History of the Magic Kingdom

Have you ever wondered how many times the "Main Street Electrical parade" was replaced by the Spectromagic? Or, what about the opening day of "Magic Journeys"? All of this, and soooooo much more in this great (and long!!) update on Magic Kingdom's history! It took me a long time to sort, adjust and find these information, but I did it:

20,000 Leagues Under the Sea - Closing

On September 5, 1994, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea closes as a Fantasyland attraction in the MAGIC KINGDOM®Park at the WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort.

"American Journeys" - Opens

On September 15, 1984, "American Journeys" (CircleVision 360 film presentation) opens as a Tomorrowland attraction in the MAGIC KINGDOM® Park at the WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort. (Closes January 9, 1994) (see also "Magic Carpet 'Round the World and "America the Beautiful")

Astro Orbiter - Opening

On April 30, 1994, Astro Orbiter opens as a Tomorrowland attraction in the MAGIC KINGDOM® Park at the WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort (formerly Star Jets).

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad - Opens

On September 23, 1980, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad opens. The ride has its grand opening on November 15, 1980 in Frontierland in the MAGIC KINGDOM® Park at the WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Train Names
The names of the trains on the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad line are U.B. Bold, U.R. Daring, U.R.Courageous, I.M. Brave, I.B. Hearty and I.M. Fearless.

Big Thunder Mountain Scenery
Monument Valley, Arizona, one of the scenic wonders of the great American Southwest, inspired the look of Big Thunder Mountain.

Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin - Opens

On October 7, 1998, Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin opens as a Tomorrowland attraction in the MAGIC KINGDOM®Park at the WALT DISNEY WORLD®Resort, with a grand opening scheduled for November 3, 1998. (formerly Take Flight which closed on January 5, 1998)

Carousel of Progress - Reopening

On November 18, 1993, Carousel of Progress reopens (closed for refurbishment on August 24, 1993) as a Tomorrowland attraction in the MAGIC KINGDOM®Park at the WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort.

Renamed to Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress in 1994.

Cinderella Castle Cake - Debut

On October 1, 1996, Cinderella Castle is converted into Cinderella Castle Cake in honor of the 25th Anniversary of the WALT DISNEY WORLD®Resort.

Cinderella Castle Mosaic Murals
The five mosaic murals in the archway in Cinderella Castle contain approximately one million bits of Italian glass in 500 colors, as well as, real pieces of silver and 14 karat gold.

Delta Dreamflight - Opening

On June 26, 1989, Delta Dreamflight, a completely new attraction replacing If You Could Fly, opens as a Tomorrowland attraction in the MAGIC KINGDOM® Park at the WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort.

Delta's sponsorship ended on January 1, 1996 and Delta Dreamflight is renamed Take Flight. (that later would closes on January 5, 1998)

Diamond Horseshoe Jamboree - Debut

On October 1, 1986, Diamond Horseshoe Jamboree opens as a Frontierland attraction in the MAGIC KINGDOM® Park at the WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort.

Dumbo the Flying Elephant - Reopens

On November 20, 1993, Dumbo the Flying Elephant reopens (closed for refurbishment on August 23, 1993) as a Fantasyland attraction in the MAGIC KINGDOM®Park at the WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort.

Dumbo, the Flying Elephant Dumbo, the Flying Elephant is taken from the Disney animated film Dumbo, which tells the story of a baby circus elephant who is taken away from his mother and gains confidence in himself when he discovers his ability to fly.

Enchanted Tiki Birds - Closes

On September 1, 1997, Enchanted Tiki Birds attraction located in Adventureland in the MAGIC KINGDOM®Park at the WALT DISNEY WORLD®Resort closes for refurbishment and renovation.

Reopens as The Enchanted Tiki Room-Under New Management on April 5, 1998.

ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter - Opening

June 20, 1995 is the official opening of ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter (replaces Mission to Mars) as a Tomorrowland attraction in the MAGIC KINGDOM®Park at the WALT DISNEY WORLD®Resort.

ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter opens unofficially on December 16, 1994 as a Tomorrowland attraction in the MAGIC KINGDOM®Park at the WALT DISNEY WORLD®Resort; closed temporarily in January, 1995 for refurbishment and enhancement.

Fairy Tale Garden - Opening

On July 2, 1999, Fairy Tale Garden, a new show area where characters such as Belle (Beauty and the Beast) tell short fairy tale stories throughout the day, opens in Fantasyland at the MAGIC KINGDOM Park at the WALT DISNEY WORLD®Resort. The area closed in September 2010 to be changed into a new play-and-greet area, featuring characters from the Disney animated film called "Tangled".

First Attraction to use Audio-Animatronics® Technology
The predecessor of "The Enchanted Tiki Room Under New Management," opened at Disneyland in 1963, as The Enchanted Tiki Room - Tropical Serenade. It was the first attraction to function completely using the wonders of Audio-Animatronics® technology.

"Grand Prix Raceway" - Renaming

On September 26, 1996, "Grand Prix Raceway" in Tomorrowland at the MAGIC KINGDOM®Park is renamed to "Tomorrowland Speedway". It is then renamed to "Tomorrowland Indy Speedway" on December 19, 1999. Later, it was once again renamed "Tomorrowland Speedway".

If You Could Fly - Opening

On June 6, 1987, If You Could Fly, sponsored by Delta opens as a Tomorrowland attraction in the MAGIC KINGDOM Park at the WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort. (formerly called If You Had Wings which closed on June 1, 1987 and was sponsored by Eastern)

"It's a small world" Design and Construction

"It's a small world" was designed by WED (Walter Elias Disney) Enterprises for the 1964 New York World's Fair. Actual construction was handled by MAPO, a division of Walt Disney Productions. 

"it's a small world" Symbolic Costumes. There are more than one hundred different areas presented in the show with each child wearing costumes symbolic of the land they represent.

King Stefan's Banquet Hall Restaurant - Renaming

On April 28, 1997, King Stefan's Banquet Hall Restaurant located in Cinderella Castle in the MAGIC KINGDOM®at the WALT DISNEY WORLD®Resort changes its name to Cinderella's Royal Table

Legend of the Lion King - Debut

On July 8, 1994, Legend of the Lion King opens in the Fantasyland Theater in the MAGIC KINGDOM®Park at the WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort.

MAGIC KINGDOM® Parking - Size

The parking facilities of the theme park accommodate 12,213 vehicles and cover 125 acres.

MAGIC KINGDOM®Park - Rededication
On October 1, 1996, rededication of the MAGIC KINGDOM®Park takes place in front of the Cinderella Castle Cake at the WALT DISNEY WORLD®Resort, with speeches given by notables such as First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton, Roy E. Disney, and Michael Eisner.

"Magic Journeys" - Opening

On December 15, 1987, "Magic Journeys" opens in the Fantasyland Theater in the MAGIC KINGDOM® Park at the WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort; closes on December 1, 1993.

Main Street Cinema - Reopening

On June 1, 1998, Main Street Cinema reopens primarily as a merchandise location, including an area featuring film clips from Disney movies.

"Main Street Electrical Parade" - Debut

In June 11, 1977 "Main Street Electrical Parade" debuts in the MAGIC KINGDOM® Park at the WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort.

"Main Street Electrical Parade" - First Run Completion

In June 11, 1977 The "Main Street Electrical Parade" ends its first run in the MAGIC KINGDOM® Park at the WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort on September 14, 1991. It was replaced by "SpectroMagic."

"Main Street Electrical Parade" - Second Run Opens

On May 28, 1999, the "Main Street Electrical Parade" begins its second run (updated version of the original DISNEYLAND®parade) in the MAGIC KINGDOM®Park at the WALT DISNEY WORLD®Resort, with a special showing for invited guests taking place on May 27, 1999.

"Main Street Electrical Parade" - Third Run

During the special celebration of 2010's "Summer Nightastic" event, the Main Street Electrical Parade returns for a limited time, but after an announcement is made that the parade would remain at the Walt Disney World resort for a longer period of time.

