Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom Discussion Thread

[KBrylczyk]

Yeah, Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island are getting axed for these expansions.  Here's a look at the overall area where they're going.  Basically all of that green space from Tom Sawyer Island and north, stretching from east of Caribbean Way, south of Floridian Way, and west of Center Drive is in play.  I'm assuming Cars Land will be TSI and west, Villains will be north of Haunted Mansion.

[Hilltopper39]

I'm a little torn on this expansion, on one hand I don't mind them removing Tom Sawyer Island and Rivers of America but I don't love the Cars property, especially in Frontierland? Thematically I don't really know how it's going to fit, but also I don't know if anyone even cares about that kind of stuff anymore. I will miss the ambiance of the river and that area in general, but if this turns into a lushly forested Grizzly Peak/Wilderness Lodge type area with a killer attraction then I don't think anyone will really miss it. 

 

Also after years of them teasing "what's beyond thunder mountain?" it seems kind of obvious now that that to even get to the land plots beyond you have to go straight through Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer's Island so I guess this shouldn't be that surprising.

[Satans Hockey]

Out of all the times I've been to the park I went on the boat once and didn't find anything special about it. Rarely ever saw many people using Tom Sawyer Island too. They need more rides that take up a decent amount of people and the cars ride helps there. I love the cars franchise though.

Also don't care if they eventually remove the hall of presidents either. I haven't been in there since I was a kid and I have 0 interest in ever sitting through it again.

[Chiselphane]

I absolutely adore Tom Sawyer Island but I can't deny that it's not popular and the real estate will be better used for other things.  I'm just sad I never got the chance to eat at Aunt Polly's.   And Villains Land is a dream project so definitely no complaints there!

[Zand]

For the low, low price of $449 you can skip every line at Magic Kingdom, as long as you've already ponied up $1k+ on a room.

That's $150 more than I paid for a national Six Flags Platinum Flash Pass that is good for 17 months

[mikeykaise]

when it takes a bank loan to go see a walking and talking mouse the business might wanna review ticket prices.... I'd love to visit the SW areas and Animal Kingdom but not gonna put myself in the poor house to do it though.

[Nrthwnd]

^ Makes me sad that many families will put themself into that position of income (i.e. poor house), once they start planning and paying for their WDW trips.

[Zand]

Unless the crowd levels ever start actually dropping at Disney, hoping for a price reduction is a pipe dream.

[CaptainUnknown]

4 hours ago, mikeykaise said:

when it takes a bank loan to go see a walking and talking mouse the business might wanna review ticket prices.... I've love to visit the SW areas and Animal Kingdom but not gonna put myself in the poor house to do it though.

I agree with this to an extent. Even with ticket prices being as high as Snoop Dogg on April 20th in a White Castle parking lot, the parks get a metric assload of visitors per day. So it's no question that a corporation would rather price some people out than lower ticket costs and cap attendance.

[KBrylczyk]

Nobody is forcing LLP on the guests. This is just another easy cash grab for the company.  Yeah, a single day ticket is pricey, but compared to the price of other entertainment options these days it's actually quite reasonable.  Would I rather spend $200 for a day at Disney or spend $200 for a 2-hour Broadway show?

Disney.  No question.  I'm a friggin IATSE Journeyman stagehand and I'd rather go to Disney than support my industry.  The last Broadway show I saw was A Strange Loop two years ago and that's only because I found a balcony seat day-of for $58.  Cursed Child I spent $156 on for the second row but that was entirely funded by my per diem budget while on tour.

[prozach626]

I think the lightning passes are great. The prices aren't for everyone. It's for those who are willing to pay for the experience. It's not mandatory. 

If you're taking out a loan to go to Disney, then you shouldn't be going to Disney.

[Nrthwnd]

Has anybody heard or seen recent news, that the Disney CARS attraction in MK won't be trackless and instead, be tracked like Racers in DCA? Just wondering, here.

