Hello from a lovely park hopping day at the Magic Kingdom and EPCOT! We started at Magic Kingdom, and then checked out some of the Festival of the Arts preparations underway at EPCOT. We found lots of new things, so let’s get started!

On our way in to the park, we noticed the tunnel at the Transportation & Ticket Center had gotten a bit of a makeover. This colorful addition to the walls is the latest addition in the Instagram-worthy spots popping up all over Walt Disney World.

When we got inside the park, we noticed some concrete work being done near Le Chapeau. The spot to the right was done yesterday, and it looks like the spot to the left will be done tonight and will be blocked off tomorrow.

More concrete work was being done in Tomorrowland. This spot has been blocked off for two days now.

In other construction update news, work on this large illuminated canopy piece at TRON Lightcycle / Run has continued, making it grow in height recently. We’re surprised that they haven’t joined it with the rest of the structure yet.

Construction on Harper’s Mill in Tom Sawyer Island has moved forward recently, with the metal framing coming along nicely for the new concrete that will be installed at the front of the building.

Back in Tomorrowland, the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover ride vehicles have been gathered together near the loading platform. The reopening date has been pushed yet again to later this month, but we’re hopeful that we’ll get to ride this classic attraction again soon.

We found planters placed strategically along the wall next to the outdoor seating at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe. Each planter’s position coincides with the location of a table available for guests to occupy in the seating area, providing another layer social distancing protection between guests walking by and guests eating.

We found Tiana today on the Princess Processional, and caught this lovely picture of her. We love the holiday Cavalcades, but nothing beats the these original ones!

Speaking of princesses, we found Cinderella Carriage still out past the New Year, and inquired with a Cast Member about its continued presence. We were delighted to hear that the carriage will remain out until at least through Valentine’s Day, and an exact end date is not known. This is the longest the carriage has ever been out, and we’re so happy to see it out every day!

In food news, we found a new, delicious-looking rice krispy treat pie at The Confectionery. This lovely pie is cookies and cream flavored, and comes served by the slice.

Sleepy Hollow Refreshments has returned to their original menu, with the full beverage options available once again.

There are four new window displays at The Emporium.

A few of the windows still display 2021 merchandise with Christmas decorations, but the windows which had displayed Christmas merchandise with Christmas decorations have been changed out for two Disney dogs and cats displays, and two housewares displays.

We found the Pixar popcorn bucket has returned from last year and is available anywhere popcorn is sold in the Magic Kingdom. This bucket is $12, and qualifies for refills.

In merchandise news, we found this magnet set featuring comic book style art of characters from “The Mandalorian” at Tomorrowland Light & Power Co for $14.99.

Nearby at Star Traders, we found a new Mickey & Co sweatshirt featuring an embroidered Disney logo on the front for $42.99.

Our favorite find of the day were these two new sets of Wishables featuring The Mad Tea Party Attraction and Parks Transportation. We love both of these new sets! For more pictures and information, check out our article here.

We had a great time at the Magic Kingdom, but with park hopping available in the afternoon now, our day didn’t end there! Next we headed to EPCOT to see what new preparations had been made for the upcoming Festival of the Arts.

When we arrived, we found new construction walls had gone up overnight to the left of the entrance fountain near the stroller and ECV rental booth.

Next, we found the paint-by-numbers wall had been installed across from The Land Pavilion. No signage has gone up yet, just the blank canvas is up so far.

We found several spots for photo opportunities around the construction walls around the park which have been added for the upcoming Festival. We especially love the Figment horns and wings!

We also found two more fine art photo opportunities installed for the Festival, one across from the Imagination Pavilion and one in the Mexico Pavilion.

The back of the photo opportunity on the bridge to World Showcase is finished now, and has the landscaping installed.

Also the photo opportunity at the beginning of World Showcase where the Christmas tree was has been installed.

Chalk artists have already started drawing on the sidewalk along the bridge leading to World Showcase. We love seeing these amazing works of art every year!

We found Dante in all his colorful glory on the side of the Mexico Pavilion pyramid. We love finding these little bits of art everywhere.

We checked on Donald in Gran Fiesta Tour but found that he was still missing from the attraction’s final scene. We hope he returns soon!

A new wall of artwork by Imagineers has been installed along a construction all leading to World Showcase. For more pictures and information, check out our article here.

Walking around World Showcase, we found the snack cart in the Norway Pavilion was without power and had to shut down. Thankfully it wasn’t closed long, and power was restored, allowing them to reopen.

We found an unexpectedly long line at Joy of Tea on our way through the China Pavilion.

We stopped in to take a look at the Chinese New Year Spirit Jerseys and Minnie ear headbands. We love how they decorated using the ears hung from the ceiling!

We had a great day at EPCOT and the Magic Kingdom, and we hope that you enjoyed coming along with us. Have a magical day!

Noelle Burk