Beginning June 19, Disney PhotoPass Service will be capturing on-ride photos on the Pirates of the Caribbean at the Magic Kingdom.
Pirates of the Caribbean on-ride photo at the Magic Kingdom
The photo will be taken just moments before the drop, likely disguised in a lightning flash.
To preview, purchase and download this attraction photo, you must be wearing an active MagicBand linked to your My Disney Experience account. Your photo will be automatically associated to your account, where it can be viewed at MyDisneyPhotoPass.com and in the My Disney Experience mobile app alongside all of your vacation memories from Disney PhotoPass Service.
If you are familiar with Disneyland, you undoubtedly know about the long lines for Corn Dogs that can be found on Main Street U.S.A. (and occasionally at the secondary location, the Corn Dog Castle at Disney California Adventure). If you only visit Walt Disney World, then you might be wondering why such lines exist, seeing as the corn dogs in Orlando are pretty terrible. Well, the difference between the two is that the dogs are hand-dipped at Disneyland and served fresh, not from frozen like their Walt Disney World counterparts. While the food trucks at Disney Springs have given us their take on this classic snack, the Magic Kingdom is finally trying out Hand-dipped Corn Dogs.
Sleepy Hollow Refreshments, already home to the beloved waffle sandwiches (including breakfast), funnel cakes, and ice cream cookie sandwiches, is now also the home for these new, fresh-made snacks.
The hand-dipped corn dog with house-made chips is $8.49, but you can get just the corn dog for $5.99 upon request.
In case you don’t believe that they are hand-dipping the corn dogs, here’s a peek into the kitchen. This item is fairly new, so they are still learning how to do this and it was quite evident. Many corn dogs came out fairly deformed in appearance and we ended up waiting quite a while for this to come out of the kitchen.
Hand-Dipped Corn Dog with House-Made Chips ($8.49)
Hand-Dipped Corn Dog with House-Made Chips ($8.49), Sleepy Hollow Refreshments at the Magic Kingdom
As you can see, our corn dog came out quite deformed, but it was also very good. While the Disneyland version is still superior, this was lightyears better than any other corn dog I’ve ever had in Orlando.
Hand-Dipped Corn Dog with House-Made Chips ($8.49), Sleepy Hollow Refreshments at the Magic Kingdom
Sure, the hot dog was peeking out and there was a strange “leg” coming out of it, but the flavor of the batter was good and the all-beef hot dog was great. The house made chips were tasty as always, making this a solid meal. Sadly, I still prefer the chicken and waffle sandwich, so this probably won’t sway me from my usual order, but it is nice to finally have real corn dogs here. Now, we just need them to start making the spicy link from Corn Dog Castle…
If you are a hardcore Disney Parks fan, you no doubt wear your ride evacuations like a badge of honor. While other guests are often angry or scared during an attraction breakdown, you are excited at the possibility of walking through a show scene in a ride and out some backstage exit door, undoubtedly seeing something you weren’t meant to see. In fact, many guests pay for backstage tours just to see such things, but there are many areas that even those do not travel. On Friday, I was “lucky” enough to experience an “evac” on a ride that I had never before, Splash Mountain at the Magic Kingdom.
Our log became “jammed” just before the lift hill into the final drop. We were maybe stuck for 15-20 minutes before someone came to help us, but boy, do people get antsy after about 10…
Apparently this is a very common occurrence at the attraction, as guests think it is OK to slip through the lap bars and jump out of the log on their own. Obviously, this is incredibly stupid and no one should do this, considering someone who jumped out of a ride vehicle on this attraction once died (albeit while the attraction was in motion).
While I didn’t capture it on film, another guest jumped out of the log as the cast repeatedly yelled at him over the PA system not to. He then urged his wife to jump out, as the cast continued to yell her to please not move and for both of them to stay where they were. He eventually pulled his wife out unwillingly, eventually then running into the cast members who were coming to get them out of the vehicle safely (if they had only waited about 30 more seconds). The most comical part was when the wife pointed at her husband as if to say “he made me do it”, for fear they would both be ejected from the park by the Disney employees. I am unaware if any action was taken, but I doubt it. I know this might be controversial, but the cast members probably have enough to deal with at that moment, trying to make sure that the remaining guests get out safely.
