Hello! It’s your favorite muppet back in the parks today for more adventure in Magic Kingdom and end the day at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.

Mermaid Morning

So, cutting to the chase, I got really great parking this morning and was blissfully walking straight through to the Transportation and Ticket Center when suddenly a whole fish fell from the sky. The poor thing was gone before it hit the ground, but what a magical start to the day. Guess that’s what they meant by the circle of life…

Resort Monorail

I left the fallen (pun intended) fish behind and continued on to the Resort Monorail to check on the progress made at the new Polynesian DVC Tower, and maybe dodge some crowds on the express monorail.

DVC Polynesian Tower Construction (Monorail Side)

As the resort monorail zoomed by what will be the entrance of the Polynesian DVC Tower, I noticed that the overhanging roof at the top center has been totally enclosed now, as well as some other details. Stay tuned to our website for more details in our full update.

Sea Serpent Topiary

After stopping in at all the stores and shops on Main Street I walked to the hub area, right in front of Cinderella Castle, and parked near the Sea Serpent Topiary. I love that Disney brought this creature to life with glowing eyes and steam billowing from the Sea Serpent’s nose. This fun piece is here year-round, and located just outside of the Torrowland Bridge.

Castle Show

There is nothing like having Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse and everyone else welcoming you to the park in the morning. The fireworks sometimes feel like the sound of a marathon beginning, and I guess depending on your park plans, you could be.

Adventureland Themed Pavement Project

We previously reported that the Adventureland pavement was being rethemed, and since then, the themed pavement work has only expanded more into the land.

I really love the attention to detail on the pavement — not just the animal tracks and other wear on the path but the green mossy finish near the edges of the building. It makes sense, as that could naturally occur in a tropical environment after some years of rain runoff from the building above.

I will say this latest expansion has caused quite a bottleneck in entering Adventureland from the bridge. People can really only fit two-by-two.

Desolate Morning Magic

When I was finally done being distracted by the new pavement, I continued through Adventureland. Even though that bottleneck into the land was hectic, there was nobody around past The Magic Carpets of Aladdin. Pirates of the Caribbean was down this morning but opened later on. The cast was fun standing out front in full pirate character.

The Liberty Square Doll

If you didn’t know, in a window of Liberty Square, there is a doll propped in a window. What makes her more interesting than just that she exists in this place is that she tends to move periodically, like some other toys better known in the Disney Parks. It is not daily, not weekly, not monthly, or yearly. She moves when she wants to and I assume when no one is looking. Have you ever spotted this doll? Let me know in the comments.

Triton Tale Continues…

If you haven’t read my previous photo report from Magic Kingdom, this may be a bit confusing. The gist of it is there was a giant sculpture of King Triton from “The Little Mermaid” as well as a light fixture above him located here, and both have been gone for 324 days… not that I’m counting. A year is too long! I’m rooting for you, Fantasyland!

TRON Lightcycle / Run

I went to go see if there were any new additions to the TRON Green Team, the Enterprise Sponsered Team located at the exit of TRON Lightcycle / Run. Earlier this week, I was speaking with another guest on the monorail and he referred to this as “VomiTRON” and expressed concerns that Disney has been building rides that aren’t made as Walt Disney intended, “for the whole family to enjoy.”

I love the thrilling new rides, like TRON and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, offered at Walt Disney World, but I can also understand the frustration families must feel when a member can’t participate for any reason.

What’s your take on the more intense rides that Walt Disney World has and more to come, like those announced at D23 this year? Let me know in the comments.

Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe – Sonny Eclipse

One of my favorite spots in Magic Kingdom is before opening at Cosmic Ray’s, where I stop by to say hello to Sonny Eclipse. He is always too busy, either performing or rehearsing, to talk much. Today, he was rehearsing, but with it being so humid out he had a few families lurking in the air-conditioned space, basking in his entertainment.

Alice and the Mad Hatter

When I had finally found my way out of Tomorrowland, I found myself a bit turned around, so to speak. I landed right next to the Mad Tea Party where Alice and The Mad Hatter were greeting guests to the party. Alice and the Mad Hatter are a really fun pair to meet. Here you can see the Mad Hatter taking full control over the photoshoot intended for Alice.

The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad 75th Anniversary

It is the 75th Anniversary of “The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad” and I spotted two new D23 pieces in the Magic Kingdom this morning.

On Main Street, U.S.A. in Uptown Jewelers, there is a Bulova pocket watch featuring Mr. Toad in his iconic car. At the bottom of the watch, the numbers have been all misplaced under Mr. Toad’s spinning tire wheels. The pocket watch is priced at $150, and is also available on DisneyStore.com.

At Town Square Theater, I found a set of two figurines celebrating the anniversary. This was the only box I could find in the shop and a display was not set up yet. It doesn’t seem to be on DisneyStore.com yet either. The pair are available for $229.

‘Casey Jr. Rides Again’ by Craig Fraser

I also found this new, limited edition piece just behind the register at Town Square Theater. Mom, I know you’re reading this: I got permission from the Cast Member to let me take this picture. There are 95 total paintings in the edition series. Casey Jr. chugs along with Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Goofy, and… wait a second. Is that Donald in the Wild Animal CABOOSE??? Well, that’s just hilariously rude.

Casey’s Corner Has New Costumes

These two ladies were rocking the new Casey’s Corner costumes this morning. You can read our story for more details, but I won’t lie: I’m kinda sad. I think, out of all the Main Street, U.S.A. costumes, this was my favorite. The old costumes almost matched the two statue players outside the entrance, but now they match the rest of Main Street, which is good too.

I was told that these new costumes throughout Main Street do breathe better in the Florida heat, and ultimately the comfort of the Cast is most important as long as it remains “in show” with Disney’s standards.

Off to the Polynesian Resort

I took a boat over to the Polynesian to take a peek at the progress being made on the DVC Polynesian Tower from the waterside, and it’s coming along just as well as the front was earlier today.

DVC Polynesian Tower Construction (Waterside)

On the monorail side, I noted that the overhanging roof is enclosed, and on the waterside, that seems to be the case as well. Today I saw work in the bar area both inside and on the roof, more additions to the pool area, and possible prep for Moana’s splash pad area.

I have to believe all the digging they were doing was infrastructure for the final product. I can’t get over how lifelike Moana’s outrigger canoe is.

Disney Gift Card

In Boutiki, a shop in the Polynesian Grand Ceremonial House, I found these PLASTIC Star Wars gift cards featuring Grogu and The Mandalorian. I exaggerate the plastic part because this year at Food & Wine, the wearable gift cards are made of paper — so any weather or sweat will wilt them. Dangerous, given there’s money on those things! I’m glad this alternative exists, and hopefully, we will continue to see more of these wearable options.

End of the Day

UPDATE! The fish is now gone. I do not have nor want details. I hope you enjoyed today’s journey with me. Is there anything you’d like to see in the next report? Let me know in the comments below!

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