Howdy! It’s that stormy time of year here at Walt Disney World. Before the sky turned, I was able to find a few new pins; there was new jewelry in Uptown Jewelers, and I found a few more magical finds along the way.
Good Morning from the Resort Monorail
On my way into Magic Kingdom this morning, the security line was extremely long, and the monorails were very crowded. Sometimes Disney doesn’t shake your way. But, if you come often enough, it all evens out.
From my resort monorail trip, I saw some progress being made at the Polynesian Village Resort front parking lot. I even saw that even more trees have been removed behind Magic Kingdom.
Good Morning from the Magic Kingdom
When I finally arrived at the Magic Kingdom, it felt as if the park had been open for an hour already, but here we are at park opening. I get it, it’s Fourth of July weekend coming up, but did y’all not see the news? There’s a giant tropical storm brewing.
Rest assured, we will still be reporting the fireworks through the storm. If Disney is open, we are there.
Feeling ‘Inside Out’ in the Emporium
I ducked into the Emporium first and found a new Anxiety pin and a Joy pin. Each pin is available for $12.99. I often fluctuate between these two emotions when reporting; the anxiety of making sure you are in the right place at the right time, and absolute joy when you are. It’s certainly bittersweet, but I don’t think you get the all-consuming joy without a little anxiety.
Uptown Jewelers Fresh Finds
In Uptown Jewelers, there was not only a new collection of Pandora charms and a new gift with purchase, but also a new Citizen watch featuring Angel and Stitch. Stay tuned to our website for more details on the Pandora charms.
I will say I am a big fan. Each charm is available for $65, and the gift is only available if you purchase three charms and a bracelet.
RELOCATION ALERT
The Caricature and Parasol artists have moved out of Liberty Square and into Main Street U.S.A. They are now parked near the Silhouette kiosk on the side street between Uptown Jewelers and Crystal Arts. I love these quick personalized keepsakes.
Sonny Eclipse Moment
I feel obligated to post a quick snippet of Sonny Eclipse performing to a crowd of one. He will never get old; may he continue to perform for many more decades.
New Neon for the Condiments Sign in Starlight Cafe
Good news, the neon in the Condiments sign has been replaced in the Starlight Cafe. Am I possibly the only human that noticed this that doesn’t work here? Probably, but still worth noting. I like that Disney keeps things up like this. Tiny details can be easily cheapened, and it’s worth celebrating when they aren’t.
Pirates of the Caribbean Tumbler – $24.99
I love this new Pirates tumbler. The gold detailing is so bright, and the imagery is great. I love this collection. There are a few pieces of apparel that also match this cup. Let me know your thoughts on this design in the comments below.
New Star Wars and Fantastic Four Pins
In Frontierland Trading Post, I found three new open edition pins. The Darth Vader and Boba Fett pin set is available for $22.99. I love that they have glitter. Also dazzling in glitter, R2D2 also has a new pin for $14.99.
The Fantastic Four pin is available for $14.99. I think it’s interesting that the Disney Pins logo is a little different in the top left corner.
New Window Box at the DVC Lounge and Kiosk
I love that Disney has added a little planter box under the window of the DVC kiosk outside the new lounge. Again, the tiny details are what make the adventure of Disney World such an elevated, immersive experience.
Liberty Belle Riverboat
I boarded the Liberty Square Riverboat for what was likely the last time. It wasn’t nearly as emotional as I had anticipated, but it was still very nostalgic. I’ll miss the cast the most. They were a fun bunch that I hate to see separated, but who knows, maybe they will shift to a new location together.
July Fourth Setup Begins
While I was on the riverboat, I saw that there was some equipment hidden under scrims above the Country Bear Jamboree and Frontier Mercantile. This is likely set up for the Fourth of July DJs that the Magic Kingdom will have.
As always, stay tuned to our website for more details to come.
Big Thunder Mountain Refurbishment Chugs Along
From the riverboat, I also saw that there was some big progress on the wildest ride in the wilderness. I was most excited to see that the train was now sitting on the top track, and crews were testing the ride vehicles.
We will post a detailed update on our website soon.
New Once Upon a Story Dolls in Sir Mickey – $39.99 each
Elsa and Anna join the other princesses in the Once Upon a Story doll collection. I found a few in Hollywood Studios last week, but I was happy to find the most popular “Frozen” sisters in Sir Mickey this morning. I think these would scare me in a dark room, but I have a weird thing with dolls.
Let me know what you think of this doll design in the comments below.
Big Our Guest Menu Now Medallionless
NO WAY. Now, both medallions are missing from the Be Our Guest outdoor menu. There were once wooden medallions with a rose etched into them at the top of the menu on both sides. The left one has been missing for some time, but now the right one has also been removed.
Hopefully this means Disney is working on a replacement, because I don’t want this empty space to be the final product. I’ll keep you updated.
Brick Work at Magic Kingdom Monorails
On my way out of Magic Kingdom, I noticed that there was some brickwork blocking the far left exit. It’s a weird time of day to do this type of work, right before the storms roll in, but I hope they were able to finish.
Express Monorail Out
I took the express monorail back to the Transportation and Ticket Center, also known as the TTC for those experts out there. While I was riding, I had an intrusive thought, and I just have to share.
EPCOT Lighting Rant
WHAT IS THIS? I cannot begin to understand the plight of the team that has been tasked with this losing battle known as the EPCOT World Celebration floor lighting. At this point, just rip it out. The LED lights were never going to last forever anyway. Was there no plan on replacing these lights as they died? Why are we painting screws white? Why are we not ordering white screws, if that’s where we are now?
Reality check for myself. I know none of these details really affect the average guest’s experience. I know that I am being very nitpicky. It’s my job. These details live rent-free in my head, so I can tell you. This EPCOT lighting thing really gets me heated, though.
I hope you enjoyed our day in the Magic Kingdom. I most enjoyed riding the Liberty Belle, because that may have been my last trip. I am excited for the new things to come to the park, but you can’t help but feel a little nostalgia for what has been.
Let me know in the comments below if you have any fond memories from riding the Liberty Belle Riverboat.
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