Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom explained

Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom was an interactive game found in the Magic Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. The premise of the game is that Hades is trying to take over the Magic Kingdom and Merlin is recruiting park guests as new apprentices.[1] The player, in the position of new apprentice sorcerers helps Merlin the Wizard thwart Hades' plan by attacking notorious Disney villains that can be found throughout the park's themed lands (except Tomorrowland) by using special spell cards.[2]

The game was shut down in January 2021 as a result of "changes in guest use of mobile technology" and a general decline in interest, with the game's final day being January 24.[3]

Story

Having grown tired of the dreary scenery in the Underworld, Hades decides to make the Magic Kingdom his new summer home, but Merlin would be able to easily repel an invasion with the power of his magic crystal. In an attempt to outwit Merlin, Hades sends Pain and Panic to steal the crystal, but their bumbling leads to the crystal being shattered into eight pieces that scatter to each area of the Magic Kingdom. Merlin recruits the player to help him find the pieces of his crystal, giving them magical cards with the Sorcerer's Crest on them; the crest itself is used when specifically needed.

Needing help himself, Hades revives Ursula, Maleficent, Scar and Dr. Facilier, promising them second lives in exchange for a crystal fragment. The two witches have schemes of their own to usurp power. Posing as Boss Teal - Underworld Crime Boss, Lord Indigo of the East Underworld Trading company, Prince Azure, Yama, the god of the dead, and Lazuli, god of the underworld, Hades also promises Cruella, Ratcliffe and Yzma something they each want in exchange for help; the 99 puppies, Pocahontas' land, and to be empress of Adventureland respectively. Under the alias and disguise "Prince Azure", Hades also forces genie Jafar into helping. Though he meant to guide the player throughout the kingdom, Merlin forced to fight off Hades' lesser pawns that are trying to invade. Therefore, the player's guidance comes from a foe of each villain: Sebastian, Merryweather, Rafiki, Mama Odie, Pongo, Pocahontas, Kuzco, and Genie.

When all the villains are defeated, the magic crystal is restored, but Hades isn't one to give up; he sends in Chernabog - his "Number 1 Guy", but was only a distraction to let Pain and Panic try stealing the crystal again; they predictably fail. Deciding to use brute force, Hades amasses his army of the dead, which is led by the other villains. Through Merlin's guidance, the player uses the magic of the Sorcerer's Crest to seal Hades and the villains inside the mystic crystal. The crystal is then returned to Merlin's study. Inside the crystal, Hades is left to wonder what went wrong with his plans.

Gameplay

There was no additional charge to play the game, unless players opted to buy cards or the card binder at the Emporium or the Frontier Trading Post. Players began by going to the Fire Station on Main Street USA to get the game set up and linked to a magic band or entry key. Once linked, players had to keep their original band or card in order to save their progress.[4]

First-time players were given a thorough run-through of the game at the Fire Station. There was formerly a card distribution location behind the Christmas shop in Liberty Square, but this location has since closed.

Once set up, players were given a set of cards and a map, and were told where to begin. The game was played at portals marked on the map in Main Street, Adventureland, Frontierland/Liberty Square, and Fantasyland. Tomorrowland did not have any portals. Each land with portals had five, though construction limited this number.

Players activated a portal by placing their key (band/card) next to the keyhole. Once activated, an animation played and players followed the story from there. The animation was captioned, so hearing-impaired guests could play. Players 'fought' the villains by showing their spell cards when prompted to 'Cast your Spell'. Some interactions required the use of 'Sorcerer's Crest', which was on the back of the card. There were cameras in the wall by the animation screens that read the cards as they were presented. Lighting and angle/distance affected the read, which could cause an unexpected mechanical level of difficulty. Regardless of the outcome of the 'fight', at the conclusion, players were directed to another location symbol which matched a location on the map. If players travelled to the wrong portal, the portal notified them and re-displayed the correct location of the portal.

There were ten main villains and additional associated henchmen. Each had strengths and weaknesses based on the type of cards used.

There were three levels of difficulty: easy, medium, and hard. Easy and Medium followed the strength and weakness listing, but by 2013, Hard was changed to a random strength and weakness per villain.[5]

There was no time limit, and the game could be played during peak ride-wait times or as a specific activity.

Special Edition Cards

During Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party[6] and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party,[7] all guests are eligible to receive a complimentary special edition holiday-themed card. Only one is allowed per guest and they can be picked up at the Fire Station in Town Square.

