- Resorts: Contemporary Resort
- The Contemporary
Resort opened in 1971 in the shadow the Magic Kingdom's main entrance. One
of the three original Magic Kingdom resorts, it consists of a 150 foot-tall
A-frame structure, the open interior of which forms the immense Grand Canyon
Concourse. The monorail goes right through the concourse, which contains a
variety of shops and restaurants. Together with two adjacent low-rise wings,
the Contemporary has 1041 rooms.
Resorts: Fort Wilderness - The Fort Wilderness
Resort opened in 1971 on a 750-acre site on Bay lake, across from the Contemporary
Resort. One of the three original Magic Kingdom resorts, it provides hundreds
of campsites for the budget conscious traveler, or those that prefer a more
rustic lodging experience than is found at the other resorts.
Resorts: Polynesian Resort - The Polynesian
Resort opened in 1971 on a 39-acre site next to the Magic Kingdom's Ticket
and Transportation Center. One of the three original Magic Kingdom resorts,
it is designed to evoke the feel of the south seas. Guests occupy several
long houses that are situated around the Great Ceremonial House, which contains
a number of shops and restaurants.
Recreation: Discovery Island - The island
in the middle of Bay Lake (the body of water on which both the Contemporary
and Fort Wilderness Resorts are located), now known as Discovery Island, began
its Walt Disney World tenure in 1971 as the undeveloped Blackbeard's Island.
Magic Kingdom: The Magic Kingdom - The
Magic Kingdom opened October 1, 1971, hosting 10,000 visitors and inaugurating
Walt Disney World and the Disney presence in Florida. Occupying the northernmost
reaches of the 43 square miles owned by Disney, the Magic Kingdom can be loosely
described as the east coast incarnation of California's Disneyland, although
on a grander scale. Consisting (on opening day) of six themed lands--Main
Street, USA; Adventureland; Frontierland; Liberty Square; Fantasyland; and
Tomorrowland--the park opened with 23 attractions. The focal point of the
park is the 189-foot high Cinderella's Castle that serves as the entrance
to Fantasyland
|
