🚂🏡 Main Street, U.S.A. – The Heartbeat of Magic Kingdom 🎶🍿

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Welcome to the Audio Guide to Walt Disney World.

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My name is Lou Mongello.

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I'm the author of the Walt Disney World trivia books and host of the WDW radio show.

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In this series of audiobooks, I'm going to take you on a guided walking tour of the Walt Disney World theme parks.

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Along the way, I'll be pointing out the overlooked details, hidden treasures, history and trivia, as well as how to get the most out of your vacation.

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You can listen at home, work, or in the car to get that feeling of being there and walking along with me as we explore the parks in depth.

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And it's a great way to help plan your next magical vacation.

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You can also take the guide with you while you're in the parks to enhance your experience while you're there.

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For those listeners that are visually impaired, this is a great way to experience Walt Disney World virtually.

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Or take the tour with you when you go, as I describe in detail all that surrounds you.

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These guides will be released in an ongoing series and will cover each of the seven lands of the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, Disney's Animal Kingdom, and more.

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So join me as we embark on a journey to a place filled with fantasy, dreams, story and a whole lot of magic.

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Our journey through the Walt Disney World Resort begins where it all got started.

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The Magic Kingdom.

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Specifically Main street usa.

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It's the first of seven lands that you encounter when you visit the Magic Kingdom, and it's a great way to start your day as it's a warm, welcoming, bustling town full of things to see and do and its own cast of Disney characters.

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Now, when we start to look at the Magic Kingdom, there's so much about its history and development that we could explore, from the COVID land purchases to the engineering magic that turned this desolate swamp into the world's number one vacation destination.

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And we could spend hours looking at how the Magic Kingdom was constructed as the second floor over a series of tunnels that house everything from the waste processing system computer core for every attraction and show in the park to costuming and more.

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But I want to focus this tour on what you can see and experience, not what you can't, as it's my goal to not only enhance your vacation and time spent in Walt Disney World, but appreciate what went into creating it and the everyday efforts to continue to help make the magic.

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,: 1971

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And while a Media generated fear of overcrowding led to only 10,000 guests showing up on opening day.

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Walt Disney World was an instant success, with traffic at the gates being backed up for miles by Thanksgiving of that same year.

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As you approach the entrance to the Magic Kingdom, whether it be by ferry, boat, monorail, bus or car, you pass by and can often see the area's resorts, all of which serve as subtle introductions to some of the themes you'll encounter while in the park.

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We will explore the concept of the Magic Kingdom being a grand theater as we make our way inside, but think of these resorts as a sort of preview trailer for what's to come as Disney's contemporary resort.

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Ties to Tomorrowland, Disney's Polynesian Resort Hints of the wonders of Adventureland, Disney's Wilderness Lodge and Fort Wilderness resorts seem to come out of the west like Frontierland.

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And Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa reflect the Victorian era grace and grandeur that is Main street usa.

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And much like the movies you'll see this show when the curtain rises and we step out onto Main Street.

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As you approach the entrance to the Magic Kingdom, the sounds of the Walt Disney World railroad train's familiar whistle welcomes you to what is going to be the start of a truly magical experience.

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Walking towards the turnstiles, you can see a small kiosk that was once the home of the Walk around the World information booth.

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Here, cast members were able to answer any questions about the Walk around the World bricks that surround the Seven Seas Lagoon, as well as process applications from anyone wanting to sponsor a brick in the pathway.

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Looking at your feet, you'll see a seemingly endless number of engraved hexagonal bricks embedded in the pavement.

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These Walk around the World bricks form an incomplete pathway in front of the Magic Kingdom, contemporary Polynesian and Grand Floridian Resorts and the Transportation and Ticket Center.

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These were sold beginning in: 1994

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Or in: 1996

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These bricks could bear your name or brief message, allowing you to be a part of Walt Disney World for a guaranteed time of no less than 10 years.

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You could also include a small icon such as a sorcerer Mickey Head, Mickey's hands forming a heart or wedding rings.

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path it would be on, such as E: 00250

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That means the east path section 00, brick 250.

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The granite brick I just used as an example belongs to Roy E.

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Disney and his wife, Patty.

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To find your brick, you could visit this brick information station and get a map to locate it.

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As of July: 2000

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Stepping through the turnstiles, we are welcomed with the sights and sounds that are all too familiar to many guests.

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The face of Mickey Mouse in hundreds of beautiful flowers graces the beds below the Walt Disney World Railroad station, forming one of the largest hidden Mickeys on property.

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Looking further up, we can see that the Magic Kingdom has a population of 600 million and an elevation of 108ft.

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Centered above that sign, we see the name of Walt Disney, the man behind the Magic, on a window that reads, Walt Disney World Railroad Office.

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Keeping dreams on Track.

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Walter E.

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Disney, Chief Engineer.

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This is gonna serve as what's gonna be the opening credits to the show you're about to become a very interactive part of.

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And here's where the story and show of the Magic Kingdom begins.

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Now, what do I mean by story?

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Well, if you didn't know that the Magic Kingdom and everything inside of it has a story attached to it, well, then this will hopefully be a very fun, enlightening tour for you.

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You see, everything you see in the Magic Kingdom is about a story.

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Whether it's a shop, attraction, or even a window, there's a legend behind it.

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And here's where your story begins, right here on Main street, usa.

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It was important for Walt Disney that every guest, and that's you.

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You aren't a customer, you're a guest.

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Be a part of a show, and a good show at that.

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And that's why everyone working at Walt Disney World is a cast member, not an employee, but part of a grand cast.

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A cast that includes characters, cashiers, housekeepers, cooks, and ride operators.

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The archway that will lead you under the railroad tracks and into the Magic Kingdom is adorned with a brass plaque which confirms that here you leave today and enter the world of yesterday, tomorrow, and fantasy.

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And as you walk under the tracks into the station, you're entering Walt's stage.

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And just like a movie theater, you're treated to posters letting you know what's coming soon for this theater.

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The the posters are of attractions in the many lands you'll visit, giving you an idea of what's ahead.

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Your exit from the short tunnel is a metaphor for the curtain rising as you're afforded a spectacular view of Victorian era Main street usa.

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It's one of the most well known and traveled pedestrian walkways in the world.

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And possibly a street that could be considered one of the most influential in America.

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Take a second and just look down at your feet.

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Notice the transition of the pavement colors from gray to red.

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Well, that red was chosen specifically as Disney wanted to lay out the red carpet for you.

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Because everyone is a very special guest and you're walking on the red carpet as your show begins.

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You're now welcomed by the sights and sounds of an era gone by.

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A Victorian era town loosely modeled after Walt Disney's childhood memories of Marceline, Missouri, where he spent many years as a young boy.

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And while it's not a completely accurate description of his boyhood hometown, it's a fanciful version of a turn of the century small town Main street, with the simple buildings along Marceline's main thoroughfare, Kansas Avenue, influencing some of the architectural elements of Walt Disney World's version.

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In fact, Walt said of Disneyland's Main street that Main Street USA is America at the turn of the century, the crossroads of an era.

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The gas lamps and the electric lamps, the horse drawn car and the autocar.

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Main street is everyone's hometown, the heart line of America.

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So Main Street USA isn't meant to be an exact replica of any particular town, but a sentimentalized version of just what Walt wanted it to be.

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A fanciful, near perfect representation of all small towns in America.

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Unlike Disneyland's Main street usa, which was modeled after a small Midwestern American town, Main street at Walt Disney World has a more New England influence.

