Magic Kingdom, the first of four theme parks at the sprawling Florida site, opened 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.

General Info

Magic Kingdom sits on 142 acres with the towering Cinderella Castle at its center. Similar to Disneyland in California, the park is divided into seven themed lands - Main Street, U.S.A.; Adventureland; Frontierland; Liberty Square; Fantasyland; Mickey's Toontown Fair; and Tomorrowland.

Popular attractions include Pirates of the Caribbean, The Haunted Mansion, Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, Stitch's Great Escape! Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, it's a small world, Jungle Cruise, Hall of Presidents, Mad Tea Party, Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Country Bear Jamboree, Tom Sawyer Island, Peter Pan's Flight and Dumbo the Flying Elephant.

Cinderella Castle, the park's icon, stands 189 feet tall and includes 18 towers. Inside its main hall, five glittering mosaics created under the direction of Dorothea Redmond and Hanns-Joachim Scharff tell the story of Cinderella in 500 brilliant hues of glass. In 2007, Disney "dream makers" built a royal suite inside the castle.

Entertainment

In addition to dozens of Disney characters throughout the park, there is a variety of entertainment each day, from colorful parades to visiting marching bands. Major productions include:

Dream Along with Mickey - Mickey Mouse and friends show Donald Duck that dreams really do come true in this musical stage show.
Disney Dreams Come True - Mickey Mouse leads a daily parade celebrating the history of Disney animation.
"SpectroMagic" - Presented on select nights, this energetic parade of Disney characters features floats dotted with millions of twinkling lights.
Wishes - Jiminy Cricket narrates the biggest, boldest fireworks show ever presented at Magic Kingdom, a heart-tugging "story in the sky" about making a wish come true, presented most nights.

Food and Beverage
Food is available in a variety of unique settings, from elegant table-service restaurants to outdoor carts. Major eateries include:

Tony's Town Square (Main Street, U.S.A.) -- salads, pastas, Italian entrees
Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe (Frontierland) -- burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, salads
Columbia Harbour House (Liberty Square) -- clam chowder, fish, chicken, sandwiches
Pinocchio Village Haus (Fantasyland) -- pizza, Italian sandwiches, salads, soups
Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe (Tomorrowland) -- burgers, chicken, soups, sandwiches

Guests can dine with Disney characters at Cinderella's Royal Table (Fantasyland - breakfast, lunch and dinner); The Crystal Palace (Main Street, U.S.A. - buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner); Liberty Tree Tavern (Liberty Square - lunch and dinner). Reservations can be made in advance by calling 407-WDW-DINE.