Difference between pages "Imagination!" and "Main Street USA"

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Imagination! is a pavilion in [[Epcot]]. The pavilion was known as the Journey Into Imagination pavilion from 1982-1999.  
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Main Street USA is a land in the [[Magic Kingdom]].
 
{{Template:Infobox Disney ride |
 
{{Template:Infobox Disney ride |
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| image= Imaginationpavilion.jpg
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| image= MSTrainStation.jpg
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| caption='''The exterior of the Imagination! pavilion.'''  
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| caption='''The Train Station at the entrance to  Main Street USA'''  
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| theme=Imagination
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| theme= Americana
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| sponsor= Kodak (1982-2010)
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| park= Magic Kingdom
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| land=Future World
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| opened=October 1, 1971
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| park= Epcot
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| host=The Dreamfinder(1982-1999)<br> Nigel Channing (1986-1994)
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| opened=October 1, 1982
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| custom_label_1    = Number of Attractions
 
| custom_label_1    = Number of Attractions
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| custom_value_1    = 3
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| custom_value_1    = Two}}
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| custom_label_2    = Formally Known As
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| custom_value_2    = Journey Into Imagination (1982-1999)}}
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 +
==History==
 +
     
  
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==Pavilion History==
+
Main Street is themed to be a turn of the century, small American town. It took its inspiration from Walt's boyhood hometown of Marceline, Missouri.The land opened along with the rest of the Magic Kingdom in 1971. The opening day attractions on Main Street were 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. The Walt Disney Railroad took guests around the park in a real steam engine stopping in [[Frontierland]]. The Main Street Vehicles allowed guests to travel in the ways of the past. Guests could ride any of the vehicles from the front end of Main Street, to Cinderella’s Castle and back. The Penny arcade featured old style games and Moving Picture Machines, which would allow guests to view old movie serials. For just 25 cents The Main Street Cinema allowed guests to see full silent movies as well as old Disney shorts.
  
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The Imagination! pavilion opened in 1982 as an unnamed pavilion, which foucused on human's imagination. The pavilion was open on Epcot's opening day, and it was sponsored by Kodak.  To give guests a taste of what would be inside, upside-down waterfall, and "jumping" fountains were placed outside of the pavilion. The pavilion itself was a large, glass, triangular building, which had a very unique architectural design. When it opened it only featured one attraction, [[Magic Journeys]], which was a 3D show, that looked at the world through the eyes of a child. The film was shown in the "Magic Eye Theater". When a new, Kodak sponsored attraction, [[Journey Into Imagination]] opened in 1983, the pavilion was named the Journey Into Imagination Pavilion. Journey Into Imagination was a dark ride, hosted by the Dreamfinder who explored imagination with his creation, Figment. The attraction proved to be extremely popular, often outdrawing the parks icon [[Spaceship Earth]]. When Journey Into Imagination opened, a tie-in attraction known as [[ImageWorks]] opened with it. ImageWorks was an interactive area located on the second floor of the pavilion. The attraction allowed guest to experiment with their Imagination by playing on interactive screens. One shop was also located in the pavilion. Known as the Kodak Camera & Film Shop, the store sold film and Figment merchandise.
 
  
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The Journey Into Imagination pavilion remained exactly the same until 1986, when Magic Journeys closed. The attraction was moved to [[Fantasyland]] in the [[Magic Kingdom]], and replaced with a new 3D show, [[Captain EO]]. The new fiml was created in partnership with Lucasfilms, and stared pop icon Michael Jackson as a Captain EO, a space captain charged with saving the universe. The new show was much more technologically advanced then it's predecessor, using in-theater effects such as laser and smoke. Many consider Captain EO to be one of the first 4D shows ever created. Captain EO ran in the Journey Into Imagination pavilion for eight years, before it was finally replaced with a new show in 1994. The show that replaced Captain EO was called Honey, I Shrunk the Audience. This 3D film was a spin-off of the popular Honey, I Shrunk the Kids film series. The show took place in the fictional Imagination Institute, where professor Wayne Szalinski was receiving the Inventor of the Year award. The show once again used 4D effects, including water are small fans to immerse guests in the film. The Magic Eye theater was renamed at this point, becoming the Imagination Institute.  
+
In 1973 Main Street USA got two major additions. The first addition was the Swan Boats. The Swan boats were located at the hub of the Magic Kingdom and allowed guests to peddle around the hub and the [[Swiss Family Treehouse]]. The other addition to Main Street was The Walt Disney Story. Located in the Gulf Hospitality House, The Walt Disney Story was a biographical movie about Walt himself and played simultaneously in Walt Disney World and Disneyland.  
  
