Chapter 4 - Magic Kingdom - Town Square - West Side
posted March 2017/update May 2021/Jun 22
In the previous chapter our tour went from the Gateway, main entrance to the Magic Kingdom, through the Tunnel, and toured the Main Street Railroad Station.
A thought come to mind while standing in Town Square in front of the Train Station and looking down Main St. USA.
The Park entrance and Main Street USA is designed as the opening credits of the Magic Kingdom Park and nothing here is a coincidence. Think about the ‘movie posters’ that line the tunnel as you enter the park, the design of the cast member outfits, and the smell of fresh popped corn as Main Street finally comes into your view.
Doesn’t it remind you of the beginning of a anticipated feature presentation? That is exactly the vision and experience that Walt and his Imagineers intended and it is why we feel a part of the magic at Walt Disney World.
Let's begin our tour of the Magic Kingdom, but first, guests may noticed entering the Magic Kingdom that the walkways are red. It’s said that Walt Disney’s idea was for the guests to feel that Walt Disney World (WDW) is laying down the "Red Carpet" for them. But I think the real reason is for safety, so that the curbs are more noticeable.
A thought come to mind while standing in Town Square in front of the Train Station and looking down Main St. USA.
The Park entrance and Main Street USA is designed as the opening credits of the Magic Kingdom Park and nothing here is a coincidence. Think about the ‘movie posters’ that line the tunnel as you enter the park, the design of the cast member outfits, and the smell of fresh popped corn as Main Street finally comes into your view.
Doesn’t it remind you of the beginning of a anticipated feature presentation? That is exactly the vision and experience that Walt and his Imagineers intended and it is why we feel a part of the magic at Walt Disney World.
Let's begin our tour of the Magic Kingdom, but first, guests may noticed entering the Magic Kingdom that the walkways are red. It’s said that Walt Disney’s idea was for the guests to feel that Walt Disney World (WDW) is laying down the "Red Carpet" for them. But I think the real reason is for safety, so that the curbs are more noticeable.
Magic Kingdom Map - blocked area is the West Side of Town Square, which we'll be touring in this Chapter. For current map: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/magic-kingdom/maps/
Let’s
explore the different buildings that surround the Town Square. We’ll tour
starting from the left side and follow clock-wise. Our first stop will be...
Main Street Chamber of Commerce
The Chamber of Commerce is now used for Package Pickup. Just in case you are in the mood to do Shopping, Shopping and more Shopping. If you don’t want to carry all of those bags around the Magic Kingdom have them sent by a stores cast member to the Chamber of Commerce. Then at the end of your visit to the Magic Kingdom Pickup your Packages as you leave. It’s easy and convenient. If you staying at a WDW Resort you can arrange to have the purchases delivered directly to your Resort.
Link: Designing Main St USA |
Over the years the Main Street Chamber of Commerce has housed several different shops from art shop, Jam store, to survey center, etc.
The architecture is classic turn of the century (late 1800’s) with Roman Corinthian columns and Italianate inspired upper facade. In other words, it looks pretty and fits the surroundings. 
|
|
|
City Hall
As we move clock-wise from the Chamber of Commerce we have City Hall.
|
|
The Main St. City Hall was architecturally designed after the City Halls of Marceline, Missouri and Fort Collins, Colorado. The City Hall in most towns is the more important site on Main Street, just as it is in the Magic Kingdom. The building itself emphasizes the stature of authority with its height and clock tower. The City Hall in the Magic Kingdom is the location for the Guest Relations, where people go for help and information, but there’s more to see inside.
|
|
|
Off to the one side of the interior of City Hall there are photos of the “Disney World Founding Fathers”, Walt and Roy. As we stated City Hall is where Magic Kingdom’s Guest Relations resides. The Guest Relations cast members can help you with almost anything related to your stay at Walt Disney World. 
Reservations
Additional services provided by Guest Relations include
Most of the Guest Relations Cast Members can speak in Several different Languages. |
The walls of City Hall are decorated with paintings depicting historic figures and events from the turn-of-the-century American. There are portraits of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln along with a large “painting within a painting” that focuses on the famous moment when America completed the first transcontinental railroad in 1869. These are actually copies of the paintings created for the original Hall of Presidents show back in 1971. 
|
|
|
|
|
|
Are you celebrating something? At the Guest Relations you can pick up special buttons for FREE to show everyone that you are Celebrating. The following Buttons are available….
