Magic Kingdom was the first park to open at the Walt Disney World Resort, on Oct. 1, 1971.
Walt's older brother and lifelong business partner, Roy O. Disney, inaugurated the park with a heartfelt dedication that remains today on a bronze plaque in Main Street, U.S.A.:
"WALT DISNEY WORLD is a tribute to the philosophy and life of Walter Elias Disney ... and to the talents, the dedication, and the loyalty of the entire Disney organization that made Walt Disney's dream come true. May Walt Disney World bring Joy and Inspiration and New Knowledge to all who come to this happy place ... a Magic Kingdom where the young at heart of all ages can laugh and play and learn -- together."
Magic Kingdom sits on 107 acres with the towering Cinderella Castle at its center.
The Magic Kingdom can hold 100,000 people.
Main Street, USA was inspired by Marceline, Missouri, which is where Walt grew up
Most buildings in the MK are built using 'forced perspective' - the buildings look like they are 3 stories high, but are only 2 stories high. The first floor is actual size, the second story is 7/8 the size of the first, and the third story is 7/8 of the second story. City Hall & the Exposition Hall are both full size.
As most people walk on the right side of the road, Main Street was designed with the food shops on the right side for people to get their breakfast on the way in, and also things that they'll need for the day, cameras, etc, and the shops are on your right on the way out.
The second story windows on Main Street, U.S.A. buildings show advertisements bearing the names of Disney executives, Imagineers, and the Disney family. Some of the featured names are Walt E. Disney, Roy E. Disney, Dick Nunis, E. Cardon Walker, Bill Martin amd John Hench.
Here's one to stump your friends with. How many stones are there in Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom? NONE. The whole shell of the building is fiberglass.
