The area around the utilidors was filled in with dirt removed from the Seven Seas Lagoon, which was also being constructed at the same time.

This means that the park itself is actually built on the second story, giving Magic Kingdom an elevation of 107 feet (33 m), although the incline is so gradual that guests can hardly notice it at all. These tunnels allow cast members to move through the park out of sight from guests, maintaining the illusion of the show.īecause of Florida's high water table, the tunnels could not be constructed underground, so they were built at the existing grade. Therefore, Magic Kingdom was built on top of a series of tunnels called utilidors, a contraction of the words 'utility' and 'corridor'. He was concerned that the lack of decent employee transportation for cast members could ruin the illusion of each individual area of Disneyland, and wanted to avoid situations like this in the new park. According to one story, during the early days of the original Disneyland, Walt Disney once saw a Frontierland cowboy having to walk through Tomorrowland to reach his post. There are several anecdotes relating to reasons for some of the features of Walt Disney World, and the Magic Kingdom specifically. The Florida park, however, was built in a much larger area and greatly improved upon Disneyland's design. The Magic Kingdom park was built similarly to the existing Disneyland in California. Magic Kingdom in the final stages before opening.Īlthough Walt Disney himself was highly involved in planning The Florida Project, The Walt Disney Company began construction on Magic Kingdom and the first phase of the resort in 1967 following Walt's death in 1966. a Magic Kingdom where the young at heart of all ages can laugh and play and learn - together.” ― Roy Oliver Disney, October 25, 1971 May Walt Disney World bring Joy and Inspiration and New Knowledge to all who come to this happy place.

and to the talents, the dedication, and the loyalty of the entire Disney organization that made Walt Disney's dream come true. “ Walt Disney World is a tribute to the philosophy and life of Walter Elias Disney.

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