Mickey's Birthdayland - Opens

On June 18, 1988, Mickey's Birthdayland opens near Fantasyland in the MAGIC KINGDOM® Park at the WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort to honor Mickey's 60th birthday.

At the conclusion of Mickey's 60th Birthday celebration, Mickey's Birthdayland became Mickey's Starland on May 26, 1990. Mickey's Starland was then remodeled and became Mickey's Toontown Fair on June 29, 1996. The area is slated to close forever in 2011, to make way for the new Fantasyland Expansion project.

Mickey's Starland - Opening

On May 26, 1990, Mickey's Starland opens near Fantasyland in the MAGIC KINGDOM®Park at the WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort. (see also Mickey's Birthdayland and Mickey's Toontown Fair).

Mickey's Toontown Fair - Opening

On June 29, 1996, Mickey's Toontown Fair opens opens near Fantasyland in the MAGIC KINGDOM®Park at the WALT DISNEY WORLD®Resort. (remodeling of the former Mickey's Starland; see also Mickey's Birthdayland).

Mr. Toad's Wild Ride - Closing

On September 8, 1998, Mr. Toad's Wild Ride closes permanently as a Fantasyland attraction in the MAGIC KINGDOM®Park at the WALT DISNEY WORLD®Resort. It was replaced by "The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh" which opened on June 5, 1999. In 2010, the ride's queue received an extensive refurbishment, that included the addition of many thematic elements, that would fit with the area's new theme.

"Once Upon A Time" Character Breakfast - Debut

In April 1994, "Once Upon A Time" Character Breakfast, featuring Cinderella and friends, opens at Cinderella's Royal Table located on the third floor of Cinderella Castle, overlooking Fantasyland in the MAGIC KINGDOM® Park at the WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort.

"Partners" Statue - Dedication

On June 19, 1995, dedication of the "Partners" statue of Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse occurs, located in the central plaza in front of Cinderella Castle at the MAGIC KINGDOM®Park at the WALT DISNEY WORLD®Resort.

Pirates of the Caribbean Song

The music for the Pirates of the Caribbean song "Yo Ho (A Pirate's Life for Me)" was written by Disney Studio composer, George Bruns with lyrics by Imagineer Xavier Atencio. 

"Remember the Magic" - Debut

On October 1, 1996, "Remember the Magic" parade, celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the WALT DISNEY WORLD®Resort, debuts at the MAGIC KINGDOM®Park. 

"Remember the Magic" Parade - Renaming

On February 1, 1998, "Remember the Magic" Parade is renamed "Disney's Magical Moments" Parade in the MAGIC KINGDOM®Park at the WALT DISNEY WORLD®Resort.

"SpectroMagic" - First Run Completion

On May 22, 1999, "SpectroMagic" ends its run in the MAGIC KINGDOM®Park at the WALT DISNEY WORLD®Resort.

"SpectroMagic" - Premiere

On October 1, 1991, "SpectroMagic" debuts in the MAGIC KINGDOM®Park at the WALT DISNEY WORLD®Resort. ("SpectroMagic" replaced the "Main Street Electrical Parade" which ended its first run in the MAGIC KINGDOM®Park on September 14, 1991.)

"SpectroMagic" ends its first run in the MAGIC KINGDOM®Park at the WALT DISNEY WORLD®Resort on May 22, 1999.

"SpectroMagic" begins its second run in the MAGIC KINGDOM®Park, replacing the "Main Street Electrical Parade," on April 2, 2001, and then gets replaced one more time in June 2010 by the "Main Street Electrical parade".

Skyway - Closure

On November 9, 1999, the Skyway attraction (Skyway to Fantasyland and Skyway to Tomorrowland) located at the MAGIC KINGDOM®Park at the WALT DISNEY WORLD®Resort closes permanently at the end of operating hours. This attraction originally opened with the MAGIC KINGDOM®Park on October 1, 1971.

Snow White's Scary Adventures - Opening

On December 16, 1994, Snow White's Scary Adventures opens as a Fantasyland attraction in the MAGIC KINGDOM®Park at the WALT DISNEY WORLD®Resort. (formerly known as Snow White's Adventures which opened with the MAGIC KINGDOM®Park on October 1, 1971, before undergoing extensive renovations).

