Disney News

Category: Magic Kingdom

  • Watch Disney Parks New Year’s Eve Fireworks Streamed Live From Magic Kingdom

    Watch Disney Parks New Year’s Eve Fireworks Streamed Live From Magic Kingdom

    New Year’s Eve is fast approaching and if you’re looking for fireworks to ring in the New Year with then you no one does fireworks better that Disney.  You can watch the amazing New Year’s Eve fireworks display right from the comfort of your own home and we will be streaming it right here live from Magic Kingdom.

    The #DisneyParksLIVE stream will take place New Year’s Eve at 11:45 p.m., when we’ll begin the countdown to 2018 with a special performance of “Fantasy in the Sky” fireworks live from Magic Kingdom Park.

    Where in the world will you watch the show from? Tell us in the comments section below.

  • The Internet Lights Up Over Magic Kingdom Christmas Crowd Complaints

    The Internet Lights Up Over Magic Kingdom Christmas Crowd Complaints

    Reaching capacity on Christmas Day, Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom temporarily closed its doors to some guests. Disney’s closure had guests burning mad, but it’s the Christmas Crowd sizes that set the internet on fire.

    Disney made the announcement on their twitter feed at 12:30pm stating that the park would reopen by 5:30pm. It was actually only closed for fifty minutes as they posted at 1:20pm that all “Walt Disney World Parks were open again to all guests”, but the crowds remained packed all day.

    It was only a phase B closure so basically only guests not staying on property who had a one-day tickets were not allowed to enter.  “Imagine traveling to Disney for the holidays only to be told you can’t enter magic kingdom because it’s packed to capacity.” one twitter user posted. It definitely conjures to mind some images of the Griswold’s family road trip to “Walley World“.

    Some guests inside the most magical place on earth guest took to social media to air their frustrations over the crowds. Take a look below at what they had to say with some guests going so far as to say it was “unsafe.”

    Really it’s very typical for Magic Kingdom to fill to capacity on Christmas and should be expected. And a 50 minute closure isn’t that long in retrospect.  But the initial disappointment for some folks is understandable.

    It’s definitely something that’s worth experiencing at least one to cross off the bucket list and with a few good tips you can alleviate some of that crowd frustration. A few of the easiest ways to avoid some of the crowds is to get there right when the park opens and do as much as you can, make an advance dining reservation at a nice sit restaurant for lunch or early dinner and consider ending the night viewing the fireworks from one of the nearby resorts.

  • Magic Kingdom Closed After Reaching Capacity

    Magic Kingdom Closed After Reaching Capacity

    Christmas Day is always super busy at Magic Kingdom as crowds descend on the most magical place on earth. And as expected the park has temporarily closed after reaching capacity Monday.

    Magic Kingdom is currently at a Phase B capacity closure. Disney announced that no new guests will be admitted to the Magic Kingdom until 5:30 p.m. at the earliest.

    UPDATE: All Walt Disney World Parks are currently open to all guests as of 1:20pm.  Keep checking back as they could easily reach capacity again.

    Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom all remained open to additional guests so those are always a great place to spend some time while your waiting for some space to open back up at Magic Kingdom.

    “Barring unforeseen circumstances, we anticipate Magic Kingdom will reopen by 5:30 p.m. today,” Disney said on its Twitter feed.

    For details on closures, check out our complete list and breakdown of Walt Disney World’s Capacity Closing Procedures.

     

  • BREAKING: Magic Kingdom’s Mayor of Main Street USA Passes Away

    BREAKING: Magic Kingdom’s Mayor of Main Street USA Passes Away

    Some very disheartening news is coming in this Christmas Eve that will break the hearts of countless Cast Members and guest alike. The larger-than-life Mayor of Main Street, U.S.A., the Honorable Christopher George Weaver has passed away.

    He is everyone’s favorite politician and his inimitable spirit will be greatly missed at the Magic Kingdom.

    Many mornings he has presided over the Magic Kingdom Welcome Show just before Rope Drop. After the park opens, you would often find him wandering around Main Street, USA, greeting guests, signing autographs and posing for photos.

    Mayor of Main Street Christopher George Weaver

    He been greeting guests with smiles and laughs for many years.  He was a pleasure to meet and so glad I got that chance on many occasions over the years.  Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.

     

     

  • Accused Disney Stroller Thief Caught Thanks to Social Media

    Accused Disney Stroller Thief Caught Thanks to Social Media

    A woman accused of stealing a stroller from Disney World and attempting to sell it online has been arrested by deputies with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. The stroller belonged to a family visiting the park and was filled with their belongings.

    Along with their stroller the victims, Dave Diaz and his family, lost a child’s car seat, diaper bag and toys that they reported stolen at the Magic Kingdom on Sunday night. Altogether the stolen property totaled more than $1000.

    Amanda Poyner, 24, was charged with a second-degree felony for allegedly dealing in stolen property.

    According to investigators the Diaz Family went on the “Little Mermaid Ride” and when the got back to where they had left their stroller, they discovered it was gone. The family was devastated and has been chronicling the events on social media throughout.

