Just walking into the Magic Kingdom is a treat, isn't it? The busy sounds of laughing people hustling and bustling, the bright bouquets of silvery mylar Mickey-head balloons, the luscious perfume of fresh-baked cookies and sticky-sweet candy wafting down Main Street USA... the senses almost overload the instant you pass under the railway tunnel.
But those are the *obvious* delights of the Magic Kingdom. There are so many subtle details you really ought to slow down and look a little more carefully -- you don't want to overlook what the Imagineers have so skillfully hidden for you to discover.
For example, if you're lucky enough to be celebrating your big day in the Magic Kingdom, a delightful treat awaits you. Stop in at City Hall to pick up a special Birthday Button that reads "Today is my birthday!" You'll be surprised at the extra special attention it gets you.
Did you know that you can get your hair cut right there on Main Street? The newly renovated and recently relocated Main Street Barbershop is a little easier to find than it used to be, but it's still too easy to walk right by unless you know it's there. As you're looking up Main Street from Town Square, glance toward your left. Look carefully... See the barber pole? Take a stroll inside -- they're open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day, no appointment necessary. If you're lucky, you'll be treated to harmonies from the Dapper Dans, the MK's resident barbershop quartet. And if it's your child's first haircut, or even if you just want to clown around, barbers Michal and Billie have a special cape and props for silly pictures.
Waiting for the Walt Disney Railroad at the Main Street train station? Put a quarter into the Antique Music Box located in the waiting room to hear a selection of tunes. Or put a coin into some of the other machines scattered around the station to watch a short movie.
Some of the most famous guests who ever dined at Tony's Town Square restaurant have left more than their pictures behind -- be sure to spot Lady and the Tramp's paw prints in front of the stairs that lead up to the restaurant!
Watch the clock -- daily at 5 p.m. there's a Flag Retreat in the Town Square, complete with grandeur of a snazzy color guard. Thursday through Monday, the Main Street Philharmonic also performs. If you are a veteran, inquire at City Hall about assisting in this special flag-lowering ceremony.
Need a break from the busy Main Street bustle? Pop in for a soda and a hot dog at Casey's Corner, on your left as you're walking toward the castle, between Main Street and the Crystal Palace Restaurant. Tucked in a back room are a few quiet tables and benches, in front of a wide-screen television playing old black-and-white sports-themed Disney cartoons! Or, if you venture to the outside seating area, you might stumble across the ragtime piano player who performs periodically throughout the day. He takes requests! Around twilight, take a walk through the All American Rose Garden outside Cinderella Castle (between the Castle and Tomorrowland), down near the old Swan Boat dock. It's off the beaten path, but offers beautiful views of the castle and the heavenly smell of roses surrounds you. Occasionally, you'll even find a family of ducks, with their ducklings, waddling amongst the blooms.
Since the Main Street shops don't close until a half-hour after the park, consider stopping for an ice cream treat or a bake shop goodie, while letting the departing crowds thin. If you linger long enough, maybe you'll get a photo of the Castle with virtually no one else in it! Also, most nights you'll be able to experience the "Kiss Goodnight" -- the Castle is drenched in a rainbow of changing colors. It's truly magical to stand there for a few quiet moments as the day fades away.
But those are the *obvious* delights of the Magic Kingdom. There are so many subtle details you really ought to slow down and look a little more carefully -- you don't want to overlook what the Imagineers have so skillfully hidden for you to discover.
For example, if you're lucky enough to be celebrating your big day in the Magic Kingdom, a delightful treat awaits you. Stop in at City Hall to pick up a special Birthday Button that reads "Today is my birthday!" You'll be surprised at the extra special attention it gets you.
Did you know that you can get your hair cut right there on Main Street? The newly renovated and recently relocated Main Street Barbershop is a little easier to find than it used to be, but it's still too easy to walk right by unless you know it's there. As you're looking up Main Street from Town Square, glance toward your left. Look carefully... See the barber pole? Take a stroll inside -- they're open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day, no appointment necessary. If you're lucky, you'll be treated to harmonies from the Dapper Dans, the MK's resident barbershop quartet. And if it's your child's first haircut, or even if you just want to clown around, barbers Michal and Billie have a special cape and props for silly pictures.
Waiting for the Walt Disney Railroad at the Main Street train station? Put a quarter into the Antique Music Box located in the waiting room to hear a selection of tunes. Or put a coin into some of the other machines scattered around the station to watch a short movie.
Some of the most famous guests who ever dined at Tony's Town Square restaurant have left more than their pictures behind -- be sure to spot Lady and the Tramp's paw prints in front of the stairs that lead up to the restaurant!
Watch the clock -- daily at 5 p.m. there's a Flag Retreat in the Town Square, complete with grandeur of a snazzy color guard. Thursday through Monday, the Main Street Philharmonic also performs. If you are a veteran, inquire at City Hall about assisting in this special flag-lowering ceremony.
Need a break from the busy Main Street bustle? Pop in for a soda and a hot dog at Casey's Corner, on your left as you're walking toward the castle, between Main Street and the Crystal Palace Restaurant. Tucked in a back room are a few quiet tables and benches, in front of a wide-screen television playing old black-and-white sports-themed Disney cartoons! Or, if you venture to the outside seating area, you might stumble across the ragtime piano player who performs periodically throughout the day. He takes requests! Around twilight, take a walk through the All American Rose Garden outside Cinderella Castle (between the Castle and Tomorrowland), down near the old Swan Boat dock. It's off the beaten path, but offers beautiful views of the castle and the heavenly smell of roses surrounds you. Occasionally, you'll even find a family of ducks, with their ducklings, waddling amongst the blooms.
Since the Main Street shops don't close until a half-hour after the park, consider stopping for an ice cream treat or a bake shop goodie, while letting the departing crowds thin. If you linger long enough, maybe you'll get a photo of the Castle with virtually no one else in it! Also, most nights you'll be able to experience the "Kiss Goodnight" -- the Castle is drenched in a rainbow of changing colors. It's truly magical to stand there for a few quiet moments as the day fades away.