Welcome to the first stop aboard Magical Blogorail Yellow. Enjoy the ride as we share with you our favorite Magic Kingdom land, and our favorite attraction in that land.
I tried, I really did. In my mind, I ping-ponged between the 5 conventional lands at the Disney Parks; Adventureland, Frontierland, Liberty Square, Fantasyland and Tomorrowland. How could I possibly choose a number one? Worse yet, how could I ever select a favorite attraction?? I’m weak, indecisive. I love them all too much! In my mind, I walked through each area of the park; across the pathways and along the Rivers of America. And then it hit me, of course. Where does the magic first appear? When are you introduced to the electricity? By design, Walt’s “show” begins when you submit your ticket. The opening curtain (the dark tunnel passage under the Railroad Station) blocks your view until the very last minute.
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| Curtain up! |
As you step through the underpass, you are now in the theater; Main Street, U.S.A. is revealed and your new adventure begins. The familiar aroma of freshly popped popcorn is your greeting. You walk along the “red carpet” under foot and read the opening credits on the windows above; most folks know that the names painted on the buildings represent the Imagineers and others who helped create the park. (In Disneyland, there is a window above the Main Street Emporium honoring Elias Disney, Walt’s father and inspirational force.)
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| Main Street Emporium Walt Disney World |
The setting culminates in the star of the show- the “weenie” that mesmerizes and pulls you forward, or the Disney castle.
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| Notice that red carpet? |
Metaphors aside, Main Street U.S.A. is “America at the turn of the century- the crossroads of an era. The gas lamps and the electric lamps, the horse-drawn car and the auto car. Main Street is everyone’s hometown… the heartland of America.” (Walt Disney) Whether modeled after Walt’s beloved Marceline, designer Harper Goff’s Fort Collins, Colorado or your neck of the woods, it is a slice of Americana; “For those of us who remember the carefree time it recreates, Main Street will bring back happy memories. For younger visitors, it is an adventure in turning back the calendar to the days of their grandfather’s youth.” (Walt Disney 1955)
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| Walt Disney World’s Town Square |
From Town Square, with its City Hall and Fire Station, to the Harmony Barber Shop, souvenir emporiums and eateries, this area of the park sets the mood for your day. You are transported to a time and place that is distinctly different from that you are most used to. You can feel that the possibilities are endless!
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| Disneyland Fire Department |
But it is not just a pretty face- there is entertainment galore in this 2 block piece of real estate: The Dapper Dans barbershop quartet, the Mayor of Main Street, character greetings, daily Flag Retreat ceremony, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, and daily parades.
The many and varied Main Street Vehicles get you where you are going, but not without a loooong look-see along the way. And THAT is my favorite attraction in this land- people watching. And the best way to accomplish that in my book? Over a good meal, at a table with a view. While the outdoor tables at Tony’s Town Square are a nice option, my absolute favorite at-the-curb hot spot is the Carnation Cafe in Disneyland.
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| Disneyland’s Carnation Cafe |
NOTHING beats having breakfast outside here, while pouring over your park maps and the endless magical possibilities ahead. Nothing.
Main Street, U.S.A.- where the promise of a new day meets the bittersweet “’til we meet again”. It is the sixth Land in a Disney Park and my personal favorite. Walt walks here.
Thank you for joining me today. Your next stop on the Magical Blogorail Loop is Delightfully Disney
2nd Stop ~ Delightfully Disney
4th Stop ~ Magical Mouse Schoolhouse
5th Stop ~ Return to Disney
Love it! It was hard for me to decide a favorite too. Our faves change with each trip! Love how you ended your post, too – Walt walks here – gave me chills 🙂
Thanks Jodi! This prompt was almost as challenging as picking your favorite child!!
Love your choice! I've never gotten to really slow down and immerse in Main St USA, as much as I've wanted to. Thanks for sharing your vision of that wonderful area 🙂
I agree Tricia; I do have to force myself to put the brakes on… (It gets easier when your children are older too!)
Good call. Main Street is our favorite part of the Magic Kingdom, narrowly edging out Tomorrowland.
Thanks- too many wonderful spots in the magical Kingdom!!
Wonderful post! I too have to force myself to slow down on Main Street and not forge ahead to the castle. Boy, you got me (sniff sniff) with "Walt walks here"…
Thanks Deb- I think you can really feel his spirit on this strip of property. What a legacy!
This post gave me chills. Loved it!
Thanks so much Melissa. Isn't it true that the more we learn about Walt, the better it gets?
Main St USA is definitely a favorite of mine… thanks for putting it in the spotlight!
Thanks for stopping by Kathy! 😀
New Follower! Disney is my therapy too and Walt is an inspiration.
Lisa- we're soul sistas! Heading your way now-
Its way to hard to pick a favorite at disney, I love everything there!
My problem exactly, Thomas!! Thanks for stopping by!
Thank you for linking up to Thoughtful Thursday with Love Our Disney and Mousekatools! Hope to see you next week.
The hardest part of leaving Disneyland was saying goodbye to Main Street. I want to live there! 🙂
I could have sworn I saw some empty apartments… 😀
Love this post! I have tingles reading it! Main Street is one of my favorites too.
Thanks Deb! A stroll down Main Street U.S.A. is good for the soul, yes?!
I dearly love Main Street! I very much enjoyed this post. 🙂
Thank you dear Heidi!
I love Main Street too! Walking down it makes me realize that I am "really" here!! Some day I will get to Disneyland, I can't wait to walk down Main Street knowing Walt walked there before me.
Yes Donna, ANY Main Street, U.S.A. will create the same symptoms!!
This is my favorite MK land as well. I could spend the day on Main Street taking it all in, watching the crowds, seeing the cast members, shopping and taking pictures! Thanks for sharing.
Beth, isn't it hard to slow down, savor, and not rush to your first "destination"? I always have to take a second to realize that THIS should always be our first stop!!
I love Main St USA!
Thanks Heather!
I also love that Main Street is what brings you into the magic. It would not be the same if you entered anywhere else. It is Disney.
Magical possibilities!
My husband doesn't like shopping, so we never linger on Main Street. I'm going to Disney by myself next month and I can't wait to just take my time and look at all the details.
There are some definite perks when flying solo!