Either way, this was my first evacuation on Splash Mountain and it was easily the one where I saw the most guests not adhering to safety instructions, which is much scarier than a ride breaking in my book.
So, what do you think? Have you ever witnessed a similar situation on a ny of your trips to Walt Disney World? Let us know in the comments.
Removed during the 2006 refurbishment that brought the movie characters to the ride, a new version of the infamous talking skull that once stood before the drop is now in place. While it isn’t exactly the same, it is similar to the more famous version in the Disneyland attraction.
The Skull says a few words before a lightning flash goes off from his eyes, along with the crack of thunder. While the flash is a little bright, we are happy to see that it was at least well-themed. Sadly, it is not the original dialogue by X. Atencio, but it is cool nonetheless.
On-ride photo and the talking skull can now be seen daily at Pirates of the Caribbean at the Magic Kingdom.
Walt Disney World has announced their entertainment lineup at each of the four theme parks to celebrate the 4th of July 2017!
A red, white and blue fireworks spectacular illuminates the sky over Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Spectacular fireworks displays with brilliant bursts of light coloring the night sky above the theme parks have been a Walt Disney World Resort entertainment specialty for decades. Magic Kingdom honors America each year with a Fourth of July celebration on July 3 and 4 with Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky, which features dazzling comets and glittery bursts soaring to a musical score produced in a concert band style.Ê (David Roark, photographer)
Nighttime spectacles will light up each park:
Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky
Magic Kingdom Park commemorates the Fourth with brilliant fireworks choreographed to patriotic music. The red, white and blue extravaganza will bathe the sky on both July 3 and July 4 at 9 p.m.
IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth
This nightly Epcot favorite adds a patriotic twist to the show, with a special laser light finale celebrating America. Fireworks will blast off at 9 p.m. on July 4.
Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular
Celebrate Star Wars, a great icon of American culture, at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This one-of-a-kind show takes to the sky at 9:30 p.m. nightly.
Rivers of Light
Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s newest nighttime show celebrates a connection with nature through light, water and fire. Rivers of Light has two showings nightly, 9:15 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.
Disney Characters Mickey Mouse, Goofy and Donald Duck dress in their patriotic best to celebrate the Fourth of July at Walt Disney World Resort. The characters appear for meet and greets at the American Adventure at Epcot for the holiday. (David Roark, photographer)
Other Independence Day fun and entertainment includes:
The talented Voices of Liberty a cappella group will perform traditional Americana tunes during a 4th of July Concert on the America Gardens Theatre stage at 5:30, 6:45 and 8 p.m. The vibrant American Music Machine will perform pop hits, at noon, 1:00, 2:00, 3:00 and 3:50 p.m.
Meet favorite Disney Characters — all dressed up to celebrate America’s birthday – throughout the day at the American Adventure Pavilion at Epcot.
The Muppets Present…Great Moments in History: Miss Piggy, Kermit, Fozzie Bear and friends reenact famous moments in American history in a whimsical way. The live show is performed daily in Liberty Square.
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa hosts an All-American July 4 cookout from 7-8:30 p.m. The star-spangled feast includes grilled steak and shrimp, hot dogs, baked beans, sides, plus specialty drinks, beer and wine. There’s a live DJ and crafts for kids. After dinner, head to the Grand Floridian Marina for sweets and a view of the Magic Kingdom Park’s July 4 fireworks. Cost is $120 plus tax, gratuity is included; $59 ages 3 to 11. For reservations, 407-WDW-DINE.
Walt Disney World will likely not be reopening the Hall of Presidents at the Magic Kingdom in time for the 4th of July holiday as originally planned.