[Haymaker]

4 hours ago, Nrthwnd said:

Has anybody heard or seen recent news, that the Disney CARS attraction in MK won't be trackless and instead, be tracked like Racers in DCA? Just wondering, here.

Trackless, they shared an inspiration story video on it recently

[Nrthwnd]

^ Have to contradict you, as several Disney World sites are now posting that a track-based ride will be created.

Here's a post headline from one of those sites:

"Walt Disney Imagineering Confirms New Cars-themed Rally Race Attraction Will Use Track-Based Ride System Despite Rumors" (BlogMickey.com)

That's what I've been finding. And I am kinda sad that it won't be trackless.

 

[Haymaker]

13 hours ago, Nrthwnd said:

^ Have to contradict you, as several Disney World sites are now posting that a track-based ride will be created.

Here's a post headline from one of those sites:

"Walt Disney Imagineering Confirms New Cars-themed Rally Race Attraction Will Use Track-Based Ride System Despite Rumors" (BlogMickey.com)

That's what I've been finding. And I am kinda sad that it won't be trackless.

 

https://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/cars-land-magic-kingdom/news/09nov2024-disney-reveals-trackless-all-terrain-ride-system-for-new-cars-attraction-at-d23-brazil.htm

I think its still up in the air, or a misinterpretation by the site you quote, as a trackless ride still follows a track (like racetrack). 

[Nrthwnd]

^ That's true. Once the foundation is laid, and they actually start building, we'll know soon enough.

[jedimaster1227]

Walt Disney World Resort has announced that Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin will receive updates including updated ride vehicles and blasters, gameplay enhancements and more!

https://disneyparksblog.com/wdw/new-space-ranger-spin-updates-coming-to-disney-world/

Calling all Space Rangers! Exciting updates are on the horizon for Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, including a new show scene, updated ride vehicles and gameplay enhancements. Here’s what you can expect from this iconic Tomorrowland attraction next year.   

Brand New Scene

As their adventure begins, guests will now be greeted by an all-new character! This friendly robot — aptly named “Buddy” — was created by Walt Disney Imagineering and Pixar Animation Studios to play a key role on the Star Command team.  

As a support-bot, Buddy makes sure departing Space Rangers are fully prepared for their mission, enthusiastically providing encouragement, final system checks on their Star Cruisers and a chance to hone their blaster aim. This will be a great time for guests to check out some of the new, interactive target features before blasting off to defeat the Evil Emperor Zurg and save the galaxy. 

New Ride Vehicles

Star cruisers will also receive a face lift with a new design inspired by the colors of Buzz Lightyear and Star Command. Each enhanced vehicle will also now come equipped with video monitors that provide real-time scoring updates and other exciting features.  

Handheld Blasters

Each ride vehicle will now include handheld blasters for better aim, helping guests to score even more points. These new blasters will be perfect for our younger riders, allowing them to participate more in the experience.  

And, if you’ve ever wondered where you’re aiming (don’t worry, you’re not alone), these enhanced blasters will now include an always-on laser and come in two different colors per star cruiser, in addition to new lighting, sound and vibration effects, so players know where they’re aiming throughout the mission.  

Interactive Targets

The static Z targets found in the attraction today will be upgraded with new technology that will allow them to react and light up when hit. It also opens the door for a few other ideas Imagineers have in mind.  

Work on these updates recently passed an important milestone, as fellow Imagineers were invited to participate in a playtest of the new targets, blasters and gameplay ideas. Playtests are a critical part of the design process, where the project team is able to try out variations of a concept in a real-world setting, gaining critical insights into which ideas work best and how the experience can be improved. It’s all part of delivering an out-of-this-world experience for our guests. 

“Everyone had a great time, and our team learned a lot,” project creative director Justin DeTolla said. “We’ve been working on this project for quite some time now, so it was exciting to see it all come to life for the first time in the field.”  

To prepare for these updates, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin will temporarily close in August and reopen next year. Star Command, over and out! 

