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As you walk in to the Magic Kingdom, you pass under the Main Street Train Station. As you enter Disney Hollywood Studios, you pass by the Crossroads of the World. Before you get to the Oasis, as you pass through the gates at Animal Kingdom you walk past the Guest Relations building. As you walk into Epcot, through the front Entrance you walk past the Leave a Legacy area or if you enter through the International Gateway you go through a small seating area and then into the park. The entrances to the parks are different, but still the same. The Entrances themselves can be very magical and very exciting, but that is for another post. Tonight’s Unknown Magic is what is provided at the places you walk by as you enter the parks. As you walk under the Train Station on Main Street, as you walk past the Guest Relations Building heading towards the Oasis, and while you are entering Epcot or stopping at the Crossroads in the Studios, available to help you, are Guide Maps.

Most Disney World Guests don’t even think about the Guide Maps. They are taken, put into pockets, folded and refolded, ripped, lost, dropped and even drowned on the water attractions, but if you take a moment to think about these Unknown Magics, they are pretty amazing things. Disney Offers Guide Maps for all four Theme Parks, both Water Parks, and Downtown Disney. These maps can be found at the park you are in and at all the resorts. As I said, most people don’t even think about them, after all, they are maps. But they are more than that. Not only is the map of the park, not just a map, but there is more than just a map in the Guide Map.

The front of the Guide Maps are specific to the Park they are for. They change the front of each one, when different new attractions or shows are being highlighted. They sometimes change them for the seasons also. As you open each of the Guide Maps, there is a two page spread of information. This information, tells about Disney’s FastPass and PhotoPass, as well as giving safety tips. For first time visitors, this information is very helpful, as FastPass is very important, and as described in “Say Cheese” on 6/5 PhotoPass is an Unknown Magic of its own. As you continue to open the Guide Map pamphlet, you will notice there is still one flap that has information on it before you get to the map itself. This flap usually has tips & Information Section, and a section about shopping.

Then you get to the Map itself. The Maps are all in color and are divided into sections just like the parks. All the attractions and eateries are all described in full details and even give you some ideas about what to expect. The Maps also show you the layout of each park and how to get around in them. These are good things to remember, as a first time visitor because the Guide Maps can save you time and may add to your Magical Experience.

The other thing I find Magical about the Guide Maps is that although they stay the same, they change every time you go to Disney World. And each time I go, I like looking at the map. I think it goes back to being a kid and being in Walt Disney World with my family and I was told I could pick the first attraction we would go on the next day. I still remember that feeling of Magic and Excitement every time I look at the Guide Maps for the parks.

So, know that you know, you can get the Unknown Magic of the Guide Map and learn something about the park, you can even enjoy a Magical Experience and create one for the kids by planning where you will go next.