Introduced in December, Disney today has announced that the theme park entry lines exclusive to Walt Disney World annual passholders at all 4 theme parks will be staying a little while longer.
Disney has stated that they will now remain through the Spring at least, with no exact end date given.
After 14 years, the Wishes Nighttime Spectacular at the Magic Kingdom will say goodbye on May 11, 2017 to make way for a new show beginning May 12th, 2017.
“Happily Ever After” captures the heart, humor, and emotions of Disney films through awe-inspiring fireworks, state of the art projections, and brilliant lasers.
Our latest photo report brings us to the Magic Kingdom as many refurbishments and enhancements continue through the less busy weeks of the year.
Work continues on the Magic Kingdom monorail station (and it remains open thankfully).
Work continues on the Magic Kingdom train station.
The Emporium remains open while work is done to the exterior.
Sadly, the new paint scheme on the Tomorrowland rocks is already peeling.
There are now Toy Story Snuggle Snappers for sale.
Work continues on the rumored Joffrey’s Coffee location in Tomorrowland.
Just a few days ago, there was just a foundation behind those walls.
The Cool Ship has reopened, but the Cool Scanner remains under refurbishment.
The exterior painting on Space Mountain continues.
A look down at just the foundation for the coffee stand.
The Cool Ship is looking good after its short refurbishment.
Apparently, the guest relations location in Tomorrowland is still a thing, there was just no one working there the last time we visited.
Some Beauty and the Beast phone case designs can now be found at the D-Tech on Demand kiosks here.
As you can see, it was open again. I’m guessing they were understaffed the last time we visited.
The refurbishment of Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe is underway, with the restrooms closed for remodeling.
This kid asked me why the bathrooms are closed. I responded, “Kid, have you eaten here?”
I’m not sure if it was done recently, but I noticed the old multicolored covering on the benches was gone and there was a new paint scheme on the walls.
There is now a FuelRod kiosk inside of Cosmic Ray’s. The convenience continues to grow as you can find many of these in each park now.
The work on the exterior has many of the windows covered.
If you couldn’t tell, it is really dark inside right now.
The work outside is to add more covered seating areas.
I found the Beauty and the Beast MagicBand at the Magic Kingdom. It’s not the best one I’ve seen…
Bonjour Village Gifts is now selling tons of merchandise from the new movie.
Including the Belle doll which most think looks more like Justin Bieber in a dress…
I’m no fan of Pinocchio Village Haus, but closing at 6pm seems a bit early. Even the @WDWToday twitter account tweeted at 6pm the other day that you should go eat here, but it was closed already…
Pinocchio Village Haus is serving up flatbreads to satisfy all taste buds â no strings attached! #MagicKingdom pic.twitter.com/f5z4LFFucW
â WDW Today (@WDWToday) February 7, 2017
Inside, the electronic menu boards have been covered for a while, with these static signs placed over them for now.
There are now candy-filled lightsabers for sale at the parks.
Filled with off-brand M&M’s…
You can get blue or red, but clearly the red is more popular.
A new mug for sale in the Emporium.
I thought it was neat that it has an emoji of the castle underneath instead of the usual logo.
Pecos Bill’s has become my favorite quick service lunch spot over the last year. It seems this is where I end up every time there’s not something new to order elsewhere in the park.
The new kid’s nachos dish is a pretty good value, and you can load it up as much as you want at the fixin’s bar.
The taller trees on the riverbank were removed to help with the sight-lines for Tiana’s Riverboat Party.
As you can see, this new, smaller tree was just planted.
All sorts of emergency walkways and exits around the parks seems to be getting much brighter LED lighting for nighttime.
Seen here, the stairway at the dock is brighter than the lights on the Riverboat.
The nighttime lighting on the Tomorrowland rocks looks great as it reflects off the water and makes a wave effect.
New lighting was installed on the Progress City model along the Peoplemover and it looks great.
Just two days later, the entire Joffrey’s Coffee kiosk was there (sorry for the blurry pics, but best I could do).
