Article:
One of the amazing things about the Magic Kingdom is that the
Imagineers didn't just slap up the attractions. They put a great
deal of thought into finding special ways to delight and awe the
guests who would visit - by adding fun details and little
surprises.
That tradition has become a cornerstone for creating Disney
magic. These are some of the treasures you'll find in the Magic
Kingdom - (now that you know where to look!)
1. In the courtyard behind Cinderella's castle, there's a
beautiful fountain that features young Cinderella with some
animal friends. The backdrop to the fountain is a lovely mosaic
with a crown in the pattern. If you look at the fountain from
the right direction and the right angle, the crown looks like
it's on her head. This little detail foretells Cinderella's
future as the Princess of the land.
2. Remember the Tom Sawyer tale about whitewashing Aunt Polly's
fence?
Well - every morning Cast Members create their own mischief by
hiding some of Tom's paintbrushes on Tom Sawyer Island.
While your kids are exploring the island, they should look for
the paintbrushes. If they're lucky enough to find one, turn it
in to a Cast Member and they'll receive a special surprise!
3. At the Haunted Mansion, ask a Cast Member about the Legend of
Master Gracey. Most give a haunting performance. This is the
basic story:
Master Gracey was the master of the mansion. His first wife was
a tight-ropewalker - and sadly - lost her footing while crossing
over an alligator pit. There's a painting of her in the library.
His second wife was a young girl who was very close to her
family. She couldn't bear to be separated from them when she got
married - so she killed herself on her wedding night. (You'll
see her haunting the mansion in her wedding gown.)
After 2 tragic deaths, the Master reached the end of his rope
(literally!) You'll see him hanging in the library tower. His
tombstone is in the graveyard - on the left as you enter the
mansion.
Note: This story is quite different from the storyline of the
Disney movie "The Haunted Mansion". I guess the original theme
was just a little too whimsical (the tightrope thing), tragic
(the wedding night suicide) and far-fetched (the whole thing)
that even Eddie Murphy couldn't make it workable.
It does make for a cool ride though!
4. Check out the old-fashioned wooden telephone mounted on the
wall in the Market House on Main Street USA. It's a party line
and if you pick up the receiver and listen - you'll hear a silly
conversation. (Of course - then you'll have to explain to the
kids what a party line is!)
5. Waking up Tinkerbell
Tink is not any early riser and needs to be awakened every
morning. If you're at the park when it opens, make a beeline to
Tinkerbell's Treasures. (It's on the left behind Cinderella's
castle.)
The first children to arrive can ask a Cast Member if they can
awaken Tinkerbell. If they're selected, they'll take part in a
sweet little ceremony.
They'll tap 3 times on a small chest (with a sword or wand) and
say, "Wake up Tinkerbell!" She will awaken and fly around the
room so fast that you'll see dazzling lights and hear "Tink"
noises. Some lucky children even receive a certificate to
commemorate the event.
6. At the end of most days, (a real, live) Tinkerbell flies down
from the top of the castle during the closing ceremonies. Look
closely and you can see the wire she "flies" on.
7. Tony's Town Square Restaurant is modeled after the favorite
restaurant of Lady and the Tramp. Outside - in the cement -
you'll find a heart with the paw prints of these 2 famous
canines! (It's also an operating restaurant and a good place to
share a plate of spaghetti!)
About the author:
Anne Marie Hayes is the author of "Disney World Deals." She
loves visiting Orlando, exploring the theme parks and
discovering Disney secrets with her husband Al, daughter Emily
and nephew Robbie. Her mission is to help families realize their
Disney Dreams by sharing fun and money-saving tips she's learned
from more than a dozen trips to Orlando. Visit her at
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