Magic Kingdom History – Every Single Attraction Through the Years (1971 – Today)

Last Updated on: May 28th, 2023

Posted By: Craig Smith

Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Park opened on October 1, 1971. In the half-decade since that amazing day, dozens of shops, restaurants, attractions, shows and rides have come and gone. In my directory of all things Disney, I give details on a ton of current and extinct Disney attractions. I thought it would be fun to take a look at a current (2022) Magic Kingdom map and run through everything that has occupied space in the park over the years and where each was/is located.

Plotting a list of Magic Kingdom attractions through the years against a map seemed like a pretty straightforward and somewhat easy task. I couldn’t have been more wrong. As you will see below, Magic Kingdom history is rich and the park has changed way more over the years than you may realize.

(click on the map for a larger view)

Magic Kingdom History

Image credit: Disney

How to Use: Use the numbers on the map to identify a spot in the Magic Kingdom and then have a look at the list below to see a quick rundown of what was in each spot over the years. In some cases, there isn’t a current attraction in a spot where one once was, so for those, I listed the attraction immediately after the closest existing one with a bit of a note after it. Click on the attraction names to get more information about each of them.

Please Note: Identifying some of this information was amazingly difficult and required a ton of research. I did my best in figuring things out, but I can’t guarantee this to be 100% accurate. I will be updating and refining this post over time as I continue to research more Magic Kingdom history.

(Opening Day Attractions in Bold)

(!) Indicates a very early Magic Kingdom attraction, but was not open on October 1, 1971.

Magic Kingdom main street usa History

Main Street USA Attractions:

Main Street USA features several attractions that are designed to transport guests back in time to a turn-of-the-century American town. Some of the original attractions that were part of the land when the park opened in 1971 include the Main Street Vehicles, the Walt Disney World Railroad, and the Main Street Cinema. Over the years, new attractions have been added, such as the Main Street Philharmonic, a live band that performs on the street, and the Town Square Theater, which offers character meet-and-greets. These attractions are designed to enhance the nostalgic and immersive experience of Main Street, U.S.A. for guests of all ages.

.5. Main Street Chamber of Commerce (1971 – Today) – Located between City Hall and the entrance tunnel

1. City Hall (1971 – Today)

1.5. Main Street Firehouse (1971- Today) – Located just north of City Hall

2. Town Square Theater (2011 – Today), Town Square Exposition Hall (2001 – 2010), Hospitality House (1979 – 2001), Gulf Hospitality House (1971 – 1979)

3. Casey’s Corner (1995 – Today), Refreshment Corner (1971 – 1995)

4. The Crystal Palace (1971 – Today)

5. The Plaza Restaurant (1977 – Today) – Was originally part of Borden’s Ice Cream Parlor

6. Plaza Ice Cream Parlor (1993 – Today), Sealtest Ice Cream Parlor (1981 – 1993), Borden’s Ice Cream Parlor (1971 – 1981)

7. Main Street Bakery (1971 – Today)

7.5. Crystal Arts (1973- Today) – Located on the corner of East Center Road next to #7. Expanded and took over the space that was occupied by Main Street Market House (1971 – 2007) in 2007.

8. Tony’s Town Square Restaurant (1989 – Today), Tony’s Town Square Café (1981 – 1989), Town Square Café (1971 – 1981)

9. Emporium (1971 – Today)

The Emporium has expanded and eaten up a number of other stores on the Western side of Main Street USA. Here are a few of the spots that once existed in spots that the Emporium has eaten up over the years:

      • The Greenhouse  (1971 – 1984) – Located on the old West Center Street which was a dead end offshoot of Main Street opposite of the still existing East Center Road
      • New Century Clock Shop (1971 – 1986) – Also on West Center Street
      • Harmony Barber Shop (1971 – 2001) – Was originally found on West Center Street before moving to #9.5.
      • Disney Clothiers (1985- 2001), Hallmark Card Shop (1971 – 1985)
      • Penny Arcade (1971 – 1995)
      • Hall of Champions (2006 – Today), Main Street Athletic Club (1995 – 2006) – This spot was created by the consolidation of the following in 1995:
        • House of Magic (1971 – 1995)
        • Main Street Book Shop (1989 – 1995), Main Street Stationers (1985 – 1989), Tobacconist (1971 – Mid 1980’s)

9.5. Harmony Barber Shop (2001 – Today) – Moved from West Center Street; Located in the corner between the Emporium (#9) and the Firehouse.

10. Uptown Jewelers (1986 – Today) – This spot was created by the consolidation of the following in 1986:

    • Cup ‘n’ Saucer China Shop (1971 – 1986)
    • Holiday Corner (1984 – 1986), Main Street Candle Shop (1981 – 1984), Wonderland of Wax (1971 – 1981)

10.5. Art of Disney (1998 – Today), Main Street Cinema (1971- 1998) – Not marked on map, but located between #10 and #11.

