5. The “Sharing the Magic” Statue

Sharing the Magic Statue

Most people are familiar with the “Partners Statue” at the end of Main Street that features Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse standing hand in hand. Fewer people know about the “Sharing the Magic” statue. This statue features Walt’s brother Roy O. Disney seated on a bench with Minnie Mouse. Due to their striking resemblance, it’s easy to mistake Roy for his more famous little brother, but this statue pays homage to someone who was overwhelmingly important to the creation of Walt Disney World in his own right.

Roy was Walt’s partner throughout his ventures, offering a more stable and business-minded view that perfectly balanced Walt’s big dreams and creative thinking. Walt Disney died before the Magic Kingdom opened, and it was Roy instead who oversaw the completion of the project, turning his brother’s last dream into a reality. The dedication plaque for Walt Disney World sits to the left of the state, while a plaque for the statue itself can be found on the right.

6. Posters for the WDW Railroad locomotives

WDW Railroad Posters

The WDW Railroad has four locomotives that run on its tracks. Each one is named after an important character in the Disney legacy. There’s the Roy O. Disney for Walt’s brother, the Lilly Belle for Walt’s wife, the Roger E. Broggie for the mechanical engineer dubbed Disney’s first Imagineer, and of course the Walter E. Disney. Each locomotive has a poster in the train station telling the story behind its namesake.

7. Horse drawn trolley rides

Horse Drawn Streetcars

Though most people miss this simple little attraction, Main Street still offers rides on quaint, period-appropriate horse-drawn streetcars. Hop on at the beginning of Main Street and ride down to Cinderella Castle. This was once an “A Ticket” attraction, meaning that it was one of the simpler options in the park. Big rides like The Jungle Cruise and Haunted Mansion were worth a coveted “E Ticket.” Today, the carriage is as free to ride as everything else, and a great option for entertainment without a queue.

8. The Barber Shop

The Barber Shop

Looking a little scruffy on your vacation? Stop in to the Main Street Barber Shop for a trim. Though many people don’t know it, the Barber Shop is a real working establishment. It’s an especially fun option for children. The shop features fun period appropriate accents that make it different from your average barber. Take your child for his or her very first hair cut for an extra special experience.

While other areas in Disney tell imaginative stories that were made up just for that land, Main Street’s theme hits closer to home. Here you’ll find pieces of the true life story behind Walt, Roy, the early Imagineers, and all the little pieces that came together to make Walt Disney World what it is today.