Howdy! Today was especially magical in the Magic Kingdom. It was a beautiful day weather-wise. I found some new merchandise featuring Disney World original characters and a few construction updates throughout the park. The most exciting and magical moment was getting the opportunity to join the pilots of the Liberty Belle Riverboat.
Good Morning from the Resort Monorail
I took the resort monorail this morning so I could do a quick check on the Disney’s Grand Floridian lobby refurbishment. The birdcage has been totally removed from the lobby, revealing nothing but the bare concrete underneath.
Most of the wallpaper has been removed from behind the front desk, but more interesting is the group of wires loosely hanging from the wall. I do think the addition of a bar will be nice, but I still think the tea room would have been a better option than the center of the lobby as is currently planned.
Good Morning from Magic Kingdom
Good morning from a beautiful Magic Kingdom. The crowds are not wild like they have been previously, but it is certainly stillbusy. There are currently no Castle shows since the stage is being refurbished. It’s weird to start the day in Magic Kingdom without the typical fanfare, but it is also nice with everyone so focused.
Emporium Finds
I found a few new items in the Emporium this morning. There was the clear Loungefly backpack I kept seeing on social media. I also found an adult “Inside Out” t-shirt available for $34.99.
The most exciting find was the Figment and Orange Bird friendship bracelets. These bracelets are available for $19.99 each.
Alice Mini MixIt Now Available – $22.99 each
Just when I was about to leave, I noticed a new Mini MixIt had joined the shelves. Alice, from “Alice in Wonderland,” is now available in Mini MixIt form. She would be a perfect pair with the White Rabbit that debuted a few weeks ago.
Swarovski Sparkles in Crystal Arts
In Crystal Arts, the Swarovski section always sucks me in. It’s just so shiny under those show lights. I found a new Rapunzel and Maximus figure for $55,000. There is also a Cinderella Slipper that doubles as a ring box for $8,900
Cinderella Castle Stage Refurbishment at MK
As I mentioned earlier, the Cinderella Castle stage is currently under refurbishment. Disney does this refurbishment annually, so it’s no surprise. But, it is fun to watch the process. Crews have already started stripping the stage to start rebuilding.
Pirates of Caribbean Construction Update
The Torre del Cielo at Pirates of the Caribbean now has iron decor framing the blank cutout. I also noticed that closer to the Pirates League entrance, there is a finished wall behind the construction walls to the right.
I’m so curious what this space will be like when the new pirate tavern, the Beak and Barrel, opens. I’m excited for there to be a bar in Magic Kingdom, but I’m curious how the experience will work.
The Haunted Mansion Exit Queue Continues to Deteriorate
The Haunted Mansion exit queue remains covered in boards rather than the cobblestone mostly seen in the walkway. The board nearest the animal cemetery is even giving in a little under the pressure of guests walking on it constantly.
The only update here can be seen in the top left picture. There is now a closed gate on the far left and a ramp on the far right. On the other side of the closed gate, there is a stanchion. The scrim remains duct-taped behind the trash can. Tragic.
Fantasyland Concrete Repair Blocks Expansive Area
Speaking of pathways, Fantasyland is hard at work repairing concrete. There is a huge area blocked on both sides of Storybook Treats. It’s not a total replacement like we have been seeing in other areas, but painted concrete between the flagstone path.
I noticed a kid playing with it right after I took these pictures, let me tell you the concrete was very fresh. The child left their stamp on Walt Disney World.
King Triton and Refreshed Benches
There isn’t much of an update on King Triton this week. His hand remains coated in a sticky mess and his pointer finger has been picked at yet again. Why can’t people behave? Good news, we have both benches back in place across from Ariel’s Grotto.
I have noticed that Magic Kingdom has been adding back a lot of the benches that were removed during the pandemic. These are not one of those, but it’s still nice to have them back.
Pete’s Silly Sideshow Banners Still Missing
Pete’s Silly Sideshow is still missing the banners that were removed a few weeks ago. I noticed that the banners were getting a bit washed out. Well, a lot washed out. It was getting embarrassing, especially on the far right where the sun rises. I’m happy they were removed, and I think having nothing looks better than what was there, but I do hope a replacement is in the works.
Magic Kingdom Astro Orbiter Refurbishment Update
The Astro Orbiter refurbishment is chugging right along since the crane returned to Tomorrowland. During my last visit, I noticed that crews added the black piece in the center. I take this as a perfect excuse to ride the PeopleMover. Now there are even those white balls surrounding the center. I am so excited for this refurbishment to be over. I love the kinetic energy of the Astro Orbiter.
Piloting the Liberty Belle Riverboat
As usual, I take every opportunity to ride the Liberty Belle Riverboat before its inevitable closure. The Cast Members there noticed that I had been riding a lot and offered me a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to ride in the Wheelhouse with them as an honorary pilot. I was thrilled. I have never been in the Wheelhouse or seen the views of the park you can see from there. It’s absolutely stunning.
It was only made even more magical when I got to experience the riverboat and train go back and forth playing hits like “The Mickey Mouse Club” on their respective bells. I cried.
Magic Kingdom Railroad Ride
After that emotional moment, I found the happiest engineer on the Walter E. Disney train. I love ending my day with the riverboat and train. It’s so relaxing and brings you back to the most original Disney attractions. Don’t underestimate the power of a relaxing attraction.
Big Thunder Mountain Update
From the riverboat and the train, I was able to get a full view of Big Thunder Mountain and all the refurbishment construction currently happening. To be honest, there aren’t any major updates since our last visit, but crews continue to work on those finer details for now.
Until Next Time Magic Kingdom!
I hope you enjoyed our morning exploring the Magic Kingdom. It goes without saying, but my favorite moment was joining the pilots of the Liberty Belle Riverboat. I have never been in the wheelhouse of a riverboat, so this was not only a first at Disney World, but a first in my lifetime.
Let me know in the comments below if you have ever had a once-in-a-lifetime experience at Walt Disney World.
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