Howdy! Today was a beautiful day in the Magic Kingdom. I was stoked to see King Triton has been fixed up again, I found a new Muppet 70th Anniversary magnet, but that’s just the beginning. There were plenty of more fun finds and adventures today.
Monorail Morning
This morning, I opted for a slow start into Magic Kingdom by taking the Resort Monorail. I was able to see where Disney has been doing some land clearing behind the park from the monorail. This is in preparation for the big changes coming to Magic Kingdom.
I am growing more excited for the changes, and accepting the fate of what once was. Cautiously optimistic about Cars Land, now known as Piston Peak National Park.
Main Street Train Station Update
When I entered Magic Kingdom through the far left tunnel, I was immediately met with construction walls. It seems work has shifted to the opposite side of the station. It doesn’t appear that any drastic changes are being made yet, but as always, stay tuned to our website for more details.
Swarovski Bambi Figure – $28,000.00
I don’t know about y’all, but I almost hold my breath when I enter Crystal Arts out of sheer fear of breaking something I may not be able to buy. Luckily, the Cast are smart and protect the most expensive pieces behind glass. I’m told adults are often the ones who break things, not the children, which is very funny to me, but I can see it.
This Swarovski Bambi scene is stunning, but it sure ought to be for almost $30,000.00. I love Bambi, but not that much. I feel like this is one of those random heirlooms passed down.
“Let the Magic Begin”
After contemplating my finances in Crystal Arts, I needed a little Pixie Dust to cheer me up this morning. The morning show, “Let the Magic Begin”, has grown on me over the years, reporting at park open, but I still think the good night kiss will always feel more nostalgic. Probably because it marks the end of the day, and usually, that meant our vacation growing up.
Sonny Eclipse – Sound Check
I feel like it would be illegal at this point to not give you a Sonny Eclipse fix. I like to call Sonny’s empty room sets “sound check” just so it doesn’t seem so sad. Today, though, there were tons of little ones roaming around the Starlight Cafe room.
Honestly, a genius move on the adults’ part. It’s essentially a dance party in a private room because the restaurant doesn’t technically open until later in the day, but the doors are open with Sonny singing and the AC pumping. Perfect breakfast hideout.
Nicky Napoleon Muppet 70th Anniversary Magnet – $14.99
This morning in Launch Depot I had to make my way to the Disney Tech computers because every Friday a new Muppets 70th Anniversary magnet is released. This week it’s Nicky Napoleon. He marks the 44th magnet in the series.
I still think this is quite the investment in magnets, but it will make for a very cool display in the end. Everyone has their Disney collection, whether that is magnets, pins, or Pandora charms.
Astro Orbiter RIDE TESTING
Later in the morning, I was surprised and delighted to see that the Astro Orbiter was testing. This ride gives so much life to the heart of Tomorrowland, and without it spinning and lighting up the night, there is a dullness to the land.
I think the refurbishment team did a terrific job on the refreshed paint, and I cannot wait to get back on this high-flying old-school attraction.
Are you looking forward to having Astro Orbiter reopened? Let me know in the comments below.
Guest Experience Team Relocates Within Adventureland
When I was in Adventureland, I noticed that the Guest Experience Team, known as GET for short, wasn’t in their normal spot next to the tip board. A little walk down past the breezeway into Frontierland – Liberty Square, there they were.
There was no dramatic reason for the change; it was just that there was more guest traffic and more opportunities to assist guests in this location.
Bolts Back on Belle’s Bridge
Excuse the alliteration and the nitpicky attention to detail. I don’t know when, but at some point, the bolts on the bridge into Belle’s village disappeared. It’s been years without the themed caps, and now they are back. I know it’s a weird thing to fixate on, but when you’re here this often, you notice the silly details.
King Triton Statue Repaired
Speaking of silly details, the King Triton statue has been repaired. Earlier this week, he was still sporting a hole in the side and paint picked off his fingers. Now he has been royally repaired and is ready for any photo op. I still think he should be behind stanchions and ropes. The poor Cast Member who has to keep fixing this.
Haunted Mansion and Momento Mori Updates
I am happy to report that the new cobblestone at the Haunted Mansion is looking much nicer. It now has a dark black tint and matches better than what was just concrete gray before.
I also noticed that the Momento Mori patio has new decking. It looks very nice, and the tread will be good for the unsuspecting guests running in the rain.
Funny Moment on the Liberty Belle
When I boarded the Liberty Belle this afternoon, a child and his family parked next to me on the top floor. Little man let out the loudest scream when we passed by Beacon Joe, and at first, I thought he was excited, but he saw the gator and was not pleased.
Funny for me, not so much for the parents.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Refurbishment
On the Riverboat, I noticed work was steadily progressing at Big Thunder Mountain with tons of a construction crew milling around. There was certainly more activity inside the queue space than I have seen previously.
I’m still learning construction, so if you know what that oversized bicycle chain thing is hanging from the crane in the far right picture, let me know. It has to be important.
Souvenir Coin Appreciation
Don’t forget to grab your Riverboat pressed penny before it’s gone forever. The line for the MuppetVision 3D pressed pennies was wild on closing day. Granted, I don’t suspect the same crowd for the Liberty Belle on closing day.
New Merchandise at Fort Wilderness Campground
After a fun morning in Magic Kingdom, I took a boat over to the Fort Wilderness Campgrounds, where I found a ton of new merchandise in the Settlement. Be sure to stay tuned to our website for more details on the new collection.
I’m still suspicious of the new Lakeshore Lodge being constructed. It really messes with a lot of the beautiful wilderness that was once back here. I’ll hold my opinion until it’s done, though.
Florida Skies
I bounced out of Fort Wilderness after a howdy to the horses in the Circle D Ranch. I took the Express Monorail back to the Transportation and Ticket Center just in time to hear the first boom of thunder this afternoon. Look at the sky in each of the pictures above. It’s weird how different one spot can look.
I hope you enjoyed our day around the Magic Kingdom and the Fort Wilderness Campgrounds. I enjoyed seeing King Triton fixed up, but seeing the Astro Orbiter finally testing was cool. I was hoping to catch it today, but the weather was getting so iffy by late morning, early afternoon.
Let me know in the comments below what your favorite moment was from today’s adventure.