Chapter 7 Magic Kingdom - Main St. USA - East Side  Posted May 2017 update Oct 2020

What we'll see and visit in this part of the tour:
- Confectionery - Main St. Side
- Main St. Cinema
- Main St. Gallery
- Crystal Arts

- Uptown Jewelers
- Main St. Bakery
- Plaza Ice Cream Parlor
- Main St. Citizen and Entertainers

Right down the East Side of Main St. USA

Now we’re back and ready to go up the East Side of Main St. USA to tour the stores and attractions. Similar to the Emporium, on the West Side of Main St.. which was one continuous complex, this side is a variety of connected but individually different shops. There is also a small side street, Center Street, which at times can be a quiet refuge from the activities and crowds on Main St. USA.
For a full current Magic Kingdom Map go to:   Magic Kingdom Map
We are going to make our first stop short with a visit through the Confectionery, again.

Confectionery - Main St. Side

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Just a quick view of the Confectionery, then through to the Main St. Cinema and Gallery. We covered the Confectionery in depth in Chapter 4 – Town Square East Side.

Not that the view is any different, but.....

Of course, we have to come back to the Confectionery, with all of the sweet treats there we have to make a second visit. You just need to get something to satisfy your sweet tooth. Main St. USA is a total sensory experience and the Confectionery works on the Sight, Smell and Taste. The ambience draws you into the Confectionery, then the aroma teases you, you just have to have something sweet. So you’ll have to satisfy it by treating your taste buds. 

Main St. Cinema/Main St. Gallery

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Next to the Confectionery is the Main St. Cinema. The front has the appearance of the way Movie houses used to look in an earlier time.
The Main Street Cinema was originally an attraction, there was a large screen and theater chairs in the back that showed classic Disney animations. The screen is still there and it does occasionally show short clips of classic animations. But over time it has become more and more of a shop. As the marquee outside displays “Now Showing: The Art of Disney”, thus the Main St. Gallery.
The main animation film running is 'Mickey's Big Break'. A 10-minute tongue in cheek film showing how Mickey was chosen from a number of actors for his starring role in the 1928 Steamboat Willie cartoon. This is then followed by a classic Disney cartoon featuring Mickey. The 'minor' vintage cartoon shown varies from time to time, and of course, Steamboat Willie.

It is also one of the locations for the Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom (see Chapter 4)
More on the Main St Cinema/Gallery see these links:

Uptown Jewelers

Connected to the Main St. Gallery is the Uptown Jewelers.
Center Street Entrance
Uptown Jewelers has a Victorian accent to its setting which matched well with the fine jewelry, such as PANDORA, and boutique collection items, including handbags, scarves, etc.. It is where you can get your Mickey watches, Disney figurines and artist sketches, including The Art of Disney on Demand!

Center Street

Leaving the Uptown Jewelers by the side door you’ll end up in a small side alleyway called Center St.
Most of the time it is a quiet getaway from the traffic on Main St., with several tables, chairs and benches. Also one of the Uptown store fronts serves as another one of the Sorcerers portals.

If you listen carefully, you'll be able to hear a voice practicing scales and someone tap dancing.
Center Street is one of Magic Kingdom's best keep secrets. A quiet get away from the crowds. 
Before the Emporium expansion in 2001, there was an alleyway on the west side of Main St. called West Center St. (of course). For more information on West Center St. go to this link:
 
