The Haunted Mansion at the Magic Kingdom will be closing for a short refurbishment in late November/early December 2016. It is unknown if the work is at all related to the facade and queue work that has going on at the attraction for a few weeks now.
Picture of the recent facade and queue work on The Haunted Mansion, Walt Disney World
The attraction will be closed November 28th, 2016 through December 1st, 2016.
For several weeks now, we have been updating you on the painting of the entrance to Tomorrowland at the Magic Kingdom. The rock-work in the front of the land is now about halfway done as the entire left side has already received the new shiny, metallic look.
The other side has only been primed for the new paint scheme as of yet.
We also have a short video of the area:
So, what do you think of this new look for Tomorrowland?
Main Street USA’s roving reporter character, Scoop Sanderson, will no longer be regularly appearing at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. Holland Hayes, who has portrayed the character for as long as I can remember, revealed on Facebook that his entertainment contract was not renewed and that his last day will be October 8, 2016. Comments from the actor state that he will substitute when available for vacations and call-outs of other Main Street characters.
Scoop Sanderson is leaving the Magic Kingdom
While the character dates back a few decades at the park, Scoop Sanderson was best known as a “Disney Pin Expert” during the height of the craze in the early 2000’s. Scoop’s afternoon pin talks inside the old Exposition Hall Theater at the Magic Kingdom were attended by hundreds of guests daily. The character saw a decline in popularity with the decline in pin trading over the years (although still beloved by those in the hobby), in recent months not even trading pins with guests.
As with any entertainment offering of the last few years (barring The Jungle Book: Alive with Magic), fans have started a “Save Scoop” campaign in hopes of making the park change its mind on the contract. To date, none of these campaigns have ever brought an entertainment act back from cancellation.
No other citizens of Main Street did not have their contracts renewed this year. Disney has made no public statement on the matter as of yet.
Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe at the Magic Kingdom serves more food to more guests everyday than any restaurant on the planet earth. That doesn’t mean it is good though…
While I have never been a fan of the food here, the daily performance by Sonny Eclipse, his amazing astro organ, and the Space Angels is typically what brings me into the place, even if I know I’m not going to have a particularly good counter service meal. Sometimes you just want chicken nuggets, and there’s nothing wrong with that.
My most recent trip to the establishment wasn’t prompted by a urge to see “the biggest little star in the galaxy,” but rather to see the return of cheese sauce to the restaurant after a few years, the addition of another new sauce, and a new vegetarian option.
Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe Menu
Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe Menu
Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe Toppings Bar
Of course, one of the reasons many guests like Cosmic Ray’s is the toppings bar that is offered.
Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe Toppings Bar
A sriracha spicy aioli sauce was recently added to the toppings bar. More on that later.
Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe Toppings Bar
Cheese Sauce ($1.00)
While the return of cheese sauce is a nice gesture, there just has to be a better way. In olden times (a few years back), hot cheese sauce was complimentary and offered at the toppings bar both here and at several other locations around the Walt Disney World Resort. It now is a pre-warmed container you can buy for $1.00.
Cheese Sauce ($1.00)
While it is a generous portion, it is mostly flavorless and adds nothing to the french fries.
Cheese Sauce ($1.00)
While this might be something good for nachos or pretzels, it just doesn’t work here. I would save your dollar and not even bother with this.
Sriracha Spicy Aioli
While the loss of the cheese sauce so long ago was devastating to some, the addition of this complimentary sriracha aioli is a pleasant addition. Again, as said in every review, I enjoy spicy, and as the name states, this is spicy. That being said, it is still flavorful and not overly spicy to the point where many guests will not enjoy it. This sauce goes really well with the fries.
Falafel Burger ($11.99)
Recently added to the menu is a vegetarian option: a falafel burger. $11.99 is a little pricey for a meatless burger, but it is a specialty offering that is likely not made in-house and is ordered in low quantities, so it is nice that it is even offered.
Falafel Burger ($11.99)
It isn’t the prettiest thing, but it is pretty decent. If a bun the quality of D-Luxe Burger was offered, I think this would be a really solid addition, but the horrid bun currently offered at Cosmic Ray’s really holds this back.
