All of Walt Disney World literally sparkles with magic and whimsy, but the Disney Magic Kingdom is certainly the most special part of the Disney World complex. While many refer to the entire Disney resort as the Magic Kingdom, indeed, there is one special park that bears the name.

The Disney Magic Kingdom was the very first park to open at the Orlando, Florida resort. Modeled after the original Disneyland Park, which opened in Anaheim, California in 1955, Florida's Disney Magic Kingdom arrived in 1971 boasting new and better attractions, a larger castle, and much, much more. When the park first opened, Disney Imagineers bragged that the old Disneyland could fit in Disney World's parking lot!

The Disney Magic Kingdom is the "most Disney" of all the parks, featuring rides based on favorite Disney characters and classic Disney movies. This park, easily recognized by the grand Sleeping Beauty Castle that stands at its center, is divided into 5 sections - Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, Frontierland, Liberty Square, and Adventureland. Main Street U.S.A. runs down the center of the Magic Kingdom, halting at the castle and inviting guests to choose a land to explore.

Fantasyland is a favorite with the little ones and is the part of the Disney Magic Kingdom that features such classic attractions as It's a Small World, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Cinderella's Golden Carousel and Peter Pan's Flight. Tomorrowland ushers you into the world of the future and sends you zipping through wild attractions like the amazing Space Mountain, Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin, and the all-new Stitch's Great Escape.

Looking for a little adventure in the Disney Magic Kingdom? Head to Frontierland and Adventureland, where you can barrel down the falls in Splash Mountain, take a bumpy ride on the Thunder Mountain Railroad, or come face to face with buccaneers in Pirates of the Caribbean. A visit to Liberty Square presents you with the opportunity to meet America's leaders in the Hall of the Presidents and hobnob with 999 grim grinning ghosts in The Haunted Mansion.

The Disney Magic Kingdom is also home to a number of excellent restaurants, including Cinderella's Royal Table, The Liberty Tree Tavern, and the Crystal Palace. There's also plenty of food to grab on-the-run including Disney Magic Kingdom's famous gigantic turkey legs, nearly large enough for the whole family! In addition, there are plenty of places to enjoy an ice cream cone or other sweet treat.

For an extra special look at the Disney Magic Kingdom, consider signing up for one of Disney's special backstage tours, where guests learn some well-kept secrets about how this mega-park operates so smoothly. Those with children might enjoy Disney's Family Magic Tour, which includes an interactive scavenger hunt throughout the park. For visitors over the age of 16, Disney's Keys to the Kingdom Tour is an excellent choice and will provide you with stories about the history of the Park and about Walt Disney, including his visions, philosophies and incredible accomplishments.