Main Street Market House

The Main Street Market House was an opening-day shop for the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. It was sponsored by Smucker’s until 1993. In 1997, the shop was re-designed completely. In 2007, the space was taken over by the Arribas Brothers for the Crystal Arts store. Originally, the Crystal Arts store was in the seating area of the Main Street Bakery.
Crystal Arts
Just across Center St. from Uptown Jewelers is Crystal Arts.
Crystal Arts specializes in all manner of glass and crystal items, from cut glass bowls to glasses, plates, vases and much more.
In the center of the store, Crystal cutters demonstrate the age-old art of glass sculpting and custom engraving in this treasure trove of handcrafted gifts and decorative articles from European artists.
To the back of the store, you will see a furnace and set up for Glass Blowing. Several times during the day there will be a glass blowing demonstration. If a demonstration is not on when your there and you are interested, ask a Cast Member when the next demonstration time is.
The craftsmanship both in the Glass Cutting and Glass Blowing is amazing to watch.
Crystal Arts in the Magic Kingdom is presented by the Arribas Brothers. There have been Arribas Brothers shops in every Disney park going all the way back to Walt's original magic kingdom: Disneyland. Legend has it that Walt Disney first encountered the glass blowers at the 1964 New York World's Fair in the Spanish pavilion, representing their homeland and displaying amazing works of glass blowing and crystal art. Walt became so impressed with their craftsmanship that he instantly wanted a shop in Disneyland. The first small shop opened in Sleeping Beauty Castle in Anaheim in 1967, beginning a long and exclusive partnership between with the glass artisans. There are currently 19 different shops worldwide scattered throughout the Disney parks and resorts. There is also an Epcot location in the Germany pavilion, Kunstarbeit in Kristal, that is a must see.
 

Cigar Store Indian on Main St. USA

In front of Crystal Arts Shop stands a Cigar Store Indian named Chief Seegar, carrying a green cape.
When the Magic Kingdom opened in 1971, the park featured a shop called “The Tobacconist”. In the late 1980’s the shop was closed.
There’s another Cigar Store Indian in the Magic Kingdom, named Big Chief Pipum located in Frontierland, carrying a red cape.

Traditionally known as a “Cigar Store Indian” or “Wooden Indian”, statues such as these were used as an advertising figure made to represent tobacconists, much like barber poles advertise barber shops or three gold balls advertise pawn shops.

Note: Both Indian Status have been removed.

Main St. Bakery

Can you Smell it?
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The Main Street Bakery opened on October 1, 1971. It was originally sponsored by Sarah Lee and the Main Street Bakery was themed as a turn of century tearoom. The Bakery remained essentially unchanged until 1985 when Sara Lee ended their sponsorship of the location.

In 1986, the restaurant was referred to as the Main Street Bakery and Cookie Shop. Subsequently, in 1987 the name of the location was changed to the Main Street Bake Shop.

In 1993 Toll House assumed sponsorship of the Main Street Bake Shop. Following this change, the Bake Shop remained unchanged until 2001, when the restaurant was once again called the Main Street Bakery.
In 2012 Disney announced that the Main Street Bakery would be one of the six Starbucks locations opening in Disney Parks. In June 2013 when the bakery reopened following a lengthy refurbishment with a new menu offering Starbucks products. During the time of the transition, the Main Street Bakery also underwent a exterior refurbishment.

The delicious aromas from the Main Street Bakery will surround you. It just draws you in to start your day with a tasty cup and a mouthwatering baked treat. There is a selection of Coffee and specialty beverages, along with Disney artisan breakfast sandwiches, a selection of baked goods, including muffins, scones, brownies, cookies, seasonal cupcakes and other specialty treats to choose from.
As you walk in you will notice that the Main Street Bakery fits the turn of the century theme of Main Street USA.








Indulge, you’re on vacation!
Link to the Snacks Menu:

Plaza Ice Cream Parlor

On the corner opposite Casey’s Corner is the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor. Definitely a place to indulge in an old fashioned ice cream treat.

Bordens Milk & Ice Cream Delivery Wagon (1971 - 1981)

The Plaza Ice Cream Parlor is an ice cream parlor located on Main Street, U.S.A. in Magic Kingdom. The shop opened in 1971 as Borden's Plaza Ice Cream Parlor, and remained under that name until 1981. Bordens Milk & Ice Cream Delivery Wagon was parked on Main Street U.S.A. in the Magic Kingdom!
 
