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Magic Kingdom Turns 40 and Life Goes On


(click to embiggen)

The 40th Anniversary of Walt Disney World and the Magic Kingdom was punctuated by big moments at the start and end of the day with long lines for everything in between. Since Disney has chosen to ignore the anniversary in favor of a more bland promotional strategy, my expectations for the October 1st activities were quite low. Indeed, up to 3 days before the event I was told there wouldn’t even be a press event. But at the last minute, things came together and it was actually a decent show.


The morning started early for guests looking to line up for merchandise. Which had its own transportation challenges since there is no transport from the TTC at 6AM. If you entered early enough in the day you got a special map like the above and a 40th anniversary button. Both very nice. Both were essentially gone by 3pm. (click to embiggen)

Video highlights of the morning and more photos below the jump:

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Grand Floridian DVC Construction forcing Weddings to Move

They said it wouldn’t happen. That weddings at the Fairy Tale Wedding Pavilion would not be affected by the neighboring construction for the, as yet, unofficial DVC tower being added to to the Grand Floridian, Disney’s most expensive hotel. Prospective wedding parties were told that construction would be handled so as not to interfere with actual wedding ceremonies, by scheduling only quiet construction during that time of day. When I heard this a little voice in the back of my head said, “sounds like they’re promising something they won’t be able to deliver.”

Indeed, the other glass slipper dropped this week when couples with weddings booked at Disney’s Fairy Tale Wedding Pavilion during the final two weeks of September have been told their weddings will have to be moved or rescheduled due to unavoidable construction noise (and likely some dredge boats in the water outside the pavilion’s window). That’s less than 30 days notice for some parties. Barring bankruptcy, force majeure, or unpredictable unsafe conditions at the pavilion, that’s totally unacceptable.

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Cinderella Castle Catches Fire at Magic Kingdom

On July 19th a very minor fire broke out on the roof of Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. Looks like either a firework misfired or lit some leaves and other detritus on fire during a show. A technician was there very quickly… Read More »Cinderella Castle Catches Fire at Magic Kingdom

Delta Vacations Announces Sweepstakes To Win A Stay In Cinderella Castle

Delta Vacations is offering you the chance to win what only a few have experienced at Walt Disney World. One contest winner will win a complete flight and hotel vacation to Walt Disney World Resort and a one-night stay inside the Cinderella Castle Suite where… Read More »Delta Vacations Announces Sweepstakes To Win A Stay In Cinderella Castle

Making Memories Castle Projection Demo Video

Very nice demonstration of the new projection technology that will be the centerpiece of the “Let the Memories Begin” promotion at Disneyland and Walt Disney World. In Orlando, the projections will be on Cinderella Castle, as seen above. In Anaheim, projections will be on the… Read More »Making Memories Castle Projection Demo Video

Magic Kingdom Construction Update

Wife took the kiddo to the Magic Kingdom for a haircut with Michal today and, of course, they snuck in a few attractions. While strolling around she snapped a few pics of some construction at the park.

The Crystal Palace is undergoing a major refurbishment. From the skylights to the sidewalk everything is getting a fresh coat of paint, at the very least. The facade was definitely showing some wear. So this is a good sign.

The castle moat and surrounding water ways have also been drained. Of note, the surveyors tool in the middle of the drained moat. I imagine they’re checking to make sure that everything is still level. I wonder if the Castle is sinking, not to start a rumor or anything.

There does appear to be some work around the drawbridge area of the castle. It’s behind those curtains, covered up so we can’t see what’s going on.

I’m just saying.

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Hidden Gems: Mosaic Art at Disney?

The Contemporary Mosaic Art Gallery blogs about a beautiful piece that thousands of Guests see at the Magic Kingdom every day. Here it is: Of course, the art gallery sees a beautiful rabbit, I immediately see the three green circles toward the bottom and think… Read More »Hidden Gems: Mosaic Art at Disney?

Morning Roundup – July 13

Today in 1925 Walter Elias Disney married Lillian Marie Bounds and together they set off on a great adventure. On this day in 1955 Walt and Lillian gathered friends and family for their 30th anniversary celebration and a special preview of Disneyland. They took the Mark Twain for its maiden voyage and celebrated with a… Read More »Morning Roundup – July 13