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Magic Kingdom Weekend Update – Part I

Had a great time in the Magic Kingdom today (once I got into the MK at least). There are plenty of noteworthy changes at the park: the new Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom was open for guests in testing mode, construction was going full bore, and a few surprises were in order. This is a long update with 28 pictures. So I broke it up into two parts. But it might become three or more, who knows. Stay tuned.

Alright then. On with the show.

We arrived at the TTC only to find the Express and Resort monorail lines down. Everyone was being directed to the ferry boats. Without knowing how long the monorails would be down for, we decided to take the ferry.


A giant crane hanging over Cinderella Castle is not really what you want to see when you’re arriving at the Magic Kingdom.


However, when you’re arriving via ferry boat, this is an even worse sight — a ferry still in the dock. We didn’t have to wait as long this week as we did last week (about 6 minutes of waiting this time, about 12 minutes last week). But even more frustrating was the fact that both monorail lines came back to life while we were stuck in the middle of the lake and started delivering guests from TTC to the main entrance ahead of us.

With both a monorail and a ferry arriving at the same time bag check lines were long. I chose a shorter queue, but ended up waiting even longer than most as the Security Guard actually found something prohibited in a bag a few people in front of me. A small glass bottle of alcohol (serious, sneak it in in your pockets or a plastic container if you have to people. You’re not frisked, just your bags) and a mid-sized kitchen knife. There was also a little bit of a language barrier. Everything was handled professionally, but with only limited bag check lines open, it was just upping my frustration level to stuck in a line that was not be moving.

I know we hit the trifecta of bad luck, but I have to think that a guest’s arrival at the park is an area of the show still in need of much work. Starting off with a frown on your face is a bummer, you know.


Finally, we saw this sign and I mentally prepared myself for immersion in the magic.

Let’s get into the magic below the jump:

Read More »Magic Kingdom Weekend Update – Part I

Magic Kingdom Update – Jan 07, 2012

Ack! It’s the next weekend and I still haven’t uploaded my last photo update from Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. But better late than never, right? I knew I wasn’t going to be able to make it back to the park to close down Dumbo… Read More »Magic Kingdom Update – Jan 07, 2012

Magic Kingdom Update – New Fantasyland and more! (Part 2)

I was going to write a long introductory paragraph, link to part 1, and then maybe do a little song and dance number. But forget that. Let’s get right to part two of the Magic Kingdom Update from December 19, 2011.


On the left and top you can see the rock work is pretty much done. Wow, that’s certainly a lot of grey. I guess we’ll see how it looks up close when the walls come down.


A little closer look at the ongoing rock work. Beast’s castle sure looks good.


Lots of work on Gaston’s Village, but right on the other side of that wall is also a big pit for the Dwarfs Mine Train roller coaster. Watch out for that first step, it’s a doozy.

Read More »Magic Kingdom Update – New Fantasyland and more! (Part 2)

Magic Kingdom Update – New Fantasyland and more! (Part 1)

I love my walks through the Magic Kingdom. This last Sunday was extra nice. The winter holiday crowds were out in force, but that only makes people watching better. The weather was just on the chilly side of perfect, which suits me fine this time of year. And a lot of changes have transpired since last time we updated from the park. So many, that this is a two part update.

Let’s, as they say, get on with the show:


The Haunted Mansion merchandise cart is gone and walls are up. This is likely the start of the new landscaping and path to Fantasyland that will be built as part of the new restrooms at the old Skyway location.


Over at the old Skyway location, hard to tell if more work has been done. Doesn’t look like it. But it is the last Christmas these particular decorations will be hung. I wouldn’t mind having them for my home.


The full tarp is up around Prince Charming’s Regal Carrousel. Gives riders a new experience inside.

Read More »Magic Kingdom Update – New Fantasyland and more! (Part 1)

Walt Disney World Update – Part 1 of 3

This week I have a three part photo update featuring interesting changes, construction, and other fun facts from my recent travels around Walt Disney World. Let’s get right too it.


Yeah, Christmas is here and so is the merchandise. There is the usual selection, and some nice new stuff like this.


More work on the Facades along Main Street. It would be nice if they did something with this space so it sees more use. Nothing major, just a small plus or two.


Props from Sorcerers in the Magic Kingdom continue to pop up around the park. Another one was added near the Frontierland Shooting Gallery. I’ve heard that they’re doing soft testing, but nothing was going on when I was there.


Click image for Larger. The new Dumbo unit is already going in. It’s the unit closer to the train tracks, which I understand will spin counter the direction of the current unit.

Read More »Walt Disney World Update – Part 1 of 3

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Report


A slice of the holiday decor up on Main Street. As usual, click to see a larger version. This one is available in desktop size.

On Friday night Disney World treated some of us local media to a fun night at the Magic Kingdom enjoying Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. We had a great time, saw many marvelous costumes, and scored a metric ton of candy. There are still plenty of nights available between now and Halloween. It’s an separate ticket but if you like the spirit of the holiday, Disney does the night right.


Although they were handing out free trick or treat bags, this merchandise cart was available for those who wanted to upgrade. We recommend upgrading and consolidating your candy into a larger bag throughout the night.

Many more photos below the jump:

Read More »Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Report

Magic Kingdom Update – Ch-ch-ch-changes ( Part II )

Took a walk around the Magic Kingdom on Saturday and noticed quite a few changes coming to the park and surrounding resorts. Part one of the update had the Fantasyland Expansion updates, and this second part contains a look at something that may make as big an impact as all of new Fantasyland. As usual, click on the photos for a larger version.


Powder blue walls surround the beach area that will soon become a noisy construction zone next to the Wedding Pavilion.


They’ve installed a gate and some construction fencing (meant to keep spills from leaking outside the construction area), but no work on expanding the plot of land that will eventually hold the tower and partially block the view of the Wedding Pavilion.


Plans are under way to divide the Magic Kingdom parking lot into two zones. Two tram loading zones will have distinct colors and names. In theory this will help guests find their cars faster at the end of the night. In practice, not so much as anyone at Disneyland can attest. Guests still find themselves in the wrong parking lot at the end of the night.

Lots more, including details on a new game coming to the Magic Kingdom, below the jump:

Read More »Magic Kingdom Update – Ch-ch-ch-changes ( Part II )

Magic Kingdom Update – Ch-ch-ch-changes ( Part I )

A quick trip through the Magic Kingdom on Saturday revealed a number of changes coming to the park. There are also a few fun new pieces of merchandise to peruse. Click on any image to see a larger version. Now, let’s get started.


The park is looking festive with plenty of Halloween decor everywhere.


City Hall joins in the fall themed fun.


There did appear to be just a bit less of the holiday themed decor this year than before. But it was still a few days ahead of the 1st official Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, so more may be coming.

A lot more to see below the jump:

Read More »Magic Kingdom Update – Ch-ch-ch-changes ( Part I )