- First Visit
- Happy Birthday
- Happy Anniversary
- Family Reunion
- Happily Ever After
- Just Engaged
- I’m Celebrating (get one since you're probably celebrating that you are on vacation in the Happiest Place on Earth)
As we mentioned in Chapter 3, another thing to do at Guest Relations is if you wish to send or receive the Main Street, U.S.A. postmark on your letter or postcard is to take it to a Guest Relations. Let them know you would like the Main Street postmark on your mail. The cast member will stamp your letter or postcard with the Main Street, U.S.A. – Magic Kingdom postmark. It will definitely be a reminder of your adventures and fun at WDW and the Magic Kingdom.
|
|
|
|
Magic Kingdom City Hall Links:
|
 |
Views of the West side of Town Square
 If you are planning to do one of the many tours of the Magic Kingdom,
|
 the meeting spot is located between The Chamber of Commerce and City Hall.
|
For a list, description and availability of the Magic Kingdom Tours check this link:
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/magic-kingdom/
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/magic-kingdom/
The spot between the Chamber of Commerce and City Hall is also reserved for Meet & Greet with Snow White.
|
|
The Fire House
 Fire-fighting enthusiasts will want to be sure to stop by Engine Co. 71 in Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom.
|
Next to the City Hall is the Main St. Firehouse. Over the entrance to the Firehouse is a sign that states “Engine Company No. 71”. This refers to the year that the Magic Kingdom opened in 1971. Originally the Firehouse was used to house the Fire Engine that transported guests from Town Square, down Main St to the Plaza in front of Cinderella’s Castle. Then in 1993 it was transformed into a gift shop which specialized in Fireman gifts such as clothing, mugs, statues and more. 2012 the Firehouse became the home base for the Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom Recruitment Center. |
The Firehouse still maintains some of its roots, with antique fire equipment and props which details some of the history of the early-1900’s fire departments.
By the entrance you’ll see patches from firehouses around the country which have been donated by firefighters visiting the Magic Kingdom.
Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom
|
Note: Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom Game was disconnected in January 2021.
|
Do you want to save the Magic Kingdom from the Disney Evil Villains?
Then, sign up at the Recruitment Center in the Firehouse to be a member of the Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom and help Merlin save the Magic Kingdom from Hades and his Evil Cohorts. It's an interactive park-wide adventure game where you can battle up to twenty Disney Villains.
Then, sign up at the Recruitment Center in the Firehouse to be a member of the Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom and help Merlin save the Magic Kingdom from Hades and his Evil Cohorts. It's an interactive park-wide adventure game where you can battle up to twenty Disney Villains.
|
|
|
There are 9 quests, one randomly given each time you visit the Recruitment center. By using Merlin’s map you can find the locate of the 20 Magic Portals situated throughout Adventureland, Fantasyland, Frontierland and along Main Street, U.S.A.
Magic Portal Symbol
|
At the Firehouse you'll get everything necessary for your quests, Merlin's mystical map, spell cards and most of all training on how to unlock the Magic Portals and defeat the Villains.
As your traveling through the park look for these symbols on the ground these are indications that you are standing in front of a Magical Portal. |
Sorcerer's Training Booth
|
|
Upon arriving at the first Magic Portal, hold up your Sorcerer Key Card or Magic Band to unlock and gain access—one of Hades’ henchmen will pop up prepared for battle!
Present a spell card to crush the creep; once victory is yours, you will be given the location of the next Magic Portal until to you eliminate the Evil Villain.
After you've finished a mission go back to the recruitment center for a bonus set of spell cards. (You can only get a new set once a day). There are 70 spell cards you can collect.
Missions usually last from 20 to 30 minutes and can take you various areas in the Magic Kingdom.
Links for more information on Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom:
Link to see all of the Spell Cards:
Present a spell card to crush the creep; once victory is yours, you will be given the location of the next Magic Portal until to you eliminate the Evil Villain.
After you've finished a mission go back to the recruitment center for a bonus set of spell cards. (You can only get a new set once a day). There are 70 spell cards you can collect.
Missions usually last from 20 to 30 minutes and can take you various areas in the Magic Kingdom.
Links for more information on Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom:
- https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/attractions/magic-kingdom/sorcerers/
- http://grumpymickey.org/disney-vacation/walt-disney-world/parks/walt-disneys-magic-kingdom
Link to see all of the Spell Cards:
Horse Barn
|
|
|
|
The Horse Barn or Car Barn next to the Firehouse is where the horses and Trolleys are stored while they're not in use on Main Street. As you look around the Barn you'll see the Horse livery hanging up with their Hidden Mickey brasses, Horseshoes, nails and barrels. In the rear you can spot Trolleys that are not in use. |
|
|
When the Horses are
not pulling the trolley, the horses are usually stabled inside Horse Car Barn
where you can visit them. At night, the horses are taken to a barn at Disney’s
Fort Wilderness.
