Walt Disney's Influence Can Still Be Seen in the Magic Kingdom

Walt Disney was one of the most talented men toIn Liberty Square -
ever walk this earth. He devoted his life to entertaining- The Hall of Presidents was one of the last projects
whole families. His last project was Walt Disney WorldUncle Walt worked on. At the World's Fair Mr. Lincoln
and specifically the Magic Kingdom. He died before hiswas the first audio-animatronic figure to ever be
last and best project was completed, but his hand candisplayed.
be clearly seen all over the park today.- Tom Sawyer Island is another of Walt's ideas. Give
Uncle Walt started planning for Disney World in thekids a place to just romp and play. What a concept in
late 50's and 60's. He used the 1964 World's Fair as athe middle of a theme park.
testing ground for several new rides and to see if East- Haunted Mansion - A Walt Disney original. It was
Coast audiences would respond to his type ofway ahead of it's time. The attraction opened in 1971
entertainment. Needless to say the fair was a hugewith a head in glass, dancing ghosts, and a million other
success, especially for Uncle Walt. He immediatelyspooks.
went to work on the "Florida Project" but died before itIn Frontierland -
opened.- Country Bear Jamboree - Another of the
Uncle Walt's stamp still looms large over the Magicaudio-animatronics wonders that Uncle Walt created. It
Kingdom, the original part of the "Florida Project". Tostill wows audiences today.
see just how big an influence Uncle Walt still is, here's- Frontier Shootin' Gallery - Another cheap carnival side
a list of the current rides that Uncle Walt had a hand in.show that Uncle Walt dressed up into a not to be
On Main Street USA -missed attraction.
- The Monorail - Part of Uncle Walt's infatuation withIn Adventureland -
transportation. Uncle Walt thought it would be the- Jungle Cruise - A copy of the Disneyland ride with a
future of mass transit.few extras.
- Walt Disney World Railroad - Uncle Walt loved trains.- Pirates of the Caribbean - This opened a couple of
He had a steam engine and a half mile track in hisyears later, but it was one of Walt's projects.
back yard.- Swiss Family Treehouse - Take the set of the movie
- All the buildings on Main Street - these are modeledand let people walk through it. What a novel idea.
after Walt's hometown of Marceline Missouri.- Enchanted Tiki Room or "Tropical Serenade" - This is
Cinderella Castle - This was one of Walt's greateststill the same basic show that Uncle Walt designed,
inspirations. Walt wanted a central gathering placealthough some new touches have been added.
easily accessible from any area of the park. TheIn Tomorrowland -
Magic Kingdom is still the easiest theme park to- Space Mountain - Take a fairly tame roller coaster,
navigate because of the paths leading to Cinderellaput a building around it and turn off the lights. What do
Castle.you have? One of the best rides ever invented.
In Fantasyland -- Tomorrowland Transit Authority or WEDway People
- Cinderella's Golden Carousel - This was part of theMover - Uncle Walt thought this and the monorail
park when it opened. Uncle Walt's dream was to buildwould be the transportation of the future. We're just
a clean place where families could enjoy time together.now testing his ideas in high-speed trains. He was just
- Dumbo - What genius. Take a hokey state fair rideslightly ahead of his time.
and give it a little character (or a big character in this- Tomorrowland Speedway - These little cars were
case) and you have one of the most loved ridespart of the original design. They still putt-putt around
anywhere.today.
- The Mad Tea Party - Another amusement park ride- Carousel of Progress - It debuted at the Worlds Fair
that Uncle Walt made special.to long lines and adoring fans. The past, the present
- It's a Small World - This ride was built for the World'sand the future all in one place. It's getting a little old, but
Fair. It was the first ride to transport people by boatit's still a classic.
through a ride.