Falafel Burger ($11.99)
The burger itself is a little dry, but that is why the Tzatziki sauce is offered.
Falafel Burger ($11.99)
Falafel Burger ($11.99)
Again, it isn’t terrible and it’s still a viable option for any vegetarian who is being made to dine at Cosmic Ray’s, but on the other hand, the Falafel dish at Skipper Canteen is a little heavier and a little cheaper at that.
The Magic Kingdom will be introducing a dining package for Disney’s Festival of Fantasy Parade, starting October 10th, 2016.
Disney’s Festival of Fantasy Parade
The package replaces the one offered for the Main Street Electrical Parade. The Main Street Electrical Parade will conclude on October 9th, so rather than cancel the program, Disney will move it over to the afternoon parade.
The dining package still takes place at Tony’s Town Square Restaurant and is a prix fixe meal priced at$45 per adult and $17 per child, plus tax and gratuity (one dining plan table service credit). Guests are given a voucher to enter a special viewing area after their lunch.
Disney’s festival of Fantasy Parade is offered daily at 3PM at the Magic Kingdom.
This package can be booked beginning September 13th, 2016.
Since the announcement of “The Muppets Present… Great Moments in American History”, we have been asked many times when exactly the new show in Liberty Square at the Magic Kingdom would debut. Today, we have that information.
“The Muppets Present… Great Moments in American History”
While not yet released to the public by Disney, internal documents state that the show will debut on October 2nd, 2016. Since it is not announced yet, this date can be delayed (similarly to Rivers of Light), but that is at least the targeted start date for The Muppets invasion of Liberty Square.
The Halloween season is in full swing at the Magic Kingdom, as are several large refurbishments as the resort prepares for what should be one of the busiest holiday seasons ever. While the summer was slow, the new attractions and other enhancements that took place this Summer should finally bring in some guests and the Magic Kingdom is getting ready for it (as well as its 45th anniversary). Now on to our latest photo report…
The painting of Cinderella Castle and the installation of the holiday lights continues on a daily basis.
A number of new D-Tech on Demand phone cases can be found at the Tomorrowland Light and Power Company at the exit of Space Mountain.
Some phone cases are only available during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.
The newly painted rocks in Tomorrowland can be seen from the Tomorrowland Transit Authority Peoplemover.
The Chewbacca stein is now available at Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies in Tomorrowland.
If you take a ride on the Liberty Square Riverboat, be sure to ask about the trivia sheets. Guests can fill out the sheet with answers found along the Rivers of America for a prize they can redeem at the end when they return to the dock.
Work on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is visible from the Riverboat.
For a better look, we also have a video to share with you. Sadly, I did not see anyone working on the finale scene of the ride, so I am afraid to report that we may not see the new explosive finale for the ride in this refurbishment…
While on the Riverboat, we also floated by the ongoing facade refurbishment of the Haunted Mansion:
The glass Mermaid cage that was added to Pirates own the Caribbean a few weeks ago was moved a little closer to the beach for some reason.
The pirate Mickey plush has finally arrived at the Magic Kingdom.
Some of the dancers in Frontierland Hoedown are now disguised as custodial cast members…
Some festive fall decorations are popping up in Liberty Square.
Man, everyone has this hat now…
The Cinderella Castle big fig has returned after a few years of absence, however, it is a bit pricey for the size.
It’s still no match for the real thing though…
The end of the Main Street Electrical Parade at Walt Disney World is drawing near as the parade gets in just a few more performances before the final night on October 9th.
Love it or hate it (personally I always preferred SpectroMagic), the Main Street Electrical Parade has been a staple of Walt Disney World since 1977. October 9th will certainly be a historic evening to say the very least.
Time for another Hostess with the Mostess countdown! In my last post, we ventured into the wonderful world of water rides. We took a much needed and refreshing look into my favorite watery attractions at Walt Disney World. I even shared some of my tips for staying dry on those rides. If you missed it, you can check it out right here.