[Garet]

It looks similar to the upgrades in Hong Kong, when they changed it to Ant-Man. Part of that though was vehicles all followed a set rotation, are they also removing the ability to turn and rotate your own vehicle here? 

[cfc]

Great! Shooting dark rides have come a long way since this attraction first opened, and It'll be good to see the original Buzz Lightyear get an upgrade.

[DannySixFlags]

Is Ken Mitchroney going to stay as Zurg?? Because that's the first voice Zurg ever had...

[jedimaster1227]

Walt Disney World has revealed new details regarding the Pirates of the Caribbean-themed tavern coming to Magic Kingdom Park, The Beak and Barrel.

https://disneyparksblog.com/wdw/the-beak-and-barrel-new-details-from-pirates-of-the-caribbean-tavern/

It’s time to raise a glass and let out a hearty shout – The Beak and Barrel opens later this year in Adventureland at Magic Kingdom Park! Established by the legendary pirate rumrunner, Captain Meridian “Merry” Goldwyn, and her talkative first mate, Rummy (more on them below), this lively pirate pub will soon welcome swashbucklers, scoundrels, bandits and buccaneers of all ages from every corner of the seven seas. 

Meet Rummy

As Merry’s trusted companion and first mate, Rummy serves as the tavern’s quartermaster keeping an eye on the place from his roost high atop the bar. Although retired from seafaring life, Rummy is a dutiful crewman to his beloved Merry, ensuring everything is ship-shape, sharing tales of piracy and leading the bar in a rousing toast or two.  

Eagle-eyed Disney fans may notice that Rummy bears a striking resemblance to the original Barker Bird that previously sat at the entrance to Pirates of the Caribbean but flew the coop some time ago. 

The Mess

The largest and central space at The Beak and Barrel was once the mess hall for Spanish soldiers and is now known appropriately as “The Mess.” Long tables span the room, allowing for pirates to gather ‘round and tell their own tales, while an imposing anchor covered in candles and dripping wax hangs high above.  

A large bar anchors one side of the room, cobbled together from salvaged portions of a cursed shipwreck. At its center, the skull-shaped stern holds an impressive collection of grogs and brew. Guests may also spot the Enchanted Rum Bottle, which was gifted to Merry by the enchantress Tia Dalma and seemingly serves as the source of the tavern’s specialty brews, or Rummy hobbling along the bar’s ledge, greeting the patrons and keeping a close eye on the crew while Merry is away.  

Captains’ Quarters

Inside the Captains’ Quarters, visiting pirates can enjoy a taste of the finer life, which was once the living quarters of the Spanish Comandante. However, the fine artwork and drapery hasn’t escaped slashing blades or burn marks over the years by rambunctious pirates, and in some places, faded spots on the wall are all that remains of now plundered portraits.  

Above the fireplace are mounted five miniature ships in glass bottles, rumored to represent pirates from every corner of the world banding together to defeat tyranny. Keep a weathered eye out, as these mysterious bottles have been known to come alive and engage in a fearsome battle.  

There’s still plenty more to be discovered inside The Beak and Barrel, but that’s enough for today. Be sure to stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for more details, including the opening date and a first look at some of the sea-worthy selection of drinks and bites fit for pirates of all ages coming soon. It’s a pirate’s life for us!

[prozach626]

Interested to know more about the enchanted rum bottle.

[jedimaster1227]

The Walt Disney World Resort has released new information regarding Disney Starlight, the new nighttime parade set to debut at the park on July 20th, 2025!

https://disneyparksblog.com/wdw/everything-we-know-about-disney-starlight/

Raise your hand if you love a Disney parade! I know I do! Announced last August at D23 EXPO, “Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away” is the new nighttime parade coming to Walt Disney World this summer.  

While we’re eagerly awaiting to see “Disney Starlight” light up the streets of Magic Kingdom, I had the chance to speak with the creative team behind the magic to share everything we have to look forward to soon.  

