Big Thunder Mountain – WDWNT Archive

PHOTO REPORT: Magic Kingdom 9/26/16 (45th Anniversary, Stitch Closing, Tomorrowland Rocks, ETC.)

WDWNT on September 26, 2016

Our latest photo report takes us to the Magic Kingdom to see the latest goings on. The 45th anniversary is looming, with several attractions in the park being refurbished, or in some cases preparing to close for a while. Oh, and there’s refillable popcorn still…

The Magic Kingdom 45th Anniversary Merchandise

On Thursday, stores around the Magic Kingdom began carrying 45th Anniversary merchandise ahead of the October 1st celebration coming up this weekend. We have a full guide available to the dozens of new items in a separate post, but there is also a video walkthrough of the entire line available:

Swiss Family Robinson TreehouseÂ Refurbishment Extended

Since it is probably the most extensive refurbishment in the history of the attraction, the Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse will not be open for its 45th birthday on October 1st. The new date Disney is telling cast members is simply “late October”.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Refurbishment

The refurbishment of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at the Magic Kingdom rolls on, set to reopen November 19th, 2016.

Who Wants Popcorn?

A new Halloween popcorn bucket on sale around the resort.

The refillable popcorn bucket promotion was indefinitely extended, buckets are now good for $1.50 refills for length of stay. This means that as long as you have a bucket and they continue this promotion, you can get a $1.50 refill of popcorn.

This and That

After many months out of stock, the Magic Kingdom ornament is finally back!

The repainting of the castle and installation of the holiday lights continues.

Some tarps are still up at the Haunted Mansion.

I’m happy to report that “it’s a small world” was doing much better this week, with many effects fixed, including the South American sun which has been broken for almost a year.

Color Return to Storybook Circus

The Florida sun fades things fast, so it was sad to see the banners in Storybook Circus fading away so quickly. Disney has started to replace the banners again, making the area look fresh and vibrant.

This larger banner hasn’t been replaced yet.

There are still many left to go…

Chip and Dale have moved to a new home in Storybook Circus during the day. The space is already set up for meet and greets for the Halloween Party.

iPhone 7 and 7 Plus Cases

D-Tech on Demand at the Tomorrowland Light and Power Co. has rolled out cases for the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus.

There was also one new design we spotted on our most recent visit.

Stitch’s Great Escape is going seasonal

Announced last week, Stitch’s Great Escape is going seasonal, rumored to be replaced by a Wreck-It Ralph ride once it finally closes in 2017.

There was absolutely no one waiting for the show when we went in.

The place is kind of falling apart, a staple of seasonal attractions at the end of their lifespan. I recall HorizonsÂ at Epcot being mostly broken in my later experiences riding it after it had gone seasonal.

A few people did show up before showtime.

While I am happy to see Stitch on its way out, I am sad to see the remnants of Alien Encounter do the same.

Tomorrowland Rocks

The rock painting at the entrance of Tomorrowland continues. The small rocks on the shoreline have been painted a normal grey rock color.

The island in front of Tomorrowland has been turned to dirt. It should be interesting to see what they do here.

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PHOTO REPORT: Magic Kingdom 9/15/16 (Big Thunder Refurb, Haunted Mansion, Electrical Parade Farewell, ETC.)

WDWNT on September 17, 2016

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…

Merry Cranemas

The painting of Cinderella Castle and the installation of the holiday lights continues on a daily basis.

New D-Tech on Demand Phone Cases

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.

This and That

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.

Construction Along the Rivers of America

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:

New Prop at Pirates of the Caribbean

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.

Frontierland Hoedown

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…

Cinderella Castle

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 Main Street Electrical Parade Says Goodbye

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.

PHOTO REPORT: Magic Kingdom 9/1/16 (Tomorrowland Rock Painting, Carousel of Progress, ETC.)

WDWNT on September 2, 2016

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!

New Merchandise

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.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Refurbishment

The refurbishment of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad rolls on through November.

It’s beginning to look a lot like Crane-mas

Cinderella Castle crane

The installation of the holiday lights on Cinderella Castle continues.

Tomorrowland Rock Repainting

Tomorrowland rocks repainting

The painting of the rocks at the entrance of Tomorrowland continues.

Tomorrowland rocks repainting

One rock has already gone a very bright blue color…

Tomorrowland rocks repainting

“it’s a small world” Refurbishment

“it’s a small world” is currently closed for a short refurbishment.

More changes at Carousel of Progress

Monitor covers added at the Carousel of Progress

The monitors hanging at the Carousel of Progress finally have a cabinet around them.

PHOTO REPORT: Magic Kingdom 8/19/16 (Tomorrowland Repaint, More Rocks, Wilderness Lodge Cabins, ETC.)