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Yet they both embody how people feel about an idealistic Main Street.

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They're both small in scale, which forms a warm, inviting environment free from contradictions in architecture and color, and presents a stage upon which people feel comfortable.

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d Atlantic region in the late: 1700

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And much like the concept of a central square spreading west as the United States grew, we'll hear on this tour that Main Street USA also spread out and grew over time, and see how its designs and structural elements changed as well.

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The concept of lining the Main street with shops and having each end open to a central plaza or hub is not only rooted in real life urban planning as it stimulates contact between the consumer and shopkeeper, but forms a sense of community as well, which was something very important to Walt.

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This town was not only prosperous and growing, but conjures up fabricated memories of a warm, welcoming town where any child would have been glad to grow up.

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In fact, the Disney created town of celebration not far from Walt Disney World and the Magic Kingdom is modeled after that same nostalgic desire for the perfect American community.

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Main Street, USA here is meant to be sentimental, evocative, colorful and ideal, but was grounded in reality with the introduction of authentic props such as lamps from Boston and Philadelphia and antiques found in store windows.

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The buildings are large and ornate with decorative elements blending seamlessly into the building facades.

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As you walk along Main street, you'll notice the Cape Cod style gingerbread trim, ornate woodwork, varying cornices and even window decorations.

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It's replete with etched glass and wrought iron, evoking a Victorian era Eastern seashore resort feel.

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And while it was meant to be symbolic and theatrical, yet inviting and practical for people to wander, shop and explore, it was important to Walt that his town in Main street would really reflect the American dreams and work ethics that helped build this great nation.

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We'll see later how the story and development of his town embodied that spirit.

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You may notice as you exited the tunnel and looked around Town Square that you couldn't see the icon of the park, Cinderella Castle.

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This was a deliberate design choice as walking to the center of the plaza rewarded you with their big reveal of the majestic castle in the distance.

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If we take a walk to the center of the town square, you'll notice a beautiful statue of Minnie Mouse and a striking gentleman.

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No, it's surprisingly not Walt, but his brother Roy.

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This statue is known as Sharing the Magic and the plaque reads Sharing the Magic.

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Dedicated to Roy O.

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Disney, co founder of the Walt Disney Company.

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In: 1923

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Disney pooled their resources, Walt's creative vision and Roy's business sense to form their own cartoon studio.

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Together, they successfully pioneered many new avenues in family entertainment.

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Roy O.

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,: 1971

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on and was erected in October: 1999

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To the left hand side of the Roy statue is the Walt Disney World dedication plaque which reads Walt Disney World is a tribute to the philosophy and life of Walter Elias Disney and to the talents, the dedication and the loyalty of the entire Disney organization that made Walt Disney's dream come true.

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May Walt Disney World bring joy and inspiration and new knowledge to all who come to this happy place.

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A magic kingdom where the young and heart of all ages can laugh and play and learn.

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th day of October: 1971

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Roy O.

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Disney the Flag pole located here is the site where daily flag retreat ceremonies are held.

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Occurring daily at around 5pm It's a moving and patriotic event which involves a color guard lowering and folding the American flag.

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Veterans are often invited to take part in this flag retreat ceremony and guests can inquire at City hall for more information or to see how you can be a part of it.

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As we begin our tour around the town square in a clockwise direction, we'll start with the grand Walt Disney World Railroad Station.

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Walt Disney was a big railroad fan, going so far as to have a 1:8 scale model called the Carrollwood Pacific in his backyard home in the Holmby Hill section of Los Angeles.

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So it's fitting and important that this railroad station be not only the first thing you see as you approach the park, but be so grand in size that it presides over the entrance with incredibly detailed authentic props, architecture and stories of Walt and other people and their passion for railroading.

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The first floor of the station is filled with wonderful details and hidden treasures that the casual guest often overlooks.

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There are maps showing a variety of real railways across the United States as well as the Walt Disney World Railroad route.

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Here you can find four posters depicting the four steam engines that ply the Walt Disney World railways and learn more about them.

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When Walt Disney built Disneyland, he with the help of the Santa Fe Railroad Company constructed the Santa Fe and Disneyland Railroad, a 5 8th scale live steam train railroad that circled the park.

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When he was developing Walt Disney World for Florida, he also wanted it to include steam trains as well.

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Disney imagineers looked for steam trains that could be refurbished and used in the Magic Kingdom to transport guests during their quest.

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They traveled to Mexico in: 1969

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They were transported to Florida and in just two years were magically transformed into Victorian era trains grand enough to bear the Walt Disney name.

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The Walt Disney World Railroad also bears the distinction of being the first attraction to be completed for Walt Disney World.

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The trains on the Walt Disney World Railroad Number one, the Walter E.

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Disney.

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e Baldwin Locomotive Works in: 1925

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Number two is the Lily Bell, named after Walt's wife.

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e Baldwin Locomotive Works in: 1928

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Number three is the Roger E.

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Brogge.

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trim and it too was built in: 1925

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It's Named after Walt Disney's first imagineer and friend who helped him build his miniature trains in the studio machine shop and later install them in his backyard.

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He also did extensive work on the creation of audio animatronics, special effects and and Epcot Center.

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The Roy O.

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e Baldwin locomotive Works in: 1916

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In: 1977

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Davenport locomotive Works in: 1927

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displayed in epcot briefly in: 1996

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In the first floor hallway you can see a train bulletin hanging on the wall, which is a true hidden treasure.

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The arriving and departing trains on each row pay subtle homage to a number of Disney films and characters as well as some other Disney legends and train aficionados.

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The first row shows trains arriving from Grizzly Bear Flats and departing to Kimball Canyon.

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Legendary animator Ward Kimball, like Walt Disney, was also a railroad enthusiast and like Walt, built a miniature train line in his backyard called the Grizzly Flats Railroad.

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is a direct reference to the: 1966

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Fans of the Absent Minded professor and its sequel, Son of Flubber, will recognize the names of Medfield as the college in the film and Rutledge as likely being a contraction of the name Rutland College, the school's rival.

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Another Disney film, Pollyanna, was set in the town mentioned in the next row, Harrington Hills.

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Pendergrass Plains refers to the reclusive character Mr.

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Pendergrast.

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make direct reference to the: 1967

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Take some time to explore the rest of the train station and look at the props that chronicle the history of both the American and Disney railroads.

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On the second floor of the station where you board the Walt Disney World Railroad, you can find a number of wonderful artifacts and antiques, such as old mutoscopes, including some that were once found in the Main street penny arcade, a J.P.

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seaburg player piano from: 1927

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From the tall, curved ceilings hang globed chandeliers, while detailed marble floors and Intricate woodwork complete the scene of a turn of the century railroad station.

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The entire building is filled with rich history.

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Not only of some of the people who helped create the magic, but the history of the park they helped design and the history of American railroading.

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As we step out from the train station onto Main street usa, we'll start our tour in a clockwise direction from our left hand side.

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One of the first things you'll see is my personal favorites in all of Walt Disney World and continues the storytelling that began as we entered the park.

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Because like any good theater, you need a place right up front to get your popcorn and call it nostalgia.

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But here's where I consider to be the best place to get popcorn in all of Walt Disney World.

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It may be the location, it may be the old style red wagon, but the Orville Redenbacher popcorn cart is a must do as you wander through town square.

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Did you know that more than 275,000 pounds of popcorn are served in Walt Disney World each year?

