This week, we are heading into the Magic Kingdom, where vast chunks of the park are under refurbishment. As the transition from spring to summer begins, there’s a lot to get finished. The tram system is still working out kinks, the moat remains down, and construction for the Tron coaster has started. Let’s take a look.
Dude! Where’s my Tram?
Based on all of the changes that Disney has been making to entrances and security areas, it was only a matter of time before the Magic Kingdom’s Transportation and Ticket Center saw some construction (apparently, Animal Kingdom is next).
We start out in the parking lot for the temporary tram drop-off. As the Transportation and Ticket Center incorporates new security, the tram is currently dropping guests off by the preferred parking spots.
Main Street U.S.A. Vehicles
During the busier times of the year, the Magic Kingdom rolls out the Main Street vehicles for photo opportunities.
I love seeing the Omnibus parked in the Hub, framed by the lovely Cinderella Castle.
Tomorrowland Changes
Tomorrowland is seeing some aesthetic changes. Cosmic Ray’s is currently being repainted with an all-white palette.
With the water drained from the Tomorrowland side of the moat, you can get a glimpse of the underside of the iconic rocks at the entrance.
I always thought that Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe deserved a much better sign. What do you think?
The Tomorrowland Speedway is still closed as part of the preparation for the Tron roller coaster.
Tomorrowland has gotten new splashes of bright colors, even on the ceilings! Subjectively not as cool as the purple wall, but still pretty neat.
The new paint schemes hearken back to a more retro sci-fi theme, and probably work better than the 1994 scheme. It actually reminds me of the colors of the 1970s.
Marty Called, Wants Changes!
Stitch’s Great Escape isn’t an attraction anymore, they probably should change this. Unless it’s a new attraction featuring Stitch escaping from really big strollers…
Tron Lightcycle Power Run Coaster Construction
As we enjoy the futuristic PeopleMover, you get great views of the first supports for the Tron roller coaster!
You can also see some of the work still being done on the Speedway. Or just the empty lanes…I wish I-4 looked like this sometimes.
Closer views of the Tron construction area.
And least you think all of this work won’t be worth it, our friends from Adventures in VR share this amazing video of the Shanghai Disneyland original version of the ride.
What do you think folks? Will this be a good fit for Tomorrowland? and what other changes to the land would you like to see in support of this beautiful coaster?
Cinderella Castle
The Cinderella Castle side of the dry moat. Interesting views of the lower portion of the castle…and some muck. But the castle is still gorgeous!
Fantasyland
More renovations and refurbishments mean more scrims! The Fantasyland scrims do add to the color and feel of the area.
Why is the Sword in the Stone is covered with a bag? Or what looks like a bag…this is truly beyond us. Is it to protect it from potential lightning strikes? Or just part of a refurb?
Haunted Mansion Photos!
When the attractions go down, Disney tries to entertain the crowds with alternative methods. Thus, the hopscotch in front of the Mansion. While the Haunted Mansion was down, I got some pretty cool photos!
Look, ma! No people!
Splash Mountain Photos!
Splash Mountain was also down, which made for longer waits at some of the other marquee attractions.
This and That
The view from the front row of Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is pretty great! (Check out the POV and History video from ImagiNERDing.)
Walls are up outside the Tortuga Tavern. Looks like it is down for a refurbishment, so let’s hope for some new menu items!
The Guest Experience team is out in Adventureland. I’m glad to see them, but it does kind of mess up the theme of Adventureland. I mean, when was the last time you saw a computer monitor with wait times in the jungle?
And I always think they are selling hot dogs.
Don’t you just love that logo?
MiceChat WDW Invasion and Caribbean Cruise October 2019
Join your MicePals for an amazing MiceTrip October 17th through 27th as we conquer Walt Disney World and then cruise the largest ship at sea. More info at the link:
Micetrip – Join Us for the Micechat Sip & Nibble and Caribbean Cruise October 2019
That does it for this week’s column. What do you think? Happy to see so many projects? They sure do make the park a mess. Excited for the Tron Lightcycle Power Run coaster? Let us know in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
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