When is “Disney Starlight” coming to Magic Kingdom?  

It's official! Just announced: you can dream the night away at Magic Kingdom when “Disney Starlight” debuts July 20. And, you don’t have to wait to see a sneak peek of the poster coming soon to the Magic Kingdom train station! 

Will there be “Disney Starlight” merchandise?

Of course! Sparkle along with the show with a “Disney Starlight” logo tee shirt, blanket, a Disney pin, a light up pair of Mickey Ears with a removable bow, and a light-up bubble wand that will dance along with the parade. 

And, for the snackers, a dreamy new popcorn mix is coming soon!  

Themed to celebrate the debut of “Disney Starlight,” this new offering will be available exclusively at the Main Street Confectionary in Magic Kingdom starting the first night of the new parade. Guests can enjoy a star-kissed mix of Bubble Gum and Blue Raspberry Candy Popcorn, M&M’S® Milk Chocolate Candies, mini-marshmallows, and white chocolatey drizzle. 

How were the “Disney Starlight” floats designed?

Designing floats for a nighttime parade adds another layer to the live entertainment production process. This first look at the floats reveals these are more than just static structures – they are storytelling stages on wheels.  

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DKLNtosSCPC/ 

When we think about what this storytelling looks like at night, we think about creating these landscapes – or dreamscapes, as we think about them – out of light. How do we use this medium to portray movement, color, and imagery that we would normally see in a more scenically driven float during the daytime? Today’s technology gives us more options than ever to use lighting and video elements as a storytelling tool. 

For instance, our Blue Fairy magic, seen throughout the parade, is made completely from points of light; the use of a curved LED panels on the Encanto float gives us the opportunity to create magic and movement that a static image would not provide. This is the exciting technology and art of the “Disney Starlight” floats. 

And speaking of exciting, here’s a moment we’ve been eagerly waiting for: the reveal of the grand finale float of “Disney Starlight.”  

All the joy, wonder, and magic culminates in the parade’s finale, where a whimsical train, inspired by the iconic Main Street Electrical Parade float, emerges to take dreamers of all ages on a ride through the stars. 
 
Swirling ribbons of starlight reveal Goofy, Pluto, Donald Duck, and Daisy Duck leading a procession of Disney moments that includes Snow White and Dopey in a twinkling minecar, Rapunzel and Flynn Rider floating toward a gleaming lantern on their boat, and Aladdin and Jasmine taking a magic carpet ride. 
 
Closing out the celebration are the original dreamers, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, draped in sparkling new looks. Together, the duo sends us off, reminding us to believe in the power of wishing upon a star. Which of the finale friends are you most excited to see? 

What music will we hear in “Disney Starlight”?  

A parade without music is like a canvas without color. Show Director Tara Anderson said it perfectly: “You’ve got to have great music to have a great experience.”  

We have an original theme written specifically for “Disney Starlight” that truly embodies all the majestic and fantasy feelings you get watching a parade come down Main Street, U.S.A. with Cinderella Castle in the background. For Disney fans, this new theme may have some surprises that sound familiar – be sure to listen closely for some Disney Parks favorites woven into the score. 

Is "Disney Starlight” rehearsing now? 

While floats set the stage, and music sets the tone, our performers bring the energy and excitement. Choreographed by Cindy Wilson, who drew inspiration from each of the films represented in the parade, as well as a mix of different dance styles. Every eight-count is meticulously timed to coordinate with the music and lights as they animate across the costumes and floats. 

Every float built, every note in the music you hear, every performer learning the choreography for the first time – it all plays a part in building the excitement and anticipation as we get closer to the final production.  

I’ll leave you with a final quote from Tara. Anyone who has worked with her can attest that this is really something she says throughout every project as we prepare for guests to see all the hard work come to fruition, and I think it really embodies what motivates the team behind the “Disney Starlight” parade: “We need to touch every heart.” 

What is “Disney Starlight” about?  