    The story has a happy ending though as the family’s stolen items were returned after detectives were able to locate them online at sites like Facebook Marketplace and LetGo. Detectives used a fake Facebook account to message the seller and set up a meeting to buy the stolen goods Wednesday morning.

    The Diaz’s were able to provide serial numbers for their stolen goods and the case was pretty much open and shut.  They are just happy to have their belongings back and Diaz says “This is a story about how the cast members at Magic Kingdom went above and beyond to try to fix a problem that was never their problem to fix in the first place.”

  • Celebrities Katy Perry and Matthew McConaughey Spotted at Walt Disney World

    Celebrities Katy Perry and Matthew McConaughey Spotted at Walt Disney World

    Monday was a Star Studded day for Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom.  Both Katy Perry and Matthew McConaughey spent the day at the park enjoying the magic.

    Superstar Katy Perry dons her finest Disney couture for a ride aboard the Prince Charming Regal Carrousel at Magic Kingdom Park Monday.

    Katy Perry Disney World
    David Roark

    The “Chained to the Rhythm” artist enjoyed Walt Disney World Resort with her “Witness” tour cast the day after performing in Orlando. In March, Perry will join Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie at the judges’ table for ABC’s first season of the iconic music competition series, “American Idol.”

    Actor Matthew McConaughey, his wife Camila and their family share a special moment with Mickey Mouse and his Toy Soldier pals at Magic Kingdom Park. McConaughey is spending time at Walt Disney World Resort during the holidays while on break from filming.

    Matthew McConaughey disney world
    Steven Diaz

    Actor Matthew McConaughey shares a special moment with Mickey Mouse and his Toy Soldier pals. McConaughey is spending time at Walt Disney World Resort during the holidays while on break from filming.

    Matthew McConaughey disney world
    Steven Diaz
  • BREAKING: Stitch’s Great Escape To Close Permanently

    BREAKING: Stitch’s Great Escape To Close Permanently

    It looks like we’ll be saying aloha to Stitch’s Great Escape for the last time very soon. The attraction in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom will close permanently after this final seasonal opening.

    Opening starting December 13, 2017 through January 6, 2018, the attraction will then close forever. Disney has not yet officially confirmed the permanent closure, but “it is expected to occur very soon.”, according to a report from Kenny the Pirate. Disney is expected to announce a new attraction for the space.

    For the past few months, the outer lobby area has been used as a Stitch meet and greet space. During Christmas break Stitch will move back to his former location near Space Mountain, but there has been no word on the future of his meet and greet beyond early January 2018.

    The closing has been predicted for quite a while now and many ideas have been thrown around about what might replace the attraction. Among a host of reports, a Wreck-it Ralph themed attraction has been considered, which is set to release a new movie March 2018.

    Hopefully they have another plan as that doesn’t really feel like a good Tomorrowland fit.

  • Disney Parks Are Among The ‘Most Instagrammed Locations’ In 2017

    Disney Parks Are Among The ‘Most Instagrammed Locations’ In 2017

    Instagram has announced their “Top 10 Most-Instagrammed Locations” around the globe for 2017 – and four Disney Parks have made the list.

    The Happiest Place on Earth – Disneyland park – earned the title of the #1 Most Instagrammed Location in 2017. Three other Disney theme parks also ranked in the top ten, with Tokyo Disneyland coming in at #5, Magic Kingdom Park landing at #6, and Disney California Adventure park earning the #9 spot.

    And this isn’t the first time Disney Parks has landed at the top of Instagram’s list. In 2016, “Disney Properties” ranked #1 as Instagram’s most photographed location around the world.

    New to Instagram? Following official Disney Parks Instagram accounts – Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Tokyo Disney Resort, Hong Kong Disneyland, Disneyland Paris, and the Disney Parks Blog – is a great way to start.

  • RUMOR: Donald Trump’s Hall of Presidents Debut at Disney World to be Before Christmas

    RUMOR: Donald Trump’s Hall of Presidents Debut at Disney World to be Before Christmas

    Reports at Disney World have surfaced stating that Donald Trump’s expected debut in he newly refurbished Hall of Presidents may happen before Christmas. The Hall of Presidents was set to reopen on June 29, but has remained closed since January 17.

    In past years, the Disney theme park attraction would close for a short period of time to include the newest president. However, Trump’s inclusion has taken much longer than expected, especially as he was elected over a year ago.

    The Hall of Presidents is expected to open by Christmas of this year according to WDWMagic sources . We should point out that relying on unnamed sources surrounding this particular attraction has been in the fake news category in the past, but if you consider that back in June, Disney did say in a tweet that the attraction would open by “late 2017,” then this date does make a lot of sense.

    Perhaps the biggest controversy surrounding the attraction came from a report from Vice, which, cited an anonymous source at Disney who stated that there was an internal struggle amongst Imagineers on whether or not to completely retool the attraction so that the 45th president wouldn’t have a speaking role.

    Only time will tell if these current reports prove true or if Disney plans to keep it on the back burned a little longer.

    Below is a look at the most recent version of the attraction before it closed in it’s entirety.

