Howdy! It was a day of practicing patience at the Magic Kingdom this morning, but once you get used to the chaos there’s plenty to see including new merchandise, resorts, and park hopping.
Magic Kingdom Morning Masses
Usually my mornings are so early there’s hardly anyone there yet, but there is no getting ahead of the Christmas chaos on Christmas Eve Eve.
Actually, it wasn’t nearly as busy as I anticipated, but I didn’t say that because I’ll be back in Magic Kingdom on Christmas morning. Wish me luck, I’m cautiously optimistic that it will be fun.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Merchandise
Now that Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is over for the year, all of the exclusive party merchandise is now available for day guests in the Emporium.
Nothing was really calling to me, but maybe if those Lug bags end up in the outlets I’ll be suckered into adding to my collection.
Glow Spinner – $22.00
I found this Mickey-inspired glow spinner in the Emporium. My inner child was absolutely loving this moment until I remembered all the times I had gotten my long hair wrapped and tangled inside. It’s all fun and games until it’s not, not today spinner toy, not today.
Swiss Family Treehouse Sort of Reopens
The Swiss Family Treehouse in Magic Kingdom partially reopened from its lengthy refurbishment. During this refurbishment, I haven’t heard the sound of many power tools in the area, but I have spotted painters.
Perhaps this refresh is just delayed. You can read more about the details of this partial reopening on our website.
Final Update on Liberty Square Doll
Before you panic, of course, I will still check on our Liberty Square Doll. The saga does not end here, but it’s getting rather depressing reminding everyone that she still hasn’t moved. Maybe she didn’t like all the publicity?
Rest assured when she does move I will update you, but until then we shall move on.
Happy Pin Monday
I will not be with you tomorrow for Pin Tuesday! I know, I am disappointed too, but it’s Christmas Eve and there are tons of cookies to be baked. You will be in good hands for those limited edition pins to round out December. Until then, hopefully these will hold you over.
I found these four open edition pins in Fantasy Faire, just outside Mickey’s PhilharMagic.
- Mickey and Friends Pin – $16.99 (Pink)
- Pooh “Think, Think, Think” Pin – $16.99 (Pink)
- Pooh and Piglet Pin – $14.99 (Yellow)
- Eeyore and Piglet Pin – $14.99 (Yellow)
My favorite is the Eeyore and Piglet pin because Eeyore’s tail is on a small hinge so it sways back and forth. Let me know which one you like the most in the comments below.
Pooh Flower Sweater – $59.99
In the Hundred Acre Goods shop at the exit of The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, there is now a Pooh sweater that is absolutely adorable. It’s lightweight, perfect for these southern winters when you are still sweating by noon. It was fully stocked this morning and available for $59.99.
Mickey and Friends Merchandise
The new Mickey and Friends collection is adorable. At Big Top Souvenirs in Storybook Circus, I found this ear headband for $34.99, an adult windbreaker for $79.99, and a youth varsity jacket for $49.99.
As usual, my favorite piece, as was our editor’s, was the youth varsity jacket. I swear these kids get the best-designed merchandise. Let me know what you think of the new Mickey and Friends collection in the comments below.
TRON Standby – 105 Minutes
This morning, about an hour after Magic Kingdom opened, this was the queue situation at TRON Lightcycle / Run for standby — a stark 105 minutes. I like TRON, don’t get me wrong, but there is no ride on property that I would wait longer than an hour for.
“Wooden” Open Edition Pins
Y’all thought I was done with the pins? NO! It’s the Christmas season after all. In Town Square Theater, there is a small shop where you can still get your ears and many other things embroidered. This shop is at the exit of Mickey’s meet and greet.
They had a Goofy, Chip ‘n’ Dale, Minnie, and Mickey open edition pins available for $14.99 (Yellow) each. I love that each character’s name is in a different font.
Campground Lunch Trip
I kid y’all not, I come to the Fort Wilderness Campgrounds sometimes just to smell the barbecue — it is potent in all the best ways. I’m told the same food in the grab-and-go at Trail’s End is served at Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue, and if you’ve ever been, you know you could easily eat your body weight in the delicious food.
The Lakeshore Lodge construction team sure sounded busy on the new second floor they have built. I also noticed there were some new toy soldiers near the Christmas Tree.
Contemporary Resort
I went to Disney’s Contemporary Resort to ask about the details of their Christmas services for this year. On the way to the front desk, I got distracted and went into Buena Vista Gifts, BVG. I found a new Contemporary Resort magnet featuring Mary Blair’s famous five-legged goat.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Surprise! We are in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. There was breaking news, but it turned out to be delayed so stay tuned; there could be something fun being covered in Disney’s Animal Kingdom very soon!
Animal Kingdom Merchandise
In Island Mercantile, there was a new “The Lion King” plush available for $34.99, a Hakuna Matata Disney’s Animal Kingdom mug for $16.99, and a Stanley lookalike for $34.99. I think the Stanley dupe will do very well in the park.
I hope you enjoyed our day out in a chaotic Magic Kingdom and ultimately a little visit to Disney’s Animal Kingdom. I hope, if you find yourself still here reading, that you have a very happy holiday and that a little Disney magic reaches you, wherever you may be.
I am a sucker at this time of year because I have so many wonderful memories with my family at Walt Disney World during Christmas. Let me know your favorite holiday memory in the comments below.
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