Howdy! Today was all over the place, but it was an adventure like Disney days should be. I started my day in Magic Kingdom, where I found a ton of new merchandise, got to ride the Liberty Square Riverboat, and lost a battle against the Holiday Gingerbread Popcorn Bucket.
Good Magical Morning
I started my day with a bit of panic. I had a reservation for Magic Kingdom booked for today when I went to bed last night, but upon my arrival, it somehow disappeared. Apparently, this glitch happens occasionally, but it has never happened to me until now.
Luckily I caught a page refresh on the reservation page and could rebook Magic Kingdom even though it had previously shown as unavailable. With my reservation booked, I hopped on the express monorail to Magic Kingdom.
Good Morning from Magic Kingdom
Good morning from Main Street, U.S.A., where it is very chilly for Floridians. This morning weather was still in the low fifties. There is something about that sunrise on Cinderella Castle that will never get old.
MORE 2025 Merchandise
In the Emporium in Magic Kingdom, there’s more 2025 merchandise available for purchase. These are a few of the more interesting pieces I found today.
- 2025 Mug – $16.99
- 2025 Passholder Exclusive Hat – $29.99
- 2025 Patterned Shirt – $64.99
- 2025 Sweater – $59.99
I think it’s pretty cool that they created an annual passholder-exclusive hat for the new year. Let me know which piece is your favorite in the comments below.
Her Universe – Cherry Collection
At Uptown Jewelers Her Universe apparel is available for purchase. This new collection features Minnie Mouse and cherries. The overall vibe reads, “Be My Valentine” to me.
I am personally not a huge fan of this collection. I think the white cardigan with 3-D cherries is cute, but what a pain it must be to wash effectively without ruining it. Let me know what you think of this new collection in the comments below.
I also spotted this collection in Disney Style at Disney Springs late in the day.
- Dress – $64.99
- Collared Shirt – $49.99
- Sweater – $59.99
- Oversized Sweater – $64.99
- Shirt – $39.99
- Cardigan – $64.99
Play in the Park Loungefly
Also in Uptown Jewelers are the latest Play in the Park Loungefly mini-backpack and wallet. I love the colors and design of this year’s Play in the Park collection. The mini backpack is available in Uptown for $79.99 and the wallet for $50.00.
Adventureland Pavement Update
With the majority of the walkway pavement rethemed it seems that Disney has moved on to refurbing existing concrete.
This morning at Sunshine Tree Terrace there were stancions and ropes protecting the new concrete work. It doesn’t look like there were any changes made from what there. This simply looks like a refresh. Who knew they weren’t tiles?
Treehouse Refurbishment
Unfortunately, the Swiss Family Treehouse is still closed for refurbishment. There is still scrim and scaffolding surrounding the tree. Be sure to stay tuned to our website for updates.
Liberty Square Doll
The Liberty Square Doll has been frozen in this position since the weather changed. Perhaps she is cold or just stunned at the increase in guests she sees each day. Either way I hope she moves soon. It’s always a fun surprise to turn the corner and see what position she has found herself in.
Rapunzel Restrooms
Earlier this year Disney (or I should say Rapunzel?) added to the existing artwork with time and sun the paint added to the ground has started to chip and fade. I hope they repaint this with a hardier paint soon because it makes sense to me that she would get bored and start on the ground and work up.
Let me know what you think in the comments below.
Winnie the Pooh Merchandise
The best place to find Winnie the Pooh merchandise in Magic Kingdom is of course the Hundred Acre Goods. There was a very ninties inspired pullover available as well as a Pooh bear bucket hat. I behaved and did not cave to the absolute desire to own both, but dang that hat is living rent free in my head.
The pullover sweater is available for $64.99 and the bucket hat for $29.99.
King Triton
King Triton doesn’t seem to let the cold bother him. I am just happy that he is back and still looks good and clean.
When I was checking in with Daddy Triton I was given stickers promoting ‘Moana 2’ from Aulani. I ended up giving the stickers to a little girl who was going through it, but they were cool to see.
Water Art
This morning the artist and custodial Cast Member Mike was entertaining small princesses with water art of some iconic characters. My favorite is Donald and Daisy Duck because Mike always makes a point of noting the fact that Donald is #1.
