Disney4me Posted 21 hours ago Report Share Posted 21 hours ago Going by the number of annual guests, Disney World’s Magic Kingdom is the most popular theme park on the planet. Welcome to the Magic Kingdom! However, there are some tidbits about the park that Disney wants to keep at the down-low… and we’re not talking about the underground Utilidor tunnels. Pirates of the Caribbean was Initially Left Out Pirates of the Caribbean is arguably the most well-known Disney attraction of all-time thanks to its billion-dollar movie series. However, back when Walt Disney World was being planned, the ride (which had opened at Disneyland in 1967) wasn’t included in the Magic Kingdom. At the time Disney Imagineers believed that since pirates were a large part of Florida lore, locals wouldn’t find them exciting. Pirates of the Caribbean They were wrong. What Imagineers didn’t count on was the fact that millions in Florida (and up and down the east coast) had spent years watching Walt Disney talk about Pirates of the Caribbean on the Disneyland television series, and they wanted to see the ride for themselves. Upon Disney World’s opening, the #1 guest complaint was “Where are the pirates?!” Pirates of the Caribbean Entrance Acting quickly, Disney announced that an East Coast version of the attraction would be built, which opened in 1973. However, there was a slight issue… Disney World’s Pirates Pales in Comparison The version of Pirates of the Caribbean that built at Disney World is significantly shorter than its Disneyland counterpart, lacking several scenes during the early portion of the ride, as well as lacking some animatronics and other effects. Pirates of the Caribbean In addition, the money that was used to build the Magic Kingdom’s Pirates was taken from the proposed budget for the Western River Expedition. This massive E-Ticket attraction was planned to headline Walt Disney World’s second phase, and was the brainchild of legendary Imagineer Marc Davis. In the end, the attraction would never be built. Western River Expedition model. Main Street Tributes On a happier note about legendary Imagineers, many (including the aforementioned Davis) are honored on Main Street U.S.A. If you look up at the second level of park’s entry land, each window bears a name and reference to a legendary Imagineer or other major figure in the history of the Disney company. Window Tributes Center Street Voices Staying on Main Street, there’s a small easter egg for those looking for it. If you’re able to grab a quiet moment on Center Street – – the small side street about halfway down Main Street near the current Starbucks location – – listen closely and you can hear the conversions of the residents living above the small courtyard. Center Street Seven Dwarfs Mine Train was NEVER Meant to be Built Since its 2014 opening, the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train has consistently been one of the Magic Kingdom’s most popular attractions, with some of its highest wait times. Which probably makes it all the more surprising that the ride wasn’t originally planned for the New Fantasyland expansion. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train When concept art for the New Fantasyland project was first released, the area where the coaster currently sits was occupied by several interactive Disney Princess meet and greets (in a similar vein to Enchanted Tales with Belle). Reaction to these plans was negative, with many lamenting the lack of a major new attraction and the emphasis on Princesses. Disney pivoted, replacing the meet & greets with the Mine Train, and the rest is history. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Next time you head to the Magic Kingdom, keep these tidbits and history in mind! Stay tuned to DFB for more on the secrets of Disney World! 3 Secrets Epic Universe Doesn’t Want You to Know Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Which of these secrets was new to you? Let us know in the comments below.The post 5 Magic Kingdom Secrets Disney Doesn't Want You to Know first appeared on the disney food blog.View the full article Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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