Difference between revisions of "Main Street USA"

From The Mickey Wiki: Your Walt Disney World Encyclopedia!
Jump to: navigation, search
(Created page with '==History== Modeled after a small American towns, and set in the early 1900's, Main Street gets its architecture from different regions in the United States including Boston and...')
 
 
(92 intermediate revisions by 3 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
 +
{{Template:Infobox Disney ride |
 +
| image= MSTrainStation3.jpg
 +
| caption='''The Train Station at the entrance to  Main Street USA|alt= Main Street Train Station Magic Kingdom'''
 +
| theme= Americana
 +
| park= Magic Kingdom
 +
| opened=October 1, 1971
 +
| custom_label_1    = Number of Attractions
 +
| custom_value_1    = Two}}
 +
Main Street USA is a land inside the [[Magic Kingdom]].
 
==History==
 
==History==
−
Modeled after a small American towns, and set in the early 1900's, Main Street gets its architecture from different regions in the United States including Boston and Missouri. The change in architecture is easiest to see when at the four corners of the land. Main Street begins  when guests emerge from under the Walt Disney World Railroad, and ends when they reach the base of  Cinderella's Castle. Although Main Street does not have particular “rides” like the rest of the lands, it does have its own unique attractions including the Walt Disney World Railroad, and the Main Street Vehicles. Also on Main Street are individual shops and restaurants which add to its small town appeal.
+
Main Street USA is themed to be a turn of the century, small American town. The land took much of its inspiration from Walt's boyhood hometown of Marceline, Missouri. Main Street opened along with the rest of the Magic Kingdom in 1971, with the opening day attractions of: the [[Walt Disney World Railroad]], the [[Main Street Vehicles]] (the Jitney, Fire Engine, Horseless Carriage, Horse Cars and Omnibus), the Penny Arcade, the Main Street Cinema, and the Harmony Barber Shop <ref> http://thisdayindisneyhistory.homestead.com/disneyworldgrandopening.html </ref>.
  
−
===The Main Street Windows====
+
In 1973 Main Street USA got two major additions, the Swan Boats and the Walt Disney Story <ref name= "story"> http://www.waltdatedworld.com/id140.htm</ref> <ref name= "swan"> http://www.waltdatedworld.com/id42.htm</ref>. The Swan Boats were located at the hub of the Magic Kingdom and allowed guests to peddle around both the hub and the [[Swiss Family Treehouse]] <ref name= "swan"/>. The Walt Disney Story on the other hand was a biographical movie about Walt himself which was located in Located in the Gulf Hospitality House <ref name= "story"/>.  
−
Main Article: [[Main Street Windows]]
+
−
Main Street USA also has special meaning symbolically. This starts with the Walt Disney World Railroad (the opening curtain) and continues into Main Street. On the ground, the bricks are red (the red carpet), and the credits for the park begin. On the upper level of the main street shops, each window has the name of an important Disney member. These names are usually attracted to a fictional business in order to tie it in with the rest of the land. Walt Disney's Window is the last one people see when entering the park and the first one the see when leaving it. His window states, Walter E. Disney Graduate School of Design & Master Planning.
+
  
−
===The Statues===
+
The first major closure in Main Street USA happened in 1983 when the Swan Boats closed <ref name= "swan"/>. The boats (which had originally numbered eleven) had been cut down to five before being closed, with the explanation given that they were too expensive to keep running <ref name= "swan"/>. In 1992 Main Street lost another attraction when the Walt Disney Story closed due to the fact that the film was becoming too deteriorated to keep showing<ref name= "story"/>. At this time, a gift shop and information center known as the Exposition Hall replaced the Hospitality House and thus The Walt Disney Story<ref name= "story"/>.
−
Main Street USA is home to two of the most famous statues in Walt Disney World, the Partners Statue and the Share the Magic Statue. The Partners Statue shows Walt Disney holding Mickey's hand and seems to be pointing out something. The statue is placed at the central hub of the park because when the Magic Kingdom originally opened guests would have been required to pass the statue every time they went to a new land. “The Share the Magic Statue” shows Roy O. Disney sitting on a bench holding Minnie Mouses hand.  
+
 
 +
In 1995 the Penny Arcade, which had been an opening day attraction also closed its doors <ref> http://waltdatedworld.com/id90.htm </ref>. It was replaced (along with the Main Street Bookstore and the House of Magic) by the new Main Street Athletic Club (a shop) <ref> https://d23.com/a-to-z/main-street-athletic-club/ </ref>. Another opening day attraction would soon follow in the Penny Arcade's footsteps, when in 1998 the Main Street Cinema was redone. Instead of being a classic movie theater like it had always been, the Cinema was rethemed to become an Art of Disney gift shop <ref> http://www.omniluxe.net/wyw/msusa.htm </ref>. During the refurbishment, the facade on the outside of the cinema was changed to read “Now Showing: The Art of Disney”. Perhaps in homage to the old cinema, guests can still see old Disney shorts being played on a screen in the back of the current shop. In 2001 the next  major change happened when the Harmony Barbershop was moved from West Center Street to Town Square <ref name= "widen"> http://www.omniluxe.net/wyw/msusa.htm </ref>. The move was made so that the [[Emporium]] could expand into what had previously been the barbershop <ref name= "widen"/>.
 +
 
