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Walt Disney’s Land- Main Street, U.S.A.

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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.

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.)

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.

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)

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!

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.

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

Here is the map of our Magical Blogorail should you happen to have to make a stop along the way and want to reboard:

1st Stop ~ DISTherapy  (You are here!)
2nd Stop ~ Delightfully Disney
4th Stop ~ Magical Mouse Schoolhouse
5th Stop ~ Return to Disney

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Comments

  4. 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"…

    Reply

  15. 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.

    Reply

  16. 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.

    Reply

    • 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!!

      Reply

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