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That's enough for about 5 million individual servings and and could just about fill Space Mountain from floor to ceiling.

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Behind the cart is the Main Street Galleria, which is now used for package pickup.

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That means that if you make purchases while in the park and don't want to carry them around all day, they can be sent to the front of the park for you to pick up on your way out at no extra cost.

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This building at one time was the home to the Main Street Art Gallery and prior to that, the SunTrust bank building.

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To the right is a covered walkway which houses an area sometimes used for character greetings, including a great place to find Santa Claus during Mickey's very Merry Christmas party.

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You can also take a number of tours given by Disney that take you through and in some cases, behind the scenes at the Magic Kingdom.

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Many of these tours meet and begin from here daily.

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Next to the Galleria is City hall, and like any American town, City hall is where you're going to find help and the city's administration.

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Here it's known as Guest Relations and it's where you can get information, make dining reservations or buy tickets, exchange currency, and get almost any question you have answered.

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Inside, you can also find an atm, park maps in dozens of different languages, and even a large map of the park in Braille.

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Past the restrooms adjacent to City hall is the Main Street Firehouse, aptly named company number 71 for the year Walt Disney World opened.

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It houses a merchandise shop filled with fire department themed items.

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Unlike Disneyland's version atop which was Walt Disney's personal apartment.

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The Walt Disney World version has no apartment above it.

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It does, however, have many props and decorations that one would find in a firehouse of the era, as well as dedications to the fallen heroes of 9 11.

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The store also has display cases filled with hundreds of fire department patches from around the world, traditionally donated by visiting guests.

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As you walk through the store into the back, be sure to look at the old ladder leading to the faux sleeping quarters upstairs as well as the traditional brass fire pole.

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Here you'll also find a selection of souvenirs for your favorite pet.

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Now, if you continue to circle around the plaza, that's where you're going to find the car barn which is where the Main street vehicles leave from.

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Don't hesitate to walk up and look around as it's a real working barn decorated with working harnesses and bridles for the horse drawn carriages that ply Main street usa.

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Looking inside, you really get a sense of the turn of the century architecture and theming, including the quaint checkerboard perched atop a barrel, boxes of horseshoe nails and simple lights reminiscent of the turn of the century.

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Since this is where a number of the Main street vehicles leave from, this might be a good time to talk about some of the vehicles which are really attractions that travel along Main Street USA offering free rides to guests.

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For example, there are the horse drawn trolleys pulled by 2,000 pound draft horses.

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These are much larger than typical horses you might ride and are usually found doing more utilitarian tasks such as pull farm machinery.

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However, they can be ridden with a saddle much like Pecos Bill did with his horse Widowmaker from the Disney animated film Melody Time.

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These horses are of different breeds and are usually Belgians which are brown Percherons which are black or gray and Clydesdales.

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They're between six and 10 years old and pull the trolley about 24 times a day, three or four days a week.

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All of the breeds wear plastic shoes which are both easier on their hooves than metal shoes and cause no damage to the Main street surface.

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When the horses aren't pulling the trolleys, they remain in the stalls at the back of the car barn and at the end of the day they're returned to the barn at the Tri Circle D Ranch in the Fort Wilderness Campgrounds.

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If you're staying at or visiting the resort, you can visit the horses at the ranch.

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And while you're on Main street, be sure to go over and talk to the streetcar conductor to learn more about these amazing animals.

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The streetcars themselves were inspired by 19th century photographs of red and green Franklin trolleys from the Northeast.

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They were designed and built by Walt Disney Imagineering and each travels along a track embedded in the pavement several times throughout the day.

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The trolleys play a role in the Main Street Trolley Parade in which cast members dressed in Victorian era clothing sing about the trolley and walking right down the middle of Main street usa.

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Gurr and is modeled after the: 1920

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It was important to him that the buses not only be functional, but help tell the story of Main Street.

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art of the magic kingdom from: 1971

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rvice in the magic kingdom in: 2001

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The Main street fire engine is usually found either on display near the firehouse or which adjoins City hall or somewhere in between the firehouse and Cinderella Castle as it's also a fixture in the Family Fun Day Parade.

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Like the trolley, it was designed by Imagineering and outfitted with an older Jeep engine and had a specifically made exhaust system created which was designed to make a sound resembling the early engines of the 20s and 30s.

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A variety of jitneys round out the list of the town's transportation mediums and really complete the illusion that you're in a real working town with residents, business people and a bustling Main Street.

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blished according to story in: 1886

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It's building number 43 and it's a real working barbershop complete with three old style barber chairs.

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Here you or your children can get a haircut with special treatment giving to those kids who want their first visit to Walt Disney World with their first haircut.

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Complimentary Mickey ears, complete with first haircut embroidered on the back are given as a souvenir of the occasion.

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If you're fortunate enough to time it just right, you might even be treated to a song from the Dapper Dan's Barbershop Quartet.

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This group has been performing their traditional harmonious tunes since the park opened and it blends a mix of comedy, guest interaction and an unbridled passion for what they do, which is making people happy.

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Look for them in their traditional red, blue, blue, green and yellow straw hats, bow ties, striped vest and matching pants.

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Let's cross the square to the Town Square Exposition Hall.

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As the sign outside reads, it's home to photographic marvels, images and innovations, as well as the Kodak Camera Center.

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At one time, it was home to the Walt Disney Story, a film that told the story of his personal and professional life, as well as his studio and theme parks.

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This played back when this location was known as the Gulf hospitality house.

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From: 1973

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project that began in June of: 1969

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,: 1966

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orld version opening in April: 1973

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This attraction was unique initially in that it was much like things like if you had wings free.

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As Walt Disney World was at the time still using a coupon system of ticketing, it was sponsored by Gulf Oil, the same sponsor of the attraction building.

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The theater was constructed on the southwest side of the Hospitality House and even had a separate entrance built for it, looking at the Main Street Exposition hall today.

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The short staircase to the right of the building's main entrance was originally created for the Walt Disney Story.

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o Walt by the academy for the: 1937

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The film itself took guests on a moving journey throughout Walt's personal and professional life and concluded with its plans for Disneyland, Walt Disney World, and most importantly, EPCOT the city.

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It was presented as a living photo album with rare audio accompanying photos and illustrations.

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The post show area was always in a state of change.

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It showed everything from plans for the expansion of Walt Disney World to the futuristic Epcot Center.

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Most notable was the brief display of the model of one of Walt Disney World's newest projects, the Western River Expedition.

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In addition to a working model, Hoot Gibson, an audio animatronic owl, told guests that he was going to be the star of the attraction.

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He also explained some of the processes of audio animatronics and was accompanied by an animatronic storybook which flipped pages as he told the story.

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Unfortunately, the Western River Expedition and Thunder Mesa never came to be, but we'll talk more about them when we get to Frontierland.

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ney Story closed from June of: 1981

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In: 1988

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Walt Disney story returned in: 1989

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viated version on VHS tape in: 1994

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The original exit from the film took guests into the Disneyana Collectibles shop, which sadly is long gone.

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It can be argued that this store with its wonderful collectibles was the first of the trend towards having themed shops at the end of attractions.

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It had wonderful items such as commemorative plates, original hand painted animation cells, and various limited edition reproductions.

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You could also make reservations for a seat at the Diamond Horseshoe Danbury while you were there.

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This theater was later home to Walt Disney World's 25th Anniversary Welcome center and later the Disney's Animal Kingdom Preview Center.