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In 1998, with Kodak's sponsorship ending shortly, Fujifilm approached Disney with an offer to sponsor the pavilion. Their sponsorship would have included a complete restructuring of the pavilion, including getting rid of the  Journey Into Imagination attraction. Althogh the attraction was popular, it cost a lot of money for Disney to maintain. Fujifilm told Disney that they would replace the attraction with an "E-Ticket" thrill ride. Fujifilm said that the new ride would be just as popular as Journey Into Imagination, but it would cost less to maintan. Kodak, not wanting to lose their sponsorship of the pavilion (especially  not to rival Fujifilm) pitched their own idea to Disney. They told Disney that they would make Journey Into Imagination more scientific, and use cheaper special effects. Although their proposal may not have seemed as glamourous, Disney was concerend that a thrill ride would not be as popular as Journey Into Imagination, while also coasting a lot to maintain. With this in mind, Disney accepted Kodak's proposal and Journery Into Imagination closed for renovations.
 
  
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When the pavilion re-opened in 1999,  it's name was changed to Imagination! The pavilion featured a drastically different layout. The jumping fountains located outside of the pavilion were significantly reduced in size, in order to accommodate the addition of a new gift shop. The color scheme and signage on the exterior of the pavilion also changed dramatically, now reflecting Kodak's company colors. ImageWorks, which had been located on the second floor of the pavilion was moved to the first floor, and reduced in size. The attractionw was also renamed "The Kodak What If Labs", although it's basic idea remained the same. Many guests complained that the new ImageWorks, was simply one big advertisement for Kodak, focusing only on visual imagination. After exiting the What if Labs, guests were funneled into a new gift shop. Here, guests could purchase photos, Epcot souvenirs, and Journey Into Your Imagination merchandise.
+
The first major closure in Main Street USA happened in 1983 when the Swan Boats closed. The Boats which had originally numbered eleven, had been cut down to five before being closed. The explanation for the closure was that the Swan Boats were too expensive to keep running.  In 1992 Main Street lost another attraction when the Walt Disney Story closed. The film was becoming too deteriorated to keep showing. A gift shop and information center known as the Exposition Hall replaced the Hospitality House and thus The Walt Disney Story.
  
−
To the surprise of many, when Journey Into Imagination attraction reopened as Journey Into ''Your'' Imagination in 1999, the Dreamfinder was no where to be found. The attraction was now themed as a tie-in to Honey, I Shrunk the Audience, giving guests a tour of the Imagination Institute. Dr. Nigel Channing, who was Imagination Institute chairman in Honey, I Shrunk the Audience, now took guests on he tour. He also used them as test subjects for a new invention known as the Imagination Scanner. Figment, once considered to be the mascot of Epcot, only made a brief cameo apperance in the new attraction.
+
In 1995 the Penny Arcade, which had been an opening day attraction finally closed its doors. It was replaced along with the Main Street Bookstore and the House of Magic by the new Main Street Athletic Club. 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 re-themed into a Disney art gift shop. The facade on the outside was changed to read “Now Showing: The Art of Disney”.  Inside the new Cinema, you can still see old Disney shorts being played on a screen in the back of the shop.  
  
−
[[Image:jumping.jpg|thumb|150px|A close up of the Imagination! pavilion's jumping fountains.]]
 
  
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The new Journey Into Your Imagination attraction proved to be extremely unpopular with guests. Many decided to boycott the attraction, and Kodak film to protest the changes. This campaign proved be quite successful, as guest complaints (along with pressure from Kodak and Michael Eisner) led to the attraction getting another overhaul in 2001. The attraction reopened in 2002 as "Journey Into Your Imagination with Figment" (although the ''your'' was dropped in 2003). The new attraction focused on Dr. Nigel Channing explaining how the five senses can trigger human imagination. Figment returned in this version of the attraction, disrupting the doctors tour, and showing guests his imagination. Besides a retheming of the attraction, both the premise and the  track structure remained essentially remained the same. The Dreamfinder, who was quite popular in the original version of the attraction, was still nowhere to be found. The Kodal What if Labs remained essentially the same during the second Journey Into Imagination refurbishment, however Figment was added to may of the exhibits.  
+
In 2001 the last major attraction change happened when the Harmony Barbershop was moved from West Center Street to Town Square. The move was made so that the Emporium could expand into what had previously been the barbershop. Besides the barbershop, as of January 2012, Main Street has two opening day attractions left: The Main Street Vehicles and the Walt Disney World Railroad.
  