11. Main Street Confectionery (1971 – Today) – In 1989, The Confectionary was expanded and took over the following space:

Main St Camera Center (1984 – 1989), Camera Center (1979 – 1984), GAF Camera Center (1971 – 1977)

11.5. The Chapeau (1973 – Today) – Not marked on map, but wedged in the corner between #11 and #8.

Magic Kingdom adventureland History

Adventureland Attractions:

Adventureland at Magic Kingdom is a land themed after exotic and adventurous locales, such as jungles and tropical islands. The land features several attractions that take guests on thrilling journeys, such as the Jungle Cruise, which has been entertaining guests since the park’s opening in 1971, and the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, which opened in 1973. In 1995, The Enchanted Tiki Room: Under New Management debuted, a new version of the classic attraction with new characters and special effects. Today, guests can also enjoy attractions such as the Swiss Family Treehouse and the Magic Carpets of Aladdin, as well as a variety of themed restaurants and shops.

12. Swiss Family Treehouse (1971 – Today)

13. The Magic Carpets of Aladdin (2001 – Today) – A few shops to the Northeast were permanently removed when this attraction was built to widen the concourse. This includes:

14. Jungle Cruise (1971 – Today)

15. Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room (2011 – Today), The Enchanted Tiki Room Under New Management (1998 – 2011), Tropical Serenade (1971 – 1998)

16. Pirates of the Caribbean (1973 – Today)

16.5. The Pirates League (2009 – 2020), House of Treasure (1973- 2001) – Located in the Pirates of the Caribbean building between #16 and #22.

17. Spring Roll Snack Cart

18. Sunshine Tree Terrace (2015 – Today), Aloha Isle (1982 – 2015), Veranda Juice Bar (1971 – 1982)

19. Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen (2015- Today), Pixie Hollow (2011 – 2014), Tinker Bell’s Magical Nook (2008 – 2011), Adventureland Veranda Restaurant (1971 – 1994)

20. Aloha Isle (2015- Today), Sunshine Tree Terrace (1971 – 2015)

21. Tortuga Tavern (2011 – Today), El Pirata Y El Perico Restaurante (1971- 2011) – Two early WDW shops were removed in 1998 to make room for more seating for this restaurant:

22. Plaza del Sol Caribe Bazaar (1973- Today) – An arcade/shop was once located near the bathrooms in the hallway off of this space:

    • Lafitte’s Portrait Deck (1980 – 1994), Caverna de los Pirates (1979 – 1980), Pirate Arcade (1974 – 1979)

30.5. Agrabah Bazaar (2000 – Today), Elephant Tales/The Elephant’s Trunk (1987 – 2000),  Located on the Adventureland side of #30, facing #13. Before 1987, the sport consisted of two shops:

The Magic Carpet (1971 – 1987)

Oriental Imports LTD (1971 – 1987)

Magic Kingdom frontierland History

Frontierland Attractions:

Frontierland at Magic Kingdom is a land themed after the American Old West, featuring attractions that take guests on exciting and adventurous journeys. One of the original attractions of the land, the Country Bear Jamboree, opened with the park in 1971. The land’s most popular attraction, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, opened in 1980, followed by Splash Mountain in 1992. The land also features Tom Sawyer Island, a walk-through adventure playground, and the Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade, where guests can try their hand at old-fashioned shooting games. Additionally, there are several themed restaurants and shops that add to the immersive experience of Frontierland.

23. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure (2024 Tentative – On), Splash Mountain (1992 – 2024 Tentative)

24. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (1980 – Today)

25. Tom Sawyer Island (1973 – Today)

25.5. Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes (1971 – 1994) Launch located just North of the Tom Sawyer Island launch (#25)

26. Country Bear Jamboree (1971 – Today)

Seasonal Overlays: Country Bear Christmas Special (1984 – 2005), Country Bear Vacation Hoedown (1986 – 1992)

27. Golden Oak Outpost (2009 – Today), Frontierland Fries/Conestoga Fries (1997 – 2008)

28. Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe (1971 – Today)

From 1971 – 1998, it operated as two different locations (Pecos Bill Café and the Mile Long Bar)

29. Westward Ho (2011 – Today)

30. Frontier Trading Post (1971 – Today)

30.5. Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade (1971 – Today) – No number listed, but located approx. midway between Frontier Trading Post (#30) and The Diamond Horseshoe (#35).

