Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom Discussion Thread

[Nrthwnd]

"Now did ya hear the one about the sunken log?"

 

They got gift cards, free passes to Animal Kingdom. And I wonder if they got [offered] free clothes cleaning services, too.

But I smell a lawsuit coming on, though thankfully, no one (I read) was injured....just soaked.

[mikeykaise]

what I thought was funny was the people got off themselves and apparently were told by Disney staff that they weren't supposed to get off, what were they to do, go swimming? lol

[KarlaKoaster]

None of the websites I've looked at have said much more than that the people were told to stay in the boat, but I assumed that the 'stay on board' message was only the usual one they'd play out as part of a breakdown. Maybe the log was caught in a breakdown and queued up with other logs and it began to sink.

 

I would be surprised if a cast member walked up to the log as it sunk and told the guests to stay on board, but I'm happy to be proved wrong. Most of the articles I found were just eyewitness accounts, terrible videos or hyperbole.

[Haymaker]

None of the websites I've looked at have said much more than that the people were told to stay in the boat, but I assumed that the 'stay on board' message was only the usual one they'd play out as part of a breakdown. Maybe the log was caught in a breakdown and queued up with other logs and it began to sink.

 

I would be surprised if a cast member walked up to the log as it sunk and told the guests to stay on board, but I'm happy to be proved wrong. Most of the articles I found were just eyewitness accounts, terrible videos or hyperbole.

 

There is video of a CM saying it.

[KarlaKoaster]

OK, I hadn't seen that.

[Haymaker]

OK, I hadn't seen that.

[Haymaker]

Multiple reports out today that TRON construction is being suspended after canopy construction and the show building is sealed, possibly until October 2021.

Also reported that Jungle Cruise will be moving to a virtual queue, along with Millennium Falcon.

[COASTER FREAK 11]

That seems weird to not complete the ride, even if it's not going to open right away. 

[Haymaker]

54 minutes ago, COASTER FREAK 11 said:

That seems weird to not complete the ride, even if it's not going to open right away. 

Supposedly waiting for cash flow.

Regardless, its not that weird considering they allowed the second half of Pop Century to rot for 10 years before switching gears to AoA.

[COASTER FREAK 11]

...True

[Chiselphane]

Smart move for Jungle Cruise.  When we went in September it wasn't busy but the line was still a mess.  If waits get outside the building the line markers kind of meander a bit and that seems a consistent point where distancing breaks down, markers or not.  

[coasterbill]

Fine by me if this is true, and yeah, Adventureland is a shitshow right now so I’m down for anything that fixes that.

Also, I know I’m preaching to the choir and it’s not like this is my original idea here but if you’re at the point where you need a virtual line for the f*cking Jungle Cruise then maybe extend park hours...

[aueft]

Not sure if this question belongs here or in the non-parks resort discussion, but has anyone gone to the parks recently? Are the COVID / distancing policies still being enforced / obeyed?

I am probably being paranoid, but my mother (recklessly, in my opinion) decided to go to Disneyworld by herself, and given her age (+65) and our ethnicity (Asian) I am slightly worried about this and would like to assess how much extra anxiety I should have this upcoming week.

Edited October 25, 2020 by aueft
(funnier word choice)

[bert425]

47 minutes ago, aueft said:

Not sure if this question belongs here or in the non-parks resort discussion, but has anyone gone to the parks recently? Are the COVID / distancing policies still being enforced / obeyed?

I am probably being paranoid, but my mother (recklessly, in my opinion) decided to go to Disneyworld by herself, and given her age (+65) and our ethnicity (Asian) I am slightly worried about this and would like to assess how much extra anxiety I should have this upcoming week.

@robbalvey, @SharkTums, & KT are currently staying at Wilderness Lodge all week, and have been posting updates to Twitter, and the TPR FB pages.  

you should be following their media

so I'd defer to them, but it sounds like it's been busy enough to impact how enjoyable the time spent in the parks has been -  but they do not feel unsafe (just what I'm getting from their updates).

[robbalvey]

2 hours ago, aueft said:

Not sure if this question belongs here or in the non-parks resort discussion, but has anyone gone to the parks recently? Are the COVID / distancing policies still being enforced / obeyed?