What Disney favorite do I have planned this week? Well, my husband and I were recently talking about our favorite Disney snacks. I was listing off all of the yummy foods in the Magic Kingdom that I am excited to get on our next trip. Much to my surprise, there were several on my list that he has not tried yet! Not only is this a shock because I have been married to him for years without knowing this but it is a real problem because he is missing out! So when we go on our next trip, I am making sure he tries all of my favorite snacks! I have tons of food on the list for my husband to try. But today, I am going to share just five of my favorites with you. Here are my Top 5 Favorite Snacks at the Magic Kingdom.
Yes. It is as amazing as it sounds. If you have never experienced this cheesy savory dish, get ready for some spot on comfort food. Located at the Friar’s Nook in Fantasyland, this wonderful hidden treasure tastes like it came straight out of Mom’s kitchen. The tender pot roast and the mac and cheese flavors combined are absolutely delicious! The cheese is in no way an understatement and does not disappoint, however it is super rich, so be prepared because you may need a buddy to help you finish! This snack would have made it further up on my list if it was not for my sweet tooth.
I told you the cinnamon roll would make another appearance. I have two snacks for my number four, but they go so well together I had to include them both. The warm and gooey goodness of those giant cinnamon rolls paired with the marshmellowy mango amazingness of LeFou’s Brew cannot be beat. It’s just a little taste of heaven! I remember how much I disapproved of Disney taking the cinnamon rolls out of the Main Street Bakery and putting them in Gaston’s Tavern. But now, I am thankful. The two snacks are paired so perfectly, putting them in the same spot just makes sense!
This snack is yumminess on top of more yumminess. Stop by Sleepy Hollow in Liberty Square to claim this tasty treat. They offer many waffle options, but the best waffle by far is this one. Picture a crispy golden waffle, slab on some chocolate hazelnut spread, and sprinkle on some strawberries, bananas, and blueberries. Fold it up, take a bite, and you have yourself an irresistible delicacy. To make the experience even better, go to the porch on the side of the Hall of Presidents. There are two rocking chairs waiting for you and your glorious waffle to come and sit, relax, and enjoy.
The Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich deserves the number two spot. You may want to call me an ice cream cookie sandwich connoisseur. I love them so much and I am always trying news ones that cross my path. This sandwich is the best one I have ever had. Not only is it huge and enticing, but the vanilla ice cream is creamy and delicious and the chocolate chip cookies are so soft and chewy. This special treat is so scrumptious that they sell it in two places! You can find it at Sleepy Hollow in Liberty Square and the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor on Main Street U.S.A.
I am sure most of you saw this coming! The Pineapple Dole Whip from Aloha Isle in Adventureland is my number one favorite snack. This soft serve treat packs a powerful punch of pineapple flavor and it is wonderfully refreshing on a hot Florida day. Yes, it is delicious, but there is another reason why the Dole Whip made it to number one. It just screams Disney! I get a Pineapple Dole Whip every trip and have been getting them ever since I could remember. The taste has never changed and it is a “Disney Must Have” in my family.
Those are my top five favorite snacks in the Magic Kingdom. Do not forget to vote and please comment if you have another favorite that was not mentioned. I would love to hear about what you think and what snacks you would put on the list!
Speaking of snacks, are there any Food and Wine Festival fans out there? If you are going to the Food and Wine Festival remember pick out your favorite foods! I will be doing a Food and Wine countdown next month and of course, as always, I want to hear from YOU!
Here is my Extra Magic Tip of the week: If you are looking for healthier snack options, stop at the Liberty Square Market Place. They have delicious baked potatoes, fresh fruits and vegetables, yogurt and much more!
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In our latest photo report, we travel to the Magic Kingdom and the surrounding resort area to see the latest progress on the Tomorrowland repainting, the continuing rock installation at WDW beaches, and the Disney Vacation Club cabin additions at Wildenress Lodge.
Cinderella Castle Crane
The crane is back at Cinderella Castle for the installation of the Dreamlights for the holiday season (yes, it is still August).
Cinderella Castle Crane
Cinderella Castle Crane
Tomorrowland Entrance Repainting
The repainting of the Tomorrowland entrance is now visible on the front side, as a grey/silver soat has been started at the bottom of the rocks by the water.
