Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom Discussion Thread

[Nrthwnd]

^ lol.

It's going to be interesting (and hopefully, fun), in figuring out, how the actual track layout will (might) go, with this new concept art.  

[MoreyMan]

On 6/3/2025 at 1:40 PM, KBrylczyk said:

Finally, people can shut up about the river going away.  

This. Everyone complaining online has gotten really old. I get it. People are upset. And I’ll be the first to admit that the water is beautiful and so is the atmosphere around the river (especially the way Haunted Mansion sits). But let’s be realistic here - it’s so much dead space. I’ve been on Tom Sawyer’s Island once and the Liberty Belle probably less than 5 times over 20 years. I bet you the majority is in the same boat. If both were ultra popular and profitable, they’d be staying (emphasis on the profitable part).
 

Change is good. The first rendering was meh but this looks much better. Time for everyone to give it a rest and give the new area a chance. 

[Hilltopper39]

I was a little skeptical of using Cars as an IP to anchor an new wilderness themed area of the park initially but after seeing this concept art..... yeah it looks great and I'm sure it will be a rally good addition.

 

[teacherkim]

On 6/4/2025 at 7:56 PM, MoreyMan said:

This. Everyone complaining online has gotten really old. I get it. People are upset. And I’ll be the first to admit that the water is beautiful and so is the atmosphere around the river (especially the way Haunted Mansion sits). But let’s be realistic here - it’s so much dead space. I’ve been on Tom Sawyer’s Island once and the Liberty Belle probably less than 5 times over 20 years. I bet you the majority is in the same boat. If both were ultra popular and profitable, they’d be staying (emphasis on the profitable part).
 

Change is good. The first rendering was meh but this looks much better. Time for everyone to give it a rest and give the new area a chance. 

Agreed! I particularly love the people that complain about it but then state that they aren't ever going back to Disney because it's too woke or too expensive or too much stress to plan now or forces to much phone time............ok, then like why do you care? We're going mostly to Universal at the very end of Sept but spending just about a day and half at Disney first. Going to hit MNSSHP and pick up our credit on Tron which we don't yet have.

[jedimaster1227]

Disney has shared new details about the new magic coming to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad when it reopens at Walt Disney World in 2026!

https://disneyparksblog.com/wdw/new-magic-coming-to-big-thunder-mountain-railroad-at-disney-world/

Howdy, pardners… you folks oughta keep all hands, arms, feet, and legs inside the train, ‘cause this here’s the wildest ride in the wilderness!

In 2026, the iconic Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will reopen with new magic – and today, we have new details to share about what to expect the next time you take to the tracks in search of adventure.

There’s Gold in That There Mountain

The story of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad dates back to Olden Times, or rather, Golden Times, during the early days of America’s first major gold rush. When Barnabas T. Bullion struck gold in the Big Thunder region, he saw a future full of riches and hustled to start the Big Thunder Mountain Company.

However, them shiny dreams rarely come without a cost, and Bullion quickly found himself in a battle with the forces of nature and in a whole heap of trouble. One day, strange and unexplainable things started happening. Machines failed. Cave-ins shut mines down.

No matter how deep the miners dug into the heart of the mountain, the forces of Big Thunder fought back. And when the attraction reopens next year, the unsuspectin’ passengers who board the runaway trains will learn just how wild the wilderness can get.

Shine and Polish on a Magic Kingdom Classic

The mountain attractions at Disney Parks around the globe are iconic for a reason – they are beloved by fans old and new for the stories they tell, the thrills they give, and the memories they make.

The rumblin’, rollin’ fun of Big Thunder Mountain here at Disney World is currently undergoing a mountain-top to cavern-deep refurbishment meant to keep the classic attraction in tip-top shape, ready to delight guests who want to ride the rails for years to come.

New Magic Thunderin’ In

In addition to the action and adventure we know and love, Big Thunder Mountain will reopen with new magic for fans to discover.

One such moment comes when the trains rattle their way underground to spectacular natural caverns full of phosphorescent pools, shimmering and illuminating iridescent stalagmites (the ones on the floor) and stalactites (the ones on the ceiling).

The Rainbow Caverns certainly are beautiful… but they ain’t as friendly as they first appear. In fact, that menacing rumble from deep within the mountain may be a sign that we ain’t welcome.

