
When you think of Disney World, you first think of Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom. Magic Kingdom is Disney World’s core and the Park’s heart. Fashioned after Disneyland, Magic Kingdom shares many similarities with the original Park. With that said, Disney World’s Magic Kingdom is known for some of the most iconic rides. Some rides have been around since the opening on October 1, 1971.
These five beloved attractions all have unique stories and trivia that Guests may not know. If there is something Disney consistently implements, it’s giving meaning to everything that exists in the Parks. Attractions are no different, with backstories, Imagineer facts, and more. Explore these five rides and their fun facts.
“it’s a small world”
This ride is one of many that Walt Disney pioneered. “it’s a small world” was actually created for the 1964 world fair, not Disneyland. It was a ride created for UNICEF, describing it as a “salute to the children of the world.” The ride was such a hit it became a staple at Disneyland and is now one of the most iconic rides in Disney World.
Haunted Mansion
The Haunted Mansion is the only ride in all four Parks, including California, Florida, Tokyo, and Paris. As reported by D23, “Imagineer and Disney Legend Claude Coats briefly developed a water ride version of The Haunted Mansion in which Guests would float through the ruins of an old plantation house partially submerged in a Louisiana bayou.” Another fun fact about Haunted Mansion is Imagineer Leota Toombs is the face and voice of Madame Leota on the ride.
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Pirates of The Caribbean
Another original ride to Disneyland is Pirates of The Caribbean. When planning Disney World, this ride would have a variant theme, making its attraction different from Disneyland. According to Jason Surrell’s “Pirates of the Caribbean: From the Magic Kingdom to the Movies,” they designed a Western River Expedition ride in its place, as detailed by Insider. Magic Kingdom would not be the beloved theme Park we all cherish without this ride, just as it is.
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Jungle Cruise
The Jungle Cruise was another ride that Walt Disney himself had a hand in. At first, this ride was intended to be more serious. The ride we all know and love today has many puns and jokes, making the ride a joyful experience for the whole family. But that wasn’t always the plan. Initially, it was thought to be a learning experience with real animals. Imagineers quickly learned the safety hazards of real animals with the attraction and had to pivot.
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Space Mountain
Space Mountain was a rollercoaster before its time. It’s one of the mountains at Disney World, including Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and what was Splash Mountain. It may not be as technologically advanced as some Disney rides like TRON Lightcycle Run or Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, but it is still a classic. This thrilling rollercoaster was the “first thrill ride to be fully controlled via computer, which helped ensure that multiple cars could operate on the same track without colliding.” as told by Tampa Bay Times. If you have early theme Park entry or have access to stay late, this is a great ride to enjoy over and over.
What other fun facts do you know about Disney World?