Magic Kingdom liberty square History

Liberty Square Attractions:

Liberty Square at Magic Kingdom is a land designed to resemble colonial America and the era of the American Revolution. The land features several attractions that educate and entertain guests about American history, including the Hall of Presidents, an audio-animatronic show featuring all U.S. Presidents, and The Liberty Belle Riverboat, a scenic boat ride around the park’s waterways. The land’s most popular attraction, The Haunted Mansion, has been a staple since the park’s opening in 1971. Guests can also enjoy Liberty Square’s unique dining experiences, such as the Columbia Harbour House and the Liberty Tree Tavern, both of which offer colonial-inspired cuisine.

31. The Hall of Presidents (1971 – Today)

31.5. The Muppets Present…Great Moments in American History (2016 – 2019), Heritage House (1971 – 2014) was located next to The Hall of Presidents (#31)

32. Liberty Square Riverboat (1971! – Today)

Boat #1: Admiral Joe Fowler (1971 – 1980)

Boat #2: Liberty Belle (1996 – Today), Richard F. Irvine (1973 – 1996)

32.5. Mike Fink Keel Boats (1971 – 2001)

33. The Haunted Mansion (1971 – Today)

34. Liberty Tree Tavern (1971 – Today)

35. The Diamond Horseshoe (1971 – Today)

36. Columbia Harbour House (1972! – Today)

37. Liberty Square Market (2003 – Today)

38. Sleepy Hollow Refreshments (1971! – Today)

39. Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe (1996- Today) – This space combined a number of shops including:

    • Olde World Antiques (1972 – 1996)
    • Mademoiselle Lafayette’s Parfumerie (1971 – 1996)
    • Silver Smith (1972 – 1996)

39.5. Fife and Drums Refreshments (1972 – 1987) – Was located in the space behind #34 & #39.

40. Memento Mori (2014 – Today), The Yankee Trader (1973 – 2014)

Magic Kingdom fantasyland History

Fantasyland Attractions:

Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom is a land inspired by classic Disney animated films and fairy tales. The original version of Fantasyland featured attractions such as It’s a Small World, Peter Pan’s Flight, and the Mad Tea Party, which have been entertaining guests since the park’s opening in 1971. In 2012, the land underwent a major expansion, adding several new attractions, such as the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train roller coaster and the Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid dark ride. The expansion also included a new area themed after the film Beauty and the Beast, which features the popular Be Our Guest restaurant.

40.5. Castle Couture (2008 – 2019), Tinker Bell’s Treasures (1992 – 2008), Tinker Bell Toy Shoppe (1971! – 1992) – This was located around the corner from #42, across from Cinderella’s Castle.

41. Prince Charming Regal Carrousel (2010 – Today), Cinderella’s Golden Carrousel (1971 – 2010)

41.5. Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique (2007-Today) – Located just to the left if you are looking straight at Mickey’s Philharmagic.

42. Mickey’s Philharmagic (2003 – Today), The Legend of the Lion King (1994 – 2002), Magic Journeys (1987 – 1993), Mickey Mouse Revue (1971 – 1980)

43. Peter Pan’s Flight (1971! – Today)

43.5. Hook’s Tavern (1993 – Early 2000’s), Troubadour Tavern (1974- 1993) – Was located next to #43.

44. it’s a small world (1971 – Today)

45. Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid (2012 – Today)

46. The Barnstormer (1996 – Today) – In the 2011 area overhaul, the following Toontown attraction was removed for queue space:

46.5. Casey Jr. Splash ‘n’ Soak Station (2011 – Today), Mickey’s Country House (1988 – 2011) – Located in the center of Storybook Circus area, directly between $46 and #61.

47. Dumbo the Flying Elephant current location in Storybook Circus (2012 – Today)

Original location which was essentially where the castle turrets are between 41 and 50 (1971 – 2012)

48. Mad Tea Party (1971 – Today)

49. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (1999 – Today), Mr Toad’s Wild Ride (1971 – 1998)

49.5. Hundred Acres Goods (2010 – Today), Pooh’s Thotful Shop (1999 – 2010) – Located at the exit of #49.

50. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (2014 – Today), Pooh’s Playful Spot (2005 – 2010), Ariel’s Grotto (1996 – 2004), 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea: Submarine Voyage (1971! – 1994)

51. Princess Fairytale Hall (2013 – Today), Snow White’s Scary Adventures (1971 – 2012)

51.5 Sir Mickeys (1996- Today) – Located between #51 and Cinderella’s Castle. In 1996 the following shops were combined to create it:

    • The AristoCats (1971! – 1996)
    • Mickey’s Christmas Carol (1986 – 1996), Merlin’s Magic Shop (1972 – 1986)