There’s more new magic for guests to discover once Big Thunder Mountain Railroad returns in 2026, but you’ll need to hang on to your hats and keep an eye out on the Disney Parks Blog for more news, comin’ soon!

 

Disney has also released a first look at The Beak and Barrel, the new Pirates of the Caribbean-themed tavern opening this week at Magic Kingdom Park!

https://disneyparksblog.com/wdw/the-beak-and-barrel-photos-and-details/

 

Ahoy mateys! Let’s raise a toast to The Beak and Barrel, officially open to sailors of all ages starting August 29, 2025. This “Pirates of the Caribbean”-themed tavern at Magic Kingdom Park will unite swashbucklers and buccaneers alike from across the Seven Seas to enjoy seaworthy sips and snacks while being immersed in the pirate life!

To get ready for yer experience, I’m here to tell ye the tale of all the fantastical details to be found in this here tavern, giving you a ‘sneak beak’ into the space … if you will. So drop anchor and get ready for yer next adventure! Aaarr ye ready? I know I am!

The Mess

The first large and lively space ye’ll find is The Mess, so named as it was once a mess hall for Spanish soldiers before it was claimed and repurposed by a cunning crew of pirates. Be sure to look up as ye enter to see a ship’s bell. Rumor has it this bell was from Captain Redd’s first ship gifted to Merry at the tavern’s founding. Some say they’re close friends, or perhaps fierce rivals.

Ye’ll also see long tables perfect for pirates to gather ’round and tell tall tales. A hefty old anchor covered in candles makes for a fine chandelier. Ye will also see the detailed Mermaid Windows to ye side, salvaged from the wreckage of an infamous pirate ship, caked with barnacles and filled with mystery.

At the far end of the room, the dark corner known as The Brig still bears the bars and framework of its past life – though the door rests nearby, pried off its hinges long ago. Should ye find yourself seated here, best mind your manners … for some say the walls remember every rascal they’ve kept.

Cursed Bar

Brimming with an impressive collection of rare bottles and prized spoils kept behind lock and key, the massive skull-shaped bar – anchored to the side of The Mess – is the eye-catcher of the space and has heard many, many shanties sung in its shadow.

At its heart rests the Enchanted Rum Bottle, an ornate bottle of grog, which sits in a place of honor in its own special cove. Gifted by a powerful enchantress, the tavern’s barrels and the pirates’ cheer will never run dry as long as the bottle stays full. Let’s hope ye won’t be left asking, “Why is the rum gone?”

Perched atop the bar, Rummy welcomes patrons and keeps an eye on the crew, quick with a story, joke, or song as he wobbles out from his main roost in the hollow of the skull’s eye.

Captains’ Quarters

As ye step into the Captains’ Quarters, expect a taste of the finer life. Once the private residence of the Spanish Comandante, its walls were lined with grand artwork and rich drapery. Yet time – and the rowdy hands of pirates – have left their mark with slashing blades and hot embers.

In the center of The Captains’ Quarters, an elegant fireplace provides a warm glow, and atop the mantel rests miniature ships in glass bottles. Yet ye need to be on the lookout, as these here small vessels are known to come alive and engage in a fearsome bottle-bound battle for any who dare to watch.

Captains’ Booths

Along the wall, find four grand booths with intricately carved wooden panels. Each booth tells stories of the exploits of notorious pirates, whose legends still echo across the seas.

Tucked further in the space, venture into a private sitting room where pirates partake in their favorite games of skill and chance. Ye may spy the telltale signs of past matches … and perhaps a warning for any bandits thinkin’ of bending the rules.

Mapmaker’s Room

The Mapmaker’s Room is filled to the brim with rolled up maps, pieces of parchment, spilled ink and many treasured secrets that belonged to a (some may say) crazed pirate cartographer.

Now, pirates gather round the sprawling worktable in the center of the room, where the Mapmaker would have spread out his tools and set to work. On the adjacent wall is a large painted map of the known pirating world, with many pirating secrets to be discovered … will ye be the one to bring them to light?

Arrgh, now that’s not all! There is so much to discover, so much that no matter how many times ye visit The Beak and Barrel, yer experience will differ!