Cards

The Spell Cards in the game were divided into nine different spell classes: Toy, Machine, Animal, Fairy, Hero, Princess, Warrior, Monster, and Mystic, along with seven different types of attacks: Charming, Energy, Gross, Quick, Strong, Flying, and Wishful.

A card's rarity is classified by the symbol in the bottom left corner, right above the number out of 70. A Planet means that the card is common, a Crescent Moon means it is uncommon, a Star means it is rare and a Lightning Bolt means it is ultra rare.

Cards 61-70 started to be re-distributed via booster packs beginning in August 2012. These booster packs feature seven cards, tokens, and one of four gameboards for a home version of the game.

Also, beginning with the 2012 Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween and Very Merry Christmas parties, special limited edition spell cards exclusive to those events started to be produced.

Spell cards!Number!Rarity!Spell name!Character!Other characters!Franchise!Spell class!Attack type!Attack!Boost!Shield!Rhyme
1/70StarApprentice Mickey's BroomsticksSorcerer's Apprentice Mickey MouseBroomsticksFantasiaMysticCharming411Without the touch of human hands,They're marching to their own commands.
2/70StarBelle's Mountain BlizzardBelleBeauty and the BeastPrincessWishful203Soon you'll be a mighty wizardShould you just survive this blizzard.
3/70StarBuzz Lightyear's Astro BlastersBuzz LightyearLittle Green MenToy StoryToyEnergy222When trouble gets quite out of hand,Call your friends at Star Command.
4/70StarDoris's Bowler Hat AttackDOR-15Meet the RobinsonsMachineQuick213A hat! A hatImagine that!When these start flying, you'd best scat.
5/70StarEVE's Laser BlastEVEWALL-EMachineEnergy510If the darkness you must face,Bring laser beams from outer space.
6/70StarFa Mulan's Dragon CanonMulanMushuMulanPrincessFlying410Should you make a bold attack,Be sure to load it from the back.
7/70StarFlynn Rider's Flying Frying PanFlynn RiderMaximusTangledWarriorFlying104You might get a massive bruise,When pan-demonium ensues.
8/70StarKing Triton's TridentKing TritonThe Little MermaidWarriorCharming212If one sharp point will leave you sore,Three will poke you even more.
9/70StarLythos's Rock Titan Boulder ThrowLythosHerculesMonsterStrong501All the land erupts in panicAt a fusillade titanic.
10/70StarMaurice's Wood ChopperMauriceBeauty and the BeastHeroGross410How much wood would a woodsman chop?I'm guessing he might never stop.
11/70StarMaximus's HorseshoesMaximusTangledAnimalQuick104Silver horseshoes bring you luck,But not if in your head they're stuck.
12/70StarMerlin's FireballMerlinThe Sword in the StoneMysticEnergy501If sorcery you would acquire,Don't get too close to balls of fire.
13/70StarMonstro's Water SpoutMonstroPinocchioAnimalGross500Your thirst will be forever quenched,Though after you'll be sorely drenched.
14/70StarNibs's Neverland AssaultNibsThe TwinsPeter PanHeroQuick401Throw the axes, clubs, and stonesEnough to bruise a pirate's bones.
15/70StarRapunzel's Hair WhipRapunzelPascalTangledPrincessQuick500This is how a girl expressesHer emotions through her tresses.
16/70StarRobin Hood's Magic ArrowRobin HoodRobin HoodWarriorFlying500If with merry men you'd go,Be polite and take a bow.
17/70StarSimba's RoarSimbaThe Lion KingAnimalQuick311Beware the sound that shakes the treesAnd brings the jungle to its knees.
18/70StarThe Fairy Godmother's Pumpkin BashThe Fairy GodmotherJaqCinderellaFairyQuick303Bibbity bobbity bibbity boo!A spate of pumpkins falls on you
19/70StarThe Giant's Giant StompWillie the GiantFun and Fancy FreeMonsterStrong411Stomp the castle! Crush the townWhat's built up will soon come down.
20/70StarTinker Bell's Pixie DustTinker BellDisney FairiesFairyCharming600With their magic dust so charming,Fairies can be quite disarming.
21/70StarViolet's Force FieldsViolet ParrThe IncrediblesHeroEnergy104Just because you cannot see itDoesn't mean you shouldn't flee it
22/70StarWoody's Cowboy LassoWoodySlinky DogToy StoryToyQuick204Twirl yer rope just like a cowboy.You'll be catchin' crooks and how, boy.
23/70MoonAladdin's LampAladdinGenie's ArmAladdinWarriorCharming122Rub my lamp and out will flyFire and smoke to fill the sky.
24/70MoonBolt's Super BarkBoltRhinoBoltAnimalQuick302BARK! GURR-RUFFYIP YIP! AROOOOThat's quite the canine ballyhoo.
25/70MoonCinderella's Magic RibbonCinderellaJaq, BirdsCinderellaPrincessWishful401A villain may be loath to thinkThat he's beribboned all in pink.
26/70MoonColonel Hathi's Righteous StompColonel HathiHathi Jr., other elephantsThe Jungle BookAnimalStrong410You can make a fine exampleOut of those you choose to trample.
27/70MoonEeyore's Gloomy CloudEeyoreWinnie the PoohToyWishful213Oh bother. This disturbs me greatly.