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To get a very small sampling of what the original attraction was like, I highly recommend taking the time to go through the exhibits and film Walt Disney One Man's Dream at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

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Now, while most of the early displays are long gone, there's still plenty more to see inside Exposition Hall.

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Today there's a number of wonderful exhibits themed towards photography, featuring Disney's Milestones in Animation where you can explore the wonders of photography past and present, as the building is now sponsored by Kodak.

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tills dating back to the late: 1800

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The theater in the back is known as the hall of Moving Pictures, where they still show classic Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse movies.

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ey animation all the way from: 1901

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The hallway on the opposite side of the theater returns you to the lobby and camera center and is known as the hall of Digital Technologies.

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Here you can view the Image Expo, highlighting a number of rare photographs taken through the years at Walt Disney World.

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Back in the lobby you can find the camera shop and photo pickup as well as the reservation desk for Tony's Town Square Restaurant.

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Detailed cornice work and frosted and stained glass panes remind you of the illusion that you really have traveled back in time.

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The Italian Sit Down Restaurant that's Tony's Town Square is modeled after the restaurant in Disney's classic animated tale lady and the Tramp.

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In true Disney fashion, where detail is everything, be sure to look for the heart and paw prints carved into the sidewalk at the foot of the steps leading into the dining area.

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On the sign above the entrance, you'll spot the image of Tony himself.

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as the Town Square Cafe from: 1971

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,: 1989

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And while the name and sponsors may have changed, its charming Victorian era ambiance has remained throughout the years.

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As you step out of the building, look to the left onto the quaint porch with its rocking chairs, wrought iron benches and be sure to take a photo next to the Goofy posomatic.

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Farther along is a small garden area where there's often character meet and greets, especially early in the day.

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As you exit to the right, there's an outdoor seating area for Tony's as well as a statue of Goofy sitting on a bench tipping his hat.

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Go over and listen closely as he might even invite you over for a picture.

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Before we head down Main Street USA and examine its elements more closely, this may be a good time to talk some more about the buildings on Main street, not what's inside, but more importantly the facades of the buildings themselves.

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You see all the buildings on Main street usa as well as many of the buildings in the Magic Kingdom, make use of a filmmaking technique known as forced perspective.

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Forced perspective is where the use of scale on structures is altered to make things appear larger or smaller than they really are.

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And Main Street USA is a great example of the use of forced perspective.

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Here it's used by making the size of the buildings smaller as they get taller.

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That means that the second story of the building is smaller than the full scale first floor and the third floor is even smaller than the second.

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Thus, the first story is about 12ft high, the second 10ft, and the third only 8.

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So why use forced perspective at all?

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Well, there's a number of reasons it was used here in the Magic Kingdom.

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For example, Cinderella Castle, which can be seen at the far end of Main Street USA past the central hub, is the largest and most extreme example of the use of forced perspective.

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As the castle rises, the scale gets exponentially smaller.

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In fact, if you were to see Tinker Bell leap from the window before her nightly flight during wishes, you'd see that the window is only about 2ft tall.

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Using forced perspective on all the buildings on Main Street USA makes the castle look larger and creates the panoramic view down Main street towards the castle which beckons you in the distance.

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This was done purposely as Walt wanted the castle to be the first weenie of his new Magic Kingdom Park.

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Okay, so what's a weenie?

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No, not a hot dog at Casey's on the corner, but a visual landmark that would draw guests towards a specific place, land, attraction, etc.

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Cinderella Castle is the largest and most prominent of the weenies in the Magic Kingdom, and others include Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in Frontierland and Space Mountain in Tomorrowland.

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So while the use of forced perspective works as you look down Main street towards the castle, it also works on the way out of the Magic Kingdom as well.

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As you look down Main street from the central hub.

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The use of forced perspective in Town Square is not as prominent.

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And actually Exposition hall is the only building built to full scale so as to hide the contemporary resort in the distance.

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theme of a town from the late: 1800

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The use of buildings in the square that are to scale also makes Main street appear shorter than it actually is when viewed from the hub, which is a welcome relief for a tired guest at the end of a long day.

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Forced perspective also has practical uses that may not be as apparent to guests.

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Buildings were also intentionally scaled down in order to create a true pedestrian friendly environment and one that would be comfortable, inviting and designed not to be walked past, but strolled through.

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In fact, not only are the buildings scaled down on this 850 foot long street of shops and restaurants, but the flower pots, balconies, furniture and even the lamps in the windows are as well.

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As you begin to leave Town Square and make your way down Main street usa, you're going to see on many of the second and third story windows the names of individuals and companies that may or may not seem all too familiar.

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If you remember, Walt Disney was the first name we saw as we approached the park on the front of the Walt Disney World Railroad Station.

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Well, these windows and the names that are painted on them honor persons who are instrumental in the design, development, and prosperity of Walt Disney World and the Disney Company as a whole.

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In addition to being one of Disney's most cherished honors, it also gives guests and insight into some of the people behind the scenes who helped make the magic happen.

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These windows serve as the opening credits for the show that I mentioned before that you're about to be immersed in.

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Each of the names has a profession associated with it and their role in the grand Walt Disney World cast.

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In addition to being located above the train station on the outside of the Magic Kingdom, Walt's name is also above the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor at the far end of Main Street, USA and faces Cinderella Castle, because just as his is the first you see on the way in, it's the first you see as the show comes to a close on your way out and you leave the park for the day.

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As we begin our journey down Main Street, I'm going to point out some of the notable names, as well as explain the meaning behind some of the more obscure references you'll see.

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Unfortunately, I can't talk about every name and window, as there are just too many to cover in our tour.

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But I invite and encourage you to take your time and look for yourself at the windows and see if you can identify any of the names you see or meanings behind the windows themselves.

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And don't ever hesitate to ask a cast member if you'd like to know more.

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Speaking of windows, there's something else I'd like you to keep in mind and look out for.

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As we walk down Main street, pay close attention to the windows that make up the actual storefronts.

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If you look closely, you'll see that the bottoms are actually much lower than what you'd find on a normal store.

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This is meant to be inviting to children so that they could be able to walk up to the windows and see what's inside.

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This has long been rumored to be an idea that came directly from Walt himself.

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It was his desire to be able to spend a day at a park together as a family and enjoy it together.

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And that was the catalyst for the concept of Disneyland and obviously carried over into Walt Disney World as well.

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And be sure to take some time to go window shopping, as the displays in the windows are true hidden treasures and attractions unto themselves.

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Be sure to look out for and visit with some of the citizens of Main street as well.

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These make for some wonderful overlooked encounters.

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Enjoy the Dapper Dan's Barbershop Quartet.

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Shake hands with Mayor Weaver or chat with socialite Hildegard Olivia Harding, who's also running for mayor.

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Look out for Scoop Sanderson, Main Street USA Gazette reporter, town councilman and Disney pin thusiast he'll play pin games with you, trade pins and introduce you to the magic of Disney pin trading.

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These are just a few of the residents you'll come across from time to time and are true Disney characters to be enjoyed by adults and kids alike.

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As we begin our journey down the central corridor of Main street, usa, I'd ask you to be sure to not only pay close attention to what you see, but what you can hear, as well as the period music that fills the air is an important part of the storytelling that's taking place.

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as Beautiful beulah from the: 1963

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The music is important and evocative and sets the atmosphere from the moment you step into the Magic Kingdom.

