Howdy! Today I checked on the construction in Dinoland, spent the day in Magic Kingdom, and ended my afternoon in Disney Springs. There’s tons of fun from today’s adventure!
Good Morning from Disney’s Animal Kingdom
It was a foggy morning at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. When I arrived I was nervous I wouldn’t be able to see very much of the Dino-Rama destruction. I was surprised by how low the crowds have been lately, though. Again, I don’t think there is a slow season anymore, but there are certainly better times than others.
Dino-Rama Destruction and SQUIRREL!
I know I am easily distracted, but the utterly slow pace at which Disney is deconstructing my childhood is both painful and sorta boring. There hasn’t been much progress at all since the walls went up, but how cute is that Squirrel eating breakfast?
Fun Finds
Before I left Animal Kingdom and all its wonderful furry distractions I stopped into the two main shops in the entrance.
In Island Mercantile I found a Mickey Mouse Waffle, a peanut butter flavored confection available for $15.49, which was just expensive enough to pique my curiosity. Let me know if you pick one of these up I would love to hear your food review.
In Discovery Trading Company I found a chrome Mickey magnetic phone grip and stand for MagSafe phone cases. I’m a big fan of the magnetic attachments. I also love the magnetic chargers, but fair warning if you use a magnetic case, it will overheat when you are in the parks unless it’s the two weeks it’s below 50℉ outside. The chrome Mickey attachment is available for $34.99.
Pro Tip
I’m leaving Disney’s Animal Kingdom well before 10 a.m. when the park hopping busses begin running in between parks. I am on a personal bus to the Contemporary Resort. Usually no one goes back to their resort first thing in the morning so if you’re ever looking for a peaceful bus ride to Magic Kingdom from Animal Kingdom or Hollywood Studios take the Contemporary bus and then walk to the Magic Kingdom from there.
Let me know if you have done this before or if you are gonna give it a shot in the future.
Good Morning from Magic Kingdom
It’s not even 10 a.m. but the fog is unrelenting this morning. It’s always spooky seeing the castle at the end of Main Street U.S.A. hidden in the fog.
Live Your Dream
Disney is all about reaching for the stars and dreaming big. This morning I noticed a small bird giving his best American Bald Eagle impression – it’s giving baby Sam Eagle, but more pigeon.
Cinderella 75th Anniversary Pandora Charm – $75.00
In Uptown Jewelers the Cinderella 75th Anniversary Park Exclusive Pandora Charm is now available for $75.00, but any Disney discount you have does apply. I love celebrating the anniversary of Cinderella. I’m still on the hunt for those new ears.
Swarovski Figures – Crystal Arts
In Crystal Arts, they had a Dumbo figure and a Bambi figure by Swarovski displayed. I love Swarovski, I know shocking a woman who loves sparkly crystals. Dumbo is available for $550.00 and Bambi is available for $480.00. I can only imagine how these pieces sparkle on a lit base.
Plaza Restaurant Walls Back Up
The Plaza Restaurant has walls back up only after taking them down a few months ago, bonkers. It was only last September we reported the walls coming down. I don’t know what may have happened to need the walls back on one half of the facade, but as always stay tuned to our website for more details.
Riverboat Cruise
At 11 a.m. I was on the Liberty Belle Riverboat, which gives a particularly good view of the DVC Lounge construction and the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad refurbishment. Peep the construction worker waving to the guests on the riverboat. He is in the same spot as the newly laid track we previously reported last week.
Prince Eric’s Village Market
If you didn’t know ,one of my favorite princesses in Disney is Princess Ariel, also known as The Little Mermaid. I tracked the missing case of King Triton until his return, so when I tried to get my Seaside Serenade at Prince Eric’s Village Market I was swiftly, but courteously turned away and asked to return soon.
I noticed security and management by the backstage door next to Eric’s so I assumed whatever issue there was would be fixed soon so I started towards the bathroom only to be passed by the Fire Department in full garb marching by me. Whatever was going on was handled quietly and discreetly and was resolved in less than half an hour and I got my Seaside Serenade.
Railroad Adventures
I love riding the Walt Disney World Railroad and hearing the history of the trains on the property. I know I am a Disney nerd, but it is interesting how especially in the early years how they procured some of the most iconic attractions.
Even more fun right now is seeing Big Thunder Mountain Railroad refurbishment updates from the train. Yet again my day was made when the construction worker waved to us passing by. I noticed that most of the animatronic animals have been removed but the opossums remain, just as they survived the dinosaur extinction. They are indeed older than dinosaurs.
Bus Ride Back to Disney’s Animal Kingdom
This bus ride was a lot more chaotic and packed. There are cheerleaders on the property competing so there is a lot of happiness and spirit in small confined spaces. Happy for them.
Disney Springs – Ever After
In Ever After more of the Japanese Sakura Collection has arrived and others. These are a few of my favorite keychains they added to the collection in Ever After. All the keychains are available for $14.99 each.
Disney Springs – Super Hero Headquarters – Captain America
In Marvel Super Hero Headquarters all-new Captain America Brave New World merchandise has flown onto the shelves, or smashed if you prefer Red Hulk. Be sure to stay tuned to our website for more details. My editor said the Crocs remind her of Yeezy’s and I couldn’t agree more.
Down the Rabbit Hole with PhotoPass
Much to my mother’s dismay I do not frequent the PhotoPass sets. In Disney Springs they currently have an ‘Alice in Wonderland’ themed photo spot with props. I’ll spare you my school-like photoshoot, but if you’re interested in learning more please visit our website.
I hope you enjoyed our day of park hopping and shopping. My favorite moment was not the PhotoPass experience but just existing in the sunshine after the fog finally moved out. Let me know if you have a favorite moment from the day in the comments below. Will you be going to Disney Springs to purchase any of the new merchandise I found today?
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