 +
In February of 2014 Disney announced that the "hub" section of Main Street USA would be redeveloped <ref> http://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/main-street-usa/news/25feb2014-photos---magic-kingdom's-hub-set-for-big-changes-to-help-traffic-flow-and-provide-more-fireworks-viewing-locations.htm </ref>. As part of this redevelopment the Rose Garden and the former landing of the Swan Boats were removed. In their place, new lush courtyards were added, as well as mew walkways which were designed to ease crowed congestion <ref> http://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/main-street-usa/news/26feb2015-photos-and-video---take-a-walkthrough-of-the-new-main-street-plaza-west-at-the-magic-kingdom.htm </ref>. Furthermore, the seating areas outside of [[Casey's Corner]] and [[The Plaza Restaurant]] were expanded. In February of 2015 the Main Street Plaza Gardens West and the Main Street Plaza Gardens East opened to guests <Ref> http://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/main-street-usa/news/02mar2015-photos---main-street-plaza-gardens-east-opens-to-guests.htm </ref> <ref> http://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/main-street-usa/news/26feb2015-photos-and-video---take-a-walkthrough-of-the-new-main-street-plaza-west-at-the-magic-kingdom.htm </ref>. Besides featuring new foliage and water features, these gardens also house special FastPass + Wishes viewing areas <Ref> http://www.mousesteps.com/denises-corner-mainmenu-121/1571-review-of-fastpass-wishes-viewing-area-in-expanded-hub-at-the-magic-kingdom </ref>.
 +
 
 +
On July 15, 2017, Disney announced that a new theater based on the Willis Wood theater in 1920s Kansas City <ref> http://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/main-street-usa/news/16jul2017-new-theater-inspired-by-kansas-citys-willis-wood-theater-to-be-built-at-the-magic-kingdom </ref>. This new theater was expected to house live entertainment and be built in the backstage area between Main Street USA and Tomorrowland. In February 2018, it was reported that the Main Street Theater was cancelled <ref> https://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/main-street-usa/news/01feb2018-main-street-theater-project-cancelled.htm </ref>.
 +
 
 +
On January 18, 2019, the Town Square Theater became home to Mickey and Minnie's Celebration Center, the hub for Mickey and Minnie's 90th birthday celebration <Ref>https://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/magic-kingdom/news/18jan2019-photos---mickey-and-minnies-celebration-central-at-the-magic-kingdom.htm </ref>
 +
 
 +
==The Main Street Windows <ref> http://www.wdwinfo.com/best-kept-secrets_MK.htm </ref>==
 +
Besides just being an idealized small town, Main Street USA also has special meaning symbolically. This starts when guests enter the park and go under the Walt Disney World Railroad (the opening curtain). As guests continue onto Main Street they will notice that the ground is red (which symbolizes the red carpet), as around them the “credits” begin. The credits are located on the upper level of the Main Street, as they come in the form of the shop windows, which have the names of important people in the Disney Company’s history. These names are usually attached to a fictional business in order to tie it in with the rest of the land. Walt Disney's Window is the last one people see when entering the park and the first one the see when leaving it. His window states, "Walter E. Disney Graduate School of Design & Master Planning".
 +
 
 +
==The Statues==
 +
[[Image:Partners1.jpg|thumb|200px|The Partners Statue with Cinderella Castle in the background.| alt= Partner's Statue Magic Kingdom]]
 +
 
 +
Main Street USA is also home to two of the most famous statues in Walt Disney World, the “Partners” statue and the “Sharing the Magic” statue. The “Partners” Statue was added in 1995 and shows Walt Disney pointing forward while holding Mickey Mouse's hand <ref> https://www.mouseplanet.com/9766/The_History_of_the_Partners_Statue_Part_One </ref>. The plaque on the statue says, “We believe in our idea: a family park where parents and children could have fun – together.” The statue is placed at the central hub of the park, in front of Cinderella Castle.
 +
 
 +
The “Sharing the Magic” statue is located in Town Square and was built in 1999 in honor of Walt's brother Roy O. Disney <ref> https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2011/03/sharing-the-magic-at-walt-disney-world/ </ref>. The statue shows Roy and Minnie Mouse sitting together on an ornate bench. The plaque below the bench is engraved with the dedication speech Roy gave at the grand opening of Walt Disney World.
  
 
==Attractions==
 
==Attractions==
 +
'''[[Main Street Vehicles]]'''- The Main Street Vehicles allow guests to ride four different antique vehicles- an omnibus, horseless carriage, fire engine, or a horse drawn trolley- from Town Square to Cinderella Castle or vice versa.
  
−
===Current Attractions===
+
'''[[Walt Disney World Railroad]]'''- The Walt Disney World Railroad lets guests take a steam powered train around Walt Disney World with stops at Main Street USA, [[Frontierland]], and [[Fantasyland]].
−
'''The Main Street Vehicles'''- These vehicles allow you to Travel around Main Street on horse-drawn street cars, a double-decker Omnibus, an antique fire engine, 1903 horseless carriages, and Jitneys
+
  
−
'''Walt Disney World Railroad'''- Take a steam powered train around Walt Disney World with stops at Main Street USA, Frontierland, and Mickey's Toontown Fair.
+
'''[[Town Square Theater]]'''- This turn of the century theater allows guests to meet Mickey and Minnie Mouse in there backstage dressing rooms.
  