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Next door to Tony's is the DVC Information center, which happens to be holding an open house where you can discover magical adventures and timeless journeys welcoming in travelers.

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For more information Adjacent to the Info center is the Chapeau Hat Shop, which is the purveyor of gentlemen's and ladies hats.

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Here you can get your name embroidered on Mickey ears and in fact is the only place left on property where they're still stitched by hand.

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On the window above the Chapeau you'll see one of the first windows that we'll cover, and that's for the town square.

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Tailors Tailors to the President Bob Phelps Proprietor Bob Phelps designed the costumes for the audio animatronics, figures in the hall of Presidents, as well as a number of other attractions.

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Before we head to the corner of Main street and into the Main Street Confectionary, which is of course the home of distinctive treats, let's take a look at one of the simple details added by Imagineers, which gives that sense of warmth and reassurance that was important in its design.

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A simple table and two chairs outside the storefront is topped with a checker set, much as you may have found outside a small time candy store more than a century ago.

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More than just a prop, it's a place where a grandfather traveling with his grandson to Walt Disney World for the first Time can stop and teach him the finer points of the game.

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It's a simple moment that can create a lifelong memory for them both.

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Under the peach colored awnings, we find another notable window, this time for General Joe's building permits.

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General Joe Potter, Raconteur now, this begs the question.

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First, who is General Joe Potter?

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And second, what's a raconteur?

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Well, first, a raconteur is someone who excels in telling anecdotes and stories, much like the General himself.

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And William E.

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Joe Potter was a retired US army major general and former governor of the Panama Canal Zone who was hired by Walt Disney to oversee the early construction of Walt Disney World.

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Part of his duties included the seemingly insurmountable task of transforming hundreds of acres of desolate swampland into the Magic Kingdom.

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General Potter was the first Disney employee in Florida and was hired before the project was announced to the public.

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med the General Joe Potter in: 1999

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On the third story, the window reads, if we can dream it, we can do it.

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a reality after Walt died in: 1966

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In fact, it was Roy who insisted the original name of Disney World be changed to include Walt's first name so that it would forever be remembered that this was Walt's vision.

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isney passed away in December: 1971

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The quote, if we can dream it, we can do it refers to not only the belief in the creativity of Disney's imagineers, but the motto and theme song title of the now extinct Epcot attraction Horizons.

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Now onto the store itself, as by now you're likely being lured in by the incredibly sweet smells that that waft onto the sidewalk.

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The Main street confectionary is filled with the aroma of the many sweets such as fudge, candy apples and peanut butter that are being prepared in the confectionery kitchen behind the glass wall at the rear of the store.

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There's also countless pre made treats including chocolate, cotton candy and so much more.

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Now, if you pay close attention, you'll find that the smells inside the store differ from those that are in the street.

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Why?

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Well, the smells that you'll discover on the sidewalk are actually artificially created and pumped out onto the street through the use of what Disney calls a smellitizer.

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This technology is used throughout the parks in many attractions where the use of scents is important to the storytelling, such as Soarin, Spaceship Earth, and the now extinct Horizons attraction where the smell of oranges made the view of distant orange groves all the more realistic.

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Wandering through the store, you'll not only see a number of exits onto the streets, but one that leads to the Chapeau and the Main Street Cinema next door.

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In fact, did you know that even though these shops look as though they're separated based on the facades outside, they're actually connected all the way down the block?

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This makes the shops easy to browse through and also makes for an easy escape from the Florida rain.

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It's also a great way to avoid traffic jams on Main street as the crowds leave the park or during parades, since you can enter from one end of the street and exit from the other.

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The confectionery was also the former home of the Camera Center.

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Known at one time as the GAF Camera center, it later became the Polaroid Camera center and then the Kodak Camera Center.

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As corporate sponsors changed throughout the years, inside, the store sold and processed film and supplies, performed minor repairs, and had cameras available for purchase or rent.

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Today, camera supplies can be found over at the Town Square Exposition Hall.

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As we leave the confectionary, we can see that this single shop is made up of no less than three distinctive facades, each with his own signage.

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You'll instantly recognize how the architecture changes and progresses as you head down the street towards the castle.

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This is important to note here as we'll discover along our tour, that the journey down the street is also a metaphorical travel through time.

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The more than 50 facades represent not only changes in architectural styles but but the changes that come through the passage of time because like any small town, it's rooted in town square, but as it grows, it expands outward and transitions in a number of ways.

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Pay close attention to both the exterior and interiors of the shops as gas lamps give way to electric lights and the decorative architecture modernizes as well.

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The town's growth and maturity is measured by the addition of new shops, and we'll see more later in the tour where other evidence of this is found.

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A window above the striped awning on the third facade of the confectionary reads Buena Vista Magic Lantern Slides Treat your friends to our special Yale Gracie bud Martin, Ken O'Brien and Watho Rogers.

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Now, if the name Gracie sounds familiar, that's because it's your ghost host over in the Haunted Mansion, named in honor of Yale Gracie.

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He was responsible for creating many of the special effects used throughout the Magic Kingdom, including the Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean.

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Other imagineers on this window also created a number of effects, most notably Watho Rogers, known as the father of Audio Animatronics for his work with Walt on creating the prototype for the technology.

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for his starring role in the: 1928

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That film was originally created for an attraction that was planned for the Disney MGM studios but was never used.

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The banner below the marquee outside invited you to come in and see six separate screens with drama, love, perils, humor and more, and bore the tagline an experience to write home about.

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ssouri, where Walt lived from: 1906

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In: 1998

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to: 2007

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But back to the old cinema just for a minute, because when Walt Disney World used a ticket based system, it required a B ticket and then later an A.

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Now you may be asking, what is an A or B ticket?

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Kingdom opened In October of: 1971

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You actually paid a small fee to get admission into the park and then had to buy a ticket for most of the attractions and shows.

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Entrance to the Magic Kingdom was less than $5, which may have sounded like a lot at the time considering you couldn't ride most of the rides.

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But instead of purchasing one ticket for admission to all the rides in the park, you had to buy individual tickets or books of coupons to ride an attraction.

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or example, on opening day of: 1971

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Each attraction, with the exception of a few that were free, required a different ticket, an A, B, C, D or E, with E tickets being reserved for the best attractions in the park such as Space Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean and the Haunted Mansion.

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Over the years, certain attractions could even be demoted having the required ticket drop from a D to a C.

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For example, in the early: 1980

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,: 1980

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Now, instead of each ride requiring a lettered ticket, the tickets in the book could be used in any attraction.

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In: 1981

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By the end of: 1981

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Today, these tickets are a popular and relatively inexpensive collectible.

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Next to the Main Street Cinema is the Watch Shop where a Disney artist can create a one of a kind keepsake in a personalized hand drawn custom character watch for you.

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The store is also home to high end collectibles, jewelry and a Disney pin store.

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In the back above the entrance to the mustard colored building is another window honoring a man who was instrumental in Walt Disney World's history.

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This one reads Bea Laval and Associates Partners in planning what we build together can last forever and recognize the achievements of Bruce Laval, who was a 30 year veteran of the company and at one time the executive Vice president of Operations planning and development for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.

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He joined the company in: 1971

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ain street was established in: 1881

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Between the uptown and Watch Shop facades you'll find a brick faced building with a window that reads William and Sharon Lund Gallery, exhibiting only authentic works of art, genuine antiques selected by Victoria Bradford and Michelle.

