Historic places in Walt Disney World

31 historic buildings, sites and memorials in Walt Disney World.

Ranked with the travel guide's picks and well-known places first.

Photo: Katie Rommel-Esham (contact via bdesham ), CC BY-SA 4.0 (licence)

SeeAttractionEpcot
Spaceship Earth
This dark ride through the history of communication was revamped in 2007 with new scenes and new narration by Dame Judi Dench, but its message is the same as it was when it first opened in 1982: communication is the key to all human achievement. Kids might get bored; keep them occupied looking for humorous vignettes scattered among the Audio-Animatronic scenes.
Wheelchair accessible
SeeAttractionMagic Kingdom
Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress
A four-part Audio-Animatronic production taking you through a century of technological progress. Housed in a unique rotating show building. This show originally debuted as General Electric's pavilion at the 1964 New York World's Fair and holds the record of being the longest-running stage show in history. It's a bit dated, but it was one of Walt Disney's favorites and very much embodies his approach to human progress.
SeeAttractionMagic Kingdom
The Hall of Presidents
This attraction starts with an inspirational ultra-widescreen film on the history of the U.S. presidency. At the climax, the screen rises to reveal all 46 presidents on the stage, presented in lifelike Audio-Animatronics. Washington, Lincoln, and Trump give brief speeches.
SeeAttractionEpcot
The American Adventure
It turns out that the best show in World Showcase is the one for the host nation. This inspirational and informative presentation combines film and Audio-Animatronics to take you through every era of American history, with Ben Franklin and Mark Twain as your hosts. Don't mistake this show for the Hall of Presidents; the latter is impressive for putting 43 presidents on stage at the same time, but The American Adventure has a wider variety of on-stage effects and scenery. The theater is cavernous (and air-conditioned) but never crowded.
Wheelchair accessible
SeeAttractionAnimal Kingdom
Maharajah Jungle Trek
Similar to the Gorilla Falls trail, this is a walk through ancient "ruins" showcasing Asian wildlife. The Bengal tigers are the stars, but don't miss the giant fruit bats, or the countless birds inside the aviary.
Wheelchair accessible
SeeAttractionHollywood Studios
Walt Disney Presents
A walk-through gallery housing props, artifacts, and diagrams galore; Disney history fans will have a ball. A 15-minute film tribute to Walt Disney, narrated by Julie Andrews, is also presented continuously throughout the day. In the months just before and after a major Disney feature film release, that tribute is replaced by a 10-minute sneak preview of the new movie.
Wheelchair accessible
EatAmerican restaurantMagic Kingdom
The Crystal Palace
A buffet housed in a building inspired by the legendary Crystal Palace in London. The food is a bit more upscale than your average buffet back home, but only a bit. Winnie the Pooh and his friends from the Hundred Acre Wood make appearances throughout the day for photos and fun.
8:05AM-variesBreakfast $48 per adult, lunch $61 per adult, dinner $61 per adult. Tip and tax included · Wi-Fi
SeeArt galleryEpcot
American Heritage Gallery
Inside the pavilion is this exhibit space, which changes occasionally to spotlight different aspects of American art or history. The current exhibit is "Re-Discovering America: Family Treasures from the Kinsey Collection", which focuses on African-American people and history.
Free entry · Wheelchair accessible
SeeArt galleryEpcot
Gallery of Arts and History
This gallery features exhibits of Moroccan science, music and technology.
Free entry · Wheelchair accessible
SeeAttractionEpcot
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is an enclosed roller coaster at EPCOT’s World Discovery area, manufactured by Vekoma and opened on May 27, 2022. Based on the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Guardians of the Galaxy films, it is Walt Disney World’s first attraction featuring Marvel characters and Disney’s first backwards-launched roller coaster. Replacing the Universe of Energy pavilion (closed August 13, 2017), the ride is housed in the Wonders of Xandar Pavilion, EPCOT’s first Other-world Pavilion. The pavilion includes exhibits on the history and culture of Xandar, presented by the Nova Corps as a cultural exchange with Earth (referred to as Terra). The thrilling coaster features a 360-degree rotating ride system, immersive storytelling, and a high-energy soundtrack. EPCOT admission required; access via Virtual Queue or Individual Lightning Lane (additional cost may apply). Height requirement: 42 inches (107 cm).
"A Boarding Group is required to ride. Boarding Groups can be attained through the My Disney Experience App. Number of Boarding Groups vary per day and do not guaranteed boarding nor return times. Ple
SeeArt galleryEpcot
Bijutsu-kan Gallery
Inside this replica of the White Heron Castle, modeled after part of the famous Himeji castle in Japan, are changing exhibits on Japanese culture. The current exhibit is "Kawaii: Japan's Cute Culture", which examines the historical roots and modern examples of the Japanese kawaii aesthetic.
Wheelchair accessible
SeeAttractionMagic Kingdom
Enchanted Tales with Belle
Guests walk through the cottage where Belle's father lives, making use of a magic mirror to enter the Beast's castle. There, Lumiere and the Wardrobe have arranged a surprise for Belle, and all the guests—kids and adults alike—are welcome to participate in the story. This experience is much more than just the typical autograph and photo session.
SeeMagic Kingdom
Main Street Vehicles
Ride a horse car, omnibus, jitney, horseless carriage, or fire engine from the entrance to Cinderella Castle and back. These vehicles only run if crowd levels permit, usually early in the morning; as of December 2017, hours are from 8AM until 10:15AM.
EatSteak house restaurantMagic Kingdom
Cinderella's Royal Table
