This 1986 guide map of the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort captures the park during a decade of immense growth and classic 1980s aesthetic. With EPCOT Center now fully operational next door, the Magic Kingdom remained the premier fantasy destination, balancing time-honored characters and groundbreaking attractions.
Classic Lands of 1986
At this point in its history, the Magic Kingdom consisted of six themed lands:
- Main Street, U.S.A. — the nostalgia-laden turn-of-the-century entrance path.
- Adventureland — home of the Jungle Cruise, Swiss Family Treehouse, and the swashbuckling Pirates of the Caribbean.
- Frontierland — anchored by the runaway mine train Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (which opened in 1980) and the Country Bear Jamboree.
- Liberty Square — the historic American area containing the classic Haunted Mansion and the Hall of Presidents.
- Fantasyland — featuring the original configuration of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea: Submarine Voyage, Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, and Snow White's Scary Adventures.
- Tomorrowland — anchored by the gleaming white structure of Space Mountain, Carousel of Progress, and the Star Jets.
Notable Nostalgia
- Mickey's Birthdayland (which later became Mickey's Starland, then Toontown) was not yet created; it would be introduced in 1988 for Mickey Mouse's 60th birthday.
- Splash Mountain is also missing from this map, as it wouldn't open in Frontierland until 1992.
This 1986 guide map is a beautiful piece of Disney park history, reflecting the layout and design of an era when Walt Disney World was cementing its place as the vacation capital of the world.
