Magic Kingdom Attractions and Entertainment
On this page you will find an indepth look at the Magic Kingdom attractions and their educational value. Please keep in mind that not every attraction and show is listed on this page, only attractions, shows, and entertainment that have educational value to them.
This page will take you on a journey through the Magic Kingdom’s different lands - Main Street, U.S.A., Adventureland, Frontierland, Liberty Square, Fantasyland, and Tomorrowland - and their attractions that can be considered educational. When in the parks, take your time to explore, find new things, and experience new things… you’ll never know what you’re going to learn!
This page will take you on a journey through the Magic Kingdom’s different lands - Main Street, U.S.A., Adventureland, Frontierland, Liberty Square, Fantasyland, and Tomorrowland - and their attractions that can be considered educational. When in the parks, take your time to explore, find new things, and experience new things… you’ll never know what you’re going to learn!
Main Street, U.S.A.You enter the Magic Kingdom via Main Street, U.S.A. Main Street, U.S.A. is modeled off of a turn of the century American Main Street. Once you emerge from under the bridge, you’ll be transported to Town Square, which is complete with a City Hall, a Fire Station, and even a barber’s shop (Harmony Barber Shop). On Main Street, USA, you can find where to sign up for the interactive adventure Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom (more information on that here).
Main Street, U.S.A. street performers include those of the Dapper Dans and traditional marching band, the Main Street Philharmonic. With the help of these delightful performers, you’re truly transported back in time to the classic Main Streets of the past. The Dapper Dans are a barbershop quartet that captivate their audience with a capella renditions of favorite Americana and Disney tunes. They even carry Deagan Organ Chimes with them and play all kinds of tunes on this novelty instrument. The Main Street Philharmonic perform old-school marches, big band hits, and even Disney classics. As you’re strolling down Main Street, U.S.A., take in the sights of small-town America from a bygone era and keep your ear out for the sounds. When you hear the drum roll, it’s like discovering musical magic! |
Adventureland
Adventureland is a land reminiscent of old time adventure books and TV shows. Home to attractions such as Pirates of the Caribbean, Swiss Family Treehouse, and the Jungle Cruise, there aren’t many rides that offer educational value. Adventureland itself is a mishmash of themes. You can climb a tree, fly over the desert, explore the jungle, sail on the high seas, and even visit a tropical island where birds talk and sing. No matter which adventure you choose, it's a fun area to explore.
The Enchanted Tiki Room will make guests want to sing along to the lively menagerie of exoctic birds and flowers. Learn about the beauty and magic of the Pacific Islands as you enter this enchanted garden. You will be surrounded by a tropical island paradise full of totem poles and tropical flora. The building itself is modeled off a ceremonial house located in the heart of Polynesia. On the wall warrior shields are hung and ancient statues and woven bamboo fixtures echo the mysterious stories of ancient traditions. Learn about traditional South Seas rhythms with classic Disney flair and wit while bobbing parrots, giggling cockatoos, crooning orchids, and drumming Tiki statues perform.
The Jungle Cruise, although it is a whimsical boat ride, has its roots in the facts. During the ten minute boat journey you will encounter awesome wonders of nature and explore some of the world’s most exotic locales. The Jungle Cruise is themed along the Amazon in South America, the African Congo, the Nile River, and the Mekong River. You will have the chance to hear tidbit facts about specific animals such as giant butterflies, massive pythons, elephants, hippos, and so many more.
The Enchanted Tiki Room will make guests want to sing along to the lively menagerie of exoctic birds and flowers. Learn about the beauty and magic of the Pacific Islands as you enter this enchanted garden. You will be surrounded by a tropical island paradise full of totem poles and tropical flora. The building itself is modeled off a ceremonial house located in the heart of Polynesia. On the wall warrior shields are hung and ancient statues and woven bamboo fixtures echo the mysterious stories of ancient traditions. Learn about traditional South Seas rhythms with classic Disney flair and wit while bobbing parrots, giggling cockatoos, crooning orchids, and drumming Tiki statues perform.
The Jungle Cruise, although it is a whimsical boat ride, has its roots in the facts. During the ten minute boat journey you will encounter awesome wonders of nature and explore some of the world’s most exotic locales. The Jungle Cruise is themed along the Amazon in South America, the African Congo, the Nile River, and the Mekong River. You will have the chance to hear tidbit facts about specific animals such as giant butterflies, massive pythons, elephants, hippos, and so many more.