Cindrella invites everyone to dine in her castle; young girls will love this experience the best. If you have to ask what the food is like, you're missing the point, but it's a fixed-price menu with a decent array of offerings. The price is steep, but it includes photos of you and your party in the lobby, a special gift for children ages 3-9, and the chance to meet Cinderella herself. Warning: This is probably the single most popular restaurant in Walt Disney World, so make sure to call very early to get a reservation—ADRs sell out within minutes each day.
8:05AM-variesPrices (including gratuity): Once Upon a Time Breakfast $45/$29, Fairytale Lunch $48/$30, Dreams Come True Dinner $54/$33; Dining Plan requires two credits · Wheelchair accessible
SeeHistoric site
Cinderella Castle
Cinderella Castle is a fairy tale castle at the center of two Disney theme parks: Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, and Tokyo Disneyland at Tokyo Disney Resort. Based on Cinderella's fairy tale castle from Disney's 1950 animated feature film, both serve as the symbol and flagship attraction for their respective theme parks. Along with Sleeping Beauty Castle, the Castle is a main symbol of the Walt Disney Company.
BuyDisney Springs
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
Just like the one at Cinderella Castle in the Magic Kingdom, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is the place to go for a little girl who wants to get the full princess treatment. Her "fairy godmother" will do her up right with makeup, hairstyle, and other accouterments, although Mom and Dad will have to pay for the privilege. Very popular; appointments (call +1 407 WDW-STYLE (939-7895)) are strongly recommended.
9AM-9PM$50-250
DoEpcot
The UnDISCOVERed Future World
A lengthy walking tour around all of Future World, including some backstage areas. Learn about the history and design principles behind each pavilion, meet an International Ambassador, and see how things are done behind-the-scenes. 4–4.5 hours. Must be 16 or older.
Mon Wed Fri 9AM$45
DoMagic Kingdom Not mapped
Keys to the Kingdom
This is the ultimate Disney tour, which goes over, under, and behind the scenes to illustrate Disney history, show you tricks of the trade, and reveal "secrets" of Disney operations. Includes a trip through the Utilidors and other backstage areas. Be warned, though: if this is your first visit to the Magic Kingdom, do not take this tour. Spend at least two days just enjoying yourself and experiencing the Magic. The tour will forever change the way that you look at the Magic Kingdom, like pulling apart a flower to see how it grows: you end up knowing more, but in your mind you will never look at a flower the same way. 4½–5 hours, including a break for lunch at the Columbia Harbour House (order at beginning of tour). Must be 16 or older.
daily 8:30AM, 9AM, 9:30AM$70
SeeMagic Kingdom Not mapped
Happily Ever After
Disney's fireworks shows are legendary. There's nothing quite like seeing fireworks exploding behind Cinderella Castle. This iteration of the show incorporates lasers and a number of projection effects on the castle walls. The best viewing areas generate very crowded conditions, especially now with the projection effects. If you really want to avoid the crowds, try watching the fireworks from one of the Magic Kingdom resorts; the show's audio is piped into speakers in some of the prime viewing locations.
SeeMagic Kingdom Not mapped
Move It! Shake It! Dance and Play It!
This mini-parade, which occurs several times daily, features just a handful of floats, but it's not just a parade! It's also a stage show; when the floats reach the hub in front of Cinderella Castle, they form a circle and start a huge dance party, encouraging kids (and kids at heart) to get out of the crowd and dance with the characters.
DoDisney Springs Not mapped
Osprey Ridge Golf Course
Designed by Tom Fazio, Osprey Ridge sits far to the north of Downtown Disney, across Vista Way from Port Orleans, not far from Fort Wilderness Campground. Osprey Ridge is perhaps the most photogenic of Disney's golf courses, surrounded by majestic stands of trees and thriving wetlands. This 7,101-yard, par-72 course is also a Certified Audubon Cooperative Wildlife Sanctuary.
DoMagic Kingdom Not mapped
The Magic Behind Our Steam Trains
Walt Disney was a big fan of steam trains, and this tour lets you get an up-close view of the real trains in operation at the Magic Kingdom. You can also go behind the scenes to the roundhouse and maintenance facilities, while learning about the history behind each of the locomotives. Three hours. Must be 10 or older.
Mon Tue Thu-Sat 7:30AM$49
SeeAttraction
Canada Pavilion
Canada is a cultural pavilion representing the country of the same name as part of the World Showcase area of EPCOT at the Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando, Florida. It is located next to the United Kingdom pavilion at the northern end of World Showcase Lagoon.
Wheelchair accessible
SeeMemorial
Partners
Partners is a 1993 copper statue by Blaine Gibson, depicting Walt Disney holding the hand of the most popular character he created, Mickey Mouse. It is a central piece in four Disney theme parks around the world as well as at the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank.
SeeHistoric site
Walt Disney World Airport
Walt Disney World Airport, also known as Lake Buena Vista Airport and Lake Buena Vista STOLport (IATA: DWS), is a former small airfield owned by The Walt Disney Company, located within Walt Disney World, just across World Drive from the Transportation and Ticket Center, in Bay Lake in Orange County, Florida, United States. When it was active, it accommodated smaller commuter airliners such as the de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter turboprop, which had STOL ("Short Take Off and Landing") capabilities and could operate from airfields with short runways (also known as STOLports). It is no longer registered as an active airport by the FAA, ICAO, and IATA, and as of December 2017 serves Walt…
SeeMonument
Disney Osceola Parkway Entrance
801 W Osceola Pkwy
SeeMonument
UK Phone Booth
SeeMonument
Walt Disney World Western Way Sign
2000 Western Way
SeeCastle
Belle's Castle
SeeMemorial
Lane Thomas Memorial
SeeHistoric site
Walt Disney's Gulfstream 1

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Walt Disney World (CC BY-SA 4.0). Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Place data from Overture Maps. Some descriptions from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).