The Wishes! poster acts as a decent reminder when you leave that you only have a few weeks left to see this legendary show.
Our latest photo report brings us back to the Magic Kingdom to see the ever-changing Tomorrowland, new merchandise items, and more, so let’s dive right on in…
Luckily we had parked at the Contemporary and had a private security line to enter, because every other line in front of the park was overwhelmed. Every weekend in January has been fairly busy thus far.
This disaster was the Will Call line. They estimated that some guests waited 90-120 minutes.
The new security screening area wasn’t helping as it was colliding with the line.
The tarps on the Train Station are finally themed.
The exterior refurbishment on the Emporium continues as well.
Yes, we’re open!
Waffle fries are back at the Golden Oak Outpost.
Tortuga Tavern was open and selling Turkey Legs and Hot Dog combos.
It was easily the worst smell combination on this or any planet.
The Adventureland food carts no longer have Cheeseburger Egg Rolls, but now sell churros.
I knew our server at Skipper Canteen hated us when the stains on the menus were real and not “themed”…
That’s real food. We had terrible service on top of this, which was a first for me in my many trips to Skipper Canteen.
These signs were added to Magic Kingdom restaurants when they added alcohol.
No, these people don’t think that a nighttime parade is coming, they are just electing to wait for fireworks while sitting on the curb.
Work continues on what we suspect will be the Joffrey’s coffee location at the Magic Kingdom.
A peek over the walls show a foundation in place.
The Cool Ship and Cool Scanner are closed for refurbishment.
Looks like more Tomorrowland TLC to me.
This new Lightning McQueen animated glow headband is for sale around the parks for $16.
The ticket sales location in the Tomorrowland Light and Power Co. is gone, but the sign remains.
New Disney Boutique hoodies for sale.
Today, Disney introduced a brand new tour designed to provide guests with a chance to see all of the quintessential Magic Kingdom Park experiences and attractions–the Ultimate Disney Classics VIP Tour. The four-hour tour is led by Disney VIP Tour Guides, so you can enjoy many of the most beloved Magic Kingdom Park attractions carefree. During the Ultimate Disney Classics VIP Tour, you’ll be able to experience up to 10 of the most beloved Magic Kingdom Park attractions, including everything from Adventureland must-dos Pirates of the Caribbean and the Jungle Cruise to Fantasyland favorites such as Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, “it’s a small world,” Peter Pan’s Flight, and more attractions throughout the park. As part of the tour, guests can also meet Mickey Mouse at Town Square Theater on Main Street. This tour does not include any attractions with height restrictions, so it is good for any age. If you’re looking for the perfect introduction to the most Magical Place on Earth, or want to experience the classic Magic Kingdom attractions, this is probably the tour for you. The Ultimate Disney Classics VIP Tour ($199 plus tax)* is offered Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays, and is subject to availability. Call 407-560-4033 to book your tour. *Magic Kingdom Park admission is required and is not included with the cost of the Ultimate Disney Classics VIP Tour. NFL Super Bowl star running back James White starred in a milestone Disney moment Monday, Feb. 6, 2017 (Steven Diaz, photographer) LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (Feb. 6, 2017) – It was 1987 when the winning quarterback in Super Bowl XXI began a tradition of going to Walt Disney World Resort to celebrate. That would carve out a place synonymous with glory and achievement in sports and other human endeavor. Thirty years later, that same honor fell to running back James White, a hero of Super Bowl LI in Houston. White caught one touchdown pass and rushed for two others – including the game-winner in overtime – to help rally his team to an epic, come-from-behind 34-28 victory over Atlanta to capture the NFL Championship. For his on-field heroics, White was honored with a celebratory parade Monday down Main Street, U.S.A. at Magic Kingdom Park. Park guests and NFL fans alike lined the iconic street as White smiled and waved from a float he shared with Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and other Disney characters. Afterwards, White posed for photos with Mickey and Minnie and enjoyed some fun time in the park, experiencing