Disney has announced that the Magic Kingdom in the Walt Disney World Resort will be getting the highest rated attraction from Shanghai Disneyland - TRON Lightcycle Power Run.  The rumors are true and this amazing attraction will now be accessible to the millions of visitors to Disney World in Orlando, FL.

Bob Chapek, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks & Resorts, made the announcement during the Walt Disney World Parks and Resorts presentation at D23 Expo 2017.


Unlike many of the other recent attraction announcements, the TRON ride will not come at the expense of a current Magic Kingdom attraction.  As shown in the artist's rendering above the new TRON attraction will be located in Tomorrowland next to Space Mountain without impacting the Tomorrowland Speedway!

The current TRON Lightcycle Power Run in China is a coaster like attraction where guests board a train of two-wheeled Lightcycles that follow the track that puts Disney guests into the movie TRON Legacy and its high-tech universe.

There will be a major addition coming Main Street in the Magic Kingdom at the Walt Disney World resort.  In an effort to bring another venue for live entertainment into the Magic Kingdom, Disney is adding a large theater to the Shopping and Dining area at the entrance to the Magic Kingdom.

The theater is based upon the famed Willis Wood Theater in Kansas City circa 1920, which will fit well into the theming of Main Street.

Here is the announcement from the D23 Expo as reported by the Disney Parks Blog:

A new venue for world-class entertainment is coming to Main Street, U.S.A. at Magic Kingdom Park in Florida. And a first look at the new theater was just unveiled minutes ago at D23 Expo 2017.

If the image of the theater looks familiar, that’s because the new entertainment venue will be based on the iconic Willis Wood theater in 1920s Kansas City, where Walt lived after he left Marceline. And as you can see from the design, it’ll fit well right off Main Street, U.S.A.

“Across Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, we’ve been upping the game in Entertainment with shows like Frozen Live at the Hyperion,” Bob Chapek, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks & Resorts said. “It’s been a huge hit at the Disneyland Resort, and I’m sure many of you have seen it. This new theater at Walt Disney World continues that streak by bringing a new venue for world-class entertainment to the world’s biggest park.”

Stay tuned to Only WDWorld for news and updates all there is to discover about the Walt Disney World Resort!

The original Walt Disney World Resort theme park, aka Magic Kingdom, has many areas to explore.  One area that you may be very familiar with, but never really noticed, may be the Town Square just within the entryway to the Magic Kingdom.

Setting The Stage For Family Fun

Like a classic Disney Movie the entrance to the Magic Kingdom sets the stage for a day where families can:
"Leave Today and Enter the World of Yesterday, Tomorrow, and Fantasy"

Main Street USA certainly fills the bill for the World of Yesterday and the Town Square is the Disney guest's introduction to this idealistic vision of small town America during the early 20th century.  The Town Square provides a central meeting point for people to gather, a train station, the City Hall, a Fire Station, Barber Shop, Restaurant, Theater, and Shops.


All of these well-themed locations filled with Disney details and often they are all overlooked because the Town Square also happens to frame the Disney World guests first glimpse of Cinderella Castle and provides the entrance way to the rest of the Magic Kingdom

Magic Kingdom Town Square Landmarks

The Town Square is filled with iconic landmarks.  Starting with the patriotic flag pole prominently positioned in the center of the square.  Each day before sunset a special flag retreat ceremony is held.

Pictured above is the Main Street Railroad Station.  The railroad is an important part of all of the Disney Magic Kingdom locations around the world and is the only official attraction (ride) that is located on Main Street.


The Town Square Theater is where you can find Mickey Mouse and have your picture taken with him.
Special Disney Insider Hidden Secret:
This is also currently also the only place at the Walt Disney World Resort where you can have a conversation with Mickey Mouse.



Tony's Town Square Restaurant is a Disney Table Service Restaurant that is themed according to The Lady and the Tramp and features Italian specialties.



The City Hall is where you can find Guest Services and get a special celebration button.


The Fire Station is where you can get signed up to play the FREE interactive Sorcerers of The Magic Kingdom game.  All guests who sign up get a pack of FREE collectible game cards to keep as a souvenir.


The Magic Kingdom also has a fully functioning barbershop located on Town Square.  Many a child has gotten their memorable first haircuts here.  They don't take reservations, so don't be surprised if there is a long line waiting out the door or prior to its opening.


The last landmark is the second most famous statue in the Magic Kingdom.  This one depicts Walt's brother Roy sitting on a bench with Minnie Mouse.

Character Greetings

Often you can meet Disney Characters in and around Town Square.  The characters change from day to day so you have to be on the lookout or consult a Disney Cast Member as to the schedule for the day.

Main Street Transportation

The last little known Disney World Hidden Secret about Town Square is that there a several special vehicles that you can ride up and down Main Street USA.  You are most likely to see them early in the day and during times when the park is less crowded.  There are signs around the Town Square where you may board the vehicles. ...and the best part is that they are FREE!

