PHOTO REPORT: Magic Kingdom 2/22/19 (Presidents Day Crowds, New Ice Cream Bowls, ETC.)

Annie Wilson

Cinderella Castle

PHOTO REPORT: Magic Kingdom 2/22/19 (Presidents Day Crowds, New Ice Cream Bowls, ETC.)

The Magic Kingdom is always crowded around the holidays, and the weekend of Presidents’ Day is no exception. Add in the fact that the weather is beautiful, and you have the perfect recipe for high wait times.

Cinderella Castle

We were looking for the upcoming Hei Hei Dole Whip from Aloha Isle, but instead, we spotted the cutest new Mickey and Minnie themed ice cream bowls. These new bowls resemble Mickey’s red shorts and Minnie’s polka dot skirt. These will definitely bring your Dole Whip photo op to a whole new level.

Since the wait times are high all around the park, many lines are spilling out of their designated queues. Brave Cast Members are assigned to hold the “Line Starts Here” sign and move as the line grows or shrinks. To give you a full understanding of the holiday crowds, we decided we would travel around the park and experience the high wait times for you. And by “experience”, we mean photograph the lines and walk away.

Fantasyland crowds

Unfortunately, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad was down when we arrived. Cast Members were directing guests to experience other attractions, but many people chose to stand near the entrance and hope to be the first ones to race into the queue once the ride becomes operational. Waiting to get in line is almost the same as waiting in line, right?

Big Thunder Mountain

Big Thunder Mountain

I think they may be waiting a while. We spotted one of the trains unmoving out on the track. Nobody was on it, don’t worry. At least the view is nice over here.

Big Thunder Mountain

Big Thunder Mountain

Big Thunder Mountain

Big Thunder Mountain

Liberty belle riverboat

Liberty belle riverboat

Liberty belle riverboat

Some guests skip the line and just wait for the splash from Splash Mountain, instead.

Splash Mountain

Splash Mountain

Splash Mountain

Splash Mountain

We found the Haunted Mansion line was pretty long. This maid was sent out to herd the foolish mortals into line.

Haunted Mansion Line

Haunted Mansion Line

Haunted Mansiom Line

Have you ever noticed the eye on the Memento Mori sign follows you? It will slowly watch you creep your way through the line.

Memento Mori

Memento Mori

Memento Mori

Fantasyland is a wall of people. Not only is it a small world, it’s a small land, too. The crowds around Peter Pan’s Flight and “it’s a small world” make it difficult to navigate the path. A ridiculous line for “it’s a small world” was making its way towards the Pinocchio Village Haus. We decided to find the back of the line for fun. At least you don’t need to listen to the song on repeat for 50 minutes while you wait.

It’s a small world queue

Fantasyland crowds

It’s a small world line

It’s a small world line

It’s a small world line

If you look over the sea of strollers, you can see the line for the Prince Charming Regal Carousel. If you can’t see it, make this a game to spot it. I promise, it’s there.

Fantasyland crowds

Fantasyland crowds

We decided to pretend we had a FastPass and found the end of the queue for 7 Dwarfs Mine Train. Yes, this long line is the FastPass line. The stand-by queue was at a 180 minute wait.

Fantasyland crowds

Fantasyland crowds

You know it’s busy in the park when you see the “Line Starts Here” sign for the PeopleMover. Especially when it’s this far away from the PeopleMover.

People Mover Line Starts Here

People Mover Line Starts Here

People Mover Line Starts Here

People Mover Line Starts Here

People Mover Line Starts Here

People Mover Line Starts Here

People Mover Line Starts Here

Oh, it gets better. There’s a line of people waiting to go through the Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse. It’s a trap.

Swiss family tree house

Swiss family tree house

Jungle Cruise has a pretty serious wait. I don’t know if this is the stand-by line or the FastPass line. Maybe nobody knows.

Jungle cruise queue

Tomorrowland Terrace was open and serving meals.

Tomorrowland Terrace

The seating area is shaded and quiet, with a beautiful view of the castle. This is definitely a great place to grab a quick bite and relax away from the crowds for a moment.

Cinderella Castle

Cinderella Castle

Cinderella Castle

Cinderella Castle

We could see a little bit of the Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station over the wall. Hopefully it gets a fresh paint job during the refurbishment.

Casey Jr. Refurb

Casey Jr. Refurb

We stopped and said good afternoon to the TRON crane.

Tron Crane

Tron construction

Tron construction

The Haunted Mansion spirit jersey, and other attractions-inspired spirit jerseys, are available in Mickey’s Star Traders.

Attractions spirit jerseys

If you’ve been wanting one of those Mickey celebration glow bowtie wands, you’re in luck. Due to overwhelming unpopularity, they’re available for just $10. That’s a special value.

Cinderella’s wicked stepsisters were out meeting guests. It’s always fun to watch their interactions.

Step sisters

After dealing with all these crowds, I’m feeling a little wicked myself. Thanks for joining us on this busy day at the Magic Kingdom!