The underground tunnels at Disney World, are they legend, myth or real? If you are reading this then you are looking to find out about the famous underground tunnels and if they exist? Let’s take a peak behind the curtain at Disney World.
Are There Underground Tunnels at Walt Disney World?
Yes, there really are underground tunnels at Disney World, specifically beneath the Magic Kingdom park. There official name is Disney Utilidor Tunnels, and they serve a very clear purpose which makes Magic Kingdom even more magical and the idea was from the mind of Walt Disney himself.
The Walt Disney Influence
Walt Disney did not want any guests at Magic Kingdom to see cast members from different lands passing through other areas of the theme park. For example, a Frontierland cast member passing through Fantasyland.
With cast members costumes being so different in each land it became crucial to Walt that to retain the magic inside the theme park that a system was required to keep cast members and characters in the correct parts of the park by using the Disney Utilidors. The Utilidor underground tunnel system at Magic Kingdom was the answer.
How Many Underground Tunnels are There at Disney World?
Rather than a set of different underground tunnels the Disney Utilidors network runs circular around Magic Kingdom with a tunnel running underneath the middle of the park linking Main Street USA to Fantasyland. Below is a map of how the underground Disney Utilidors tunnel system runs underneath Magic Kingdom.
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What Else Is There in The Underground Tunnels
The space underneath Magic Kingdom is not just used for allowing cast members to move around the park using the Disney tunnels. There are also break out areas, locker rooms and cafeterias for cast members to take a break during there working day. You will also find grab and go food spots in the tunnels too for cast members to use.
The cafeteria underneath Magic Kingdom is known as the ‘Mouseketeria’. This is the main spot for cast members to take a break and grab something to eat and drink. Similar to a food court there are different dining options with Subway reported to be located down there and very popular.
The Disney tunnels also make it easy for supplies and goods to get moved around the park to the various shops and restaurants you find at Magic Kingdom.
Costumes and Characters Underground at Magic Kingdom
There are also Costume and Dressing Rooms located underneath Magic Kingdom. This allows for face characters like the Disney Princesses to have their costumes ready and get their makeup done.
All cast members who wear special costumes must collect them at the beginning of each day and return them at the end of their shift. This is done using their Cast member ID which is scanned. If they are to be wearing multiple costumes during the day (this is very common at WDW) then they will scan them all out and use black suitcases to wheel them around at they work through their shift for the day.
You will not see any special costumes off Disney World property as cast members have to arrive and depart in their basics – a plain white/grey t shirts and black shorts. Cast members can even be charged if they do not return costumes within the required times.
There Is a Warm-Up Room Too
With so many different types of performers at Magic Kingdom it is important that they warm up before heading out into the park to entertain guests. Inside the tunnels there is also a warm-up room where a coach will make performers and stretch and warm up to help prevent injury and get them energized for the day ahead.
These might even be performers taking part in the Festival of Fantasy Parade.
The Magic Kingdom Tunnels are Color Coded
Each part of the underground tunnel system is color coded so that cast members know which part of the park they are underneath. The one place underground though where your location is obvious is when you are underneath Cinderella Castle. Because the Castle is surrounded by a moat this area of the tunnel system has a large dip to compensate for the moat.
Time To Take Out The Trash at Magic kingdom
There is also a trash chute/pipe system fixed to the ceiling of the tunnels. This allow cast members responsible for keeping Magic Kingdom tidy to move trash around the park and dispose of it without having to move lots of rubbish bags in front of the guests.
Is There an Underground Disney World Jail?
This is a topic that is kept very secret by Disney and for good reason. However, it is reported that the so called Undergroud Disney World Jail is more of a security office where guest maybe taken to get them out of the park whilst waiting for possible police attendance.
Are There Any Other Disney Underground Tunnels at the Parks?
Epcot has a very small underground tunnel system that runs in a U shape underneath what was called Futureworld at the front of the park. The tunnel system is small though compared to what is used at Magic Kingdom.
Can You Visit the Walt Disney World Underground Tunnels?
The only way to visit the Utilidor underground tunnels at Magic Kingdom is to book a place on Disney’s Keys to the Kingdom Tour this 5 hour guided Magic Kingdom tour takes you on an indepth look at Magic Kingdom and it’s history and secrets. Included is a visit underground to the Utilidor tunnels.
The Disney Underground Tunnels
I have often been told that when you are enjoying Magic Kingdom that you are actually on the second floor of the park. This may very well be true with all the activities going on underneath your feet as you make your way around the park. There is a whole hive of activity underneath you that helps makes your Magic Kingdom experience all that more magical.
The visionary that was Walt Disney certainly knew how to put the magic into Magic Kingdom.
Have you taken a look at our Magic Kingdom Genie Plus Guide
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Thanks for stopping by.
Darren
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