Howdy! Today was particularly hot, and I am now up to wearing three fans to stay cool while walking through Magic Kingdom with a purpose. Today was rather uneventful, but as usual, I find my ways of having fun, including finding a drooling camel, an unwrapped Big Thunder Mountain Train, and other fun things around the park.
Good Morning from the Most Magical Parking Lot
It is that magical time of year here in Central Florida where you start sweating the second you step out of your car. Yet no matter the weather, this Mickey stands planted, welcoming every guest parked in the Magic Kingdom parking lot.
My favorite moments in the morning are when the excited children start yelling “Mickey Mouse!” when they see this guy. It reminds me of when I was a kid passing under the iconic Walt Disney World archway.
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort Lobby Refurbishment
I started my morning on the Disney resort monorail. It is starting to get too hot to start the day by walking to Disney’s Grand Floridian. If you do take the monorail into the Grand Floridian Resort, be sure to look down when you arrive. You’ll be met with my favorite VIP staring back at you.
The refurbishment work is still very much in progress in the lobby. This morning dirt was exposed, revealing pipe work for the future bar. For more information on this update and what’s to come, be sure to visit our website.
I just think it is cool to see the lobby stripped down like this.
Good Morning from a Hot and Busy Magic Kingdom
Good morning from an already bustling Magic Kingdom. I was not expecting the crowds to be so extreme. The parks were relatively calm last week. This week seems to be an entirely different story.
I wasn’t joking earlier, I am wearing three fans these days. It’s just so hot.
Fourth of July Treats
The Confectionery has released its iconic Fourth of July treats for 2025. I’m not a fan of these dyed confections, but power to you. I will require pictures of your red-dyed face if you do decide to have one. I’ll laugh with you, not at you. I promise.
PeopleMover Moment
Since no new treats were worth splurging on, I decided to cool down on the PeopleMover. Unfortunately, there were no updates on the construction or demolition of what was Cool Ship. Luckily, our favorite Tomorrowland pup, Nipper in Space Mountain, is still happily wagging his tail, just not his ears.
Sonny Eclipse Sound Check
On my way out of Tomorrowland, I had to stop by Starlight Cafe to see how Sonny Eclipse was doing. Sonny was performing. I like to call these early morning empty room shows “sound check.” It feels less depressing.
More Concrete Work in MK
Just outside of Starlight Cafe, there is more concrete work. Over the past few months, there have been rolling planters, walls, and stanchion poles all blocking guests from stepping on wet concrete or construction.
Pete’s Silly Sideshow
The Storybook Circus area has been totally brought to life with the new entertainment for Cool Kid Summer. I like the mashup of the old-school cartoon circus with a more modern, but still kid-friendly, DJ. Watch the clip above to get a feel for what I mean.
I hope Disney is getting great feedback from the guests regarding the live entertainment. I especially love the random walk-around talent throughout the parks. It gives the park more life and makes you feel more like you’re part of something rather than just watching it.
Magic Kingdom King Triton Update
Oi. No update on the damages to King Triton. I stand by my suggestion of protecting this statue behind ropes, because obviously we have too many self-important or somehow bored guests.
Did you see last week where guests were carving their names and initials into a Galaxy’s Edge Tree, to the point that Disney wrapped the tree in netting to protect it? You can check that out on our website. It’s nuts.
Beast’s Castle Gargoyle
Appreciation moment for the gargoyles leading to Be Our Guest in Magic Kingdom. I sometimes think they could come alive, like the gargoyles in “The Hunchback of Notre Dame.” Alas, they are not that magical, but they are sorta cute in an ugly way.
Aristocat’s Pins
In Fantasy Faire, I found two new open-edition pins featuring our favorite kitten, Marie from “The Aristocats.” Each pin is available for $12.99. I love both. I can’t choose, they show both spectrums of Marie’s personality.
Drooling Camel
Listen, it is very hot. You know it’s hot when even the camel at The Magic Carpets of Aladdin is drooling rather than spitting. Bless this camel. The camel is desperately trying to spit, but the power just ain’t behind that.
More Concrete Patching in Magic Kingdom
I’m being dramatic, but are the stanchions really necessary over every patch of concrete? This little patch looks pretty well-dried to me, but what do I know?
Let me know in the comments if you think I am more dramatic for bringing it up, or Disney is being the dramatic one by drawing attention.
Pirate Pin Trading at Magic Kingdom
When I was checking out the progress on the future Beak and Barrel pirate bar near Pirates of the Caribbean, I noticed that pin trading has migrated to the back of the shop, right outside the exit of the attraction. I think this is a nice spot, and it makes pin traders search for their pins. Like a pirate looking for treasure.
Train Ride for a Train Update
By the time I finished my Magic Kingdom adventures, I was pooped and decided to take a picturesque train ride back to the front of the park from the Frontierland Station. Fun fact that I learned from the little girl in line next to me, there are no bubbles allowed on the train. In fact, not even at the stations. Clearly, she has been told this before.
While zooming by Big Thunder Mountain, I saw that the newly-refurbished train was no longer covered. I love the new wood grain added to the carts where you and I, and everyone else, will be sitting soon. I love this wild ride in the wilderness, and I’m stoked to see what it’s like with the new track.
Disney’s Polynesian Resort Construction
I took a boat to the Polynesian resort to see if any progress had been made on the Boutiki refurbishment, and Disney has already moved to the other side. The parking lot is still in a state of total destruction, so if you have had issues parking at the Polynesian, this is why.
I hope you enjoyed our day in the Magic Kingdom. I was most excited to see the unwrapped Big Thunder Mountain Railway train. I love the new wood grain look added to the carts. Let me know in the comments below if you had a favorite moment or find from today’s adventure.
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