At least we've not had earthquakes lately.

28/70MoonFrozone's Ice BlastFrozoneThe IncrediblesHeroEnergy320When freezing foes of ill repute,

Wear long-johns 'neath your supersuit.

29/70MoonLightning McQueen's Ka-ChowLightning McQueenCarsMachineQuick411When that trouble comes a-knocking,

This response is something shocking.

30/70MoonMickey's Magic BeansMickey MouseFun and Fancy FreeHeroWishful212A giant can be dark and Grimm,

And he won't like you "stalking" him.

31/70MoonMike's Grand EntranceMike WazowskiJames "Sulley" SullivanMonsters, Inc.MonsterStrong321And if behind the door you hide,

Beware what's on the other side.

32/70MoonPinocchio's Sawdust BlastPinocchioPinocchioToyGross321Could a bag of dust be good

For thumping foes? I think it wood.

33/70MoonPrince Phillip's Enchanted SwordPrince PhillipSamsonSleeping BeautyWarriorCharming221You'll be like this dashing lord

Who's not afraid to use his sword.

34/70MoonSnow White's HousecleaningSnow WhiteBird, SquirrelSnow White and the Seven DwarfsPrincessCharming410Stay alert, or while you're sleeping,

I'll give you a thorough sweeping.

35/70MoonThe Headless Horseman's Exploding Jack-O-LanternThe Headless HorsemanThe Headless Horseman's HorseThe Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. ToadMonsterQuick402Tossing bombs without remorse,

At least he's not a headless horse.

36/70MoonThe Mad Hatter's Tea TimeThe Mad HatterAlice in WonderlandMysticCharming312Hurry up, don't hesitate.
It's time for tea so don't be late.
37/70MoonThe Queen of Hearts's Card ArmyThe Queen of HeartsPlaying CardsAlice in WonderlandWarriorStrong311Go on, we'll give the cards a shuffle.

That will cause a fine kerfuffle.

38/70MoonThe Sugar Plum Fairies' Dewdrop SpiderwebSugar Plum FairiesFantasiaFairyCharming105The fairy spell can be quite tricky

Trapping you in webs so sticky.

39/70MoonWALL-E's Trash CrunchWALL-EWALL-EMachineGross123Cars, guitars, and vacuum tubes,

I'll crush you into tiny cubes.

40/70MoonYen Sid's Sorcerers HatYen SidFantasiaMysticWishful303A wizard you shall be anointed

With a hat that's nice and pointed.

41/70PlanetAurora's Rose PetalsPrincess AuroraOwlSleeping BeautyPrincessWishful113Though beautiful, these magic petals

Strike a foe lik stinging nettles

42/70PlanetBaloo's Coconut CascadeBalooThe Jungle BookAnimalFlying221Watch your step if you're a klutz,

Or you'll be crowned with coconuts.

43/70PlanetCaballero Donald's PiñataCaballero Donald DuckThe Three CaballerosWarriorFlying203Inside you'll find a tasty snack

So grab a bat and take a whack.

44/70PlanetDash's WhirlwindDash ParrThe IncrediblesHeroQuick221Get a move on, make it fast

Until your speed is unsurpassed.

45/70PlanetFlower's FlowersFlowerBambiAnimalCharming203Be mindful when a skunk proposes

Taking time to smell the roses.

46/70PlanetGopher's Demolition DynamiteGopherWinnie the PoohToyEnergy312Digs a tunnel, den, or tomb

In one gargantuan kaboom.