some of its most popular attractions such as Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. NFL Super Bowl star running back James White joins Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse after starring in a milestone Disney moment Monday, Feb. 6, 2017 (Matt Stroshane, photographer) That continued a 30-year tradition of the Super Bowl hero celebrating his team’s victory at Walt Disney World Resort or Disneyland Resort. With Main Street U.S.A. now opening earlier to guests (along with the new welcome show performed at Cinderella Castle instead of at the train station), Disney is taking this opportunity to expand breakfast offerings at many of the park’s eateries in the AM. Casey’s Corner Hash Brown Hotdog, The Magic Kingdom Casey’s Corner will be serving muffins, bagels and a croissant donut. Those searching for a more savory, brunch-like option can enjoy corn dog nuggets and the hash brown dog (pictured above). Plaza Ice Cream Donut Sundae, The Magic Kingdom Also on Main Street U.S.A., Plaza Ice Cream Parlor will serve Mickey waffles, Kelloggs cereal and donuts. For a sweet twist on breakfast, there is even a donut sundae: a donut topped with your favorite flavor of hand-scooped Edy’s ice cream, hot fudge, apple, whipped cream, peanut butter chips, chocolate chips and of course, a cherry. Sleepy Hollow breakfast sandwich, The Magic Kingdom Sleepy Hollow has a new egg, ham and tomato waffle sandwich which will arrive later this month. The fruit and chocolate-hazelnut waffle sandwich is also available, in case you prefer a sweet breakfast to a savory one. Tokyo Disneyland move over, because Walt Disney World is getting into the freshly-popped flavored popcorn game. Maple Popcorn is now available at the cart adjacent to Westward Ho in Frontierland. You can buy a single serving, acquire it in a souvenir bucket, and even refill any refillable Walt Disney World popcorn bucket for just $1.50. Of course I had to have some! So how was it? I LOVED IT! It may look like caramel corn, but I enjoyed it much more than I do that. The coating is thinner, so it lacks the often plastic-like chewiness of caramel corn. The maple popcorn has a light maple syrup flavor which is just perfect (in my opinion). Yes sure to try it the next time you are at the park! Hopefully more will be on the way (Epcot offers 3 flavors at the cart near Imagination), but this is a great start. With Main Street U.S.A. now opening earlier for guests with the retirement of the Train Station Welcome Show, guests now find an hour before “Let the Magic Begin” to enjoy shopping and breakfast in the front section of the Magic Kingdom. In addition to the Main Street Bakery – Starbucks location (and the popcorn cart for some reason), both Plaza Ice Cream Parlor and Casey’s Corner are open for breakfast at 7:50am when guests are first admitted entry to the park. You may be asking what an ice cream parlor and a hot dog shop could possibly serve for breakfast… Plaza Ice Cream Parlor has a Mickey Waffle Plate, assorted cereals, doughnuts, muffins, fruit, and of course… the doughnut sundae. Here is what we are here for, the most ridiculous item on the menu. A closer look at the menu. An assortment of drinks, cereals, and muffins available for breakfast. The doughnut (or donut) sundae includes: a doughnut topped with your flavor choice of hand-scooped Edy’s ice cream, hot fudge, a cinnamon apple topping, whipped cream, peanut butter chips, chocolate chips and of course, a cherry. The cookies pictured in the sign were not available when we bough the sundae. I ordered it with chocolate ice cream. While ours was not particularly photogenic compared to the “Parks Blog” version (WHY DO THEY LIE TO US SO MUCH), it was delicious. The cinnamon apple topping in the bottom of the bowl gave it more of a breakfast flavor under the doughnut, and of course all of the ice cream and toppings were great as well. Everything mixed together fantastically. Luckily for guests, this sundae is apparently being made available all day, so you could always elect for a healthier breakfast and save this for later in your visit. Being unhealthy people who eat theme park food all week, we just went for it at 8am. If you are looking for something healthier, out next stop may not interest you either… While there isn’t a menu with prices up for breakfast, the board outside is updated to reflect the breakfast items each morning. A tray with all of the breakfast items on display is located on the counter, including the trio of croissant doughnuts. Yes, corn