The Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World was once an elevated version of Walt Disney’s original creation Disneyland with a larger castle, impressive utilidor system, and massive lagoon in front of the park. We could argue some of the rides weren’t quite up to the same level, but that is a discussion for another day (this isn’t about that.) What’s crucial to remember is that, despite these differences, the Magic Kingdom’s original design did not stray from the essence of what we consider a park—think about the simplicity of a local park to the grandeur of Central Park in New York City, like them the Magic Kingdom had more than just themed experiences; it was a place of natural beauty, with trees, flowers, ponds, and incredible landscaping that invited visitors to relax and enjoy their surroundings.
Over the years, the Magic Kingdom has gradually lost some of its traditional park-like atmosphere. The removal of trees in the HUB, the filling in much of the Swan Boat lagoon, the elimination of the 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea lagoon, and the extensive paving over of the HUB and removal of the Plaza Rose Garden are just a few examples of this transformation. While some of these changes were necessary for various reasons, others might have been less justified. Together, they highlight the classic park elements that have been slowly stripped away.
Don’t get me wrong—there are still plenty of beautiful, park-like elements in the Magic Kingdom today. The iconic Mickey floral garden in front of the train station remains a charming welcome for guests, and the majestic Liberty Tree continues to be a proud centerpiece of Liberty Square, and the Rivers of America—oh wait, we’ll have to scratch that one too, as it’s slated to be paved over for two new Cars attractions. While these new Cars attractions will likely be fantastic, they come at the cost of the park’s few remaining natural elements. The list of true park-like features is becoming shorter and shorter.
Small pathways, natural elements, and cute detailed designs are being eliminated to make way for a park that needs to host millions of guests per year. They need a higher capacity than they did in 1971, but it is a shame to see it slowly eroding away.
That being said, this entire argument takes a different turn when we look at EPCOT. Although it may have taken way too long time to complete, the trees and landscaping in World Celebration align far more closely with the characteristics of a traditional park. The recent enhancements include a wealth of trees, benches, and tables where families can gather and relax. Yes, we lost the iconic Fountain of Nations, but in its place, the area has become significantly more lush and shaded than ever before.
EPCOT has also made impressive strides in front of Spaceship Earth. The removal of the old Leave a Legacy stones has paved the way for stunning gardens and beautiful topiaries, creating a more welcoming and serene atmosphere. Additionally, we cannot overlook the incredible landscaping featured in the annual Flower and Garden Festival, which showcases an array of vibrant floral displays and artistic topiaries, transforming the park into a visual feast each spring.
So, is Disney taking the “park” out of the theme park? It’s difficult to say. While you can certainly make that case at the Magic Kingdom, it’s a different story at the other parks, especially EPCOT. The commitment to landscaping and natural beauty is evident there, not to mention the stunning environments at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and, of course, Disneyland. These parks continue to celebrate and integrate nature into their designs, proving that the essence of a traditional park can still thrive within the broader theme park experience.