Tomorrowland Entrance Repainting
Big Thunder Mountain Refurbishment
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is closed until November for what we expect to be the installation of the new finale scene, similar to that found at Disneyland Park.
Big Thunder Mountain Refurbishment
Big Thunder Mountain Refurbishment
Big Thunder Mountain Refurbishment
Alligator and Snake warning sign in the Magic Kingdom
Spotted this sign by Big Thunder Mountain, in the designated smoking section.
Sofia the First ear hat
There is now a Sofia the First ear hat on sale in the parks.
Sofia the First ear hat
New Pirates of the Caribbean merchandise
More Pirates of the Caribbean merchandise featuring the Fab 5 continues to be released.
New Pirates of the Caribbean merchandise
New Pirates of the Caribbean merchandise
The line is geared towards children, so there are plastic placemats available.
Rainy Day Character Cavalcade
When “Move It! Shake It! Dance and Play It!” is cancelled for inclement weather, it also get the Magic Kingdom rainy Day Character Cavalcade treatment. This replacement offering drives up and down Main Street in this case, at least giving guests a look at their favorite characters. It also has a really catch soundtrack, which you can hear below in an older recording of the parade we have:
Rainy Day Character Cavalcade
Rainy Day Character Cavalcade
Rainy Day Character Cavalcade
Rainy Day Character Cavalcade
Rainy Day Character Cavalcade
Rainy Day Character Cavalcade
Rainy Day Character Cavalcade
Rainy Day Character Cavalcade
Rainy Day Character Cavalcade
Rainy Day Character Cavalcade
Rainy Day Character Cavalcade
Rainy Day Character Cavalcade
Rainy Day Character Cavalcade
Rainy Day Character Cavalcade
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
In traveling to Trail’s End at Fort Wildnerness, we decided to take a boat, which provided some spectacular views.
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
This is one of my favorite pictures I’ve ever taken at Walt Disney World…
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
What are all these bags backstage at the Contemporary? ROCKS. HUNDREDS AND THOUSANDS OF ROCKS.
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
These rocks will soon line the shoreline behind the resort, similar to the beaches at the Polynesian and Grand Floridian.
Wilderness Lodge DVC
Work continues on the Disney Vacation Club cabin additions at Wilderness Lodge.
Wilderness Lodge DVC
Wilderness Lodge DVC
Wilderness Lodge DVC
Wilderness Lodge DVC
Wilderness Lodge DVC
Wilderness Lodge DVC
Wilderness Lodge DVC
Wilderness Lodge DVC
Many of the cabins are going vertical now.
Wilderness Lodge DVC
Wilderness Lodge DVC
The shoreline at Fort Wilderness received the rock treatment as well.
Wilderness Lodge DVC
Trail’s End moonshine
We end on alcohol once again, this time with some of the fantastic moonshine drinks available at Trail’s End and Crockett’s Tavern.
2 major refurbishments roll on, Tomorrowland continues to get a new look, and some new merchandise is discovered in our latest photo report visiting the Magic Kingdom:
Welcome to the Magic Kingdom!
Limited Release Han Solo MagicBand
I really love this new limited release Han Solo and Chewbacca MagicBand.
Limited Release Han Solo MagicBand
The Millennium Falcon on the opposite side is a nice touch.
The Mr. Toad taxi art is now on a pin in full color.
A new “cute” Star Wars character pin set was recently released.
The refurbishment of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad rolls on through November.
Cinderella Castle crane
The installation of the holiday lights on Cinderella Castle continues.
Tomorrowland rocks repainting
The painting of the rocks at the entrance of Tomorrowland continues.
Tomorrowland rocks repainting
Tomorrowland rocks repainting
Tomorrowland rocks repainting
Tomorrowland rocks repainting
Tomorrowland rocks repainting
Tomorrowland rocks repainting
One rock has already gone a very bright blue color…
Tomorrowland rocks repainting
Tomorrowland rocks repainting
“it’s a small world” Refurbishment
“it’s a small world” is currently closed for a short refurbishment.
Monitor covers added at the Carousel of Progress
The monitors hanging at the Carousel of Progress finally have a cabinet around them.