52. Cinderella’s Royal Table (1997 – Today), King Stefan’s Banquet Hall (1971 – 1997)

53. Pinocchio Village Haus (1971 – Today)

54. Be Our Guest Restaurant (2012 – Today)

55. Gaston’s Tavern (2012 – Today)

56. Prince Eric’s Village Market (2012 – Today)

57. Cheshire Café (2011 – Today), Enchanted Grove (1983 – 2011), Fantasyland Art Festival (1973 – 1983)

58. Storybook Treats (2010 – Today), Mrs. Potts’ Cupboard (1994 – 2010), The Round Table (1972 – 1994)

59. The Friar’s Nook (2009 – Today), The Village Fry Shoppe (2006 – 2009), Lumiere’s Kitchen (1993 – 2006), Gurgi’s Munchies & Crunchies (1986 – 1993), Lancer’s Inn (1973 – 1986)

60. Fantasy Faire (1995 – Today), The Mad Hatter (1971- 1995)

61. Big Top Souvenirs (2012 – Today)

61.5. Pete’s Silly Sideshow (2012 – Today) – Replaced the following Toontown attractions in the 2011 overhaul:

    • Pixie Hollow (2008 – 2011)
    • Toontown Hall of Fame (1996 – 2011)

Mickey’s Toontown Fair (1996 – 2011), Mickey’s Toyland (1995 – 1996), Mickey’s Starland (1990 – 1995), Mickey’s Birthdayland (1988 – 1990) – Was a section of Fantasyland located where Storybook Circus is now (#61, 46, 47). Below is a rundown of attractions removed and not replaced in the 2011 overhaul:

Magic Kingdom tomorrowland History

Tomorrowland Attractions:

Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom is a land themed after the future and space exploration, featuring attractions that showcase innovative technology and futuristic concepts. Some of the original attractions of Tomorrowland include Space Mountain, which opened with the park in 1971, and the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover, which opened in 1975. In 1995, the land saw the debut of the ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter, a high-tech sensory experience that closed in 2003 and was replaced by Stitch’s Great Escape! Today, guests can also enjoy attractions such as Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, an interactive shooting game, and the Tomorrowland Speedway, a classic go-kart style ride. The land also features several futuristic themed dining options and shops.

62. Tomorrowland Speedway (2009 – Today), Tomorrowland Indy Speedway (1996 – 2009), Grand Prix Raceway (1971 – 1996)

63. Space Mountain (1975 – Today)

63.5. Tron Lightcycle Run (TBD – On), Tomorrowland Arcade (1995 – 2015) – Located just West/North of #63.

64. Astro Orbiter (1994 – Today), Star Jets (1974 – 1994)

65. Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover (2009 – Today), Tomorrowland Transit Authority (1994 – 2009), Wedway PeopleMover (1975 – 1994)

66. Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress (1975 – Today)

67. Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin (1998 – Today), Take Flight (1996 – 1998), Dreamflight (1996), Delta Dreamflight (1989 – 1995), If You Could Fly (1987 – 1989), If You Had Wings (1972! – 1987)

68. Monsters Inc Laugh Floor (2007 – Today), The Timekeeper (1994 – 2006), American Journeys (1984 – 1996), Magic Carpet ‘Round the World (1979-1984), America the Beautiful (1975 – 1979), Magic Carpet ‘Round the World (1974 – 1975), America the Beautiful (1971! – 1974)

68.5.  Stitch’s Great Escape! (2004 – 2018), ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter (1995 – 2003), Mission to Mars (1975 – 1993), Flight to the Moon (1971! – 1975) – No number listed as there is no current attraction in this spot, but it is the space directly across from #68.

68.5. Merchant of Venus (1994 – Today), Space Port (1971 – 1994) No number listed as the shop is currently closed but located between #70 and #73 on the map.

69. Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe (1994 – Today), Tomorrowland Terrace (1971 – 1994)

70. Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies (1994 – Today), The Lunching Pad (1972 – 1994)

71. Cool Ship (1994 – Today)

72. Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company (2017 – Today)

73. The Lunching Pad (1994 – Today), The Space Bar (1974 – 1994)

74. Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant (2011 – Today), Tomorrowland Noodle Station (2005 – 2011), Plaza Pavilion (1973- 2005)

75. Star Traders (1991 – Today), Mickey’s Mart (1971 – 1991)

76. Ursa’s Major Minor Mart

Magic Kingdom History

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    About the Author

    Craig Smith
    I am founder and editor of DisneyNews.us. My passion for all things Disney goes pretty far back to my first trip to Walt Disney World in the mid-80's. I have since returned to the magical place more than 20 times. I started this site when I came to the realization that I spent a significant portion of my day reading articles about Disney and watching Disney content with my 8-year old, so it made sense that I would start sharing some of what I read and see and building a little community around it. Other interests include 80's nostalgia, vintage toys, video games, LEGO, Star Wars and tech gadgets. Other sites include DMR and VideoGamesStats.com.