Splash Mountain - Opening

On July 17, 1992, Splash Mountain officially opens as a Frontierland attraction in the MAGIC KINGDOM®Park at the WALT DISNEY WORLD®Resort.

Splash Mountain® Boats The boats shaped like hollowed-out logs, for Splash Mountain® plummet 52 feet down a 45 degree incline at speeds up to 40 miles an hour.

Splash Mountain® Grand Opening and Dedication
The grand opening and dedication for Splash Mountain at Walt Disney World took place on October 2, 1992. Splash Mountain in Disneyland opened three years prior in July 1989, and was the first log flume ride ever created for a Disney theme park.

Stitch's Great Escape! - Opening

on November 16, 2004 Stitch's Great Escape! officially opens, with grand opening celebrations and press event, in Tomorrowland at the MAGIC KINGDOM® Park at the WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort.

"The Enchanted Tiki Room-Under New Management" - Debut

On April 5, 1998, "The Enchanted Tiki Room-Under New Management" opens as an Adventureland attraction in the in the MAGIC KINGDOM®Park at the WALT DISNEY WORLD®Resort. (Replaces The Enchanted Tiki Birds) 

The "Main Street Electrical Parade" - Second Run Begins

On June 11, 1977, the "Main Street Electrical Parade" begins its second run (updated version of the original DISNEYLAND® parade) in the MAGIC KINGDOM® Park at the WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort on May 28, 1999, with a special showing for invited guests only taking place on May 27, 1999.

The "Main Street Electrical Parade" - Second Run Completion

On June 11, 1977, the "Main Street Electrical Parade" ends its second run in the MAGIC KINGDOM® Park at the WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort at the end of operating hours on April 1, 2001.

The All America Parade - Debut

On September 30, 1987, The All America Parade debuts in the MAGIC KINGDOM® Park at the WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort in honor of the bicentennial of the U.S. Constitution. It was the largest parade in the park's history and featured the world's largest free-flying American flag which was raised by an helicopter behind Cinderella Castle.

The MAGIC KINGDOM® Park, opening

The MAGIC KINGDOM® Park, which covers 107 acres, opened on October 1, 1971, with 23 attractions in six themed areas: Adventureland, Liberty Square, Frontierland, Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, and Main Street, U.S.A. Another themed land, now called Mickey's Toontown Fair, opened in 1988.

The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh - Opening

On June 5, 1999, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh opens to guests as a Fantasyland attraction in the MAGIC KINGDOM Park at the WALT DISNEY WORLD®Resort. It replaces Mr. Toad's Wild Ride which closed permanently on September 8, 1998.

The Splash Mountain Story
The story for Splash Mountain is largely based on the three main animation sequences found in the classic 1946 Disney film Song of the South.

The oldest attraction in Fantasyland®
The oldest attraction in Fantasyland® is Prince Charming Regal Carrousel (previously called "Cinderella's Golden Carousel"), which was originally built in 1917.

Timekeeper - Opening

On November 21, 1994, the Timekeeper (Circle-Vision 360 film presentation) opens as a Tomorrowland attraction in the MAGIC KINGDOM® Park at the WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort. (Replaces "American Journeys." See November 25, 1971).
The Timekeeper attraction began operation as a seasonal attraction on April 29, 2001.

Tinkerbell Flight - Debut

On July 3, 1985, Tinkerbell makes her first flight in the MAGIC KINGDOM® Park at the WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort.

Tomorrowland Speedway - Renaming

On December 19, 1999, Tomorrowland Speedway at the MAGIC KINGDOM®Park is renamed to Tomorrowland Indy Speedway.

Tomorrowland Transit Authority - Opening

On June 11, 1994, Tomorrowland Transit Authority (replaces WEDway PeopleMover) opens as a Tomorrowland attraction in the MAGIC KINGDOM®Park at the WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort.
In August 2010, the ride was renamed "Tomorrowland Transit Authority PEOPLEMOVER".

All these information are subject to the copyright of the Walt Disney® Company. All rights are reserved.