Exclusive Interview w/Co-Creator of the Main Street Electrical Parade, Ron Miziker!

WDWNT on April 25, 2010

I recently had the pleasure of interviewing one of the co-creators of the Main Street Electrical Parade (and the creator of the the Polynesian Luau, Hoop-De-Doo-Review, and Diamond Horseshoe Saloon Revue, among many other Disney World entertainment offerings), Ron Miziker. You can hear the entire interview on Episode 140 of the WDW News Today Podcast, which is available for download now on our podcast directory page and on Itunes through subscription to the podcast only.

Windows of the World – Part I by Chuck Mirarchi

WDWNT on April 22, 2010

Whether you approach The Magic Kingdom by monorail, boat, bus, or on foot, the sight of the train station and what waits just beyond it always brings a smile to even the most seasoned of park travelers. Part of the magic (and genius) to the design of the Magic Kingdom, as well each of the parks, is the amount of detail that is given to each and every object. Nothing was put there by accident, but is part of a very well thought out plan to create the most immersive and realistic experience for every guest; even those who have been there many times.

If you have taken “Disney’s Keys to the Kingdom” or “Backstage Magic” Tours you learned about how and why the Magic Kingdom is laid out the way that it is (If you have never taken either one of these tours – you should make a point of doing so on your next trip). According to the tour guides, the Magic Kingdom is laid out very similar to the way a movie is constructed, with the train station acting as the entrance of a movie theatre or the curtain on the screen.  As you walk through the breezeway tunnels to Main Street, there are posters on the walls acting as the “coming attractions.” Then as you exit the tunnel, Main Street unfolds before you as the opening sequence of the movie with Cinderella’s Castle becoming the “start” of the movie.

One of the things that is in the opening credits of every film is the title of the movie, the name of the producer, and the key people who were involved in bringing the movie to life.  This is the same layout for The Magic Kingdom.

The “title” for the park is found on the front of the Main Street train station, The Magic Kingdom – Walt Disney World.  And if you look up above the sign you will find the name of the “producer” on the window, “Walter E. Disney – Chief Engineer – Keeping Dreams on Track”.

Walking down Main Street USA, when guests look at the second and third floors, they will see names of various people accompanied by their “titles” and “business” on the windows.  These are the other production credits to The Magic Kingdom “show”.

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