What do a giant tree, a huge sorcerer's hat, a medieval castle and large geodesic sphere all have in common? They are the four symbols for the parks at Walt Disney World. Each has been used with by tourists for hundreds of pictures. Each has it's own story and each contain attractions.
Cinderella's Castle
This is what most people envision seeing at Walt Disney World. It is located in Fantasyland at the Magic Kingdom. It is styled after the castles found in Europe. It stands 189 feet tall and is made of steel and fiberglass.
The castle is home to a restaurant with meals where Cinderella characters greet guests. It also features a luxury suite where lucky guests get to spend the night. Currently castle suite stays are only given away as prizes.
Under the castle is a covered walkway with a mosaic that features art from the Disney classic, Cinderella. A shop where princess or rock star makeovers occur is also under the castle.
Spaceship Earth
This 180 foot geodesic sphere sits in Future World at Epcot. It took 26 months to complete and is made of two layers, one a waterproof rubber black ball and the other a decorative layer of Alucobond, a rustproof material. The sphere doesn't drip as it features a complex system of pipes that move the water down into canals.
Inside is the ride Spaceship Earth. This slow moving rides takes patrons through the history of the world's communication. It starts with Cro-Magnon man making cave paintings and continues to the future of informational technology.
The Tree of Life
This 145-foot icon sits at the center of Discovery Island in Disney's Animal Kingdom. The tree is covered with 325 different animal images, the most famous being Jane Goodall's David Greybeard. The tree was built on an oil derrick to help it withstand the hurricane force winds of Florida. Several paths lead up close to the tree so the carvings can be admired.
Housed within the tree is It's Tough to Be a Bug. This 4-D shows features Flik and other stars from A Bug's Life explaining what is it really like for bugs in the human world. The show is educational and humorous with some pretty impressive effects.
Sorcerer Mickey's Hat
This huge hat sits in front of The Great Movie Ride at Disney's Hollywood Studios. The hat itself is 122 feet and is made of fiberglass. Mickey Mouse would have to stand 350 feet tall in order to wear the hat. the had was added to replace the Earful tower, a water tower with mickey ears, as a more recognizable and marketable icon.
The hat houses pin central for the studios. It is also a welcome spot to get out of the hot Florida sun or the rain from a quick Florida storm.
Sorcerer Mickey's Hat, Cinderella's Castle, The Tree of Life and Spaceship Earth are all among the most photographed things in Florida. They also house attractions which are enjoyed by many Disney families.
Sources Used
Neal, Julie and Mike. The Complete Walt Disney World 2008. Sanibel Island, Florida: Media Enterprises, 2007.
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