“Disney Starlight” transports guests into the stories of our beloved Disney characters. Through the power of the Blue Fairy’s magic, you’ll watch dreams and wishes come true. As the lights dance from float to float, you’ll see favorite classic and contemporary characters from Walt Disney Animation Studios and Disney Pixar films, some for the very first time in a Disney Live Entertainment nighttime parade! 

Brought to life by the creative hands and hearts at Disney Live Entertainment, "Disney Starlight” is the perfect continuation of our legacy of nighttime parades, with bits of nostalgia sprinkled throughout a dazzling procession that raises the bar for the future.  

This idea holds true for every part of this parade, not only in the float design, but in the music, choreography, and more. With several members of the creative team having worked on fan-favorites such as “Main Street Electrical Parade” and “SpectroMagic,” you will see the inspiration from ever-iconic electrical parades of years past. “Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away” recalls the nostalgia of nighttime spectaculars with innovation lighting the way for a magical experience like never before. 

What Characters Can We See in “Disney Starlight?” 

From the moment the Blue Fairy’s magic wand lights up the night, dreams will come to life with an enchanting order of floats with these fantastic friends:

• The Blue Fairy  
• Peter Pan & Wendy 
• Asha 
•  La Familia Madrigal (Mirabel, Isabela, Bruno) 
• Elsa 
• Aurora and Prince Phillip, Tiana and Prince Naveen, Belle and the Beast, and Cinderella and Prince Charming 
• Miguel and Pepita
• Moana  
• Goofy, Pluto, Donald Duck and Daisy Duck,Snow White and Dopey, Rapunzel and Flynn Rider, Aladdin and Jasmine, and Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse

“Disney Starlight,” we can’t wait to see you this summer – July 20 is going to be the dreamiest night!  

[A.J.]

Disney has shared some brand-new artwork of the Rivers of America replacement, now called Piston Peak National Park!

https://disneyparksblog.com/wdw/piston-peak-national-park-builds-on-the-story-of-frontierland/

Cars from around the country are fueling up to be the wildest racer in the “wheelderness.” Of course, we know that fans are curious to see how the exciting new backdrop for the big rally race will fit into the waters, landscapes, and storytelling at Magic Kingdom. 

Today, we are excited to share that Piston Peak National Park will continue the sweeping storytelling tradition that has crossed Liberty Square and Frontierland since opening day.   

Westward Ho! Crossing into New Frontiers at Magic Kingdom

Since the early days of Magic Kingdom, adventurous guests have traveled across space and time as they pass from Liberty Square to Frontierland. Starting with architectural influences from upstate New York and colonial America in Liberty Square, before traveling to a bear-y fun concert in the North Woods, a stop by New Orleans at Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, and ending in the Arizona bluffs at Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.   

At the heart of all these stories are heroic characters with a belief in themselves that helped forge a path to their dreams. To continue this journey in great American storytelling, Piston Peak National Park will be part of the largest expansion in the history of Magic Kingdom.

Welcome to Piston Peak National Park

Imagine an awe-inspiring wilderness filled with towering trees, snowcapped mountains, breathtaking waterfalls, roaring rivers and impressive geysers. While fictional, Piston Peak is inspired by the Rocky Mountain area and the history and iconic sights of the American Frontier and its national parks.   

Inside Piston Peak, guests will be able to see and explore the visitor lodge, Ranger HQ, trails and more all set within the Disney and Pixar “Cars” universe. To make sure these buildings fit naturally within the surrounding majestic landscapes, Imagineers are using a style of architecture called “Parkitecture,” which was developed by the National Park Service to create structures that harmonize with the natural environment.    

From the outside, trees will provide a natural barrier between the off-road rally and other parts of Frontierland and Liberty Square. Rugged mountains with dramatic peaks will be nestled along a calming waterway across from Grizzly Hall and soaring geysers from the famed Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will stretch into the trails of our off-road rally. 

[KBrylczyk]

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