Main Street, U.S.A. runs from Town Square to Cinderella Castle and serves as the gateway to the enchanting world of Disney’s Magic Kingdom. This charming entranceway was designed to look like an idealized version of an early 1900’s American town (more specifically, Marceline, Missouri, the town where Walt Disney himself grew up). Various specialty shops, restaurants, attractions, guest service booths, photo centers and Disney characters can all be found along this magical route into the theme park.
Guests approach Town Square at the beginning of Main Street, U.S.A. via tunnels underneath the Walt Disney World Railroad. To the left lies City Hall, where you will find Guest Relations, as well as an old-fashioned Fire Station and Barber Shop. To the right, you will notice the Town Square Exposition Hall, which houses Disney’s PhotoPass Center (hosted by Kodak), Tony’s Town Square Restaurant and a pin trading kiosk. Town Square itself is an ideal locale for autograph and photo opportunities with some of Disney’s most popular characters. In addition, a flag ceremony takes place at Town Square daily at approximately 5 PM.
Attractions near the entranceway to Disney’s Magic Kingdom include the Walt Disney World Railroad, an authentic steam-powered train that travels the perimeter of Disney’s Magic Kingdom (train stations are also located in Frontierland and Mickey’s Toontown Fair; Main Street Vehicles, a fun-filled journey aboard an old-fashioned fire engine, horse car, jitney, horseless carriage or omnibus; and the Share a Dream Come True Parade, which combines colorful “snow globe” floats, incredible special effects and all your favorite Disney characters into an unforgettable extravaganza. The parade takes place daily at 3 PM and runs from Town Square on Main Street U.S.A. through Liberty Square along Rivers of America toward Frontierland. Last but certainly not least, Main Street is also where you can hear live entertainment from the likes of the ever-popular Dapper Dans Barbershop Quartet, a Main Street, U.S.A. tradition since 1971.
Main Street, U.S.A. shopping opportunities include the Emporium, Main Street Confectionery, Chapeau (hats), Disneyana Collectibles, Disney and Company, Main Street Athletic Store, The Shadow Box, Uptown Jewelers, Crystal Arts, Main Street Gallery and Main Street Cinema (Disney DVDs and movie memorabilia), among others.
For a quick bite to eat or a delicious sit-down meal in the Main Street, U.S.A. area, check out Casey’s Corner, which serves hot dogs, French fries and refreshments; Tony’s Town Square Restaurant (inspired by Disney’s classic Lady and the Tramp), which features pasta dishes and other Italian entrees (reservations are strongly suggested); The Plaza Restaurant, which serves deli sandwiches, burgers and shakes; Main Street Bakery; and the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor. In addition, Crystal Palace lies just off Main Street to the left of the entrance to Cinderella Castle and features character dining with an all-you-can-eat buffet (reservations are strongly recommended).
During Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, which takes place annually on select dates in November and December, “snow” actually falls on Main Street, U.S.A. – helping to create just the right atmosphere for a magical holiday celebration.
Note: Guest Relations (located in the City Hall at the beginning of Main Street, U.S.A.) can help guests with ticket upgrades, priority seating at restaurants, hotel reservations and more. Lockers are available for $5 in the tunnels underneath the Walt Disney World Railroad just before you arrive at Town Square in Main Street, U.S.A.
Casey's Corner
Crystal Palace
Main Street Bakery
Plaza Ice Cream Parlor
The Plaza Restaurant
Tony's Town Square Restaurant
Main Street, U.S.A. Shopping
Chapeau
Crystal Arts
Disney and Company
Disneyana Collectibles
Emporium
Main Street Athletic Store
Main Street Cinema
Main Street Confectionery
Main Street Gallery
The Shadow Box
Uptown Jewelry
Get a generator in four easy steps! Next hurricane season if you're ever in need of some emergency power, I know exactly where you can get it:
1. Cultivate land.
2. Plant seeds.
3. Water frequently.
4. Watch grow!
(Location: Downtown Orlando on Jefferson Street, just next to OUC's old office.)
Proust Questionnaire Okay, so this isn't Central Florida related, but if you read Vanity Fair then the headline of this post makes sense to you.
A couple years ago, I picked up a copy of the well-known magazine and was mesmerized by Starbucks' Howard Schultz's reply to Vanity Fair's monthly questionnaire. There's no ...