Harmony Barber Shop
|
|
Another stop in Town Square is the Harmony Barbershop, it's tucked in between the Car Barn and the Emporium.
A striped pole and old-fashioned storefront transport you to the turn of the century time as you approach this hidden gem on Main Street, U.S.A. Its quaint interior outfitted with a potbelly stove adds to the illusion of timelessness, as does the pleasant, unhurried banter of the barber. The Barbershop is a definitely step back in time.
At first glance into this small hidden treasure, you'll notice the old-fashioned barbershop look. The ornate carved wood, the etched glass, the potbelly stove, it’s as if it you have walked into a Norman Rockwell painting. One of the first thing that you'll experience is the smell of hair tonics and talcum powders, which line the shelves. Most people think it’s a display and take pictures, but it's a real working Barbershop and some of the antiques in Harmony Barber Shop are still in service. There's a turn-of-the-century Western Electric phone box that is still used to make phone calls. Also the cash register the barbers use to ring up their sales dates back to 1912.
Yes it is a real working Barbershop. With Shop hours are usually 9:00 am-5:00 pm (times vary, last haircut taken at 4:30 pm). Open seven days a week.The Harmony Barbershop provides haircuts for any age, (boys, girls, men or women) but specializes in first haircuts. Children who receive their first haircut are treated to surprises, including bubbles, Mickey Mouse stickers, an extra-special “My 1st Haircut” set of Mouse Ears, special “pixie dust” and a certificate to commemorate the occasion. For the gentlemen, they'll even trim beards and mustaches.
A striped pole and old-fashioned storefront transport you to the turn of the century time as you approach this hidden gem on Main Street, U.S.A. Its quaint interior outfitted with a potbelly stove adds to the illusion of timelessness, as does the pleasant, unhurried banter of the barber. The Barbershop is a definitely step back in time.
At first glance into this small hidden treasure, you'll notice the old-fashioned barbershop look. The ornate carved wood, the etched glass, the potbelly stove, it’s as if it you have walked into a Norman Rockwell painting. One of the first thing that you'll experience is the smell of hair tonics and talcum powders, which line the shelves. Most people think it’s a display and take pictures, but it's a real working Barbershop and some of the antiques in Harmony Barber Shop are still in service. There's a turn-of-the-century Western Electric phone box that is still used to make phone calls. Also the cash register the barbers use to ring up their sales dates back to 1912.
Yes it is a real working Barbershop. With Shop hours are usually 9:00 am-5:00 pm (times vary, last haircut taken at 4:30 pm). Open seven days a week.The Harmony Barbershop provides haircuts for any age, (boys, girls, men or women) but specializes in first haircuts. Children who receive their first haircut are treated to surprises, including bubbles, Mickey Mouse stickers, an extra-special “My 1st Haircut” set of Mouse Ears, special “pixie dust” and a certificate to commemorate the occasion. For the gentlemen, they'll even trim beards and mustaches.
|
The Dapper Dan’s barbershop quartet strolls by daily, and often drop in to sing melodious tunes in perfect harmony and entertaining guests with their humorous banter. Currently the cost for a standard haircut is $15 (child 12 and under) or $19 (adult), while the first haircut package is $19. Advance reservations are encouraged. You may be able to stop in and make an appointment the day of your visit because walk-ins are welcomed, but there is no guarantee that you will be able to obtain a time. All Harmony Barber Shop stylists are state-licensed cosmetologists. |
Emporium
|
|
We have been visiting all of the buildings on the West Side of Town Square, and since The Emporium is located on the corner of Town Square and Main St, USA we'll take a brief visit.
Most guests coming into the park will usually enter the Emporium from the Town Square side. The Emporium however expands the entire left hand side of Main St. It is the largest gift and souvenir shop in the Magic Kingdom. Walking into The Emporium is like take a walk back into the turn of the century (1900's that is) and the cast members are dressed to match the period. |
|
|
|
|
This is the common theme of Town Square and Main St USA, Walt Disney loved growing up in Marceline, Missouri, that he modeled the entrance to Disneyland and WDW Magic Kingdom after it. Along the exterior are various display windows which show scenes from Disney films. It reminds you of the days when window shopping was popular.
Inside The Emporium the store is fashioned with mahogany looking panels, shelves and counters, again staying with the turn-of-the-century decor. The store is divided into several sections:
- Souvenirs/Snacks/Household Gifts
- Toys/Boys Apparels
- Seasonal Magic Kingdom Logo Apparel
- Costumes/Girl’s Apparel
- Men’s ‘/Women’s' Apparel.