Snack Time
I wanted to ride the Liberty Square Riverboat today, but with the park opening at 8 a.m. and the Riverboat not opening until 11 a.m. I had some time to kill and what better way than with a couple of spring rolls. I ordered one pizza and one cheeseburger before heading to the riverboat.
Let’s be honest, I had a half hour to kill and finished these spring rolls in less than five minutes because they are just that good. Have you ever had a spring roll from Adventureland in Magic Kingdom? Let me know in the comments below what you thought if you have.
Liberty Square Riverboat Views
Going forward any opportunity to be on Tom Sawyer Island or the Riverboat will be taken as it will not be much longer until they are turned into Villains Land and Cars. Be sure to visit our website to find out more about the new additions coming to the Magic Kingdom.
This morning Chip ‘n’ Dale were waving to the Riverboat guests as they were coming out to meet friends. I also noticed some slow progress in the future DVC Lounge that is replacing the shooting range that was there. There is also now two cranes located beyond Big Thunder Mountain Railroad suggesting ground is already moving in the announced expansions.
Most of all though I will be seeing Alligator Swamp and the pup sitting so loyally next to his owner. I loved these two as a kiddo and not much has changed. Hopefully they will be moved to a new spot where guests can still enjoy them but we both know how likely that is.
Cinderella Castle
I always like to take in the view of the Castle form this angle. It looks so much bigger than at the front, and it makes for a great picture. This spot is located on the bridge going toward the Mirabel meet and greet spot.
Gingerbread Popcorn Bucket
The Gingerbread Popcorn Bucket was available at Grand Floridian, Beach Club, and Contemporary as of yesterday with a few key changes. First of all, price, the bucket is currently being sold at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, but yesterday the resorts had a bit of surprise. The bucket costs $30.00 at Magic Kingdom and comes with a popcorn. At the resorts listed above, however, they have opted for filling the bucket with few treats from their respective displays, making the cost now $50.00.
Before you run out your door to grab your gingerbread goodies prepare yourself. As of yesterday afternoon, I am told, the bucket was sold out at Grand Floridian and at Beach Club. The Contemporary sold out as I stood there. The woman in front of me got the last bucket at Contemporary, but she was super nice and let me take a few pictures for y’all before we went our separate ways.
If you somehow have gotten your hands on one of these coveted buckets, be careful. I don’t usually like to write about negative things, but the resellers were vicious and the bucket is already online for well over a hundred dollars, which is just bonkers.
Would you pay over a hundred dollars for an empty Gingerbread Popcorn Bucket? Let me know in the comments below.
Island Tower Entrance Sign
The Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort officially has an entrance sign which is very exciting considering the opening is just around the corner. This controversial building will finally be opened for guests to experience.
I am big believer in not making opinions until I experience the vibes myself. This is certainly one of those things. I want to hate it, but I won’t say that officially until I go inside. Be sure to stay tuned to our website for more updates on the newest Disney resort.
Chicken Guy – Disney Springs
On the way home from Magic Kingdom I stopped by Disney Springs to find that Chicken Guy has removed construction walls and replaced them with more covered open air seating. There are still a few shrub boxes blocking guests eating from those walking by. Let me know what you think of this new space. I think it’s nice but unfinished still.
I hope you enjoyed our Disney day together. It really was a lot of fun even with the focused Gingerbread Popcorn Bucket fans, and even though I didn’t get a bucket I am happy that my friend ahead of me got hers. I am even more grateful that she let me take a few pictures before we went our separate ways.
Let me know which part of the day was your favorite in the comments below and on social media. Until next time I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
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I would not pay $100 for a popcorn bucket unless it interacted with my magic band then maybe
I love that gingerbread house bucket, but thanks for mentioning they are all sold out. Saves me a trip. I won’t spend 50 or 100 on it, though. They started selling them on party nights AFTER I had already done my one party night of the season. I think the Grand Floridian is also out of the cute gingerbread anniversary magnets….if it was pictured on their “menu” it was covered up when I was there, so I figured that meant they didn’t sell it any more. I settled for taking a nice photo of the identical kitchen tile (or plaque, or whatever) in the mercantile shop nearby. This was a couple weeks ago.