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In 2010, following the death of Michael Jackson, Disney mulled over the idea of bringing Captain EO back as a tribute to the late singer. Sure enough on July 2, 2010, Captain EO returned to the Imagination! pavilion replacing Honey, I Shrunk the Audience. In August of that year, Kodak ended it's 28 year sponsorship of the pavilion, and all references to the company were removed. Following the end of Kodak's sponsorship, The What If Labs have returened to their original name, ImageWorks.  Lately, guests have been noticing an abundance of Lego merchandise in the Imagination! pavilion, leading some to speculate that the company may assume sponsorship of the pavilion.
+
==The Main Street Windows==
  
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==Attractions==
+
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 and the credits begin. The credits, are located on the upper level of the Main Street shops. They come in the form of the shop windows, which have the names of important people in the Disney companies 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.
  
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'''Captain EO'''- A 4D Space Adventure starring Michael Jackson! This show follows the heroic Captain EO and his rag tag team, as they try to save the universe. Captain EO originally ran from 1986 until 1994. The show reopened in 2010.
+
==The Statues==
  
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'''[[Journey Into Imagination With Figment]]'''- This dark ride lets guests take a tour of the Imagination Institute with Dr. Nigel Channing and Figment. Along the way they will learn about their imagination!
+
Main Street USA is 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. 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's Castles.
  
−
'''ImageWorks'''- After exiting Journey Into Imagination With Figment, guests can further their exploration of imagination in the ImageWorks. Here guests can use interactive screens to play three different Figment themed games!
+
[[Image:Partners.jpg|thumb|The Partners Statue with Cinderella's Castle in the background.]]
 +
 
 +
“The Sharing the Magic”  statue is located in Town Square and was built in 1998  in honor of Walt's brother Roy O. Disney. 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. Guests can ride an omnibus, horseless carriage, fire engine, or horse drawn trolley, from Towns Square to Cinderellas 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]].
  
 
==Former Attractions==
 
==Former Attractions==
 +
[[Main Street Cinema]]- The Main Street Cinema allowed guests to watch classic films and cartoons.
  
−
'''Magic Journeys'''- This 3D attraction showed guests what the world looked like through the eyes of a child. The show was the first attraction open in the Imagination! pavilion, where it ran from 1982 until 1986.  
+
[[Penny Arcade]]- The Penny Arcade allowed guests to play antique, turn of the century games. It also included more modern video games.  
  
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'''Honey, I Shrunk the Audience'''- While attending the Imagination Institute's awards ceremony, guests would accidentally be shrunk down to the size of an ant! This 4D show was based on the Honey, I Shrunk the Kids film series. Honey, I Shrunk the Audience ran from 1994 until 2010.  
+
==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 been closed, re-themed or moved. In the table below, the basic information of each store is given including store name, location, merchandise sold and the opening and closing dates.
  
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'''Journey Into Imagination'''- The original Journey Into Imagination was a dark ride, which allowed guests to explorer their imagination with the Dreamfinder and his creation Figment. The attraction opened and 1983, and remained extremely popular until it closed in 1998.
+
{| 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 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 Collectables'''
 +
|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
 +
|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
 +
|Unknown
 +
|Town Square
 +
|Firemen related merchandise as well as Disney souvenirs.  
 +
|}
  
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'''Journey Into ''Your'' Imagination'''- The short lived second version of Journey Into Imagination, this attraction was also a dark ride. Guests were now invited by Dr. Nigel Channing to explore the Imagination Institute, where they were used as test subjects for there newest invention, the Imagination Scanner. The Dreamfinder was nowhere to be found on this attraction (although Figment did make a cameo), which ran from 1999 until 2001.
+
==Restaurants==
  
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==Shopping==
+
'''Crystal Palace'''- Located on West Street near the bridge to [[Adventureland]]. The Crystal Palace serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. All meals are character meals. Prices range from $12-$20 per Entree.
  
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'''Imagination! Gift Shop'''- Located just outside of ImageWorks, the gift shop features Epcot and Figment merchandise. Lego merchandise can also be purchased here.
+
'''Plaza Restaurant'''-Located at the end of East Street near [[Tomorrowland]]. The Plaza Restaurant Serves lunch and dinner and specializes in sandwiches and Reuben. Entrees all under $12.
 +
 
 +
'''Tony's Town Square'''- Located in Town Square. Serves lunch and dinner. Specializes in Italian food. Entrees range from $12-$20.
 +
 
 +
'''Corner Main Street Bake Shop'''- Located on East Street. Serves pastries, cookies, and cakes. All items under 5 dollars.
 +
 
 +
'''Casey's Corner- Specializes''' Located on West Street next to the Emporium, Casey's Corner in hot dogs and other food typically found at a baseball game. Food under 5 dollars.
 +
 
 +
'''Plaza Ice Cream Parlor'''- Located on East Street next to the Plaza Restaurant. The Plaza Ice Cream Parlor serves ice cream products.
 +
 
 +
'''The Main Street Bakery'''- The Main Street Bakery is located on East Street. The Bakery sells pastries, sandwiches and other snacks. All items usually under 7 dollars.
  