−
===Past Attractions===
+
==Former Attractions==
 +
[[Main Street Cinema]]- The Main Street Cinema allowed guests to watch classic films and cartoons.
  
−
'''The Penny Arcade'''- An arcade which opened with the park and closed March 19, 1995
+
[[Penny Arcade]]- The Penny Arcade allowed guests to play antique, turn of the century games. It also included more modern video games.
 +
==Restaurants==
 +
'''[[Crystal Palace]]'''- Located on West Street near the bridge to [[Adventureland]], the Crystal Palace serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. All meals are character.
  
−
'''The Main Street Cinema'''- The cinema used to play old Disney cartoons, and other company clips. This eventually became part of the Emporium (1971-1998).
+
'''[[Plaza Restaurant]]'''-Located at the end of East Street near [[Tomorrowland]], the Plaza Restaurant Serves lunch and dinner, and specializes in sandwiches and Reuben.  
  
−
'''The Walt Disney Story'''- A movie honoring the works and life of Walter Elias Disney. Opened April 15, 1973, closed 1992.
+
'''[[Tony's Town Square Restaurant]]'''- Located in Town Square, Tony's Town Square Restaurant serves lunch and dinner. The restaurant specializes in Italian food.  
  
−
'''The Swan Boats'''- Guests could rent swan shaped peddle boats and go around a small lake. The dock still stands today, opened May 20, 1973 closed August 1983.  
+
'''[[Casey's Corner]]-''' Located on West Street next to the Emporium, Casey's Corner specializes in hot dogs and other food typically found at a baseball game.  
  
−
'''Cinderella's Surprise Celebration'''- A stage show set in front of Cinderella's Castle
+
'''[[Plaza Ice Cream Parlor]]'''- Located on East Street next to the Plaza Restaurant, the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor serves various ice cream products.
  
−
'''Cinderellabration'''- Replaced Cinderella's Surprise Celebration, another stage show.  
+
'''[[Main Street Bakery]]'''- Located on East Street, the Main Street Bakery sells pastries, sandwiches and other snacks. In 2013 the Main Street Bakery became the first Starbucks location inside the Magic Kingdom.
 +
==Entertainment==
 +
[[Image:Dans.jpg|thumb|400px|The Dapper Dans performing. Photo by Lauren Javier. | alt= Dapper Dans]]
 +
'''Dapper Dans'''- This barbershop quartet plays throughout the  morning and afternoon on Main Street USA. For performance times [https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/entertainment/magic-kingdom/dapper-dans/'''Click Here'''.]
  
−
==Shopping==
+
'''The Citizens of Main Street'''- These streetmosphere characters interact and perform for guests throughout the morning. The Citizens of Main Street include the Mayor, the Socialite, the Suffragette, and the Fire Chief. For performance times [https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/entertainment/magic-kingdom/citizens-of-main-street-usa/'''Click Here'''.]
−
'''The Kodak Camera Shop'''- Sells film and camera supplies
+
  
−
'''Main Street Confectionery'''- This shop sells Disney candies.
+
'''Casey's Corner Pianist'''- This ragtime piano player performs outside of [[Casey's Corner]]
  
−
'''Emporium'''- The largest store on Main Street, sells every kind of Disney item.  
+
'''Let The Magic Begin'''- The Magic Kingdom's welcome show, featuring Mickey and his friends opening the Magic Kingdom to guests. Let The Magic Begin is performed five minutes prior to park opening on the Cinderella Castle Stage.  
  
−
'''Disney Clothiers'''- Sells Disney character clothing for both kids and adults.
+
'''Flag Retreat'''- At 5:00 pm, the American Flag found in Town Square is lowered and folded during this patriotic ceremony.  
  
−
'''Firehouse Gift Station'''- Sells Disney and park themed souvenirs.
+
'''Mickey's Royal Friendship Faire'''- This stage show performed at the Cinderella Castle Stage, features Mickey and his friends, as well as characters from The Princess and the Frog, Tangled and Frozen. For show times [https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/entertainment/magic-kingdom/mickeys-royal-friendship-faire/'''Click Here'''.].
  
−
'''Newsstand'''- Sells sun screen, cameras, and films.  
+
'''Move It! Shake It! MousekeDance It! Street Party'''- This celebration of Mickey and Minnie's 90th birthday takes place throughout the afternoon on Main Street USA. For show times [https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/entertainment/magic-kingdom/move-it-shake-it-dance-play-it/'''Click Here'''.].
  
−
'''Main Street Athletic Shop'''- Sells Disney sports items and clothing.  
+
'''Once Upon a Time'''- The Magic Kingdom's nighttime spectacular, this castle projection show is performed nightly. Once Upon a Time features Mrs. Potts telling Chip (both from Beauty and the Beast) bedtime stories. Moments from Disney animated features including: Cinderella, Peter Pan, Frozen, Alice in Wonderland and Beauty and the Beast are all featured during the show.
  
