If I Ran - The Magic Kingdom

For many Disney fans, the Magic Kingdom IS Disney World.  The park which opened in 1971 has been the centerpiece of Orlando for almost 5 decades.  And while it has underwent dozens of changes since it opened, it is fun to think of what you would do different if you were in charge of the park.   Here are the the changes we would make to the Magic Kingdom:

Swiss Family Treehouse 

Swiss Family Robinson is a Classic Disney movie that older fans probably remember seeing on television as a kid.  Unfortunately, younger Disney fans probably aren’t as familiar with the film.  The Adventureland attraction takes you up and around the Swiss family’s island home.  For folks who have seen the movie it’s a nice piece of nostalgia.  For other park goers, it’s something to do when the line for Aladdin’s magic carpets is over 30 minutes.  

The area is small so bringing in a larger attraction wouldn’t work.  However, the area could be repurposed for something featuring a newer Disney property.  I would look at designing an attraction featuring Moana which would fit into the theming of Adventure Land nicely.  

Stitch’s Great Escape 

Ever since Disney rehabbed the Alien Encounter ride with   Stich’s Great Escape, the attack has struggled to find traction in Tomorrowland.  It now appears that Stich’s Great Escape is done for good.  This leaves a hole in Tomorrowland.  And while Tron is going to fill a big void when it opens, with Stich and the Tomorrowland Speedway no longer operating, Tomorrowland is somewhat empty.  

There are rumors that A Wreck-It Ralph attraction will be replacing the Stich’s Great Escape.  No timeline has been provided for when a new attraction will open.  Wait times are always a high concern for visitors to the Magic Kingdom.  Wait times are not helped when Tomorrowland is down two attractions.  

It’s a Small World 

This is one of the most iconic rides of any Disney park.  It first appeared at the New York World’s Fair and was subsequently relocated to Disneyland.  And there is no question that the attraction in California is the more superior of the two rides - but that doesn’t mean that the Magic Kingdoms’ ride can’t be improved.  

The ride needs a touch-up.  The visible carpet is old and looks worn.  And like the renovations at Disneyland, the ride should incorporate animatronics from Disney movies in their native lands.  

Tom Sawyer Island 

Tell Sawyer Island is one of those attractions that I immediately connect to Walt Disney.  The ride harkens back to a simpler time in American life (akin to Main Street USA).  The Disney World attraction is largely scenic.  For some, it’s the perfect escape from the busy lines in the Magic Kingdom.  

But the themed area needs an update.  11 years ago, Disneyland did an update to Tom Sawyer Island by incorporating elements of the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction.  While WDW does not need to copy this addition, adding their own enhancements from another Disney property (say Peter Pan?)  would be a nice addition.