  • 15 Freebies from Disney Parks

    15 Freebies from Disney Parks

    Who doesn’t want FREE stuff!? Disney World vacations aren’t cheap experience that’s for sure. When you factor in travel, hotels, tickets, etc., the cost of a family visiting Disney World it can add up quick. However, while there are many costs associated with a trip to visit Mickey, there are many things at Disney World that can be done for free. That’s right…FREEBIES from Disney Parks!

    There are numerous free items and experiences offered at Disney World – you just have to know where to look and who to ask. Out of various freebies available at Disney World, here are what we feel are the 15 most amazing ones!

    15 –  MagicBands

    Magic Bands
    We’ve been to Disney World time and time again, and have never once had the need to purchase a MagicBand. Save on the MagicBand expense by receiving complementary MagicBands as Disney Resort guests or as Annual Passholders. Plus, use the same MagicBand visit after visit!

    14 – FastPasses

    fast pass magic band
    The FastPass+ system at Disney World is one of our favorite freebies! Saving us SO much time, we try to take full advantage of the three initial FastPasses available to each guest, followed by additional FastPasses after that.

    13 – Free App and Wi-Fi

    MyDisneyExperience

    Disney’s MyDisneyExperience App is completely free and incredibly helpful when visiting the parks. Maps, dining reservations, FastPasses – all managed right from your phone. Plus, the free Disney World Wi-Fi makes saving data a breeze.

    12 – Free Vacation Planning

    Fairy Godmother
    You can either request a Vacation Planning video directly from Disney, or better yet, have someone plan the vacation for you (with your specific requests of course)! This opportunity seems too good to be true, just like having a Fairy Godmother, but it’s not. Contact travel time with Vikki for your free quote today.

    11 – Transportation

    Disney Transportation
    For Disney World Resort guests and for park guests, Disney’s transportation is a freebie essential! Park hoping is made easy with the bus system. Or maybe you want to catch the monorail from Magic Kingdom to dine at a resort restaurant. Wherever your plans take you on Disney property, chances are there is an easy way to get there for free.

    10 – Celebration Buttons

    Celebration Buttons
    You’ll see them throughout Disney World parks as people wear the bright buttons to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, first visits, and more! We still have people ask us how much they cost. They are FREE – just ask a Cast Member where you can snag one (usually Guest Services or a merchandise shop).

    9 – Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom

    Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom
    This is a fun activity for young and old alike! Disney provides each guests 5 free Sorcerer cards per admittance. Trek your way around Disney’s Magic Kingdom, defeating the evil Villains that are trying to take over! Each visit equals 5 new cards.

    8 – Soda Tasting

    Club Cool
    Check out Club Cool while visiting Disney’s Epcot. It’s the perfect place for a middle of the day refreshment – for free. Little sample cups are available to park guests. Taste all the different Coke products from around the world!

    7 – Jedi Training Academy

    Storm Trooper
    We absolutely love that Disney World has included Jedi Training in park admission to Hollywood Studios. Your young Jedi (4 to 12-years-old) can fight against Darth Vader or Seventh Sister after some Jedi training practice.

    6 – Scavenger Hunts

    Remy Scavenger Hunt
    Disney World knows how to keep us (and kids) entertained. Check out Kidcot at Epcot where children can color a Duffy souvenir and have it stamped at each of the 11 countries. Animal Kingdom’s Wilderness Explorers is another fun scavenger hunt throughout the park as you collect “badges” (stickers) in your Wilderness Explorer booklet.

    5 – Pin Trading

    Pin Trading
    Purchase a few Disney trading pins online before arriving at Disney World to save some money, then begin trading at Disney for free! Anytime you see a Cast Member with a pin, they are happy to trade. It doesn’t matter what pins you trade for what. Before you know it, you’ll have so super awesome pins.

    4 – Pirate Contract

    Pirates of the Caribbean
    Located just outside of Disney’s Magic Kingdom’s Pirates of the Caribbean, you may time it right to watch Captain Jack Sparrow’s Pirate Tutorial. This fun stage show is great for all ages. Watch out as Cpt. Jack recruits your young ones to join his scurvy crew as he provides them with a rolled scroll stating they are now one of his!

    3 – Pixie Dust

    Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
    Visit one of the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique locations at either Magic Kingdom or Disney Springs. Ask one of the Fairy Godmothers in Training if they will sprinkle you with pixie dust and they will for no cost! You can also get some sparkly dust from the Barber Shop on Main Street USA.

    2 – Driver’s License

    Sci Fi Dine In
    Dine at Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater located in Disney’s Hollywood Studios and have your young one sit in the driver’s seat location in your vehicle. A Cast Member may just provide him or her with a Sci-Fi Driver’s License! Transportation Cards are also available from bus driving Cast Members. We’ve caught on that these Transportation Cards aren’t available as often as they used to be.

    1 – Sundry Items

    Disney Soap
    When staying at a Disney World Resort you’ll spot Disney’s shampoo, condition, soap, and shower gel available for purchase in the gift shop. Folks love it so much they purchase the full bottles. But, keep in mind that you can get free sundry items like this from Mousekeeping. Save your money and ask for a couple of extra bottles in your room for free!