−
'''The Chapeau'''- Sells mostly hats.  
+
==Shopping History==
 +
Main Street USA has always been known as one of the best places to shop in Walt Disney World. Although some of the opening day shops are still around, many have closed, been rethemed, or moved. In the table below, the basic information of each store is given including: the store name, location, merchandise sold and the opening and closing dates.
  
−
'''Uptown Jewelers'''- Sells watches and jewelery.
+
{| class="infoList"
 +
|-
 +
|'''Name'''
 +
|'''Opening'''
 +
|'''Closing'''
 +
|'''Replaced By'''
 +
|'''Location'''
 +
|'''Merchandise Sold'''
 +
|-
 +
|'''New Century Clock Shop'''
 +
|1971
 +
|April, 1986
 +
|Emporium expansion
 +
|West Street
 +
|Elgin watches and clocks
 +
|-
 +
|'''Greenhouse'''
 +
|1971
 +
|1985
 +
|Emporium expansion
 +
|West Central Street
 +
|Flowers and other plants.
 +
|-
 +
|'''Disney Clothiers'''
 +
|1985
 +
|Became part of the Emporium in 2001
 +
|Emporium expansion
 +
|West Central Street
 +
|Contemporary Disney Clothing
 +
|-
 +
|'''Hallmark Card Shop'''
 +
|1971
 +
|1985
 +
|Main Street Stationers
 +
|West Central Street
 +
|Hallmark cards, stationary, party items, gift wrapping.
 +
|-
 +
|'''Tobacconist'''
 +
|1971
 +
|1985
 +
|Main Street Stationers
 +
|West Street
 +
|Tobacco products.
 +
|-
 +
|'''Main Street Stationers'''
 +
|1985
 +
|1989
 +
|Main Street Book Store
 +
|West Street
 +
|Cards for all occasions, stationary and accessories.
 +
|-
 +
|'''Main Street Bookstore'''
 +
|1989
 +
|1995
 +
|Main Street Athletic Club
 +
|West Street
 +
|Greeting cards, stationary and writing accessories.
 +
|-
 +
|'''House of Magic'''
 +
|1971
 +
|March 19, 1995
 +
|Main Street Athletic Club
 +
|West Street
 +
|Magic tricks, masks, puzzles, books and gags.
 +
|-
 +
|'''Main Street Athletic Club'''
 +
|1995
 +
|Became part of Emporium in 2001
 +
|Emporium expansion
 +
|West Street
 +
|Sports and Disney themed merchandise.
 +
|-
 +
|'''[[Emporium]]'''
 +
|1971
 +
|Present
 +
|N/A
 +
|West Street
 +
|All sorts of Disney merchandise.
 +
|-
 +
|'''Cup N' Saucer'''
 +
|1971
 +
|1986
 +
|Uptown Jewelers
 +
|East Street
 +
|Fine China gifts.
 +
|-
 +
|'''Wonderland of Wax'''
 +
|1971
 +
|1981
 +
|Holiday Corner
 +
|East Street
 +
|Candles
 +
|-
 +
|'''Holiday Corner'''
 +
|1981
 +
|1986
 +
|Uptown Jewelers
 +
|East Street
 +
|Christmas decorations all year round.
 +
|-
 +
|'''Uptown Jewelers'''
 +
|1973
 +
|Present
 +
|N/A
 +
|East Street/East Central Street
 +
|Fine jewelry.
 +
|-
 +
|'''Hospitality Home'''
 +
|1973
 +
|1992
 +
|Exposition Hall
 +
|Town Square
 +
|N/A (Housed the Walt Disney Story attraction.)
 +
|-
 +
|'''Disneyana Collectibles'''
 +
|1989
 +
|1998
 +
|Exposition Hall
 +
|Town Square
 +
|General Disney merchandise
 +
|-
 +
|'''Exposition Hall'''
 +
|1992
 +
|2011
 +
|Town Square Theater
 +
|Town Square
 +
|Film and other photo merchandise
 +
|-
 +
|'''Town Square Theater'''
 +
|2011
 +
|Present
 +
|N/A
 +
|Town Square
 +
|N/A(Mickey Mouse meet and greet)
 +
|-
 +
|'''Main Street Confectionery'''
 +
|1971
 +
|Present
 +
|N/A (Renovated in 1998)
 +
|East Street
 +
|Chocolates, nuts and peanut bridle.
 +
|-
 +
|'''Camera Center (Kodak, GAF, Polaroid)'''
 +
|1971
 +
|Incorporated into the Confectionery
 +
|Main Street Confectionery expansion (1998)
 +
|East Street
 +
|Film, cameras and other camera accessories.
 +
|-
 +
|'''Market House'''
 +
|1971
 +
|2007
 +
|Crystal Arts (moved from former building)
 +
|East Central Street
 +
|Jams, jellies, old fashioned candies and cigars.
 +
|-
 +
|'''Crystal Arts'''
 +
|1973
 +
|Present
 +
|N/A (Original location was replaced by Main Street Bakery expansion.)
 +
|East Street/East Central Street
 +
|Glass cutting, blowing and engraving.
 +
|-
 +
|'''Chapeau'''
 +
|1973
 +
|Present
 +
|N/A<
 +
|East Street
 +
|Hats of all sorts, including personally engraved hats.
 +
|-
 +
|'''Disney & Co'''
 +
|1973
 +
|2007-2009
 +
|N/A
 +
|East Center Street
 +
|Favorite Disney merchandise.
 +
|-
 +
|'''Newsstand'''
 +
|1973
 +
|Present
 +
|N/A
 +
|Entrance to Main Street
 +
|General merchandise, film and other travel necessities.
 +
|-
 +
|'''Main Street Gallery'''
 +
|1998
 +
|Present
 +
|N/A (Included VMK Central 2005-2008)
 +
|East Street
 +
|Disney art
 +
|-
 +
|'''The Main Street Fire Station
 +
|1993
 +
|2011
 +
|Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom headquarters
 +
|Town Square
 +
|Firemen related merchandise as well as Disney souvenirs.
 +
|}
 +
==Fun Facts and Trivia==
 +
* The red sidewalks found in Town Square and the hub were chosen to enhance the green of the grass <ref name= "Wright">  The Imagineering Field Guide to the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World: an Imagineer's-Eye Tour Alex Wright - Disney Editions - 2005 </ref>.
  