I am probably being paranoid, but my mother (recklessly, in my opinion) decided to go to Disneyworld by herself, and given her age (+65) and our ethnicity (Asian) I am slightly worried about this and would like to assess how much extra anxiety I should have this upcoming week.

Follow our Instagram. I've now posted IG Highlights from our resort stays in July, August, September, and October.

[Stealth1]

On 10/20/2020 at 10:59 AM, coasterbill said:

Fine by me if this is true, and yeah, Adventureland is a shitshow right now so I’m down for anything that fixes that.

Also, I know I’m preaching to the choir and it’s not like this is my original idea here but if you’re at the point where you need a virtual line for the f*cking Jungle Cruise then maybe extend park hours...

Why extend hours as that costs money with having to have more CM's working. They just gutted the equity actors and pretty much all entertainment in the parks for a reason. They are in cost cutting mode at this moment. Expect some cupcakes and new merch for the 50th. 

[pianojohn]

After 21 years as a musician, I was also terminated via email.  

Not sure how much a difference it will make, but if you miss LIVE entertainment, feel free to email WDW at
 

wdw.guest.communications@disneyworld.com
guest.services@disneyworld.com

[bert425]

^ I'm so sorry, John.

I hope when things get back to normal Disney will reach out to bring back everyone they cut

Sending good thoughts your way!  (and I WILL send an email to Disney regarding how much I love and appreciate the live Entertainment at Disney Properties as well as in the parks!)

[SharkTums]

It was very interesting after spending several days at Disney last week to visit Universal yesterday and see how much live entertainment they had! I wonder why Disney cut everyone while Universal seems to be stepping up?

And John, I'm sure you'll be back sooner than you think, you're so talented and they need you!

[jedimaster1227]

Walt Disney World has announced a variety of holiday offerings across property that will be available to guests beginning today!

https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2020/11/happy-holidays-festive-fun-begins-today-at-walt-disney-world-resort/?CMP=SOC-DPFY21Q1wo1105201111200008C

The holiday season at Walt Disney World Resort starts today, and we’re unwrapping more details about the magical experiences happening across our theme parks and Disney Springs, including special pop-up appearances by Santa Claus. Read on for all the festive fun!

Magic Kingdom Park

Your favorite characters don their holiday best and celebrate the season in a series of special cavalcades, complete with Christmastime floats and music. From Mickey and friends trimming a tree to Goofy and his pals whipping up a bakeshop full of scrumptious treats, character cavalcades bring holiday spirit to the streets of Magic Kingdom throughout the day. And keep your eyes open for Santa when he glides down the parade route in his sleigh.

Main Street, U.S.A. is the spot to catch the Holiday Trolley, bringing festive harmonies from the Dapper Dans barbershop quartet, and you may just see some Toy Soldiers joining the Main Street Philharmonic when they march through Magic Kingdom playing their merry melodies.

At night, holiday magic brings a festive look to Cinderella Castle with special projection effects, producing a kaleidoscope of designs including festive stripes and dots, a whimsical Christmas sweater look, a jeweled winter castle and a regal overlay of red, green and gold ornamentation. It’s sure to provide the perfect colorful backdrop for your holiday photos.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

Holiday fun returns to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, bringing unique seasonal décor and a flurry of festive flotillas with favorite Disney characters sailing down the Discovery River to a jolly holiday soundtrack.

“Donald’s Dino Bash Festive Flotilla” takes its seasonal celebration to the water, with character friends waving to everyone as they pass, and Chip ‘n’ Dale jingle through the jungle, bringing their own style of holiday flair to the river. The Discovery Island Drummers cruise along, too, entertaining guests on the shore with an energetic holiday beat. And when Santa Claus makes the trek to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, he’ll spread the joyous spirit of the season to all he sees along the way.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Guests visiting Disney’s Hollywood Studios get their own visit from Santa when he brings glitz and glamour to a motorcade down Hollywood Boulevard, led by an entourage of elves and riding in his red convertible packed with presents. And just in time for the holiday season, “For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration” adds a festive finale, featuring everyone’s favorite snowman, Olaf, and celebratory songs of the season.

After dark, the iconic Hollywood Tower Hotel on Sunset Boulevard will twinkle with projection effects as it becomes the Hollywood Holiday Tower Hotel, magically transforming into a Muppets gingerbread masterpiece, a Toy Story toy hotel, a snowy corner of Arendelle and a Dickensian village inspired by “Mickey’s Christmas Carol.”

