Magic Kingdom is home to iconic attractions , but sometimes the most beloved hazy memories come from less grandiose features : talking trashcans , seeing the tops of show buildings from the Skyway , and being startled by a wandering Country Bear . We all came for Space Mountain , but these fascinating encounters really stick in our brains .
It ’ s this facet of nostalgia that allows Mickey ’ s Birthdayland to live rent-free in the minds of late ’ 80s and early ’ 90s kids . This intentionally wacky area didn ’ t have a record-breaking or classic opening-day ride ; most of the attractions were playgrounds , photo ops , and , for some reason , a petting zoo . Throw in a high-energy stage show and you ’ ve got the stuff of “ did that actually happen ?” memories .
1988 — MICKEY ’ S BIRTHDAY LAND When Mickey ’ s Birthdayland opened on June 18 , 1988 , it was the first new land at Magic Kingdom in nearly 20 years . But it ’ s not every year that the most famous mouse in the world turns 60 , so a parade just wasn ’ t going to cut it .
Michael Eisner , then-CEO of Walt Disney Company , decided a whole new land was really the only proper way to celebrate — with the mouse himself . Until that time , there was not a dedicated location to meet the big cheese . Mickey ’ s Birthdayland was designed to give guests a place to meet-and-greet with Mickey and his pals .
It turns out that not only did WDW quickly plan a surprise land — Minnie planned a surprise party for Mickey , too . And guess who was invited ? Yep , all his pals , including us . To get there , the Walt Disney World Railroad was rethemed to read “ Happy Birthday Mickey ” on the front of the locomotive , and the Main Street station was festooned with decorations .
This was the quickest way for guests to get to Mickey ’ s Birthdayland via a new stop on the line ( the same stop you ’ ll use when traveling to Storybook Circus today ). All throughout the journey , scenes along the tracks showed cutouts of other guests trying to make it to the party on time , including Captain Hook , Pinocchio , and Goofy .
During the 1988 Walt Disney World 4th of July Spectacular television special on ABC , Mark Sommers of Double Dare fame ( hey , this article is for the ’ 80s /’ 90s kids — you guys get it ) announced that Mickey
The Tomorrowland Speedway was shortened to make way for Mickey ’ s Birthdayland . Look how the layout changes between the map sections .
Walt Disney World News , a Cast Member newsletter , announcing Mickey ' s Birthdayland . PHOTO BY RAIN BLANKEN
had agreed to release a video of opening day at Mickey ’ s Birthdayland . None other than Carol Burnett , Cindy Williams ( from Laverne & Shirley ), and Nancy Reagan took part in the festivities . Everyone sang happy birthday to Mickey Mouse , and guests were welcomed to officially enjoy the new land .
The audience got a first look at the features of the land and learned never to let Mickey ’ s friends in the kitchen . While making his surprise birthday cake , Pluto snuck a dog bone in there , and Chip and Dale chucked in a vase of flowers in lieu of flour . It ’ s the thought that counts … right ?
This footage was actually a preview of the stage show at Mickey ’ s Birthdayland , Minnie ’ s Surprise Birthday Party , which invited guests to celebrate in dance and song . It was housed in one of a few huge circus tents , all huddled around Mickey ’ s house . Another tent covered the post-show , where the characters would reveal the enormous finished cake that somehow turned out beautifully ( now that ’ s Disney magic ). The show was fast-paced , and Mickey didn ’ t do autographs here , so guests would head to the Mickey ’ s Hollywood Theater tent for a personal meet-and-greet .
Vintage Magic Kingdom maps showing the area before and after Mickey ' s Birthdayland . MAGIC KINGDOM MAP SCAN
While the land was officially called Mickey ’ s Birthdayland , it took place in Duckburg , for which a welcome sign proclaimed , “ Population - ‘ bill ’ ions and still growing . A town that ’ s everything