If all goes according to plan, Rivers of Light should finally debut at Animal Kingdom sometime between October 2nd and mid-November 2016. While this has not been confirmed by Disney as of yet, both dress rehearsals and technical work on the show are both scheduled to be wrapping up over the next week. After that, the show could technically debut at any time, it’s just a matter of when Disney chooses to do so.
As always, stay tuned for more information on the imminent debut of Rivers of Light at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
The expansion of Flame Tree Barbecue continues, but work seems to be moving at a snail’s pace.
Speaking of Flame Tree Barbecue, we recently posted a review of the restaurant that you may want to check out.
Some lighting fixtures were installed recently. They look nice enough.
Expedition Everest Merchandise
I hadn’t noticed some of the newer women’s shirts at the Expedition Everest gift shop, but they are pretty unique.
This and That
All signage with the former Pangani Forest Exploration Trail name are gone, everything has now been updated to reflect the Gorilla Falls name.
Along the Wildlife Express Train, banners have gone up to promote the Disney Junior series The Lion Guard.
We decided to visit the Affection Section area, which is always a treat.
I’m not sure that I have ever been in the bathrooms at Planet Watch, but there are animal related trivia questions above the urinals and on the bathroom stall doors…
The safari Mickey and Minnie plush were recently updated and look great.
The path behind the Tree of Life, which is taking forever to complete, is actually looking like it might open soon.
In our latest photo report, we visit the Magic Kingdom to see what is new and exciting around the park, but first, we make a quick stop at the Contemporary…
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
The exterior of the Contemporary is currently being repainted.
In case you can’t tell, it is quite the project to repaint a structure of this size.
Cinderella Crane-stle
The top turrets of the castle were finally painted and are looking fantastic.
As we stated previously, the Muppets are indeed coming to Liberty Square at the Magic Kingdom on October 2nd. The Disney Parks Blog made the official announcement this morning regarding the new show “The Muppets Present…Great Moments in American History”.
Here’s the official word from Disney:
Great news for all you Muppets fans out there! Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear and The Great Gonzo arrive at Magic Kingdom Park on October 2 for the opening of their all-new, live show “The Muppets Present… Great Moments in American History.” Hosted by James “J.J.” Jefferson, town crier of Liberty Square, and Sam Eagle, the fiercely patriotic American eagle who is forever trying to set a high moral standard for the Muppets, this wacky new show is set to take place several times daily, just outside The Hall of Presidents.
Throughout the day, J.J. and the Muppets share their own unique take on the founding fathers as they recount the tale of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, complete with an original song and plenty of humor. At other times, you may catch the Muppets’ version of the midnight ride of Paul Revere, presented in hysterical fashion as only they can.
Grab your Dole Whips and get in line to see Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room, because food and drink are now allowed in the Florida version of the classic attraction!
What has been allowed for decades at Disneyland is now a policy in Florida. Guests can bring any food or drink into the attraction, not just Dole Whips.
While the Magic Kingdom will celebrate its 45th anniversary on October 1st, guests can already find a plethora of merchandise themed to the milestone at the Magic Kingdom park as of this week. We took a trip over to the Magic Kingdom to check out all of the items and have compiled a helpful shopping guide for you below. Many of these items should remain in-stock for several months, whole any limited edition item is subject to availability.
Should you prefer a guided video tour to the photos below, we have that available for you as well:
The Magic Kingdom 45th Anniversary Merchandise Collection
45th Anniversary Crispy Treat, $4.45
45th Anniversary Ear Hat, $21.99
45th Anniversary Ear Hat, $21.99
45th Anniversary Antenna Topper, $5.99
45th Anniversary Antenna Topper, $5.99
45th Anniversary Photo Frame, $14.95
45th Anniversary Photo Frame, $14.95
45th Anniversary Mug, $14.99
45th Anniversary Mug, $14.99
45th Anniversary Mug, $14.99
45th Anniversary Mug, $14.99
45th Anniversary Pin, $12.99
45th Anniversary Pin, $9.99
45th Anniversary Mystery Pin Set 2-pack, $15.99
45th Anniversary Mystery Pin Set 2-pack, $15.99
45th Anniversary Pin, $12.99
45th Anniversary Keychain, $9.99
45th Anniversary Candy Flag, $9.49
45th Anniversary Candy Flag, $9.49
45th Anniversary Candy Pen, $6.99
45th Anniversary Candy Pen, $6.99
45th Anniversary Lanyard Medal, $11.99
45th Anniversary Tumbler, $19.99
45th Anniversary Tumbler, $19.99
45th Anniversary Assorted Chocolates, $22.49
45th Anniversary Assorted Chocolates, $22.49
45th Anniversary Light-Up Ear Hat Ornament, $24.99
45th Anniversary Light-Up Ear Hat Ornament, $24.99
45th Anniversary Light-Up Ear Hat Ornament, $24.99
D-Tech on Demand phone cases with 45th anniversary artwork are available at the Tomorrowland Light and Power Co. at the exit of Space Mountain for a variety of devices.
D-Tech on Demand Case, $29.99, $34.99 if personalized
D-Tech on Demand Case, $29.99, $34.99 if personalized
D-Tech on Demand Case, $29.99, $34.99 if personalized
D-Tech on Demand Case, $29.99, $34.99 if personalized
D-Tech on Demand Case, $29.99, $34.99 if personalized
Magic Kingdom 45th Limited Edition Coins
The Art of Disney is carrying two limited edition coins for the 45th anniversary.
Silver coin, $50.00, Bronze Coin, $100.00
Both are limited to 1971 pieces,
Where to Shop
The 45th anniversary merchandise is available in many locations, but here are the most prevalent:
The Emporium
The Briar Patch
Big Top Souvenirs
Mickey’s Star Traders
Tomorrowland Light & Power Co. – D-Tech on Demand phone cases
We have a report coming in that Splash Mountain at the Magic Kingdom is currently closed due to what cast members are calling a “small fire”. Guests have been evacuated from the ride and area.
This is a guest report from the scene, and we will update as we learn more.
Update (11:09pm) – It appears the attraction has reopened according to @wdwntnow on Twitter.
A few weeks ago, we were lamenting the loss of the Epcot park history timeline that once adorned the interior breezeway behind Club Cool, Epcot Character Spot, and Fountain View. Well, something pretty amazing happened yesterday…
Epcot Park History Timeline
THE TIMELINE IS BACK! Not only is it back, but it was completely refreshed from top to bottom, giving more details on park history and adding in changes to the parks made since this was introduced back in 2007 for the 25th anniversary of the park.
Epcot Park History Timeline
Epcot Park History Timeline
Epcot Park History Timeline
Epcot Park History Timeline
The timeline used to stop at 2007, but now continues into 2016.
Epcot Park History Timeline
Duffy the Disney Bear may be gone, but he still gets a spot on the Epcot timeline.
Epcot Park History Timeline
Happy to see a good explanation of the history of the Three Caballeros figures that can teach the everyday guest about their historical significance.
A black SUV has struck a rather large road sign that stood above World Drive, causing the sign fall onto World Drive traveling southbound.
These photos were taken just minutes ago as a car passed underneath the downed sign heading southbound on World Drive.
The road has yet to be closed off by emergency responders (who have not yet arrived). Cars traveling southbound are traveling underneath the downed sign where it is possible, which will likely be stopped once emergency responders arrive.
Guests should avoid World Drive until the situation is cleared up.