FrontierlandBanjo music and fresh cooking turkey legs will welcome you into the old-time wild west that is Frontierland. Embrace the culture of America’s pioneer homeland and appreciate the beauty of Frontierland with the mesquite trees, century plants, evergreens, slack pines, and Jerusalem thorns with their fragrant flowers.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad offers the experience of riding through an abandoned gold-mining town on a runaway train. Loving coined “the Wildest Ride in the Wilderness,” Big Thunder Mountain will throw you all around the landscape of rugged bedrock and desert cactuses. You will venture inside a nearly 200-foot mountain to the Big Thunder Mining Company, which was established in the early days of America’s Gold Rush. In the interactive queue, you will have the opportunity to see a replica mining company from the west and will travel through abandoned mine shafts. Learn all about mining and the folklore surrounding the 1850’s rushes on Big Thunder Mountain! |
Journey through the stories and worlds of Mark Twain on Tom Sawyer Island by taking a log raft across Rivers of America. Once you arrive at Tom’s Landing, you will be able to embark on a self-guided expedition through the heart of early America. Explore dusty dirt roads, travel across creaky bridges, and crawl through narrow passages and secret caves all while following in the pioneering footsteps of the frontier’s early settlers. While on your adventure you will come across iconic and legendary sites such as Harper’s Mill, Injun Joe’s Cave, Fort Langhorn, and so much more.
|
Liberty SquareAs you step into Liberty Square, you’re transported back into the colonial era of America. The brick builders are reminiscent of Williamsburg, Virginia and Liberty Square is home to a replica of the Liberty Bell and the Hall of Presidents.
Fun Fact: In 1976, 50 Liberty Bell replicas were cast and molded honoring our country’s 200th birthday. Each state was given a replica bell, but Pennsylvania already had the original bell in Philadelphia, so the last replica was unused until years later, Walt Disney World realized and asked if they could have it for Liberty Square. |
Travel inside the heart of Liberty Square, The Hall of Presidents, modeled after Independence Hall in Philadelphia, and explore an authentic artifact collection that includes presidential relics such as George Washington’s dental instruments. The Hall of Presidents will relay the dramatic story of the origin of the United States of America. Witness moments such as the formation of our Constitution and the struggles along the way. As a finale, the curtain rises and reveals each and every United States President, together on stage all at once. Then, Presidents George Washington and Barack Obama deliver majestic speeches about the American Dream.
|
FantasylandBased on Disney’s classic animated films, Fantasyland is the place where children of all ages can step right into a fairytale. Fantasyland is home to many Walt Disney World classic attractions; however, there are not many educational attractions or entertainment in this land.
Still want a taste of a classic attraction and education? Visit “it’s a small world” where you can sing along to the iconic anthem of world peace. On this journey on the Seven Seaways Waterway, you will travel all seven continents and see for yourself that it truly is a small world after all. |
During your tour, you will experience a rainbow of diverse cultures such as: Scandinavia, The British Isles, Western and Eastern Europe, The Middle East, Asia, Africa, Antarctica, South America, and Australia and the South Pacific Islands. “it’s a small world” will remind everyone of the common bonds of friendship, laughter, and happiness we all share - and that if we see the world through the eyes of child, we’ll realize we are all basically the same.
Tomorrowland
Tomorrowland, originally designed to portray Disney’s view of the future, is home to one of the most educational attractions, the Carousel of Progress. With Tomorrowland trying to accurately depict the view of the future, Disney ran into some troubles because it would need frequent updating. Therefore, in the 90’s, Disney chose to renovate Tomorrow to depict the future described by sci-fi writers from the 1920’s and 1930’s. Today, Tomorrowland is symbolic of the “Future That Never Was,” with it’s imaginative decor and futuristic designs.
|
Discover how industrial advances over the past century have changed everyday living for an American family on the
Carousel of Progress. On the video screens outside of the theater, learn about Walt Disney and his process of creating the carousel for the 1964-65 New York World's Fair. Within the rotating theater, you will learn about the evolution of technology throughout the 20th century and today by looking back to the past and glimpsing into the future. You will follow a typical American family through four generations of the past 100 years and learn about how technology has made life more convenient, comfortable, and fun. On the Carousel of Progress you will see how gas lamps made life easier during the Turn of the 20th Century, how light bulbs were brought to life through electricity during the 1920s, how the television and dishwashers made suburbian life even easier in the 1940s, and how today’s high-tech marvels truly make technological advances so amazing with items such as virtual-reality games,
high-definition televisions, and voice-activated household appliances.
Carousel of Progress. On the video screens outside of the theater, learn about Walt Disney and his process of creating the carousel for the 1964-65 New York World's Fair. Within the rotating theater, you will learn about the evolution of technology throughout the 20th century and today by looking back to the past and glimpsing into the future. You will follow a typical American family through four generations of the past 100 years and learn about how technology has made life more convenient, comfortable, and fun. On the Carousel of Progress you will see how gas lamps made life easier during the Turn of the 20th Century, how light bulbs were brought to life through electricity during the 1920s, how the television and dishwashers made suburbian life even easier in the 1940s, and how today’s high-tech marvels truly make technological advances so amazing with items such as virtual-reality games,
high-definition televisions, and voice-activated household appliances.