Don't Overlook The Town Square Ever Again!

Hopefully after you have read this article it has sparked your interest to pay closer attention to the Main Street Town Square and all it has to offer.  I have only scratched the surfaced on all there is to see and explore on and around the square.  Don't be afraid to slow down a little and check out the Town Square, even if that time is when you are heading on your way out of the Magic Kingdom!

Guests of the Walt Disney World Resort look for the magical escape to a world where even adults can let their inner child have fun.  There may be no better example of this than on the Dumbo The Flying Elephant Attraction.

Dumbo The Flying Elephant

This classic Magic Kingdom attraction is actually one that was not only moved from its original Fantasyland location, but it was also transformed from a single unit to a double set of rotating Dumbos, thereby allowing more guests to enjoy this fantastic Disney escape.

New Fantasyland Attraction

The new "Double" Dumbo attraction can now be found as part of the Storybook Circus area of the Magic Kingdom.  As an additional benefit, the new Dumbo attraction has a special Circus Tent queue that gives younger guests the opportunity to play under the big top while they are waiting in line.









Can't you just picture yourself flying along with this ever smiling elephant?




When it comes to pure childish joy at Disney World, it is hard to match the feeling that your inner child gets when soaring through the air on the Dumbo attraction.  As popular as the original attraction was, this new incarnation is even better!

Your visit to Disney World and the Magic Kingdom is not complete if you do not ride the Dumbo - The Flying Elephant attraction!

The Magic Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort welcomed its first thrill ride called Space Mountain on January 15, 1975.  Now 40 years later it still is one of the famed Disney World Mountains and guest favorite attraction.

STARPORT SEVEN-FIVE

There are several references to the 1975 start for this iconic attraction.  As you make your way through the queue you will encounter this sign that says "Welcome Space Travelers STARPORT SEVEN-FIVE Your Gateway To The Galaxy"


Again as you are preparing to board your rocket you will see the reference to Startport Seven-Five.  By the way, in case you didn't know the two sides of the track are referred to as ALPHA and OMEGA.


You can even see a nod to Starport Seven-Five while you are riding the Peoplemover (aka Tomorrowland Transportation Authority).

Racing Rockets

Back when Space Mountain debuted it was certainly the first of its kind.  Originally inspired by the Matterhorn Bobsleds at Disneyland, Space Mountain needed to fit into the Tomorrowland theme.  Placing a roller coaster inside a darkened building was never done before, but aided in making the sharp turning roller coaster feel much faster than it actually was and greatly enhanced the "thrill" of the ride.

The ride vehicle is shaped and styled to look like a rocket for you to enjoy your trip into space.  The tight fitting, single wide, rocket transports you only up to speeds of 27 mph, but you will swear it is much faster.



Here is a rare picture that captures some of the track while the lights were on.  This 2 minute and 35 second ride is non-stop excitement that uses the dark combined with quick turns and elevation changes to provide a great experience for all who dare to ride.

Space Mountain - Disney World Mountain

Disney World's first mountain still provides the iconic shape that is recognized all over the world.  After the original was created for Florida, 4 other Space Mountains have been erected in Disney parks all over the world, giving us five in all.

Forty years seems like a long time, but this iconic Disney Attraction continues to be one of the most popular Rides in the Magic Kingdom and thrills guests of all ages!

Although it is almost cliche to say it, the Walt Disney World Resort isn't like any other theme park.  At Disney World magical moments occur daily, with some of the most special touches being the special interactions with Disney's staff known as Cast Members.

One of our favorite treats from the Cast Members are the Water Paintings of Disney Characters that are created at unscheduled times right on the streets or sidewalks of the Disney World Theme parks.


This Mickey Mouse was created at the Magic Kingdom.  The beauty of this art is that it is fleeting, since water dries quickly, especially in the hot Florida sun.  Only a few lucky Disney park guests are able to enjoy this work of art as it is drawn with only a broom and a bucket of water.


The Cast Member artists, who are dressed in the uniforms of the janitorial staffs, quietly go about creating these special works of art without drawing any special attention to themselves.

Capture The Art Of Water Painting

Next time you visit Disney World be on the lookout for these works of art and remember to take a picture, because the original will be gone forever after only a couple of minutes!

Do you love all things "Frozen"?  Do you look forward to even more ways to enjoy your favorite "Frozen" characters at the Walt Disney World Resort? This holiday season, the wintry wonder and magic of Disney’s “Frozen” is coming to the Magic Kingdom Park with “A Frozen Holiday Wish.”

"A Frozen Holiday Wish"

“A Frozen Holiday Wish” features Anna and Elsa in an all-new show on the Castle Forecourt Stage. With special appearances by rugged mountain man Kristoff and lovable snowman Olaf, the show culminates in Queen Elsa using her incredible powers to present a gift to everyone in the kingdom, transforming Cinderella Castle into a glimmering ice palace for the holidays.