WDWNT on September 2, 2016

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 Returns

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

Tomorrowland Repainting

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

This and That

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

The line is geared towards children, so there are plastic placemats available.

Magic Kingdom Rainy Day Character Cavalcade

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

Contemporary Resort

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

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/Fort Wilderness

Wilderness Lodge DVC

Work continues on the Disney Vacation Club cabin additions at Wilderness Lodge.

Wilderness Lodge DVC

Many of the cabins are going vertical now.

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.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Magic Kingdom to Close In April to Add “Explosive” New Finale

WDWNT on January 27, 2016

Well, it looks like the “explosive” Big Thunder Mountain finale that Disneyland introduced in 2014 is finally coming to Walt Disney World…

Big Thunder Moutain at the Magic Kingdom will be closed April 4th, 2016 until an unspecified date in July 2016 to install the new scene. One would imagine they would like to have it open by the busy 4th of July weekend, but they are just not sure if it will make it by that date yet.

If you would like to see the rather sad state of the finale scene since the 2012 refurbishment, you can watch it here:

The moving boulders were made stationary around that time, with the scene remaining stagnant until WDI could test and install the new scene during the 2014 refurbishment at Disneyland.

While it is a shame to see the ride go down again so soon, the new finale scene at Disneyland is absolutely fantastic and will be a welcome addition to the classic attraction.

UPDATE 3/1/16 – Disney has since removed this refurbishment from the schedule, possible delaying it until after the busy Summer season.

Max Guggenheim’s 8/30/13 Disneyland Resort Photo Report

WDWNT on September 13, 2013

WDWNT photographer Max Guggenheim was at the Disneyland Resort on Friday, August 30th and caught many newsworthy photos to share with us:

Taking a ride on Radiator Springs Racers

“Hold tight on the curves” ~Doc Hudson via car radio

It’s that time of year again… Halloween merchandise all around!

Of course, it would not be Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort without the opening of Haunted Mansion Holiday next Friday

Max takes us inside the construction site at Big Thunder Mountain which is now nearing completion

Rumors specualte that the ride will remain closed until 2014 now, but still no confirmation from Disney

Starbucks is moving into the Market House real soon…

Very similar to the retro Starbucks logo used at the Magic Kingdom location

The Fortuosity Shop is decorated nicely

Some new Enchanted Tiki Room 50th merchandise on display at the Disney Gallery

Behind the Wall: Update on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Disneyland Park

WDWNT on July 17, 2013

The long-running refurbishment still continues on Big Thunder Mountain at Disneyland Park, but everything is looking on schedule. The Disney Parks Blog updated us with a few tidbits:

Work continues behind that tall, wooden fence in Frontierland at Disneyland park, as the major refurbishment of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad nears its fall 2013 completion. Today, I’m excited to take you behind the walls for a peek at the progress so far!

Disneyland Chief Photographer Paul Hiffmeyer had the opportunity to check in on Rainbow Ridge Mining Town last week, and brought back the shots above. As we told you back in January, this classic piece of the attraction has also received a major refurbishment, and you can see in the photos above that great care is being taken in the Rainbow Ridge restoration.

Elsewhere on the mountain, the new track has been laid and is in the process of being fully completed. Keep an eye on the Disney Parks Blog; we’ll continue to bring you updates leading up to the reopening of the “wildest ride in the wilderness” in just a few months!

Big Thunder Mountain is currently the only major attraction that is down at the Disneyland Resort at the moment. It will be up and running again by the fall.

VIDEO: Big Thunder Mountain Interactive Queue Soft-Opens!

WDWNT on April 24, 2013

As of yesterday, the interactive queue at Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at the Magic Kingdom was turned on. That being said, it is still not officially open and some stations and effects are still yet to be turned on. We have video of the working elements in the queue including the detonators, the large air fans, and the auto-cannary machines. Take a look:

VIDEO: Imagineers Give In-Depth Look at Big Thunder Mountain Interactive Queue

WDWNT on March 17, 2013

Since it was announced a few months ago, we have wondered exactly what will take place in the interactive queue for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at the Magic Kingdom. Well, wonder no more. In this video, Disney Imagineers take us behind the scenes at Big Thunder and show us the props and backstory that make up the new interactive queue:

So, what do you think?

Dirk Wallen’s 2/2/13 Magic Kingdom Photo Report

WDWNT on March 17, 2013

WDWNT Reporter Dirk Wallen visited the Magic Kingdom on Saturday and has some fantastic pictures of new progress on the Big Thunder Mountain interactive queue, A Pirate’s Life: Treasures of the Seven Seas, the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, and more, so let’s take a look:

While the Main Street Bakery is closed, guests can head to the Tomorrowland Terrace