Despite zero announcements since the attraction closed in January, Disney closed the Hall of Presidents attraction to add new president Donald Trump to the show. Internal documents stated that the show would re-open in late June 2017, but are now simply stating “Summer 2017”. Cast members standing outside of the closed attraction are also telling guests that it will not reopen prior to July 4th.
Disney has still made no public statement on when it will reopen and what role Donald Trump will have in the attraction. It is unknown if the delays are related to remaining work to be done or for political reasons and public appearance.
The Cool Ship in Tomorrowland at the Magic Kingdom is now selling Pizza Frusta, described as being “a folded pizza-like snack that is easy to eat on-the-go”.
The Cool Ship is located near Space Mountain at the Magic Kingdom
The Pizza Frusta is stored in a glass display that keeps it warm
Lets try this adequately described “pizza-like snack”…
The Cool Ship menu, which basically includes soft drinks, a souvenir cup, and Pizza Frusta
Pizza Frusta ($7.99) Available in Cheese and Pepperoni & Sausage
Pizza Frusta
Despite looking like Fast Food pizza that got into a massive car wreck, this wasn’t the most abominable item at Walt Disney World. That being said, they aren’t great either.
Tomato and cheese Pizza Frusta
The crust is kind of like a rather large puff pastry, crispy on the exterior, but doughy almost to the point of being uncooked on the inside.
Pepperoni and sausage Pizza Frusta
The cheese and meats are about the same as a Disney counter service pizza, not of the greatest quality, nor inedible. If you have ever had Digiorno frozen pizzas, then you know the flavor.
Cheese Pizza Frusta
I prefer the pepperoni and sausage one as it is at least a little more interesting, but choosing between these is essentially like picking your poison.
I personally would skip the Pizza Frusta unless you have kids in your party craving pizza at the Magic Kingdom. In that case, it’s a fast and easy way to grab a counter service pizza at the park.
Located steps away from The Mad Tea Party attraction in Fantasyland at the Magic Kingdom, the Cheshire Cafe (formerly the Enchanted Grove) has always served a selection of coffee drinks, and from time to time, some pastry desserts as well. Starting recently, the menu at this counter service window location was updated with two new offerings.
Cold Brew Coffee and Cheshire Cat Tails, new at the Cheshire Cafe in the Magic Kingdom
Allow me to introduce those new items to you: Cold Brew Coffee and Cheshire Cat Tails!
Cold Brew Coffee and Cheshire Cat Tails, new at the Cheshire Cafe in the Magic Kingdom
Cheshire Cafe Menu, June 2017
The remainder of the Cheshire Cafe menu remains pretty much as it was, long gone are the themed cake Cups you may remember from a few years ago. Guests were really big on those, but I had never had much success with them.
Cheshire Cat Tail ($4.49)
Cheshire Cat Tail ($4.49), Cheshire Cafe at the Magic Kingdom
The Cheshire Cat Tail is very similar to the “chocolate twist” treat that you will most commonly find around Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park, available as Kusafiri Coffee Shop & Bakery and Thirsty River Bar & Trek Snacks. However, while I do enjoy the Animal Kingdom offering, this was far superior in every way.
The pastry was fresh, soft, and flaky, filled inside with chocolate chips and a cream filling. The colorful icing here added an extra sweetness which made this (most likely) the best theme park pastry I have ever eaten. If you acquire one of these as fresh as we did, you are in for a real treat. This is seriously my favorite snack in all of the Magic Kingdom as of right now.
Cold Brew Coffee ($3.79)
If you like Cold Brew Coffee, then you can now find it at the Magic Kingdom now at the Cheshire Cafe. I don’t know what else to say about this except that it was Cold Brew Coffee and it was what you would expect it to be. The picture above is of the drink as it is served, but cream and sugar and such are available just around the corner from the service window, so guests may make this beverage to their liking.
Our latest photo report brings us to the Magic Kingdom, so lets see what is new and exciting at Walt Disney World’s first park:
Road Work Rages On
Road work continues on World Drive to enhance the Magic Kingdom arrival and departure experience. Work is underway for a new “flyover” for access to Magic Kingdom resorts and completely reworked and expanded toll plaza for the Transportation and Ticket Center.
