In terms of navigating the four theme parks of the Walt Disney World Resort, the Magic Kingdom is the easiest! Today’s topic is park structure. Having a basic understanding of HOW the parks are laid out can definitely help you determine what you want to do once you’re there.
Magic Kingdom is designed in a wheel and spoke layout. Cinderella Castle acts as the hub of the entire park while each of the lands are spokes coming off said hub.
There are a few details in the park design that deserve some notice. First of all, the parking lot for the Magic Kingdom is located over a mile away. The Seven Seas Lagoon actually butts up to the front of the Magic Kingdom. Guests arriving via Monorail and/or Ferry have a real treat in terms of anticipation as they approach the park. Guests can see the castle as they arrive – adding to excitement.
Once you are on dry land, all you can see is the landscaped Mickey Mouse and the Train Station above you. It’s all on purpose! Walt loved the idea of a show and this was his grand reveal for his guests. As you enter the Magic Kingdom, you’ll pass under the railroad station and into the bustling Main Street turnaround. You have to turn a short corner to the straightaway of Main Street and THERE IT IS – CINDERELLA CASTLE in all its glory!
Each of the themed lands of the Magic Kingdom are connected to the Castle hub by bridged walkways and connected together. If you want to follow along land by land, simply keep walking. If you want to skip around, simply head to the nearest bridge and head across.
Now let’s talk about Animal Kingdom. When you look at the map, it resembles the hub and wheel concept of Magic Kingdom. The Tree of Life is like Cinderella Castle and each land has a bridge as a spoke.
The difference is in the theming. There is no Main Street directing you straight toward that castle hub at Animal Kingdom. Once you pass through the turnstiles, you are in the Oasis which is lush and green with lots of vegetation. You have multiple paths from which to choose as you explore. That’s the story behind Animal Kingdom. Disney wants you to believe you are about to explore uncharted areas so you will see rougher ground, narrower walkways and finally you will arrive at Discovery Island which is as close to The Tree of Life as you can get without going to see It’s Tough to be a Bug.
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