−
'''Disney & Co.'''- Sells kids clothing.
+
*Besides representing the period in which Main Street is set, the lands BGM was also chosen to evoke a sense of optimism with upbeat tempos <ref name= "Wright"/>.
  
−
'''Main Street Market House'''- Sells Disney candies.  
+
*The Dapper Dans Quartet regularly sings on Main Street, especially outside of the barbershop <ref name= "trivia"/>.
  
−
'''Crystal Arts'''- Disney glassware is sold here.
+
*The Firehouse found on Main Street is Engine Co. 1971 in honor of the year the park was founded<ref name= "trivia"/>.  
  
−
==Restaurants==
+
*There is flag ceremony held daily at 5:00pm in which the American flag found on Main Street USA is taken down<ref name= "trivia"/>.
 +
 
 +
*Main Street USA is loosely based on Marceline Missouri circa 1910<ref name= "trivia"/>.
 +
 
 +
*In the sidewalk in front of Tony's Town Square Restaurant guests can find Lady and the Tramp's paw prints in the cement. The prints are enclosed in a heart <ref name= "trivia"/> .
 +
 
 +
*The sound of tap shoes can be heard outside the “Dance Studio” on Main Street <Ref name= "trivia"> http://www.wdwradio.com/2007/09/main-street-usa/ </ref>.
 +
 
 +
*The Harmony Barbershop located on Main Street gives haircuts seven days a week.
 +
 
 +
*The buildings on Main Street (besides the Town Square Theater) are all built to approximately 7/8 scale <ref>http://www.hiddenmickeys.org/wdw/magickingdom/Secrets/MS/MainStreet.html </ref>.
 +
 
 +
==References==
 +
http://wdwradio.com/
 +
 
 +
http://www.burnsland.com/tgd/main_street.html
 +
 +
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/guides/magickingdom/mkmain.htm
  
−
'''Crystal Palace'''- Serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. All meals are character meals prices range from $12-$20 per Entrees
+
http://www.florida-project.com/magic-kingdom-guidebooks-guidemaps
  
−
'''Plaza Restaurant'''- Serves lunch and dinner. Specializes in Sandwiches and Reuben. Entrees all under $12.  
+
http://www.omniluxe.net/wyw/mkindex.htm
  
−
'''Tony's Town Square'''- Serves lunch and dinner. Specializes in Italian food. Entrees range from $12-$20.  
+
http://www.yesterland.com/reminders.html
  
−
'''Corner Main Street Bake Shop'''- Serves pastries, cookies, and cakes. All items under 5 dollars.
+
http://allears.net/tp/mk/wds.htm
  
−
'''Plaza Ice Cream Parlor'''- Serves ice cream products.  
+
http://www.omniluxe.net/wyw/msusa.htm
  
−
'''Casey's Corner'''- Specializes in hot dogs and other food typically found at a baseball game. Food under 5 dollars.  
+
http://www.hiddenmickeys.org/WDW/MagicKingdom/Secrets/MS/MainStreet.html
  
−
==Trivia==
+
http://www.adventurevacationcruiselineblog.com/2011/06/19/partners-statue-walt-disney-world-16th-anniversary/
  
−
* The Daper Dans Quartet regularly sings on Main street, especially outside the barbershop.
+
http://www.allears.net/ae/issue604.htm
−
* The Firehouse on Main Street is Engine Co. 1971 in honor of the year the park was founded.
+
−
* There is flag ceremony held daily at 5:00pm in which the flag is taken down.
+
−
* Main Street USA is loosely based on Marceline Missouri circa 1910.
+
−
* On the sidewalk in front of Tony's Town Square Restaurant there are Lady and the Tramp's paw prints in the cement enclosed in a heart.  
+
−
* The sound of tap shoes can be heard outside the “Dance Studio” on Main Street.  
+
−
* The Harmony Barbershop located on Main Street gives haircuts seven days a week.
+

Latest revision as of 14:00, 10 December 2022

Main Street USA
MSTrainStation3.jpg
The Train Station at the entrance to Main Street USA
Magic Kingdom
Theme Americana
Opening date October 1, 1971
Number of Attractions Two

Main Street USA is a land inside the Magic Kingdom.

