Magic Kingdom

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Tidbits from WDW: Attractions and Restaurants

Here are a few attraction- and food-related news tidbits from around Walt Disney World.

First off, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad has reopened after a long refurbishment with some changes. If you're heading out to take in the Magic Kingdom attraction, you'll see the Fastpass and Stand-by line entrances have been switched. The Stand-by queue area has been lengthened by quite a bit with the promise of additional props to be added to the waiting area in the weeks to come. As for the ride itself, not a whole lot appears to have changed; there are reports the coaster is smoother overall.

Snow White's Scary Adventures Closing This Week

We brought you a story back in 2011 about the closing of Snow White's Scary Adventures as the Fantasyland expansion continues. Now that time is upon us as the last day to experience this classic Magic Kingdom ride is Thursday, May 31.

Meet Merida From 'Brave' At Walt Disney World

While her movie isn't set to hit the big screen until next month, the heroine from Disney-Pixar's latest animated movie is ready to meet guests at Walt Disney World.

Merida, the flame-haired female lead from the flick "Brave," has taken over the Fairytale Garden for "Tangled" characters Rapunzel and Flynn in her own meet and greet. Guests can experience this new enhanced version of a meet and greet with Merida at the garden near Cinderella's Castle in the Magic Kingdom. The experience features an archery component as well as bear cubs from the movie.

Disney Parks Expansions and Additions Exceed $3 Billion

When Disney improves upon its parks, it improves. The company has surpassed the $3 billion mark in its park additions and expansions - a first in its history. To give an idea of where all that moolah is going, here is a breakdown of recent work at Disney parks worldwide:

  • Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World: The Fantasyland expansion, the largest in the park's four decade history, will top out around $425 million when the construction is done.

Night of Joy Tickets On Sale Now

Walt Disney World's two-night popular celebration of Christian music is coming back again this fall for the 30th time. 2012's Night of Joy is set for September 7 and 8 at Magic Kingdom.

Disney has also released the lineup of Christian artists for both nights. Friday, September 7 will see these acts take the stage: Casting Crowns, Chris Tomlin, NEEDTOBREATHE, RED, Francesca Battistelli, Brandon Heath, Royal Tailor, and Disciple. Slated for Saturday, September 8 are: MercyMe, Third Day, Kutless, Chris August, Lecrae, Yolanda Adams, Thousand Foot Krutch, and Dara Maclean.

Mickey's Halloween Party Dates Announced

It may seem strange to think about Halloween now during spring, but the folks at Disney are definitely looking ahead. Recently, they announced the dates and prices for 2012's Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party. In case you want to make plans to attend this year's event, here are all the not-so-gory details.

Dates for the event are as follows:
September 11, 14, 18, 21, 25, 28 & 30
October 4, 5, 8, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25, 26, 28, 30 and 31
November 2

Disney Testing New Fastpass System at Magic Kingdom

Right now at Magic Kingdom, Disney is currently testing out a new way with a guest favorite. Now through May 15, Disney is trialing a new Fastpass system on certain rides and attractions throughout Magic Kingdom.

In the current system, guests obtain Fastpass tickets at the ride or attraction of their choice and return at the time stated upon the ticket to bypass a long wait time. How does the new Fastpass differ? The new system will have guests obtaining Fastpass tickets at home - before they even set foot in the park!

Disney Announces Fantasyland Expansion Opening Dates

Part of Walt Disney World's highly anticipated Fantasyland expansion in Magic Kingdom has already opened, and earlier this week, Mickey and Company gave guests an idea of when to expect other phases of the project to be complete.

While some of Storybook Circus attractions have opened to guests, the rest of the area is expected to open this summer. Look for the second half of the Dumbo the Flying Elephant ride and the Casey Jr. Splash 'n' Soak station to be ready for guests in July.

Cinderlla Castle Chosen As a Top Building By American Institute of Architects

It's a familiar and beloved sight of the Magic Kingdom, and now the Florida Association of the America Institute of Architects (AIA Florida) has named Cinderella Castle as one of the Top 100 Buildings in Florida and the Top Building in the Recreational Agriculture Category. The honors come as part of the AIA Florida's "100 Years. 100 Places." celebration of its 100 year anniversary.

