PHOTO REPORT: Magic Kingdom & EPCOT 3/23/21 (Facial Recognition Park Entry Testing, “101 Dalmatians” Dress Shop Items, Third “Harmonious” Barge Installed, and More)

Iain

Facial Recognition Entry Testing

PHOTO REPORT: Magic Kingdom & EPCOT 3/23/21 (Facial Recognition Park Entry Testing, “101 Dalmatians” Dress Shop Items, Third “Harmonious” Barge Installed, and More)

Hello friends, and welcome to a beautiful day here at Walt Disney World! While the parks are still busy with vacationers, the majority of the local Spring Break crowds have gone home, which has left us a tiny bit more breathing room as we walk from attraction to attraction. We found some exciting things today, so let’s get started!

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A new facial recognition entry process was being tested this morning as we entered the park. Guests could opt-in to this test, which scans the guest’s face, with their face mask on, in lieu of the pre-COVID-19 park entry fingerprint scan. For more pictures and information on the new process being tested, check out our article here.

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As seen from afar, the TRON Lightcycle / Run illuminated canopy is very close to having all of its pieces in place, but isn’t there just yet. It was actively being worked on today when we went by.

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Nearby, Gaston’s Fountain has been drained again. It appears that some of the statue may have been cleaned of water stains, but we’ll be keeping an eye on it for a full transformation.

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The Cinderella’s Carriage photo opportunity, which was due to remain in place until the first week of April, has been removed ahead of schedule. No word as to why it was removed, but we’re glad we got to enjoy it for so long.

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Work continues on the Swiss Family Treehouse, with more netting going up on the canopy over the entrance walkway today.

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The metal tubing installation continues on Cinderella Castle Stage, with the left side completed to the center point. It now appears that they’re starting from the outside of the right side and working their way towards the center.

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With new decorations arriving almost every other day on Cinderella Castle for the 50th Anniversary, it must feel a bit redundant to see another blue and gold swag, but we still get a thrill to see a new piece appear overnight. This piece was new today, on the East side of the castle, and can even be seen from the front of the castle! For more pictures and information, check out our article here.

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The Lunching Pad and Friar’s Nook are both offering breakfast options again in the morning during this busier time. We love the breakfast sandwich option!

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We also noticed that our favorite weekend-only locations, including the Spring Roll Cart and Westward Ho Refreshments, were open today. If it’s like last week, we expect them to be open all week!

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Agrabah Bazaar reopened, but not as the shopping location it was before. The merchandise has been removed, and some tables have been added. We were told by Cast Members that this area will be a place for guests to enjoy their food at standing tables, and also a stroller parking area.

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Two new “101 Dalmatians” Dress Shop items have come to the parks, and we are loving the vintage Perdita and Pongo Disneybound vibes! For more pictures and information, check out our article here.

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While perusing the park, we also found the latest installment of the Magical Comics Limited Edition Pin series featuring Chip and Dale for $19.99 at Frontier Trading Post.

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We had a wonderful morning at the Magic Kingdom, but we weren’t done yet! Next, we headed to EPCOT to check on the construction there.

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Concrete work continues at the entrance just underneath Spaceship Earth, this time on the right side by Pin Traders.

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Continuing the pavement work theme, we checked on the France Pavilion and found that a border had been added along the wall, removing the wooden strips and making for a cleaner-looking finish.

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The concrete is still patchy towards the front of the Pavilion, but the theming props have returned.

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Behind the construction walls for Innoventions East, additional metal framing has been added to the exterior walls. In the breezeway, metal rods now not only hang from the ceiling but have been added to the floor pointing up.

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On World Showcase Lagoon, the third Harmonious barge has been put into place, making this set up just one piece away from being complete. For more pictures and information, check out our article here.

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We had a wonderful time at EPCOT, and we hope you enjoyed coming along with us. Have a magical day!