 
==Characters==
 
==Characters==
  
−
Although no characters currently appear in the Imagination! pavilion, from 1982 until 2008 the Dreamfinder would walk around outside of the pavilion. Figment would rest on his shoulder as the two entertained guests. Following Figment's return to the attraction in 2002, a large walk around Figment could be found outside of the pavilion. He has since been discontinued.
+
'''Donald'''- Donald can often be found in Town Square. (common)
 +
 
 +
'''Daisy'''- Daisy can often be found in Town Square. (common)
 +
 
 +
'''Pluto'''- Pluto can often be found in Town Square. (common)
 +
 
 +
'''Chip and Dale'''- Chip and Dale can often be found in Town Square. (common)
 +
 
 +
'''Perla'''- Perla, a mouse from Cinderella can be found in Town Square on occasion. (rare)
 +
 
 +
'''Mr. Penguin'''- Mr. Penguin can be found occasionally in Town Square. (rare)
 +
 
 +
'''Pinocchio'''- Pinocchio can often be found in Town Square. (common)
 +
 
 +
'''Snow Prince'''- The Snow Prince can sometimes be found in Town Square, or just outside of the Castle. (rare)
 +
 
 +
'''Snow White'''- Snow White can often be found in Town Square. (common)
 +
 
 +
===Town Square Theater===
 +
At the town square theater, guests can meet the following characters daily:
 +
 
 +
* '''Minnie'''
 +
 
 +
* '''Mickey'''
 +
 
 +
* '''Aurora (Sleeping Beauty)'''
 +
 
 +
* '''Belle'''
 +
 
 +
* '''Cinderella'''
  
 
==Fun Facts and Trivia==
 
==Fun Facts and Trivia==
  
−
* Parts of the original ImageWorks attraction are still located on the second floor of the Imagination! pavilion.  
+
*The Daper Dans Quartet regularly sings on Main street, especially outside the barbershop.
 +
*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.
 +
*In the sidewalk in front of Tony's Town Square Restaurant there are Lady and the Tramp's paw prints in the cement, enclosed in 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.
 +
*The buildings on Main Street (besides the Town Square Theater) are all built to approximately 7/8ths scale.
 +
 
 +
==Refrences==
 +
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
  
−
* In the early years of the pavilion, guests could see a Figment topiary in the Magic Garden (which was located just outside of the pavilion). Figment would spin a turn table there, but he has since been removed.  
+
http://www.omniluxe.net/wyw/mkindex.htm
  
−
* Mark Fuller, a Walt Disney Imagineer, was responsible for the design of the Imagination Fountains.
+
http://www.yesterland.com/reminders.html
  
−
==References==
+
http://allears.net/tp/mk/wds.htm
  
−
http://www.mouseplanet.com/guide/530/Walt-Disney-World/Epcot/Future-World/Journey-Into-Imagination-with-Figment
+
http://www.omniluxe.net/wyw/msusa.htm
  
−
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/epcot/attractions/imagination-pavilion/
+
http://www.hiddenmickeys.org/WDW/MagicKingdom/Secrets/MS/MainStreet.html
  
−
http://www.hiddenmickeys.org/WDW/Epcot/Secrets/Imagination.html
+
http://www.adventurevacationcruiselineblog.com/2011/06/19/partners-statue-walt-disney-world-16th-anniversary/  
  
−
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/epcot/attractions/image-works/
+
http://www.allears.net/ae/issue604.htm

Revision as of 14:59, 12 April 2012

Main Street USA is a land in the Magic Kingdom.

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

History

Main Street is themed to be a turn of the century, small American town. It took its inspiration from Walt's boyhood hometown of Marceline, Missouri.The land opened along with the rest of the Magic Kingdom in 1971. The opening day attractions on Main Street were 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. The Walt Disney Railroad took guests around the park in a real steam engine stopping in Frontierland. The Main Street Vehicles allowed guests to travel in the ways of the past. Guests could ride any of the vehicles from the front end of Main Street, to Cinderella’s Castle and back. The Penny arcade featured old style games and Moving Picture Machines, which would allow guests to view old movie serials. For just 25 cents The Main Street Cinema allowed guests to see full silent movies as well as old Disney shorts.