History

Main Street USA is themed to be a turn of the century, small American town. The land took much of its inspiration from Walt's boyhood hometown of Marceline, Missouri. Main Street opened along with the rest of the Magic Kingdom in 1971, with the opening day attractions of: the Walt Disney World Railroad, the Main Street Vehicles (the Jitney, Fire Engine, Horseless Carriage, Horse Cars and Omnibus), the Penny Arcade, the Main Street Cinema, and the Harmony Barber Shop [1].

In 1973 Main Street USA got two major additions, the Swan Boats and the Walt Disney Story [2] [3]. The Swan Boats were located at the hub of the Magic Kingdom and allowed guests to peddle around both the hub and the Swiss Family Treehouse [3]. The Walt Disney Story on the other hand was a biographical movie about Walt himself which was located in Located in the Gulf Hospitality House [2].

The first major closure in Main Street USA happened in 1983 when the Swan Boats closed [3]. The boats (which had originally numbered eleven) had been cut down to five before being closed, with the explanation given that they were too expensive to keep running [3]. In 1992 Main Street lost another attraction when the Walt Disney Story closed due to the fact that the film was becoming too deteriorated to keep showing[2]. At this time, a gift shop and information center known as the Exposition Hall replaced the Hospitality House and thus The Walt Disney Story[2].

In 1995 the Penny Arcade, which had been an opening day attraction also closed its doors [4]. It was replaced (along with the Main Street Bookstore and the House of Magic) by the new Main Street Athletic Club (a shop) [5]. Another opening day attraction would soon follow in the Penny Arcade's footsteps, when in 1998 the Main Street Cinema was redone. Instead of being a classic movie theater like it had always been, the Cinema was rethemed to become an Art of Disney gift shop [6]. During the refurbishment, the facade on the outside of the cinema was changed to read “Now Showing: The Art of Disney”. Perhaps in homage to the old cinema, guests can still see old Disney shorts being played on a screen in the back of the current shop. In 2001 the next major change happened when the Harmony Barbershop was moved from West Center Street to Town Square [7]. The move was made so that the Emporium could expand into what had previously been the barbershop [7].

In February of 2014 Disney announced that the "hub" section of Main Street USA would be redeveloped [8]. As part of this redevelopment the Rose Garden and the former landing of the Swan Boats were removed. In their place, new lush courtyards were added, as well as mew walkways which were designed to ease crowed congestion [9]. Furthermore, the seating areas outside of Casey's Corner and The Plaza Restaurant were expanded. In February of 2015 the Main Street Plaza Gardens West and the Main Street Plaza Gardens East opened to guests [10] [11]. Besides featuring new foliage and water features, these gardens also house special FastPass + Wishes viewing areas [12].

On July 15, 2017, Disney announced that a new theater based on the Willis Wood theater in 1920s Kansas City [13]. This new theater was expected to house live entertainment and be built in the backstage area between Main Street USA and Tomorrowland. In February 2018, it was reported that the Main Street Theater was cancelled [14].

On January 18, 2019, the Town Square Theater became home to Mickey and Minnie's Celebration Center, the hub for Mickey and Minnie's 90th birthday celebration [15]

The Main Street Windows [16]

Besides just being an idealized small town, Main Street USA also has special meaning symbolically. This starts when guests enter the park and go under the Walt Disney World Railroad (the opening curtain). As guests continue onto Main Street they will notice that the ground is red (which symbolizes the red carpet), as around them the “credits” begin. The credits are located on the upper level of the Main Street, as they come in the form of the shop windows, which have the names of important people in the Disney Company’s history. These names are usually attached to a fictional business in order to tie it in with the rest of the land. Walt Disney's Window is the last one people see when entering the park and the first one the see when leaving it. His window states, "Walter E. Disney Graduate School of Design & Master Planning".

The Statues

Partner's Statue Magic Kingdom
The Partners Statue with Cinderella Castle in the background.

Main Street USA is also home to two of the most famous statues in Walt Disney World, the “Partners” statue and the “Sharing the Magic” statue. The “Partners” Statue was added in 1995 and shows Walt Disney pointing forward while holding Mickey Mouse's hand [17]. The plaque on the statue says, “We believe in our idea: a family park where parents and children could have fun – together.” The statue is placed at the central hub of the park, in front of Cinderella Castle.

The “Sharing the Magic” statue is located in Town Square and was built in 1999 in honor of Walt's brother Roy O. Disney [18]. The statue shows Roy and Minnie Mouse sitting together on an ornate bench. The plaque below the bench is engraved with the dedication speech Roy gave at the grand opening of Walt Disney World.

Attractions

Main Street Vehicles- The Main Street Vehicles allow guests to ride four different antique vehicles- an omnibus, horseless carriage, fire engine, or a horse drawn trolley- from Town Square to Cinderella Castle or vice versa.

Walt Disney World Railroad- The Walt Disney World Railroad lets guests take a steam powered train around Walt Disney World with stops at Main Street USA, Frontierland, and Fantasyland.