47/70PlanetGrumpy's Pummeling PickaxeGrumpySnow White and the Seven DwarfsHeroStrong203Shovels, hammers, spikes, and picks:

Just don't tick off the other six.

48/70PlanetLumière's Candle BlastLumièreCogsworthBeauty and the BeastWarriorEnergy113A fiery waxing soon descends.

My candle burns you at both ends.

49/70PlanetMowgli's Swinging VineMowgliThe Jungle BookWarriorFlying320You may wear the jungle crown,

But know it's still a long way down.

50/70PlanetMr. Toad's Wild RideMr. ToadThe Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. ToadHeroEnergy311Bounding round at blazing speed,

Now that's a wild ride indeed.

51/70PlanetPocahontas's Colors of the WindPocahontasPocahontasPrincessWishful311Awash in greens and reds and blues,

The winds bedecked in many hues.

52/70PlanetPongo's Soot BucketPongoOne Hundred and One DalmatiansAnimalGross113The thick black dust that I will throw

May cover you from head to toe.

53/70PlanetPrince Naveen's Army of FrogsPrince NaveenTiana (in frog form), other frogsThe Princess and the FrogHeroGross122Don't disturb their lily pad.

Too late! You've made them hopping mad.

54/70PlanetPumbaa's Odorous GasPumbaaThe Lion KingAnimalGross212Plug you mouth and hold your nose

And hope that soon a stiff wind blows.

55/70PlanetQuasimodo's BellQuasimodoHugoThe Hunchback of Notre DameMonsterStrong312If a bell ringer you'd be,

You soon will find it tolls for thee.

56/70PlanetRafiki's Wisdom StickRafikiZazuThe Lion KingMysticCharming222This might hurt, but I just gotta

Hit you with "Hakuna matata."

57/70PlanetThe Blue Fairy's Wand WishThe Blue FairyFigaroPinocchioFairyWishful222If in fairies you confide,

Just let your conscience be your guide.

58/70PlanetThe Woozles' Woozle NightmareWoozlesHeffalumpsWinnie the PoohAnimalWishful122With our magic we'll bamboozle

Those who doubt the mighty woozle.

59/70PlanetThumper's Mighty ThumpThumperBambiAnimalFlying401With a force to make you shiver,

Thumping I will soon deliver.

60/70PlanetTiana's Hot SaucePrincess TianaThe Princess and the FrogPrincessGross302This tasty topping has some minuses,

Most encountered by your sinuses.

61/70LightningAriel's Bubble AttackArielThe Little MermaidPrincessQuick320Your foe will be beset with troublesIn the form of see-through bubbles.
62/70LightningDumbo's Pink Elephant ParadeDumboPink ElephantsDumboAnimalWishful131These in no uncertain terms

Are technicolor pachyderms.

63/70LightningFinn McMissile's Missile SalvoFinn McMissileHolley ShiftwellCarsMachineFlying501Step right up, and don't be skittish.Our projectiles are quite British.
64/70LightningHercules's Tower ToppleHerculesHerculesWarriorStrong401This display of awesome power

Sure will topple any tower.

65/70LightningJasmine's Magic Carpet Tassels of FuryPrincess JasmineMagic CarpetAladdinPrincessFlying122Hiding in the highest castles

Won't escape my flying tassels.

66/70LightningMama Odie's Magic CharmMama OdieJujuThe Princess and the FrogMysticCharming114These magic charms are quite uncanny

Conjured by a kindly granny.

67/70LightningMerryweather's Stone SpellMerryweatherSleeping BeautyFairyEnergy420Don't just stand there like an ox.

You must beware of falling rocks.

68/70LightningMr. Incredible's Power HeaveMr. IncredibleThe IncrediblesHeroStrong500It can be quite entertainingWhen conducting basic "training."
69/70LightningMushu's Fiery BreathMushuMulanMonsterEnergy411Here's a simple demonstration

Of draconic conflagration.

70/70LightningWinnie the Pooh's Honey BeesWinnie the PoohBeesWinnie the PoohToyFlying105What's that sound? Vamoose because

I hear those bees are all abuzz.

