Howdy! Today I spent the morning in Magic Kingdom, where I found many small park updates, new CRISLU jewelry, and refreshed signs. In the afternoon, I park-hopped to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, where I found new “Star Wars” merchandise and more park updates.
Good Morning from Magic Kingdom
Good morning from a beautiful Magic Kingdom. The weather is getting warmer and with no rain, it’s a different hot than I’m accustomed to. Not that I’m looking forward to playing park duck in the rain this summer, but I do miss the refreshing afternoon shower. Maybe I’m just nostalgic for it since we are in a drought. Either way, it needs to rain soon.
Uptown Jewelers – Crislu Collection Finds
I prefer to do my Disney jewelry shopping in Magic Kingdom’s Uptown Jewelers. The Cast Members in the morning really have a way of making me feel at home. Today they showed me the new Cherry Collection by CRISLU. The earrings and necklace are $124 each.
However, the real find of the day is the SILVER Walt Disney World necklace by CRISLU for $124. Holy heck this necklace is usually only available in gold and I prefer silver on my skin tone. Previously this silver version was only available at a short trunk show, but here it is today. Like most Disney merchandise, there is no telling how long this necklace will be available in silver, so if you need one you better get it fast.
Refurbished Signs Return
At the entrance of Adventureland and Frontierland, the hanging sign has finally returned with a fresh coat of paint. This sign was removed a few weeks ago, and I figured it was to accommodate construction vehicles for the new Pirate Tavern. I guess I was wrong, given that construction is still very much ongoing.
Shootin’ Arcade Erased
The Shootin’ Arcade closed a few months ago to make way for the new DVC Lounge. The tower above the DVC booth where guests can learn more about the club used to feature shooting holes on every side, like any good lookout tower would in the wild wild west.
Since the DVC Lounge opened, there has been slow progress in hiding those shooting holes like they never existed. But, that process is just about completed. All that remains of the small holes are these rectangle-shaped stained scuffs.
Disappointment in Liberty Square
Behind the Sleepy Hollow restaurant at the exit of the Hall of Presidents there is usually a penny machine. Now there is nothing but an AED machine, which I’m grateful for, but the Hatbox Ghost from the Haunted Mansion was on one of those pennies.
Then, like not even an hour later, the Liberty Square Riverboat Liberty Belle didn’t open. When I spoke with the Cast Members, I was told that there was an issue with the boiler and they would likely not open at all today. I’ll be back on Friday, and hopefully it will be open by then. I am trying to soak every second I can on this riverboat before its inevitable closure for the new lands.
Shoutout to the Disney Dads
I don’t think I know anyone who didn’t watch the Tiger King documentary on Netflix during 2020. This is my new favorite shirt that I have seen in the parks, and this guy was nice enough to let me take a picture for you. Something about the Mickey ears with that iconic line really has me sold. I am literally giggling writing about it now.
THANK YOU!
Hey. I don’t know who you are or if you even read this, but thank you. Thank you to whoever touched up King Triton’s finger and navel. He looks great. I don’t know how this fixation started, nor do I know how to make it stop, but I do hope you are as entertained as I am by this saga.
Storybook Circus Washout
Storybook Circus is covered in banners featuring the talents and acts in the circus. Lately, those banners that used to be bright and eye catching are lackluster. I know that banners are not cheap, but on a Disney budget I feel like they could easily replace a few of these really rough ones.
Look at the small one above Goofy and Donald. Do you know what it says? Only because the one on the left isn’t totally washed out. That’s pretty bad. Let’s not even get started on the map of Storybook Circus on the back wall. Tragic.
The Muppets – Bean Bunny
At Launch Depot in Tomorrowland there are Made D-Tech machines where you can personalize a few different things. One of those being magnets. The magnets start at $14.99 plus tax, but do get more expensive the more personalization is added. This week, in celebration of the Muppets 70th Anniversary, Bean Bunny is the featured Muppet on magnet 35 of 70.
Astro Orbiter
May I gripe again for a moment? The Astro Orbiter has been down for refurbishment for a few weeks now. Granted, there hasn’t been any physical refurbishments made on scene, but I do think that there is a team working elsewhere.
However, why can’t anyone just color in the top of “R” in Astro. It’s been damaged like this for over two years. It’s the details for me.
Lilo & Stitch Promos
Lilo & Stitch promos have started popping up in the parks, more specifically in Star Traders in Tomorrowland. I love Stitch, and I can’t get over how lifelike and not horrifying he is in this new movie. He’s like a dog with racoon hands and I’m about it.
Let me know in the comments below if you are excited for the new rendition of this classic Disney movie.
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort Lobby Refurbishments
This morning I started my day in the Grand Floridan Resort, and noticed that the crew was dismantling the iconic birdcage in the lobby. I knew this was coming, but to see this historical piece of Disney World removed was a strange feeling.
I thought it was cool that now that the top had been removed from the birdcage, you could see the original sticker marking location and more information. Big ‘ol Disney nerd moment, I know.
When I came back in the afternoon, it appeared that crews had stopped and covered what was left of the birdcage under scrim.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Can I be so brutally honest for a moment? Why is this park always so busy when there is the least amount to do here? Am I a hater? I guess unless you want to ride a few thrill rides, it’s just hot.
Star Wars Hoth Merchandise
In Mickey’s of Hollywood I found a new Star Wars Hoth collection. The baseball jersey is available for $74.99, the ear headband for $34.99, and the Loungefly mini-backpack for $80.00. I love this entire line, but the ear headband is by far my favorite. I love that plastic glitter finish.
Ice Cold Hydraulics Mural
The mural on Ice Cold Hydraulics appears to have been almost completed. I love how vibrant the colors are. I also like that it takes on more of a Coca-Cola look than a Disney look. I love the references to the beach. I do think that the girl will be more colored in, but it’s fun to watch the process.
Muppet Moment
It’s weird walking through areas you know will be rethemed. I had this same nostalgia feeling when Dino-Rama closed in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. It is hard saying goodbye to something so familiar even if it may not be the most exciting thing you’ve experienced.
Little Mermaid Missing
The marquee for the Little Mermaid show is still missing, as well as all the signage that went along with the show. All that remains are the fish that fenced in the queue. I love those fish, and I hope they just get a paint refresh and are not replaced entirely.
I am looking forward to the Little Mermaid show more than the Villains Ever After show coming this summer to Hollywood Studios. Let me know in the comments below which one you are most looking forward to experiencing.
I hope you enjoyed our day in Walt Disney World. I most enjoyed seeing that King Triton was taken care of and repainted. Let me know if you had a favorite moment from today in the comments below.
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