Town Square Theater- This turn of the century theater allows guests to meet Mickey and Minnie Mouse in there backstage dressing rooms.

Former Attractions

Main Street Cinema- The Main Street Cinema allowed guests to watch classic films and cartoons.

Penny Arcade- The Penny Arcade allowed guests to play antique, turn of the century games. It also included more modern video games.

Restaurants

Crystal Palace- Located on West Street near the bridge to Adventureland, the Crystal Palace serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. All meals are character.

Plaza Restaurant-Located at the end of East Street near Tomorrowland, the Plaza Restaurant Serves lunch and dinner, and specializes in sandwiches and Reuben.

Tony's Town Square Restaurant- Located in Town Square, Tony's Town Square Restaurant serves lunch and dinner. The restaurant specializes in Italian food.

Casey's Corner- Located on West Street next to the Emporium, Casey's Corner specializes in hot dogs and other food typically found at a baseball game.

Plaza Ice Cream Parlor- Located on East Street next to the Plaza Restaurant, the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor serves various ice cream products.

Main Street Bakery- Located on East Street, the Main Street Bakery sells pastries, sandwiches and other snacks. In 2013 the Main Street Bakery became the first Starbucks location inside the Magic Kingdom.

Entertainment

Dapper Dans
The Dapper Dans performing. Photo by Lauren Javier.

Dapper Dans- This barbershop quartet plays throughout the morning and afternoon on Main Street USA. For performance times Click Here.

The Citizens of Main Street- These streetmosphere characters interact and perform for guests throughout the morning. The Citizens of Main Street include the Mayor, the Socialite, the Suffragette, and the Fire Chief. For performance times Click Here.

Casey's Corner Pianist- This ragtime piano player performs outside of Casey's Corner

Let The Magic Begin- The Magic Kingdom's welcome show, featuring Mickey and his friends opening the Magic Kingdom to guests. Let The Magic Begin is performed five minutes prior to park opening on the Cinderella Castle Stage.

Flag Retreat- At 5:00 pm, the American Flag found in Town Square is lowered and folded during this patriotic ceremony.

Mickey's Royal Friendship Faire- This stage show performed at the Cinderella Castle Stage, features Mickey and his friends, as well as characters from The Princess and the Frog, Tangled and Frozen. For show times Click Here..

Move It! Shake It! MousekeDance It! Street Party- This celebration of Mickey and Minnie's 90th birthday takes place throughout the afternoon on Main Street USA. For show times Click Here..

Once Upon a Time- The Magic Kingdom's nighttime spectacular, this castle projection show is performed nightly. Once Upon a Time features Mrs. Potts telling Chip (both from Beauty and the Beast) bedtime stories. Moments from Disney animated features including: Cinderella, Peter Pan, Frozen, Alice in Wonderland and Beauty and the Beast are all featured during the show.

Shopping History

Main Street USA has always been known as one of the best places to shop in Walt Disney World. Although some of the opening day shops are still around, many have closed, been rethemed, or moved. In the table below, the basic information of each store is given including: the store name, location, merchandise sold and the opening and closing dates.

Name Opening Closing Replaced By Location Merchandise Sold
New Century Clock Shop 1971 April, 1986 Emporium expansion West Street Elgin watches and clocks
Greenhouse 1971 1985 Emporium expansion West Central Street Flowers and other plants.
Disney Clothiers 1985 Became part of the Emporium in 2001 Emporium expansion West Central Street Contemporary Disney Clothing
Hallmark Card Shop 1971 1985 Main Street Stationers West Central Street Hallmark cards, stationary, party items, gift wrapping.
Tobacconist 1971 1985 Main Street Stationers West Street Tobacco products.
Main Street Stationers 1985 1989 Main Street Book Store West Street Cards for all occasions, stationary and accessories.
Main Street Bookstore 1989 1995 Main Street Athletic Club West Street Greeting cards, stationary and writing accessories.
House of Magic 1971 March 19, 1995 Main Street Athletic Club West Street Magic tricks, masks, puzzles, books and gags.
Main Street Athletic Club 1995 Became part of Emporium in 2001 Emporium expansion West Street Sports and Disney themed merchandise.
Emporium 1971 Present N/A West Street All sorts of Disney merchandise.
Cup N' Saucer 1971 1986 Uptown Jewelers East Street Fine China gifts.
Wonderland of Wax 1971 1981 Holiday Corner East Street Candles
Holiday Corner 1981 1986 Uptown Jewelers East Street Christmas decorations all year round.
Uptown Jewelers 1973 Present N/A East Street/East Central Street Fine jewelry.
Hospitality Home 1973 1992 Exposition Hall Town Square N/A (Housed the Walt Disney Story attraction.)
Disneyana Collectibles 1989 1998 Exposition Hall Town Square General Disney merchandise
Exposition Hall 1992 2011 Town Square Theater Town Square Film and other photo merchandise
Town Square Theater 2011 Present N/A Town Square N/A(Mickey Mouse meet and greet)
Main Street Confectionery 1971 Present N/A (Renovated in 1998) East Street Chocolates, nuts and peanut bridle.
Camera Center (Kodak, GAF, Polaroid) 1971 Incorporated into the Confectionery Main Street Confectionery expansion (1998) East Street Film, cameras and other camera accessories.
Market House 1971 2007 Crystal Arts (moved from former building) East Central Street Jams, jellies, old fashioned candies and cigars.
Crystal Arts 1973 Present N/A (Original location was replaced by Main Street Bakery expansion.) East Street/East Central Street Glass cutting, blowing and engraving.
Chapeau 1973 Present N/A< East Street Hats of all sorts, including personally engraved hats.
Disney & Co 1973 2007-2009 N/A East Center Street Favorite Disney merchandise.
Newsstand 1973 Present N/A Entrance to Main Street General merchandise, film and other travel necessities.
Main Street Gallery 1998 Present N/A (Included VMK Central 2005-2008) East Street Disney art
The Main Street Fire Station 1993 2011 Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom headquarters Town Square Firemen related merchandise as well as Disney souvenirs.