The Parlor changed its name simply to Plaza Ice Cream Parlor in 1993.
 The Ice Cream Parlor serves up hand scooped flavors like chocolate, mint chocolate chip, and strawberry and tasty desserts like the Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich, Ice Cream Float, or the Parlor Ice Cream Sundae. It’s even served in Mickey’s Kitchen Sink.
The Parlor has been selling ice cream ever since the park opened in 1971, though the name on the ice cream has changed many times over the years. From 1971 through 1981, this location was Borden's Ice Cream parlor. In 1981 sponsorship changed and so did the name to Sealtest Ice Cream Parlor. In 1993, Sealtest was purchased by Breyer's (Unilever) and the locations name was simplified to just Parlor Ice Cream Parlor with the company listed as sponsor.

The current sponsor is Edy’s Ice Cream owned by Nestles.
 
The Plaza Ice Cream Parlor has always been a popular last stop for guests when leaving, so get there early and indulge.

Ice Cream Parlor Menu:

The Plaza Restaurant

Tucked away around the corner from the Ice Cream Parlor is the Plaza Restaurant. The Plaza was the first restaurant at the Magic Kingdom when the park opened in 1971. The interior is a little art deco twist to the Victorian style of Main St. It specializes in light meals such as deli type sandwiches, salads, burgers and of course desserts, like a hot-fudge sundae or banana split.
It’s a hidden treasure and the least expensive table-service restaurant in the Magic Kingdom.
 
Throughout the day, various Citizens of Main Street may make appearances inside the restaurant.

Main St. Citizens

There are many more citizens of Main St. USA then just the Trolley Dancers. Most guests see them, but are in too much of a rush to get to the attractions, so probably don’t who they are. Well since we’re still here on Main St. USA let’s find out who they are and what they do.
 
Performing multiple times a day from morning to mid-afternoon daily, these classic 19th-century citizens interact with guests along Main Street U.S.A. with comical exchanges and sometimes are known to break out in song while mingling.
 
So make sure you say ‘How do you do.
 
Here are some of the Magic Kingdom Citizens you’ll meet on Main St. USA:
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Casey's Corner Piano

At Casey’s Corner outside seating, a pianist can sometimes be found playing a snow-white upright piano.
We already met him in the last Chapter 6, so click back for more detail on this Citizen.


Scoop Sanderson
If there’s one cast member that knows all of the comings and goings on Main Street U.S.A., it’s Scoop. The Main Street Gazette Reporter can always be seen walking down Main Street with a smile. If you are into pin trading, Scoop’s the guy to see, he loves to pin trade. Recent rumor has it that Scoop may no longer be a regular Citizen of Main St.
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Mayor of Main Street U.S.A.
 
Christopher George Weaver is the Mayor of Main Street U.S.A. It’s always an honor to stop and chat with him. The Mayor wears a constant smile on his face which says it all. He is one of the most popular citizens of Main Street U.S.A.

Women’s Suffragists and the Fire Chief
Three gorgeous ladies, Hildegard Olivia Harding and Beatrice Starr, and Frances Fermata all part of the  Suffragette movement who are all about swaying the Main Street U.S.A. vote and pushing for equality by uniting women to vote.

There’s also the Mabel Mae Benaught, President of the Main Street Social Society; Inga DaPointe, Fashion Editor of the Main Street Gazette; Victoria Trumpetto, Choir Director; Town Gossip Tabitha Quidnunk, and of course, Smokey Miller the Fire Chief.
 
  Resource:
Main St. Trolley Show – Dancers
The Main St. Trolley Show Dancers are dressed in turn of the century costumes and ride the trolley down Main St. making several stops for them to break out in song and dance.
The tunes “The Most Magical Place on Earth”, “Walkin’ Right Down the Middle of Main Street, USA”, and “The Trolley Song” are all seamlessly strung together and choreographed to lively dance routines.
The show is seasonal, with different music, costumes, choreography and props for winter, spring, summer, and fall.
Performances are several times a day.
DAPPER DANS
We briefly discussed Dapper Dans – Barbershop Quartet in Chapter 4 when we visited the Barbershop in Town Square.
 The Dapper Dans are four gentlemen well-dressed and stylishly groomed (“Dapper”), whom you’ll find not only in the Barbershop, but in the shops and street corners of Main St. singing favorite Barbershop melodies.
The talented Dapper Dans appear several times during the day. They sing Capella, tap dance, play the Deagan Organ Chimes, and use vaudeville humor to entertain the whole family.
They will provide entertainment while waiting for the 3 o’clock Festival of Fantasy parade to come through. They sing songs like “Cruella de Vil”, “Yankee Doodle Dandy”, “Somebody Stole My Gal”, “Mr. Sandman”, “If You’re Happy and You Know It” and “Zip –a-Dee Doo Dah”.
 
During Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party the Dapper Dans get transformed from their colorful pin-striped outfits with straw hats into “The Cadaver Dans” in ghostly makeup performing in Frontierland.
 
They are official members of the Barbershop Harmony Society.
 
THE MAIN STREET PHILHARMONIC -
WALT DISNEY WORLD BAND
The Main Street Philharmonic Band had its debuting in 2000, when they replace the Main Street Marching Band. This 12-piece brass and percussion ensemble attired in red-and-white uniforms plays in Town Square, and they occasionally pop up in other areas of the park, but your best chance of catching them is right on Main Street. The Main Street Philharmonic re-creats a turn-of-the-century ambience with tunes like "Take Me Out to the Ball Game," "76 Trombones" and "Alexander's Rag Time Band." Nightly they are featured Flag Retreat ceremony. The band will typically be part of the pre-entertainment to the afternoon parade on weekdays.

There many more Citizens of Main Street USA that will entertain the guests.
So stop, experience and enjoy

THE MAIN STREET BACKGROUND MUSIC

We’ve gone through the shops, nooks and seen the sights, plus some of the smells of Main St. USA. We’ve met some of the Citizens that add to the entertainment on Main St. USA.
But we don’t want to miss something that most guests hear, but aren’t aware of, The Main Street Background Music.
You hear it as you come through the Train Station tunnels and enter Town Square. It follows you up Main St..  The tunes are from different decades and styles are blended together. Many of the tunes of Main Street come directly from the greatest pieces of musical theater of the first half of the 20th century. The songs of Rodgers and Hammerstein, Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, and so many others were the hits of their day. The period of time following World War II and the late 1960s is considered the golden age of the Broadway musical. The three eras are blended and prominently featured in the Main Street Background Music.
 
Source:
Current Music List (as of 9/2012):
  • Wells Fargo Wagon
  • Put On Your Sunday Clothes
  • Maple Leaf Rag
  • Married Life (from “Up”)
  • Let Me Call You Sweetheart
  • Surrey With the Fringe On Top
  • Oh, You Beautiful Doll
  • Old Timers Waltz Medley
  • Put on Your Old Grey Bonnet
  • And the Band Played On
  • Alexander’s Ragtime Band
  • Before the Parade Passes By
  • Goodbye, My Coney Island Baby
  • Dearie
  • Delerium Tremens Rag
  • Hello, Ma Baby
  • By the Light of the Silvery Moon
  • It’s a Long Way To Tipperary
  • In the Good Old Summertime
  • Fortuosity
  • Oh! You Drummer
  • Sidewalks of New York
  • There’ll Be a Hot Time In the Old Town Tonight
  • Wait ‘Till the Sun Shine Nellie
  • Meet Me in St. Louis
  • Elegance
  • Kansas City
  • Yankee Doodle Dandy

    • Reference:
  • http://www.wdwthemeparks.com/details/magic-kingdom/main-street-usa
History of the Background Music on Magic Kingdom Main Street U.S.A.
Well we’ve adventured through Town Square and Main St. USA. Most guests don’t stop long enough to experience or even consider this area as an attraction. We hope these Chapters have given you a better understanding of what the Imagineers had put together. But most of all an insight into Walt Disney’s world and how he wanted his guests to experience it.

It's time to move on to the rest of the Magic Kingdom. There’s so much to see and do. Walt Disney and his Imagineers didn’t stop at Main St. USA with their attention to detail. It continues on throughout the other lands in the Magic Kingdom, then beyond to all of Walt Disney World.

Next Chapter #8, we’ll visit Cinderella’s Castle, the center and icon of the Magic Kingdom. 

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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 isn't lost.
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