01/P2012 Halloween Party ExclusiveChip 'n' Dale's Bag of TricksChip 'n' DaleMickey MouseAnimalGross230Don't be an unwitting stoogeTo this chipmunk subterfuge.
02/P2012 Christmas Party ExclusiveWayne and Lanny's Ornament BarrageWayne and LannyPrep & LandingToyQuick411Should you meet their elvish gaze,They'll put you in a holi-daze.
03/P2013 Halloween Party ExclusiveThe Haunted Mansion's Happy Haunting GroundsThe Hitchhiking GhostsThe Haunted MansionMonsterFlying321Come on in! Your gracious hosts

Would like for you to stay as ghosts.

04/P2013 Christmas Party ExclusiveHuey, Dewey, & Louie's Snowfort BarricadeHuey, Dewey, and LouieDonald DuckHeroStrong302Brace yourselves! They're now attackingFear the might of boys a-quacking.
05/P2014 Halloween Party ExclusiveThe Pirate Helmsman's BombardmentSkeleton HelmsmanPirates of the Caribbean (attraction)MonsterQuick231Fear the waves if ye be seein'

Pirates of the Caribbean.

06/P2014 Christmas Party ExclusiveElsa's Icy ShieldElsaMarshmallowFrozenPrincessEnergy212Winter's here. Your fate's been chosen

When the Snow Queen's heart is frozen.

07/P2015 Halloween Party ExclusiveMinnie Mouse's Costume ChaosMinnie MouseDaisy Duck, Clarabelle CowMickey MouseMysticFlying321Clarabelle and Daisy too

Will help concoct this bubbly brew.

08/P2015 Christmas Party ExclusiveOlaf's SnowgiesOlafSnowgiesFrozenHeroCharming113A snowgie's like a winter breezeThat's summoned by a snow queen's sneeze.
09/P2016 Halloween Party ExclusiveClawhauser's Tricky TreatClawhauserRabbit, TigerZootopiaAnimalCharming321House to house, kids are accosting

Folks with doughnuts glazed in frosting.

10/P2016 Christmas Party ExclusiveGoofy's Festive FiascoGoofyMickey MouseHeroEnergy600Botching Christmas decorationsLeads to wacky altercations.
11/P2017 Halloween Party ExclusiveThe Country Bears' Moonlight JamboreeHenry, Ted, Big Al, Gomer, SammyThe Country Bear JamboreeHeroCharming123When those haunting jitters come in,

Music sends those fears a-runnin'.

12/P2017 Christmas Party ExclusiveRover's Christmas Carousel of ProgressRoverJohn, JimThe Carousel of ProgressAnimalWishful312Christmastime is never dogless

at the Carousel of Progress.

13/P2018 Halloween Party ExclusiveThe Orange Bird's Juice-O-LanternsOrange BirdSunshine Tree TerraceFlying AnimalCharming231High atop the Sunshine Tree,

He makes each pumpkin wannabe.

14/P2018 Christmas Party ExclusiveThe Tiki Room's Four Cawing BirdsJosé, Michael, Fritz, PierreThe Enchanted Tiki RoomFlying AnimalCharming222In your calendar so tiki

Are surprises bold and beaky.

15/P2019 Halloween Party ExclusiveThe Phantasmal Fireworks' FlashMickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, GoofyMickey MouseMachineEnergy321A brilliant night display commences,

Sure to please your dazzled senses.

16/P2019 Christmas Party ExclusivePluto's Toppling PopcornPlutoChip 'n' DaleMickey MouseAnimalCharming213If by chipmunks you're beset,Trust the sniffer of your pet.

Notes and References

  1. Book: Wallace . Aaron . The Thinking Fan's Guide to Walt Disney World: Magic Kingdom 2020 . 2019 . Pensive Pen Publishing . 978-0998059228 . 216–220.
  2. Web site: How Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom works. 2015-04-30. WDW Prep School. en-US. 2019-10-20.
  3. Web site: Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom game shutting down at Walt Disney World.
  4. Book: Sehlinger . Bob . Testa . Len . The Unofficial Guide: The Color Companion to Walt Disney World . 2016 . Unofficial Guides . 9781628090550 . 162–163.
  5. News: Villains Get Trickier: Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom 'Hard Level' Rules Change. Disney Parks Blog. 2018-10-09. en-us.
  6. Web site: Orange Bird Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom Card To Be Released at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Parties. Disney Parks Blog. en-US. 2019-03-25.
  7. Web site: Sneak a Peek at this Year's Very Merry Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom Card. Disney Parks Blog. en-US. 2019-03-25.