Cast Member Killed In Hit And Run Accident

There's some sad news out of central Florida this week. Liu Ye, a 22-year-old Walt Disney World Cast Member from China, was killed earlier this week in a hit and run accident near Disney-owned property.

Ye was hit by a car Tuesday night while walking on a crosswalk near State Road 535 and Meadow Creek Drive. She died after being taken to Dr. P. Phillips Hospital.

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Articles

Take a ride on the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover

It's hot. Your feet are aching. And your FastPass for Space Mountain isn't good for another 20 minutes. But you're in Tomorrowland with some time to kill, so what do you do? You head over to the Tomorrowland Transit Authority and hop on board for a relaxing and breezy ride above the crowds.

New Parade Marching into the Magic Kingdom Next Year

A brand new parade will march its way down Main Street U.S.A. at Disney's Magic Kingdom in the spring of 2014, according to an announcement made at the "Monstrous Summer" press event.

Kick Off a ‘Monstrous Summer’ With 24 Hours at the Magic Kingdom

Walt Disney World Resort will kick off a Monstrous Summer by keeping three theme parks open for 24 nonstop hours on Memorial Day Weekend. The Magic Kingdom Park in Florida and Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park will be open to guests from 6 a.m. local, May 24 to 6 a.m. local May 25, 2013.

Walt Disney World Limited Time Magic: Week 17

There's a party going on and you're all invited! April April 22 to April 28, 2013 Walt Disney World Resort is celebrating the 15th Anniversary of Disney's Animal Kingdom Park by throwing a "Party for the Planet." Come join the festivities centered around this Earth Week event and meet some of your favorite Disney Characters, purchase collectable merchandise, then try out some sweet treats!

Meals With Character – The Crystal Palace and The Garden Grill

Some people might think "Oh, character meals are just for kids!" but we think otherwise. While there may be a few character meals geared more toward kids (think: Hollywood and Vine at breakfast and lunch), the majority of character meals at Walt Disney World are just perfect for "kids" of all ages!

Top Five Frozen Drinks at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom

As the temperatures start to rise for the summer season at Walt Disney World, thirsty guests go in search for ways to cool down in the Parks. Lucky for them the Disney beverage program offers up some fantastic frozen drinks to tempt taste buds on even the hottest of days. For your snacking delight we've gathered together a list of the Top Five Frozen Beverages you can find at the Magic Kingdom.

Swiss Family Treehouse – An Often Overlooked Attraction

You have probably walked past it a thousand times and in your quest to get a Dole Whip you haven't given it a second glance. Or maybe you walk by and wonder why there's a tree in the middle of Adventureland. Or maybe you're one of the adventurous guests who have actually climbed to the top.

The DFB Mini-Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks e-Book, 2013 Edition is Out!

Our friends at the Disney Food Blog have done it again, with 119 pages of everything you could possibly want to know about Snacking at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom! The DFB Mini-Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks e-Book, 2013 Edition is out now for your fun and foodie pleasure.

Sail Away at Walt Disney World - The Top 10 Boat Rides

Sometimes, in the midst of the hustle and bustle at Walt Disney World you just want to sit down, relax and take a boat ride, right? And that's why we're compiling a list of the top 10 boat rides at Walt Disney World. Put on your life vest and keep your hands and arms inside the boat at all times. Here we go!

Columbia Harbour House in the Magic Kingdom's Liberty Square

On a recent visit to the Magic Kingdom it was about 3 p.m. when I realized (1) I was starving and (2) I wasn't going to get anywhere near Casey's because Main Street was a mass of humanity thanks to the parade. As disappointed as I was to not be eating corn dog nuggets and fries with cheese, I had another less hectic location in mind. So, in an attempt to avoid the crowds my friend and I headed through the castle, walked past the very long lines at Peter Pan's Flight and it's a small world, turned the corner and then it hit us.