Disney World: 7 Fun Secrets of the Magic Kingdom

One of the amazing things about the Magic Kingdom is that the Imagineers didn't just slap up the attractions. They put a great deal of thought into finding special ways to delight and awe the guests who would visit - by adding fun details and little surprises.

That tradition has become a cornerstone for creating Disney magic. These are some of the treasures you'll find in the Magic Kingdom (now that you know where to look!)

1. In the courtyard behind Cinderella's castle, there's a beautiful fountain that features young Cinderella with some animal friends. The backdrop to the fountain is a lovely mosaic with a crown in the pattern. If you look at the fountain from the right direction and the right angle, the crown looks like it's on her head. This little detail foretells Cinderella's future as the Princess of the land.

2. Remember the Tom Sawyer tale about whitewashing Aunt Polly's fence?
Well - every morning Cast Members create their own mischief by hiding some of Tom's paintbrushes on Tom Sawyer Island.

While your kids are exploring the island, they should look for the paintbrushes. If they're lucky enough to find one, turn it in to a Cast Member and they'll receive a special surprise!

3. At the Haunted Mansion, ask a Cast Member about the Legend of Master Gracey. Most give a haunting performance. This is the basic story:
Master Gracey was the master of the mansion. His first wife was a tight-ropewalker and sadly lost her footing while crossing over an alligator pit. There's a painting of her in the library.

His second wife was a young girl who was very close to her family. She couldn't bear to be separated from them when she got married - so she killed herself on her wedding night. (You'll see her haunting the mansion in her wedding gown.)

After 2 tragic deaths, the Master reached the end of his rope (literally!) You'll see him hanging in the library tower. His tombstone is in the graveyard on the left as you enter the mansion.

Note: This story is quite different from the storyline of the Disney movie "The Haunted Mansion". I guess the original theme was just a little too whimsical (the tightrope thing), tragic (the wedding night suicide) and far-fetched (the whole thing) that even Eddie Murphy couldn't make it workable.
It does make for a cool ride though!

4. Check out the old-fashioned wooden telephone mounted on the wall in the Market House on Main Street USA. It's a party line and if you pick up the receiver and listen you'll hear a silly conversation. (Of course - then you'll have to explain to the kids what a party line is!)

5. Waking up Tinkerbell
Tink is not any early riser and needs to be awakened every morning. If you're at the park when it opens, make a beeline to Tinkerbell's Treasures. (It's on the left behind Cinderella's castle.)
The first children to arrive can ask a Cast Member if they can awaken Tinkerbell. If they're selected, they'll take part in a sweet little ceremony.
They'll tap 3 times on a small chest (with a sword or wand) and say, "Wake up Tinkerbell!" She will awaken and fly around they room so fast that you'll see dazzling lights and hear "Tink" noises. Some lucky children even receive a certificate to commemorate the event.

6. At the end of most days, (a real, live) Tinkerbell flies down from the top of the castle during the closing ceremonies. Look closely and you can see the wire.

7. Tony's Town Square Restaurant is modeled after the favorite restaurant of Lady and the Tramp. Outside in the cement you'll find a heart with the paw prints of these 2 famous canines!
It is an operating restaurant and a good place to share a plate of spaghetti!

Learn more about this author, Anne Marie Hayes.
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