This is a modified schematic of the Tunnels (Utilidors) under the Magic Kingdom. The numerical guide to the entrances from the tunnels to the Lands has been taken out since they are off-limits to the public. We were also not allowed to take pictures in the tunnels; it's one of Disney's ways to preserve the "magic."

The Magic Kingdom Utilidors are a series of service tunnels built under the Magic Kingdom which were originally created in order to allow the removal of waste materials, and provide hidden access to various parts of the theme park. Since the tunnels are hidden, characters, castmembers and Disney security can move around the park out of sight of the guests. If a TomorrowLand castmember is in costume, he or she doesn't have to cross through FantasyLand to get there, for instance, and the integrity of the theme of each section is preserved.

The tunnels system is the heart of the Magic Kingdom, hence, the name of our site. It is not only a series of access tunnels; it is a whole "world under the World" where the cast-member cafeterias, dressing rooms, costume issue and so forth are situated. All the electrical and plumbing paraphernalia, not to mention the vast system of waste pipes (not sewage, these are what the trash is swept into by the custodial staff) is contained within the tunnels. Cast members can get their hair cut, get a check cashed, or use an empty room to rehearse for a production or parade. When school groups are invited to participate in a Disney parade, for instance, they are brought into the tunnels, where they're able to dress and practice before they go onstage. The tunnels are the staging area for all of the Magic Kingdom. Once you leave one of the access doors, whether you are selling Disney goodies at a kiosk, or running an attraction, or being a park greeter; no matter what your function is that day, you are considered Onstage.

During Traditions, you will be taken to the tunnels via bus (you cannot get to the main Tunnel entrance by walking to it, there are security people posted there, and you have to show a castmember ID when you get onto the bus). Once inside the tunnels, the Traditions trainers will explain the waste removal system, show you pictures of the original creation of the tunnels, and point out all the color coding showing castmembers how to get around the tunnels.

You will also tour the cafeteria and be shown where the locker rooms, bank, shipping and receiving and other important functions are located. Some things you will probably not be shown. For instance, Disney keeps track of all the parades through sensors that are built into the streets along the parade route which correspond to sensors built into the floats. This is done through a large control room that you can see but will probably not be taken in to see unless, after becoming a castmember, you get to know some of the people who work there. The people who work in the parade control center can monitor the movement of all the floats for stopping and starting throughout the whole parade route.

If you are going to be working in one of the other parks, or at a resort, this may be one of the few times you actually visit the tunnels. Each section has its own staging areas, its own Company D store, its own cafeterias, etc., so you won't generally find yourself in that vicinity. If you're a castmember from another area, and you're just visiting or killing time in the Magic Kingdom, you can go into the tunnels through one of the access doors as long as you have your ID with you. You should go in and look around, familiarize yourself with a piece of constructional genius and have lunch in the caf, (it's a lot cheaper).