Fun Facts and Trivia

  • The red sidewalks found in Town Square and the hub were chosen to enhance the green of the grass [19].
  • Besides representing the period in which Main Street is set, the lands BGM was also chosen to evoke a sense of optimism with upbeat tempos [19].
  • The Dapper Dans Quartet regularly sings on Main Street, especially outside of the barbershop [20].
  • The Firehouse found on Main Street is Engine Co. 1971 in honor of the year the park was founded[20].
  • There is flag ceremony held daily at 5:00pm in which the American flag found on Main Street USA is taken down[20].
  • Main Street USA is loosely based on Marceline Missouri circa 1910[20].
  • In the sidewalk in front of Tony's Town Square Restaurant guests can find Lady and the Tramp's paw prints in the cement. The prints are enclosed in a heart [20] .
  • The sound of tap shoes can be heard outside the “Dance Studio” on Main Street [20].
  • The Harmony Barbershop located on Main Street gives haircuts seven days a week.
  • The buildings on Main Street (besides the Town Square Theater) are all built to approximately 7/8 scale [21].

References

http://wdwradio.com/

http://www.burnsland.com/tgd/main_street.html

http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/guides/magickingdom/mkmain.htm

http://www.florida-project.com/magic-kingdom-guidebooks-guidemaps

http://www.omniluxe.net/wyw/mkindex.htm

http://www.yesterland.com/reminders.html

http://allears.net/tp/mk/wds.htm

http://www.omniluxe.net/wyw/msusa.htm

http://www.hiddenmickeys.org/WDW/MagicKingdom/Secrets/MS/MainStreet.html

http://www.adventurevacationcruiselineblog.com/2011/06/19/partners-statue-walt-disney-world-16th-anniversary/

http://www.allears.net/ae/issue604.htm
  1. ↑ http://thisdayindisneyhistory.homestead.com/disneyworldgrandopening.html
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 http://www.waltdatedworld.com/id140.htm
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 http://www.waltdatedworld.com/id42.htm
  4. ↑ http://waltdatedworld.com/id90.htm
  5. ↑ https://d23.com/a-to-z/main-street-athletic-club/
  6. ↑ http://www.omniluxe.net/wyw/msusa.htm
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 http://www.omniluxe.net/wyw/msusa.htm
  8. ↑ http://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/main-street-usa/news/25feb2014-photos---magic-kingdom's-hub-set-for-big-changes-to-help-traffic-flow-and-provide-more-fireworks-viewing-locations.htm
  9. ↑ http://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/main-street-usa/news/26feb2015-photos-and-video---take-a-walkthrough-of-the-new-main-street-plaza-west-at-the-magic-kingdom.htm
  10. ↑ http://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/main-street-usa/news/02mar2015-photos---main-street-plaza-gardens-east-opens-to-guests.htm
  11. ↑ http://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/main-street-usa/news/26feb2015-photos-and-video---take-a-walkthrough-of-the-new-main-street-plaza-west-at-the-magic-kingdom.htm
  12. ↑ http://www.mousesteps.com/denises-corner-mainmenu-121/1571-review-of-fastpass-wishes-viewing-area-in-expanded-hub-at-the-magic-kingdom
  13. ↑ http://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/main-street-usa/news/16jul2017-new-theater-inspired-by-kansas-citys-willis-wood-theater-to-be-built-at-the-magic-kingdom
  14. ↑ https://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/main-street-usa/news/01feb2018-main-street-theater-project-cancelled.htm
  15. ↑ https://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/magic-kingdom/news/18jan2019-photos---mickey-and-minnies-celebration-central-at-the-magic-kingdom.htm
  16. ↑ http://www.wdwinfo.com/best-kept-secrets_MK.htm
  17. ↑ https://www.mouseplanet.com/9766/The_History_of_the_Partners_Statue_Part_One
  18. ↑ https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2011/03/sharing-the-magic-at-walt-disney-world/
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 The Imagineering Field Guide to the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World: an Imagineer's-Eye Tour Alex Wright - Disney Editions - 2005
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 20.2 20.3 20.4 20.5 http://www.wdwradio.com/2007/09/main-street-usa/
  21. ↑ http://www.hiddenmickeys.org/wdw/magickingdom/Secrets/MS/MainStreet.html
Retrieved from "http://themickeywiki.com/index.php?title=Main_Street_USA&oldid=13721"