In 1973 Main Street USA got two major additions. The first addition was the Swan Boats. The Swan boats were located at the hub of the Magic Kingdom and allowed guests to peddle around the hub and the Swiss Family Treehouse. The other addition to Main Street was The Walt Disney Story. Located in the Gulf Hospitality House, The Walt Disney Story was a biographical movie about Walt himself and played simultaneously in Walt Disney World and Disneyland.


The first major closure in Main Street USA happened in 1983 when the Swan Boats closed. The Boats which had originally numbered eleven, had been cut down to five before being closed. The explanation for the closure was that the Swan Boats were too expensive to keep running. In 1992 Main Street lost another attraction when the Walt Disney Story closed. The film was becoming too deteriorated to keep showing. A gift shop and information center known as the Exposition Hall replaced the Hospitality House and thus The Walt Disney Story.

In 1995 the Penny Arcade, which had been an opening day attraction finally closed its doors. It was replaced along with the Main Street Bookstore and the House of Magic by the new Main Street Athletic Club. 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 re-themed into a Disney art gift shop. The facade on the outside was changed to read “Now Showing: The Art of Disney”. Inside the new Cinema, you can still see old Disney shorts being played on a screen in the back of the shop.


In 2001 the last major attraction change happened when the Harmony Barbershop was moved from West Center Street to Town Square. The move was made so that the Emporium could expand into what had previously been the barbershop. Besides the barbershop, as of January 2012, Main Street has two opening day attractions left: The Main Street Vehicles and the Walt Disney World Railroad.

The Main Street Windows

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 and the credits begin. The credits, are located on the upper level of the Main Street shops. They come in the form of the shop windows, which have the names of important people in the Disney companies 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

Main Street USA is 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. 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's Castles.

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

“The Sharing the Magic” statue is located in Town Square and was built in 1998 in honor of Walt's brother Roy O. Disney. 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. Guests can ride an omnibus, horseless carriage, fire engine, or horse drawn trolley, from Towns Square to Cinderellas 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.

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.

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 been closed, re-themed or moved. In the table below, the basic information of each store is given including 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 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 Collectables 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 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 Unknown Town Square Firemen related merchandise as well as Disney souvenirs.

Restaurants

Crystal Palace- Located on West Street near the bridge to Adventureland. The Crystal Palace serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. All meals are character meals. Prices range from $12-$20 per Entree.

Plaza Restaurant-Located at the end of East Street near Tomorrowland. The Plaza Restaurant Serves lunch and dinner and specializes in sandwiches and Reuben. Entrees all under $12.

Tony's Town Square- Located in Town Square. Serves lunch and dinner. Specializes in Italian food. Entrees range from $12-$20.

Corner Main Street Bake Shop- Located on East Street. Serves pastries, cookies, and cakes. All items under 5 dollars.

Casey's Corner- Specializes Located on West Street next to the Emporium, Casey's Corner in hot dogs and other food typically found at a baseball game. Food under 5 dollars.

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

The Main Street Bakery- The Main Street Bakery is located on East Street. The Bakery sells pastries, sandwiches and other snacks. All items usually under 7 dollars.

Characters

Donald- Donald can often be found in Town Square. (common)

Daisy- Daisy can often be found in Town Square. (common)

Pluto- Pluto can often be found in Town Square. (common)

Chip and Dale- Chip and Dale can often be found in Town Square. (common)

Perla- Perla, a mouse from Cinderella can be found in Town Square on occasion. (rare)

Mr. Penguin- Mr. Penguin can be found occasionally in Town Square. (rare)

Pinocchio- Pinocchio can often be found in Town Square. (common)

Snow Prince- The Snow Prince can sometimes be found in Town Square, or just outside of the Castle. (rare)

Snow White- Snow White can often be found in Town Square. (common)

Town Square Theater

At the town square theater, guests can meet the following characters daily:

  • Minnie
  • Mickey
  • Aurora (Sleeping Beauty)
  • Belle
  • Cinderella

Fun Facts and Trivia

  • The Daper Dans Quartet regularly sings on Main street, especially outside the barbershop.
  • 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.
  • In the sidewalk in front of Tony's Town Square Restaurant there are Lady and the Tramp's paw prints in the cement, enclosed in 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.
  • The buildings on Main Street (besides the Town Square Theater) are all built to approximately 7/8ths scale.

Refrences

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

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