On the main sign for The Emporium it saying that the store opened in 1901 and the number can be found in several other spots inside the many rooms of the store. 1901 is another of many references to Walt Disney, it was the year he was born.
The Emporium is also the last store in the Magic Kingdom to close after the park closes. So if you saw something you really liked while touring the Magic Kingdom but neglected to purchase it, you will most likely find it here at the Emporium and be able to purchase it before you leave.
A few websites to check out on The Emporium:
The Emporium is also the last store in the Magic Kingdom to close after the park closes. So if you saw something you really liked while touring the Magic Kingdom but neglected to purchase it, you will most likely find it here at the Emporium and be able to purchase it before you leave.
A few websites to check out on The Emporium:
Main Street Emporium's Osh Popham
As guests approach the front entrance to the Emporium, in the window to the right is a sign with the inscription, "'Osh Popham' - Proprietor." This reference to a proprietor with quite the backstory. The name Osh Popham comes from Disney’s film history. The film Summer Magic debuted in 1963. In the film a leading character, Osh Popham, played by Burl Ives, who is a shopkeeper, postmaster and good-natured meddler. Also starring as Nancy Carey (played by Hayley Mills), her mother Margaret Carey (played by Dorothy McGuire) and her cousin Julia (played by Deborah Walley), who are the proprietresses of the nearby Le Chapeau. Note: another tie in to the Hat Shop Le Chapeau, located on the east side of Town Square. |
|
Plot:
When widowed Margaret Carey gets into money trouble after her husband death, Nancy, devises a plan to cut costs. She contacts Osh, the caretaker of an estate in Maine, and gets permission for the family to rent it. Though the Carey clan spends a carefree summer fixing up the big yellow house
The owner of the summer house returns from Europe unexpectedly, but keeps his identity a secret when he too falls for the young Nancy. The entire family gets to croon with Burl Ives in a folksy front-porch singalong. The townsfolk make the Carey's feel at home to the point that they consider making the coastal town their permanent home.
Songs by the legendary Sherman Brothers include Ugly Bug Ball and On the Front Porch sung by Burl Ives.
Reference:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Summer_Magic
https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/summer_magic
https://www.shopdisney.com/summer-magic-dvd-477450420021.html
When widowed Margaret Carey gets into money trouble after her husband death, Nancy, devises a plan to cut costs. She contacts Osh, the caretaker of an estate in Maine, and gets permission for the family to rent it. Though the Carey clan spends a carefree summer fixing up the big yellow house
The owner of the summer house returns from Europe unexpectedly, but keeps his identity a secret when he too falls for the young Nancy. The entire family gets to croon with Burl Ives in a folksy front-porch singalong. The townsfolk make the Carey's feel at home to the point that they consider making the coastal town their permanent home.
Songs by the legendary Sherman Brothers include Ugly Bug Ball and On the Front Porch sung by Burl Ives.
Reference:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Summer_Magic
https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/summer_magic
https://www.shopdisney.com/summer-magic-dvd-477450420021.html
We have just completed a Pictorial tour of the West Side of Town Square.
The next addition, Chapter 5, will take good look at the other side of Town Square, the East Side.
We'll also cover some of the changes that have occurred in Town Square over the years.
So, please join us.
The next addition, Chapter 5, will take good look at the other side of Town Square, the East Side.
We'll also cover some of the changes that have occurred in Town Square over the years.
So, please join us.
Follow us on Facebook |
|
|
|
Afterword:
WDWMousing.com is designed to be a tour of Walt Disney World through photos. We have been to Walt Disney World countless times over the past 25 years and accumulated a magnitude of photos in that time. This website is an intention to combine two of our favorite pastimes, Walt Disney World and photography, and provide an insightful pictorial tour. While doing so, we've done an extensive research of the internet and literary sources for background information on each area and atrraction. The information is available, but most bits and pieces are scattered all over. WDWMousing doesn't intend to rewrite the stories, legends or data, but to try and collect it into one location with reference and links to the original articles and authors. And giving rightful credit. We've stumbled through quite a bit of mis-information, most of which came to life by fans because the origins were lost, forgotten or no one seems to remember. Over the past 25 years we've also lost most of the great Imagineers that helped develop, design and build the original concepts of Walt Disney World. So we believe it's extremely important to make sure that their efforts, intentions, details and creativity in making this Happiest Place on Earth aren't lost. So we ask for feedback, insights, and suggestions. Thank you WDWMousing 
|