Walt Disney's Land- Main Street, U.S.A.

Welcome to the first stop aboard Magical Blogorail Yellow.  Enjoy the ride as we share with you our favorite Magic Kingdom land, and our favorite attraction in that land.

I tried, I really did.  In my mind, I ping-ponged between the 5 conventional lands at the Disney Parks; Adventureland, Frontierland, Liberty Square, Fantasyland and Tomorrowland.  How could I possibly choose a number one?   Worse yet, how could I ever select a favorite attraction??  I'm weak, indecisive.  I love them all too much!  In my mind, I walked through each area of the park; across the pathways and along the Rivers of America.  And then it hit me, of course.  Where does the magic first appear?  When are you introduced to the electricity?  By design, Walt's "show" begins when you submit your ticket.  The opening curtain (the dark tunnel passage under the Railroad Station) blocks your view until the very last minute.

As you step though the underpass, you are now in the theater; Main Street, U.S.A. is revealed and your new adventure begins.  The familiar aroma of freshly popped popcorn is your greeting. You walk along the "red carpet" under foot, and read the opening credits on the windows above; most folks know that the names painted on the buildings represent the Imagineers and others who helped create the park.  (In Disneyland, there is a window above the Main Street Emporium honoring Elias Disney, Walt's father and inspirational force.)

Main Street Emporium Walt Disney World

The setting culminates in the star of the show- the "weenie" that mesmerizes and pulls you forward, or the Disney castle.

Notice that red carpet?

Metaphors aside, Main Street U.S.A. is "America at the turn of the century- the crossroads of an era.  The gas lamps and the electric lamps, the horse drawn car and the auto car.  Main Street is everyone's home town... the heartland of America."  (Walt Disney)  Whether modeled after Walt's beloved Marceline, designer Harper Goff's Fort Collins, Colorado or your neck of the woods, it is a slice of Americana; "For those of us who remember the carefree time it recreates, Main Street will bring back happy memories.  For younger visitors, it is an adventure in turning back the calendar to the days of their grandfather's youth."  (Walt Disney 1955)

From Town Square, with its City Hall and Fire Station, to the Harmony Barber Shop, souvenir emporiums and eateries, this area of the park sets the mood for your day.  You are transported to a time and place that is distinctly different from that you are most used to.  You can feel that the possibilities are endless!

Disneyland Fire Department

But it is not just a pretty face- there is entertainment galore in this 2 block piece of real estate: The Dapper Dans barbershop quartet, the Mayor of Main Street, character greetings, daily Flag Retreat ceremony, Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, and daily parades.

The many and varied Main Street Vehicles get you where you are going, but not without a loooong look-see along the way.  And THAT is my favorite attraction in this land- people watching.  And the best way to accomplish that in my book?  Over a good meal, at a table with a view.  While the outdoor tables at Tony's Town Square are a nice option, my absolute favorite at-the-curb hot spot is the Carnation Cafe in Disneyland.

New and improved version coming soon!

NOTHING beats having breakfast outside here, while pouring over your park maps and the endless magical possibilities ahead.  Nothing.


Main Street, U.S.A.- where the promise of a new day meets  the bittersweet "'til we meet again".  It is the sixth Land in a Disney Park and my personal favorite.  Walt walks here.




  
Thank you for joining me today.  Your next stop on the Magical Blogorail Loop is Delightfully Disney

Here is the map of our Magical Blogorail should you happen to have to make a stop along the way and want to reboard:

1st Stop ~ DISTherapy  (You are here!)
2nd Stop ~ Delightfully Disney
4th Stop ~ Magical Mouse Schoolhouse
5th Stop ~ Return to Disney