Are me fellow pirates hungry and curious to learn more about the grog and grub served up at The Beak and Barrel? Take a gander at the First Look on Disney Parks Blog.

Ready for a jolly good time? Reservations for The Beak and Barrel are highly recommended. Keep a weather eye open for reservations on yer My Disney Experience app or visit DisneyWorld.com.

[A.J.]

Here's a roundup of announcements about Magic Kingdom from D23 2025!

First up, Tron Lightcycle Run at Magic Kingdom and Tron Lightcycle Power Run at Shanghai Disneyland will both be receiving new overlays to coincide with the release of Tron: Ares in October, with a soundtrack from Nine Inch Nails like the film!

https://disneyparksblog.com/wdw/new-tron-ares-ride-overlay-announced-for-tron-attractions/

Step back into the Grid … only this time, it’s breaking into our world (and Tomorrowland).   

The next time you step into the digital frontier with TRON Lightcycle / Run, you’ll launch into a Tron: Ares version of the high-speed, adrenaline-pumping ride that bends reality into the video game world.  

Yvette Nicole Brown announced today at the Walt Disney Studios showcase at Destination D23 that TRON Lightcycle/Run presented by Enterprise at Walt Disney World Resort and TRON Lightcycle Power Run presented by Chevrolet at Shanghai Disney Resort will be celebrating the release of the new Tron: Ares film with a brand-new overlay on their attractions. 

Replacing the blue and orange hues of the ride, you’ll weave through twisting tunnels of vibrant red and orange light trails, feeling the rush of wind and the surge of acceleration as you compete in a dazzling Lightcycle race.   

The striking red hues in Tron: Ares within the digital realm contrast sharply with the classic blue tones of the Grid. Adding to the immersive visuals, the pulsating industrial sounds of Nine Inch Nails will drive the ride’s energy, pushing your experience between the Grid and reality into a fully immersive, futuristic symphony of light, speed, and sound.

Experience the new Tron: Ares ride overlay for a limited time at Magic Kingdom starting September 15 and Shanghai Disneyland starting September 16.

 

 

Next, Magic Kingdom's legendary Carousel of Progress attraction will receive a refresh with a brand-new intro segment narrated by a new Walt Disney animatronic figure.

https://disneyparksblog.com/wdw/walt-disney-audio-animatronic-at-the-carousel-of-progress/

Following a dream with mind and heart against all odds, Walt Disney revealed Disneyland to the world on July 17, 1955, changing the future of entertainment as we know it and cementing a transformative legacy that continues to inspire millions around the world today. 

That same vision continues to push for ongoing innovation across Disney Parks in the present and future, just as it has over the past 70 years. In an exciting announcement on stage during the “Creating the Happiest Place on Earth” panel at Destination D23, Walt Disney Imagineer Chris Beatty revealed that you will soon be able to see Walt Disney through the magic of Audio-Animatronics technology in “Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress” at Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World Resort. 

“We are grateful to The Walt Disney Company and Walt Disney Imagineering for their continued collaboration and ongoing partnership with The Walt Disney Family Museum. The introduction of a new Audio-Animatronics figure of Walt Disney in ‘Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress’ marks an exciting milestone in our shared mission to celebrate the story of the man behind the magic and inspire new generations with his innovations and vision for the future. We appreciate the continued efforts and meticulous care that Imagineering has taken to keep Walt’s legacy alive,” Kirsten Komoroske, Executive Director of the Walt Disney Family Museum said. 

 

 

Finally, after being painted rose gold for Walt Disney World's 50th anniversary in 2021, Cinderella Castle will be returning back to its iconic original color palette.

https://disneyparksblog.com/wdw/new-color-palette-announced-for-cinderella-castle/

For more than 50 years, Cinderella Castle has welcomed guests down Main Street, U.S.A. at Magic Kingdom. During the “Beyond the Spires: An Insider Look at Disney Castles” panel at Destination D23, Imagineers looked back at the various overlays and color schemes for Cinderella Castle over the years. Imagineers also shared a rendering for the new Cinderella Castle color palette, which is inspired by the classic and original look of the castle.  

The updated paint will feature grays, creams, blues, and touches of gold aiming to enhance the castle’s architecture. While the project team is still putting the finishing touches on the paint design process, we wanted to share the incredible amount of research and care that goes into this project.