We snapped all of these pics while riding aboard the Epcot monorail.
Welcome to the Magic Kingdom
Happily Ever After
The Happily Ever After nighttime spectacular debuted a few weeks ago, taking over the park map.
The poster for the show replaces Wishes under the train station. It is also sponsored by Pandora… the jewelry, not the moon.
A number of Happily Ever After items can be found for sale in The Emporium.
An annual passholder shirt is available behind one of the registers.
Large crowds have been showing up nightly for the new show, so be sure to get there with plenty of time to spare if you care where you see it from.
If you would like our thoughts on the show, you can read them here.
We have a video of the premiere performance of thew show for you to enjoy:
We also have video of a special performance of the spectacular, which includes a live performance of the theme song at the end by the voices who recorded it for the actual show:
This and That
The attraction poster phone case designs are already gone from D-Tech on Demand. There is no word as to why they were pulled, but hopefully you were able to grab one before they were removed.
Some new MagicBand and phone case designs were made available recently.
I continue to love the fajitas platter at Pecos Bill’s, even with the yellow rice that replaced the previous iteration.
With the fixin’s bar, a kid’s meal can become a real feast.
Disney recently changed their bagged carrots for kids to a new brand. I’ve never heard of these…
The Disney Parks exclusive Jolly Roger Pop Funko figure is available again in Caribbean Plaza.
The rhino is still missing over at the Jungle Cruise.
The former hot dog stand in Frontierland now sells Mickey Pretzels and Churros.
The hearse is missing outside of the Haunted Mansion.
A new Under the Sea Treat cupcake is available at Prince Eric’s Village Market.
The interactive robot character iCan recently debuted in Tomorrowland at the Magic Kingdom.
In my opinion, this is a million times better than PUSH ever was, engaging far more guests. He is portrayed by a pretty witty performer to boot, making this Streetmosphere for Tomorrowland, essentially.
His showtimes are listed on the timed guide, so be sure to catch him next time you visit the park.
See iCan, in action below:
I shouldn’t be allowed alone on Space Ranger Spin…
Some new items found in The Emporium.
This kids Rey shirt is pretty adorable.
NEW SULLEY PLUSH!
There is a ton of new mugs for sale in The Emporium.
Small candy dishes from the Neverland Collection, $12.99 each.
For a period, guests could obtain a sno-cone treat at the Magic Kingdom over at Prince Eric’s Village Market in New Fantasyland. Many were upset when the snack was removed from the location and left without a home, but they will be happy to know that the treat is back at the park.
Magic Kingdom Sno-Cones, Available in Tomorrowland
Pretty much across the path from the Cool Ship and the Pizza Frusta in Tomorrowland, the cart adjacent to the popcorn cart now has sno-cones. Flavorings are available including grape, cherry, blue raspberry, or you can do a combination of any of those flavors.
Sno-Cone ($4.25)
Sno-Cone, $4.25 in Tomorrowland at the Magic Kingdom
Flavored ice may seem like a good idea given the heat, but I still don’t understand the appeal. The flavoring is almost non-existent and the markup on such an item must be huge for anyone who sells it, considering it is just ice and a sugary liquid that is poured over it. A cup of ice from a counter service location on a hot day may yield similar results, but for a kid, they probably would prefer it in this form. I feel like you could do much better for a refreshing treat in this park, namely ice cream dishes of any kind, but if you desire a sno-cone, you can find it here once again.
Sno-Cone, $4.25 in Tomorrowland at the Magic Kingdom
We tried the mix of three flavors, and it wasn’t unpleasant, but the heat will quickly send all 3 flavors to the bottom in a syrupy, liquid mess. I don’t think this is something I would order again, even on the hottest Summer day here in Orlando. Nearby is Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies with a number of ice cream treats, so I would just walk over there and get something.