dog nuggets are available… While we didn’t order the doughnuts (as I think we had our fill of doughnuts already by this point), the family next to us ordered them and informed us that they were not as good as they had hoped. They had described them overly sweet and containing an undesirable apple-flavored tinge to them. So, it seems the hash brown hot dog is actually the 45th anniversary celebration dog that was available on October 1st, 2016. In case you missed it, be sure to check out our video review of it: It’s still pretty good and more than enough to share between a few guests. They also have a normal sized hot dog version of this available. This time around it comes with shoestring french fires, which are actually really, really good. I wish these were the standard at all counter service restaurants as they are just much better than the standard fare. Our latest photo report brings us back to the Magic Kingdom as closures and refurbishments begin to takeover for the rather short off-season in Orlando. I decided to rope drop the park earlier this week to see how the morning now unfolds with the moving of the welcome show and the opening of Main Street a full hour earlier. The Walt Disney World Railroad was actively being worked on as we walked by. Only the centralized security checkpoint was in use prior to park opening. The Walt Disney World Railroad is closed for refurbishment and a large tarp covers the train station currently. Annual Passholder entry lines are still in place, but sometimes can be longer than the regular entrance lines during this time of year with less tourists and more of the locals and annual visitors coming to the parks. A number of stores and restaurants are open starting at 7:50AM (with a 9am park opening). You can even start the day with some popcorn… The meet and greets are not open, but the PhotoPass area and Curtain Call Collectibles are. The Emporium is open while work is done to the facade. If you need hats or pins at 8am, you can certainly buy them… The Confectionery is also open at this time. The Art of Disney and Uptown Jewelers do not open until the park does however. The Emporium is open though. Crowds were pretty light until about 8:45am. The Crystal Arts shop opens with the rest of the park. Of course, the Main Street Bakery Starbucks is open for breakfast. Lines were not unreasonable inside at around 8:20AM. The Plaza Ice Cream Parlor is open for breakfast, serving Mickey Waffles, a doughnut sundae, and a variety of other items. Be sure to check out our in-depth review of the new breakfast items here. Casey’s Corner is also open for breakfast (and covered in the review linked above). We walked up to the Castle around 8:50AM and things were still pretty manageable. Just in-case you can’t find breakfast check-in… Guests pretty much jam the walkway to the Mad Tea Party in hopes of garnering a short wait for the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. If you aren’t near the front of this pack, don’t even bother. We elected to wait about two people deep on one of the walkways through the Castle. “Let the Magic Begins” starts at 8:55AM. Once it is over the characters are allowed to vacate the stage, and then guests are walked up the Castle walkways slowly until they merge at the top before going through. I was astonished at the ability of the cast to ensure that one path did not get anywhere faster than another, as once we go through the Castle, we merged seamlessly with those who tried to go around the Castle moat, down the side path between Liberty Square and Fantasyland. We then even were given the opportunity to catch up with some guests on their way to Peter Pan’s Flight (I assume from Be Our Guest breakfast), and we were all then released to go to the ride. I was amazed as the efficiency of the
New “Ultimate Disney Classics VIP Tour” Introduced at the Magic Kingdom
PHOTOS, VIDEO: Super Bowl Champion James White of Patriots Appears in Parade at Magic Kingdom
PHOTOS: Donut Sundae, Hash Brown Dog, and Waffle Sandwich Being Added to Magic Kingdom Breakfast Offerings
REVIEW: Maple Popcorn Now Available at the Magic Kingdom
REVIEW: Breakfast Doughnut Sundae, Hash Brown Hot Dog, & More New Magic Kingdom Offerings
Plaza Ice Cream Parlor
Doughnut Sundae ($5.99)
Casey’s Corner
Hash Brown Hot Dog ($12.29)
PHOTO REPORT: The Magic Kingdom 1/20/17 (The Hall of Presidents, VHS, Al the Owl, Refurbishments, Etc.)
Welcome to the Magic Kingdom
“When Donuts Are In a Sundae, You Can Have Ice Cream Anytime…”
“Let the Magic Begin”