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Now, while you may not know the name Sharon Lund, you'll certainly recognize the name Sharon Disney, who is One of Walt Disney's daughters.

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Her second husband was William Lund, and the window also honors her three children and bears the image of a cat in a red square.

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The other window on this facade appropriately reads Daughterland Modeling Agency.

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Instruction in the Arts and Crafts.

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What every young girl should know and pays respect to A number of imagineers who worked in the model shop, including imagineer Bob Sewell and Fred Yerger, both of whom were also honored with Haunted Mansion Graveyard tombstones.

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Jerger's is especially appropriate as he was noted for his realistic rock work.

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We'll talk more about the headstones when we get to the mansion, but if you remember Fred's tombstone, you'll see why this is both fitting and funny.

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Continuing on towards the castle, the uptown jewelry store extends into an alleyway, evidencing the fact that Main Street USA is just two blocks long.

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This alleyway is known as East center street and is home to the Silhouette Artist cart and a facade in the rear advertising the Art Festival.

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n Walt Disney world opened in: 1971

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hich occupied this space from: 1971

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Both the main Street China Shop and the cup and Saucer sold fine china and other Disney souvenirs.

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Another facade has a closed off entrance to a doorway marked Disney & Co.

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Novelty store, which at one time was a real store that sold kids clothing, toys and games.

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On the right hand side of the alleyway was the former location of the Wonderland of Wax.

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he Main street candle shop in: 1981

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Two windows atop this building read voice and singing, private lessons and music and dance lessons, ballet and waltz.

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And here's another one of Walt Disney World's hidden treasures.

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One of these windows conceals a speaker, and if you listen closely, you can hear the sounds of a student singing scales and another one practicing tap.

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Take a minute to look around at the variety of colors and architectural styles used here.

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ast seaboard town in the late: 1800

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And as we move through time, the delicate lattice work and scalloped shingle roofs will begin to give way to a more modern turn of the century style.

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But remember, these aren't just facades and this isn't a theme park.

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This is an experience in which you, the guest, are completely immersed in.

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Disney contractor established: 1895

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Elias Disney was Walt and Roy's father and the person from whom Walt derived his middle name.

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es to honor his father who in: 1895

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He had moved around the country by opening a contracting office.

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a construction worker for the: 1893

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Above the covered entrance with the green sign bearing the uptown jeweler's name is a window that reads Pseudonym Real Estate Development Company Roy Davis President Bob Price Vice President Bob Foster Traveling Representative Offices in City of Lake Buena Vista, City of Bay Lake and Kansas City.

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Now, the use of fictitious names and dummy corporations to buy the land in Florida is legendary.

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And these are some of the pseudonyms used by Disney's executives to travel without detection.

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Roy O.

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Disney often traveled under the name Roy Davis, while Robert Foster adopted his middle name of Price while flying to and from Kansas City, where his mother also lived.

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And speaking of these dummy corporations, let's look across the alley to the windows above the Main Street Market House.

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As a second story bears a window that reads M T Lot Company Real Estate Investments.

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A friend in deeds is a friend indeed.

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Don Tatum President Subsidiaries, Tomahawk Properties, Latin American Development, i4 Corporation, Bay Lake Properties, Reedy Creek Ranch Lands and Compassed East Corporation.

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As the tongue in cheek reference to empty lot refers, these were the names of just a few of the shell companies that Disney used to acquire land in Florida without tipping people off that it was Disney buying up the land in order to avoid skyrocketing prices.

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I4 refers to Interstate 4, whose proximity was a major factor in the selection of this land as the site for Walt Disney World.

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After Roy's death in: 1971

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The third story window bears the image of a mountain climber reaching a peak and reads Seven Summits.

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Frank G.

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Wells President for those that want to do it all, this window holds the distinction and honor of being the highest window in the Magic Kingdom and pays tribute to the late Frank Wells, one time president and chief operating officer of the Walt Disney Company.

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During his tenure, the company enjoyed unprecedented growth and revitalization, making Disney one of the most successful companies in the world.

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His window pays tribute to his adventurous spirit and desired to do what no man had done, climb the highest mountain on each of the world's seven continents within one year.

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r the top of Mount Everest in: 1986

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He authored a book about his adventures entitled Seven Summits.

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,: 1994

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A sign marking his achievements can also be found in Disney's Animal Kingdom, appropriately near Expedition Everest.

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k like a store from the early: 1900

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At one time an old hand cranked telephone sat in one corner of the shop, overlooked by most guests.

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Only the most curious curious who chose to pick up the handset and listened were treated to the sounds of an old time party line where mothers and daughters could be heard chatting and neighbors gossiping throughout the day.

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In: 2007

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Originally located next door in the Crystal Arts Building, they sell a variety of crystal gifts and engraved hand blown glass items and is one of the few places in the Magic Kingdom that's staffed by people who who are not Disney cast members.

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This building was also the one time home of the Uptown Jewelers, but four moved across the alleyway and replaced the cup and saucer, second only to the Christmas Chalet that once stood in the Walt Disney World Village, now Disney's Days of Christmas in the Downtown Disney Marketplace.

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al holiday Corner known after: 1986

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On the blue faced building between the Market House and the bakery is a window with a rope lined image of a sailing ship that reads Roy E.

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Disney specializing in the gentlemanly sport of racing at sea aboard the Ketch Peregrina sailmaker and sailing lessons Patty Disney, First Mate Susan Timothy, Roy Patrick and Abigail Roy Edward Disney is a son of Roy Oliver Disney and the nephew of Walt Disney Disney and Director Emeritus for the Board of Directors for the Walt Disney Company.

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He's a noted sailing enthusiast, having raced and set yacht racing records around the world for a number of decades.

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His now ex wife Patty and their four children are also honored with this window.

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as sponsored by Sara Lee from: 1971

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Here you can treat yourself to the legendary hot French toast loaf, muffins, smoothies, sandwiches and so much more.

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In: 2007

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It's a great place to grab a snack, head down to the seating area alongside the castle moat and take in the sights and sounds of the Magic Kingdom.

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And as if those sweet treats weren't enough, next door you have the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor.

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Currently sponsored by Edie's.

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It opened in: 1971

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In: 1993

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Main Street USA's other sit down restaurant is the quaint Plaza Restaurant located around the corner from the Ice Cream Parlor.

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Open for lunch and dinner, it's in the intimate setting and wonderful views of the castle evoke the feeling that you are in a turn of the century ice cream parlor restaurant complete with sandwiches, burgers and of course ice cream for dessert, including the traditional banana split.

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Incredible attention to detail includes wrought iron chairs, marble tabletops, period chandeliers and gold framed mirrors on the wall.

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As we prepare to cross Main Street USA to explore the west side, we can take a moment to look at one of the green hitching posts on the curb.

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Again.

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This is Disney's incredible attention to detail and desire to immerse you into the real burgeoning town that's home to people with real horses that need to be hitched as they visit the shops along Main Street.

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There's a total of eight posts, two by the central Plaza, two near the Hub and four on Main Street.

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These are scraped and repainted every other month whether they need it or not.

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Now, looking at the west side of Main Street, I want to take you back to Town Square Square because I want to show you how the Emporium, the store that dominates this side of the street, progresses and grows just as the street and town do.

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I'll show you how the shop originated in Town Square and has extended over time as it approaches Cinderella Castle.