Disney Springs

The holidays arrive at Disney Springs on Nov. 7, when the area will transform into a winter wonderland, full of sparkling lights, enchanting décor and holiday surprises. Disney Springs is the place to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list – including yourself!  And here, you’ll want to take a break and savor the comforting flavors of the season.

As you wander, you can enjoy the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll presented by AdventHealth, with elaborately decorated, Disney-themed trees appearing throughout the shopping, dining and entertainment district. There will also be music-playing DJs during the day, and in the evening, stilt-walking toy soldiers, skating snowflakes and a magical snowfall will add a touch of wonder for holiday shoppers at surprise locations.

Santa and Mrs. Claus are also making the trip to Disney Springs this year, where later in November you’ll be able to catch them soaking up their last bit of Florida sunshine before their big night. Look for them cruising Lake Buena Vista and sharing Christmas wishes from a pair of colorfully decorated pontoon boats.

Disney Parks Holiday Merchandise

You can bring the Disney Parks magic of the season home with you with new holiday-themed merchandise available throughout Walt Disney World Resort, as well as the Downtown Disney District and Buena Vista Street at Disneyland Resort in California (starting Nov. 19) and online at shopDisney.com. From apparel to accessories to homeware and more, these very merry collections feature the latest ear headbands, spirit jerseys for adults and children, plush, mini-backpacks by Loungefly, cloth face coverings and more. Highlights include:

• The first Disney Parks holiday snow blower
• Matching holiday onesies for the whole family
• Fuzzy clogs by Crocs
• A new holiday collection from BaubleBar
• And much more!

This is just a sampling of all the festive fun you will enjoy at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort this year. And there’s more to come! EPCOT gets into the spirit a little later in the month, when the Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth kicks off Nov. 27 with live entertainment, Holiday Kitchens, the Holiday Cookie Stroll and more.

The Disney Parks Blog is also celebrating #DisneyMagicMoments of the season with our special new “Everything Holidays” section, featuring live events, DIY activities and more festive content through the end of 2020. So keep checking back here with us for more!

[A.J.]

Walt Disney World is reintroducing Park Hopper options, starting in January 2021!

You'll make a reservation for your "first" park and then get to go to another one after a certain time based on park- and capacity-specific "park hopper" hours.

 

https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2020/11/park-hopper-option-returns-to-walt-disney-world-resort-starting-january-2021/?fbclid=IwAR3MtGUiDmjrf8jAIBgfDOMae-4r9XWDRU7H6tKVaJ8eA_HPi6K66ClX-rs

Park Hopper Option Returns to Walt Disney World Resort Starting January 2021

As the phased reopening of Walt Disney World Resort continues, we are nearing another exciting milestone we know many guests have been looking forward to: the return of the Park Hopper option! Starting Jan. 1, 2021, guests who purchased a ticket or annual pass with Park Hopper benefits will be able to visit more than one park per day, with some new modifications as part of our ongoing focus on health and safety.

With the updated Park Hopper experience, guests must make a Disney Park Pass reservation for the first park they plan to visit AND enter that first park prior to visiting another. At this time, a park reservation is not required after the first park, however, reservation requirements are subject to change.

Additionally, we will set specific Park Hopper hours during which this option will be available. Park Hopper hours will start at 2 p.m. each day and end at the park’s scheduled close time. Guests will soon be able to check DisneyWorld.com/ParkHours and the My Disney Experience app for the most up-to-date Park Hopper hours, as they could start earlier at a later date, depending on the day and park.

[coasterbill]

[cfc]

I'm glad that park hoppers are coming back. I especially like being able to get on the Sky Liner at the Studios to fly over to Epcot for lunch.

[pianojohn]

NOTE: you cannot get ROTR reservations unless DHS is the primary/first park you visit when park hopping.  Not sure if this is new, but Disney did clarify this.  Makes sense.  And I assume there will be a 2pm exodus from DHS if you don't get in the 2nd group of riders for the day.

[Domm]

We'll be coming to the Magic kingdom this Wednesday 12/2 for the first time. Any guidance or tips to maximize the time would be great. I've only been to Disneyland/CA adventure so I have no idea how the ticketing/fast pass systems work and what lines will be like on this day.

Thanks!