“A Frozen Holiday Wish” begins November 5 and will be presented nightly through December 31, 2014.

One the the best parts of visiting the Magic Kingdom is all of the Disney Character interactions that can occur without having to spend extra for special events or Disney Character Dining.  Without spending extra there are 18 different Disney Character meet and greet opportunities that you can take part in at the Magic Kingdom.

Disney Friends At Town Square

Each day there are usually a number of Disney Characters that congregate at the Town Square, just inside the Magic Kingdom.  They are great opportunities for Disney guests to meet and greet Disney characters and to start the process of having their picture taken with Disney characters,

Here we see Marie waiting to meet with Disney World Guests.

Classic Disney Characters

At Pete's Silly Sideshow, located in the back of the Magic Kingdom in the area currently known as Storybook Circus there are 4 different Classic Disney Characters that you can meet in two separate lines.  In one line you can see Minnie Mouse and Daisy Duck, while the other line allows you to meet Goofy and Donald Duck.

This location is not well known to most Disney World guests and is a great way to get to meet these characters without a long wait!

Characters From "Aladdin"

Adventureland is the home to many great attractions and the opportunity to meet some of your favorite characters from the hit Disney movie "Aladdin."  The characters will vary depending upon the day, but you may get to meet Genie, Princess Jasmine, and/or Aladdin.

Characters From Disney/Pixar's Toy Story

Are you a Toy Story fan?  Well, who isn't?  If you would like the chance to meet some of these characters, then you should make your way to the attraction queue for Splash Mountain, where they have a special spot for meeting Magic Kingdom guests.  Woody & Jessie are among the characters you may meet.

Characters From "The Princess and the Frog"

Liberty Square is home to a special little garden where you may meet Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen from "The Princess and the Frog."  Tiana's Garden Glen is a great place to meet a Disney Princess with usually short lines and a shady waiting area.

Merida From Disney/Pixar's Brave

If you love Merida, you can meet her at a special meeting place between Cinderella Castle and Cosmic Ray's.  This well, designed area allows for a great picture setting and you may even get an archery lesson from Merida herself!

Mickey Mouse

What visit to the Magic Kingdom is complete without visiting the mouse that started it all, Mickey Mouse!  In the Town Square Theater which can be found to your right as you enter the Magic Kingdom,  Mickey Mouse meets guests all day.  If you are tight on time, you can get a FastPass+ to reserve a time to meet Mickey Mouse and cut down on your wait.

Tinker Bell

Everyone's favorite feisty fairy can also be found at the Town Square Theater.  Like Mickey Mouse, you can also get a FastPass+ to reserve a time to meet Tinker Bell if you do not want to wait in the standby line.

Princess Fairytale Hall - Anna & Elsa from Frozen and Cinderella and Rapunzel

The place to meet Disney Royalty is currently at Princess Fairytale Hall which is located in Fantasyland behind Cinderella Castle.

There are currently two different queues where you can either wait to meet Princess Anna & Queen Elsa from Frozen or Cinderella & Rapunzel.  Both lines have FastPass+ as an option, so if meeting your favorite is a must you may want to use this option.

Ariel At Her Grotto

Ariel has her own special spot in Fantasyland where you can meet her "Under The Sea."  Ariel's Grotto provides a great photographic background for your special pictures with your favorite mermaid.  You can also get FastPass+ for Ariel.

Enchanted Tales with Belle

Although it is billed as an attraction, Enchanted Tales With Belle is also a meet and greet opportunity for all children (and adults) who volunteer to take part in the performance.  This is a great opportunity to get your picture taken with Belle!

Incredibles Super Dance Party In Tomorrowland

Take advantage to meet the cast of The Incredibles and dance along to the hits with them. Mr. Incredible, Mrs. Incredible, and Frozone were all dancing to the music played by the DJ at RocketTower Plaza.

Winnie The Pooh & Friends at A Place For Friends To Meet

Right next to the Many Adventures Of Winnie The Pooh attraction is A Place For Friends To Meet, where you can meet one or more of Winnie The Pooh, Tigger, Piglet, and Eyeore.  Today we caught Winnie The Pooh and Tigger walking to the meeting place.

Peter Pan

Right next to the entrance to Adventureland near the Crystal Palace and the Aloha Isle (home to the Dle Whip) is a small patio where you may get to meet Peter Pan.  He can often be found here meeting guests.  Sometimes Peter and Wendy could be found meeting guests near Peter Pan's Flight in Fantasyland.

Alice In Wonderland

Often you can meet Alice In Wonderland next to the Mad Tea Party attraction.  Sometimes Alice is joined by the Mad Hatter or the White Rabbit.

Lady Tremaine and the Stepsisters - Anastasia & Drizella

Life isn't always about Princesses.  Often you can meet Cinderella's less famous step sisters Anastasia and Drizella behind Cinderella Castle with their mother Lady Tremaine.  If you have a chance to interact with the Step Sisters you will find that they are often quite hilarious.