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 Treehouse 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 Horizons 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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I don’t really like this blueish color of the rocks. Hopefully it will fade a bit in time as this really looks fake.
They’re actually sort of metallic. You can’t tell in these photos but they’re quite striking.
What I want to see with the refurbishment of Thunder Mountain Railroad is individual restraints for the rail cars. I am a very short person and my hubby is very tall and on the big side. When we ride together the bar doesn’t even come close to restraining me to the seat and he slides across the seat full force. I am now going to sit out this ride as it is painful.
Like the new look, adds some flare to the area. Keep up the good work Disney.
Disney paint rocks. Park ticket increases by 10%.