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In addition to being the largest shopping area in the Magic Kingdom, the Emporium, like the street that it sits on, is complete with history and story and is one of the key landmarks of Main street, usa, notable for the tall white columns which surround its facade.

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ore was originally founded in: 1863

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er played by Burl ives in the: 1963

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His name can be found in gold leaf at the bottom of the two windows that flank the entrance on the corner of Main street facing facing Town Square.

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And this is where you should stop and take the time to examine the three windows on either side of the entrance as there you're going to find some amazing displays created by Disney's artists and imagineers, including animated scenes from Disney classics such as Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, Pocahontas, Cinderella, the Little Mermaid and Snow White.

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These may change periodically, so be sure to take a moment on each of your visits and enjoy these wonderful displays.

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Inside, the store sells everything Disney, from shirts, frames, pins, collectibles, and an amazing array of souvenirs.

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The architecture inside is clearly Victorian in nature, with pastel colors, antique fixtures, delicate decorative elements, rich textures and period appropriate props.

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It perfectly reconciles the late 19th century charm with the modern items the store has for sale.

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And the clear transitions and growth from one section of the store to the next mirror the same transitions on the exterior elevations where there exist multiple entrances to the store.

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Now, if you venture back outside and look across Main street, we see East center street, which we toured earlier.

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But here on the west side, no such street exists anymore because as business prospered and the town grew, so did Asch's store, requiring him to expand farther down the street.

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Actually, it was the real emporium that grew and expanded, requiring the annexation of more space on the west side of Main street.

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So in: 2001

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Along with it went the original location of the Harmony Barbershop, back when it used to sell nostalgic shaving items like mustache cups, the facades for Champion Cyclery, the Chinese hand laundry and the livery stable.

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At one time, West center street was also the home of the Hallmark Card Shop, which sold stationary and party goods.

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This store closed in: 1985

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items, opened in February of: 1985

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street from opening day until: 1984

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om opening day until April of: 1986

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But in keeping with Disney tradition, a storyline was attached to this new construction.

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sed to take place in the year: 1901

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ing to be opening in the real: 2001

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As you step inside this new area, you'll notice how the architecture and interior decor is somewhat different than the rest of the Emporium, evidencing its newer construction, but still keeping the same Victorian theme and charm.

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Be sure to look up and around throughout the stores as you'll see antiques ranging from children's toys to apparel, furniture and so much more in the area that was once West Center Street.

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A large mural dated: 1901

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Also notice the high domed ceilings, ornate chandeliers, faux stained glass skylights and beautiful glasswork.

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Again, no detail was left out of Disney's vision of this charming town and its flight flagship store.

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Outside, the facades are as architecturally diverse, yet consistent in theme as what can be found inside.

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And like the east side of the street, many of the windows honor the men and women who helped create this true vacation kingdom.

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For example, over the yellow and white building with a sign that reads Arcade is a window that states Ridgeway & Co.

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the opening of Disneyland in: 1955

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One of the newest additions to Main street usa, which honors those who are interested, integral to the development of Walt Disney World is not a window, but a door and can be found at the end of the Disney Clothiers Building next to the hall of Champions.

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It pays tribute to not an individual or group but to the current, former and future Walt Disney World cast members, it reads, open since 71.

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Magic Kingdom casting Agency it takes people to make the dream a reality.

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edication ceremony In July of: 2005

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So it's only fitting that they be honored in this way.

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A narrow window on the second story of the blue building next door advertises Little Gremlins, mechanical toys, toy makers and associates.

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We build em, you run em.

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And names a number of imagineers, including Roger Brogy Jr.

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All these men were part of the manufacturing arm of Imagineering, known as mapo, which was short for Mary Poppins.

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This acronym was appropriate as profits from that film helped fund the construction of Walt Disney World.

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Farther down the street, above the Main Street Athletic Company's large green overhang, is a window that reads the Big Wheel Company.

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One of a kind horseless carriages and unicycles.

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Dave Gengenbach, Bob gurr, George George McGinnis and Bill Watkins.

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These men were primarily responsible for designing many of the ride vehicles for Walt Disney World, with Gurr having developed more than 100 designs for attractions, as well as Walt Disney World's original mark IV monorails.

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McGinnis work is also legendary and includes helping to create Walt Disney World attractions such as Space Mountain, 20,000 leagues under the Sea, the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Wedway People Mover, Spaceship Earth, World of motion, the Mark 6 monorails, and one of his greatest achievements, the now extinct Horizons.

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Next door is a window advertising the services of Dr.

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Card Walker, licensed practitioner of psychiatry and justice of the peace.

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We never close except for golf.

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E.

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of the Walt Disney Company in: 1971

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rom the board of directors in: 1999

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His window refers to his ability to carefully and diplomatically mediate disagreements, including some between Walt and Roy Disney.

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Now, while I wish we could closely examine all of the windows on Main street, there just isn't enough time.

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But there is one more that I want to highlight.

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Here, a window bearing a circus clown's image reads big Top theatrical productions.

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Famous since 55 shows for world's Fairs and international expositions.

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Claude Coates, Mark Davis, John De Cure and Bill Justice.

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True legends of Disney Imagineering.

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Davis was one of Walt Disney's Nine Old Men, a term given to his team of core animators responsible for creating many of the studio's timeless classics.

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He later came up with character and designed concepts for attractions such as It's a Small World, Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion and the Jungle Cruise.

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Claude Coates helped design the Mansion and Pirates, as well as Mr.

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Toad's Wild Ride, Snow White's Scary Adventures Horizons, several World Showcase Pavilions, and countless others.

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Like Davis, he is also honored with a tombstone in the Haunted Mansion's graveyard.

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hampions winning apparel from: 1995

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Inside, a variety of sports themed apparel for men and women is sold, but at one time this building housed a very different set of items.

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It was once home to the Penny Arcade, a real working arcade filled with vintage games including something called the Kiss O Meter.

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which were introduced around: 1900

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You could have been treated to such comedies as yes, we have no Bananas and and Raid on a Watermelon Patch.

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At one time you could even have your fortune told or listen to a song from the Pian Orchestra, which can also now be found on the second floor of the Main Street Railroad Station.

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Along with some of the Mutoscopes and Kalescopes, this was also the one time home of the only pressed penny machine in the Magic Kingdom.

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,: 1995

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In the section of the store closest to the entrance, be sure to look up and see the antique trophies that line the walls.

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Part of the expansive space that the Penny Arcade took up ran behind two other lost shops, the House of Magic and the Tobacconist.

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,: 1995

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Note here the addresses on the doors.

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street expansion were in the: 1000

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Most people don't remember or believe that there was once a tobacconist shop on Main Street.

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Under the doorway with the address of 209 and across from the oval sign that stands alongside the curb, it sold a variety of cigars, hand carved pipes and tobacco by the pouch.

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ding to his death in December: 1966

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Since the late: 1980

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And here's a quick did you know?

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Did you know what other two items are not sold in any of the theme parks?

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They're gum to avoid the mess and cleanup and newspapers to to keep the real world from intruding on the fantasy one created here.

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The tobacconist closed in: 1985

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Main street bookstore and in: 1995

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istory, it was established in: 1888

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,: 1971

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During the refurbishment that changed the makeup of west side of Main street, it was renamed Casey's Corner.

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Since it opened, it served traditional American ballpark fare including Cracker Jacks, corn dog nuggets and some of the best hot dogs on property.

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The seating area in the back of the counter service restaurant occupies some of the space once used by the Penny Arcade.

