Meet the Magic Kingdom and Main Street USA

Main Street USA - classic, old American town. This is the first stop on the grand tour of the Magic Kingdom.

As you enter the gates, perhaps you pick up a map...which looks something like this:
After you get a good look at the map, you figure you might want to take a full ride on the Walt Disney World Railroad. As you board the train, you notice the train station seems to be a full replication of a turn-of-the-century train station. (See picture below)



Once you board the train, you look to your left and see a nice view of the lagoon - Disney's Contemporary Resort, Disney's Polynesian Resort, Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and the entrance to the Magic Kingdom itself. In addition, as the train pulls out of the station, you see the monorails whisking people to and from the most magical place on earth.

The first pass-thru is Adventureland. As the train chuffs by, you notice many still tableaus of natural scenes - animals, Native Americans, and even "train eating lions". The first actual stop on the train is in Frontierland, people get off and others get on and soon the train resumes motion. As you exit Frontierland, you see Big Thunder Mountain, and the many runaway mine cars fly by you. Before officially leaving Frontierland, you see even more tableaus out of the side of the train, except these all have to do with the Wild West, including a glimpse at Tom Sawyer's Island.

Next stop: Mickey's Toontown Fair. Once Mickey's Birthdayland, this land is perfect for young children. As all of the families with young kids exit the train, it is once again in motion. Leaving the colorful, cartoon-like buildings behind, the train chugs along towards Tomorrowland. The transition between the two lands is distinct - the bright colors suddenly give way to futuristic, shining chrome and various other metals. As you pass by, many brightly colored cars zoom along a track and a futuristic tram seems to hover high above the ground. To your left is a large white super structure: Space Mountain. The outside does not serve this classic coaster its justice - the plain white exterior seems like a futuristic tent, not like a building that houses a mission to the stars.

Soon, the train has returned to Main Street USA, and you exit the train. As you descend the steps onto the main street (see picture below), you hear a beep of a horn and you see a trolley car running along the congested street. The street is lined with many stores with The Emporium being one of them.


The Emporium is probably my favorite store on all of the Walt Disney World property. It spans at least "3 blocks" and has a huge selection of Disney merchandise. I have gone into the store many a time quite desperate ("The zipper on my backpack broke and I need a new one ...help!") and have always been greeted by a smiling Cast Member who was willing to help. Clothing, shoes, backpacks, stuffed toys, Mickey Ears, Candy and Princess Dresses to name a few fun favorite items that this store carries.

After browsing a bit in this store, you exit and smell the wonderful smells of the bakery, ice cream store and of Casey's. As you walk down the street, you happen upon the Barbershop, where you see a young child receiving their first haircut; this quite frequently happens and one often sees a plethora of young children wearing "First Haircut" buttons or mouse ears.

Here is a complete list of all Main Street USA has to offer!

Stores:
1) The Chapeau (don't forget your mouse ears to be monogrammed!)
2) Crystal Arts (fine crystals)
3) Disney Clothiers
4) Disney & Co. (assorted Disney merchandise)
5) Emporium
6) Engine Co. 71 - Firehouse Gift Station (All Fire fighter esque gifts)
7) Harmony Barber Shop (you can actually get hair cuts here - see stories above)
8) Main Street Athletic Club (Sports apparel and equipment)
9) The Main Street Cinema
10) Main Street Gallery
11) Uptown Jewelers

Eateries:
1) Casey's Corner (famous for its hot dogs!)
2) Confectionary (yummy candy and other sweets)
3) The Crystal Palace (a character meal with Pooh and the gang!)
4) Main Street Bakery
5) Plaza Ice Cream Parlor
6) Plaza Restaurant (sandwiches and other light fare)
7) Tony's Town Square Restaurant (a delicious Italian Style Restaurant)

Attractions and Entertainment:
1) Flag Retreat
2) Main Street Vehicles
3) Town Square Exposition Hall
4) Walt Disney World Railroad

As you walk down the street towards Cinderella's Castle (the central hub of the park), you decide your next "land" will be Adventureland

...although, you want to check out the Castle first.