The enchantment of Google Earth

On Thursday, Disney and Google announced an initiative that brings Walt Disney World into Google Earth. That means that most of the Manhattan-size group of theme parks is now available to view in 3D in the latest version of Google Earth. The partnership allows users to look up-close at the seemingly endless rides, attractions, shops, lakes, and other features of the various parks that make up Disney World.

This is the view in Google Earth of Cinderella Castle, the signature structure of both Disney World and Disneyland.

Another one of Disney World's signature features is the giant dome of Epcot Center. This is a view of the dome from the new Google Earth 3D Disney World initiative, which was announced Thursday.

For many people, Space Mountain, though one of the older rides at Disney World, is still the most fun. Here is the famous building with its well-recognized spires, as seen in Google Earth.

Another well-known ride at Disney World and Disneyland, Pirates of the Caribbean was the inspiration for the series of movies of the same name. This is a view in Google Earth of the entrance to the ride at Disney World.

For kids, Dumbo the Flying Elephant is one of the more attractive rides, but many parents and other adults enjoy it as well. This is an aerial view of the ride as seen in Google Earth.

The Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, as seen in Google Earth.

One of the themes of Epcot is its national pavilions. This is the American Adventure, as seen in Google Earth.

The giant Tree of Life is the center of the Animal Kingdom at Disney World. It is an artificial tree, built on the structure of an old oil platform. Here, it is seen from inside Google Earth.

An aerial view of the Enchanted Tiki Room, as seen in Google Earth. On Thursday, Disney and Google announced an initiative that brought most of Disney World into Google Earth in 3D.

Expedition Everest, as seen in the new Google Earth-Walt Disney World 3D initiative.