunch, and move supplies and trash. The tunnels were actually built first, then the park was built on top.
Some other facts we learned:
The Beast’s Castle Is about 10 feet tall, to give the illusion that it is far off in the distance.
The boats on the Jungle Cruise are on a track and the boat captains only control the speed.
There are drivers inside the floats that parade down Main Street.
There is a suite of rooms inside Cinderella’s Castle that are only used by V.I.P.s and contest winners, and very few people (including cast members) are allowed to even visit those rooms.
The Magic Kingdom is designed to be like a theater production. The signs on the shop windows are the credits, there are scene changes when you walk from one land to another where suddenly you no longer hear the music from the land you have left behind. Trees and buildings block the other lands so you won’t see Cinderella’s Castle in Tomorrowland, for example.
If you ever have the chance to take this tour, do it! It’s well worth it!
It's been fun reading about your visit to my part of the world! I haven't done the touristy thing since my adult children are no longer interested. I have several fibery friends who work for Disney, and donate knit and crochet items to local organizations.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy traveling around via your posts and pics!