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It's themed to an American baseball park complete with bleachers, scoreboard, an antique coin operated baseball game, authentic memorabilia, pennants and a movie screen showing old Disney animated shorts starring Mickey and Goofy which focus on sports.

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Pay close attention to some of the photos in this area as some of them are not as old as they seem.

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Look for the one containing photos of a Disney imagineers including women dressed as men with mustaches and a few wearing some very modern pairs of sneakers.

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And Casey's isn't just a place to grab a quick bite, but an entertainment venue as well.

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The seating area outside not only gives you a great view of the castle but a prime location to enjoy the sounds of the ragtime piano player, complete with his red and white striped vest tickling the ivories on the piano.

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That, according to story, was a gift from Mickey to Minnie on the 50th anniversary of Disneyland.

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The piano is a professional upright with the hammers having been specially treated with liquid plastic for the honky tonk style of play, allowing them to bounce off the strings more quickly.

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Be sure to stop by, listen and say hi to the piano players, some of whom have been there for more than 20 years.

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The windows above Casey's Corner that face Cinderella Castle contain some of the windows that were added to honor other Disney imagineers.

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One of the notable names can be found on the window that reads the Camelot Corporation Rhodes Show Installations Tony Baxter, Dave Burkhart, Ed Johnson and Gary Younger.

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Baxter, who joined Disney in: 1965

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He eventually became executive vice president of design for the parks and was responsible for designing such classic attractions as Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Splash Mountain and the original version of Journey into Imagination, including coming up with the idea for Figment.

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Dave Burkhart was a vice president of show quality assurance at WDI and is also honored with a tombstone in the Haunted Mansion graveyard that reads Dear departed brother Dave.

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He chased a bear into a cave.

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Another window honors Disney legend Ralph Ken, who realized his childhood dream and met and worked for Walt Disney.

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erials for attractions at the: 6465

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He also spent time as director of Walt Disney Imagineering east, overseeing Florida staff support for Epcot center in Tokyo, Disneyland.

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His window reads the Ralph Kent Collection, Fine Arts and Collectibles Anaheim, Lake, Buena Vista and Tokyo.

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Again, these windows are notable because of their location and the fact that they face the castle, as for many years the only window to bear that distinction was found on the opposite side of the street atop the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor.

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It reads, Walter E.

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Disney Graduate School of Design and Master Planning.

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We specialize in Imagineering.

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Headmaster Richard Irvine, Dean of Design John Hench.

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Instructors Edward Brummet, Marvin Davis, Fred Hope, Vic Greene, Bill Martin and Chuck Myall.

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Appropriately, this window honors not only Walt Disney but those men inherently involved in the creation of the Magic Kingdom itself.

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From Dick Irvine, who helped shape the master plan and attractions at Walt Disney World and was later made chief operations officer of WED Enterprises, which was later renamed Walt Disney Imagineering to John Hench, who was a master at the use of color and designed Cinderella Castle, Space Mountain and countless other buildings and attractions.

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As I said earlier, this and the window at the entrance are the first and last of the credits you see as part of this elaborate show that is the Magic Kingdom, with the director being featured first and last, just as in a theatrical film.

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Heading back around the corner from Casey's, you'll find a quaint little garden in front of the baby care center and first aid station.

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Next door, facing Adventureland is the grand Crystal Palace Restaurant.

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Inspired by the glass domed ceilings of San Francisco's Conservatory of Flowers, the name is befitting a Victorian era building whose bright interior is illuminated by skylights, stained glass and walls of paned windows.

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Known as a buffet with character, it serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, featuring appearances and interactive parades with Winnie the Pooh and friends.

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The architecture here is notable not only on the inside, but but more specifically on the outside.

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We're going to talk in later tours about the transitioning from land to land in the Magic Kingdom and how so many elements play into that subtle theme change.

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If you look at the Crystal palace while standing on the Main street side, say near Casey's Corner, you'll notice the large veranda, porch and delicate detailing.

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As you walk to the bridge that crosses into Adventureland, notice how there's no porch on this side, but instead striped green, green awnings and overgrown trees that not only cover the windows and take away from that open, delicate feel, but also give a sense of mystery to the building, as if you had left the civilized world of a Victorian seaboard Main street and instead are looking at a building that may be from the end of British colonial times and the last outpost of civilization before heading deep into the treacherous jungles of a far off land.

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The bright white also transitions between the pastel colors that make up the buildings on Main street and the bolder tropical colors that predominate Adventureland.

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We'll talk more as we venture into Adventureland, but just take note of how the music of Main street fades seamlessly into the background and the jungle beats of Adventureland come into audio focus.

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Let's head back to the end of Main Street.

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Since it really terminates at the hub located at the base of Cinderella Castle, it's really the central point of reference and is much like the hub of a wheel and all the different spokes that radiate out from it take you to the seven themed lands of the Magic Kingdom.

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Crossing the bridge into the Hub, you're greeted by the smiling faces of Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse on the bronze partner statue.

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We believe in our idea a family park where parents and children could have fun together.

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That quote from Walt can be found on a plaque below the statue and one in which Walt seems to be pointing to the future with his greatest triumph by his side, holding his hand, smiling as he looks up at him.

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,: 1995

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With a second partner statue residing in Disneyland.

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The statue is not only rooted in symbolism and meaning, but possesses a number of interesting details as well.

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The STR symbol on Walt's tie refers to the Smoke Tree Ranch, a development in Palm Springs, California where he had a vacation home.

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On his extended right hand, he wears a Claddagh ring, a traditional Irish ring often worn as a wedding ring and one worn by he and his wife Lillian.

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The partner statue is surrounded by eight smaller statues, including Dumbo, Pluto, Pinocchio, Donald Duck, Minnie Mouse, Brer Rabbit, Goofy and Chip N Dale.

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Something else that bears mentioning here, even though it's no longer considered part of Main street, is the Plaza Rose Garden.

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This was the queue and load area for the now extinct Plaza Swan Boats.

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I mention this here because at one time the swan boats were listed on maps as a Main Street USA D Ticket attraction.

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Operating from May: 1973

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Leaving from the dock that sits near the entrance to Tomorrowland, it passes Main street usa, ventured through the jungles on the outskirts of Adventureland, past the Swiss Family Treehouse and under the castle's drawbridge before returning to the Rose Garden.

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These canopied boats were operated primarily by female pilots and bore the name of Disney fairies such as Florida Flora, Fauna, Merryweather and Tinkerbell.

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Contrary to long standing rumors, they were not sold to the city of Orlando, nor could they be found on nearby Lake Eola.

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And while the swan boats are long gone, swan shaped topiaries in the garden pay tribute to this lost attraction.

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And speaking of topiaries, look carefully along the banks of the canal near Tomorrowland as a sea serpent, one of the largest topiaries in Walt Disney World, stands guard in front of the castle.

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So while this may be the end of Main street usa, it also marks the beginning of a fantastic journey What I've hoped to do is just give you a very small taste of the details here on Main street and bring your attention to some of the fine points and fun facts.

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There's so much more that we could have covered, but only so much time to do it in.

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So I invite you to take some time and explore on your own.

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Look around, talk to cast members.

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Members, listen, touch and allow yourself to experience everything that Main Street USA and all of Walt Disney World has to offer.

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Most of all, let yourself be a kid again the entire time you're there, as Main Street USA is just the beginning of what's going to be an incredible memorable adventure as you spend your day in the Magic Kingdom.