Magic Kingdom Update – April 2019
Magic Kingdom’s next up for our April 2019 Walt Disney World construction updates & photo reports. In this post, we’ll look at the drained moat around Cinderella Castle, new on-ride Haunted Mansion photo, Adventureland changes, new merchandise, and more.
It’s been a busy few weeks at Magic Kingdom, with spring break followed by Easter resulting in huge crowds for an almost uninterrupted month-plus stretch. With that over, things should now start returning to normal. As with our last update, we set out for Magic Kingdom before dawn on an Extra Magic Hours morning that would see the park opening at 7 a.m.
Unlike our last visit, which yielded a bunch of pretty photos in my Before Sunrise in Magic Kingdom post, this day was not so pretty. To the contrary, a promising blue hour gave way to an ugly and grey morning, which was a precursor to some pretty intense storms. Given the circumstances, that was actually for the best for me…
Normally, on busy days when Magic Kingdom has early openings, the park starts admitted guests prior to the published time. This is common practice around Walt Disney World, and one of the reasons we recommend arriving early. Last time we did morning EMH a few weeks ago, I believe we were in the park around 6:45 a.m.
I was banking on the same this time, as official sunrise time was 7 a.m., which meant that getting into the park on time would be potentially late for the best color in the sky. However, 6:45 a.m. came and went, then 7 a.m. came and went, and we still weren’t allowed to enter Magic Kingdom.
The entire area pictured above was filled with guests, and it looked like the turnstiles had stopped allowing new guests to enter (for lack of available space). Guests at the front of the pack, who had been waiting since between 6 and 6:30 a.m., were starting to get perturbed. I probably would’ve been annoyed if a glorious sunset were bursting with color overhead, but the dawn blue had given way to a grey morning haze.
Finally, at 7:15 a.m. we were allowed to enter, with everyone racing to Fantasyland because Cast Members were informing guests that Space Mountain was down. All of this may bear little mentioning in the context of an “update” post, but I think it underscoring that things don’t always go according to plan.
No doubt the people around me were zealous planners, and the 15 minutes they lost actually was a big deal. However, you have to be prepared to roll with the punches. One of the reasons we suggest a more laid back or at least flexible approach to planning is to help avoid ‘adult meltdowns’ like the kind that could be witnessed that morning. Rigid plans are a recipe for disappointment or disaster.
The fruits of my morning were pretty much nonexistent. I raced around Fantasyland and Tomorrowland hoping just enough light could break through to illuminate the clouds, which always seemed thisclose to happening, but never did. At least I got my steps in.
Sarah had much better success, looping the TTA PeopleMover several times and riding the Omnibus twice. I can’t help but laugh at the irony of likely being the two people in Magic Kingdom that morning having the absolute least efficient plans, but writing about touring strategy.
Anyway, moving on to the update, here’s a look at the drained moat around Cinderella Castle.
This is being done to widen the pathway between Sleepy Hollow and Fantasyland, which is often a chokepoint for crowds.
We already reported on the color scheme changes and other work here in our Trouble with Tomorrowland Photo Update last week.
More track work continues at Tomorrowland Speedway.
Wall up near Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe.
For a brief window of (literally) less than 60 seconds, the sun started to break through the clouds, providing some nice morning light and a bit of color to the sky.
Had the cloud cover at the horizon been slightly less thick (we’re talking a ~10% shift), that would’ve been the difference between an epic sunrise and a dull grey morning. Funny how ‘best’ and ‘worst’ aren’t on opposite ends of a straight line sunrise spectrum…they’re at near ends of a semi-circle. There’s probably some life lesson about extremes in that somewhere.
Moving to Adventureland, the spitting camel is missing.
Call me sentimental, but if this is permanently gone, I’ll miss seeing unassuming adults recoil as they’re squirted by a devious camel.
Also in Adventureland, the Hei Hei Cone has made its “triumphant” return after being gone for a few days. Disney fans everywhere wanting a creepy snack to stare at them while they eat it breathed a collective sigh of relief.
In case you missed it, we covered all the new ice cream and other desserts in our New Magic Kingdom Snacks & Ice Cream post.
I’m a big proponent of dad hats, and while this particular design and color aren’t for me, I love the approach.
Walt Disney World has gotten better about simple and stylish designs on clothing, but hats are still a problem area. I love a good novelty hat to wear in the parks, but 95% of Disney hats are not suitable for real world use. Less designs that are ‘dialed up to 11’ and more that are understated and classy like this one, please!
While racing around for photos, I spotted this squirrel hamming it up for guests. While there, I overhead the following:
Father: “You were on an incredible safari yesterday and you’re interested in a squirrel today?”
Son, emphatically: “YES!”
Sometimes ‘overhead at Disney’ conversations make you cringe, and sometimes they are pure and amusing.
After I finished with photos and Sarah finished with TTA looping, we met at Haunted Mansion. This was our first time experiencing the attraction since the on-ride photo was added, and that was our main purpose of doing the ride.
Despite going in with that intent, this was our on-ride photo:
It’s a good thing we aren’t aspiring Instagram models.
A couple of weeks ago, this plant-based cuisine guide appeared in Magic Kingdom.
Walt Disney World has been improving by leaps and bounds on this front. Some restaurants still need to do better, but it’s shocking how good some vegan/vegetarian entrees are, even at counter service restaurants. I would’ve never fathomed eating a plant-based burger even 2 years ago, now we regularly eat Beyond Meat burgers at home.
If you’re parking at the Transportation and Ticket Center, construction out front has altered the tram drop-off point, which means more walking. It’s totally manageable, but worth noting.
A similar project has also started at Epcot, and you can expect these to proceed in a manner similar to the work at Disney’s Hollywood Studios as Magic Kingdom and Epcot prepare for their additions and an influx of crowds ahead of Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary.
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YOUR THOUGHTS
What do you think about what we’ve covered in the latest update from Magic Kingdom? Have you done the Haunted Mansion on-ride photo yet? Is yours equally spectacular? Thoughts or insights about current construction projects in Magic Kingdom? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!
This post is really very interesting THANK YOU FOR POST KEEP sharing and posting this kind of blog.
I hope the camel is back in June when we take my niece for the first time! My son gets me every year with the camel (I pretend to not know he’s setting me up for The Great Spit Experience) and we were looking forward to introducing my niece to the sneaky ungulate this year!
On another note, my son was 5 the first time I took him with me to WDW and there we were in Tomorrowland with things shuttling overhead, kids laughing on rides all around us and he was knelt down by every drain in the park, intentlky staring at bugs and trash and incredibly excited by his discovery. Our best pictures of him over the years almost all involve the creatures to be found in the drains, bushes, trees and out of the way spots around all of the parks. It was no surprise to me that his favorite park has always remained Animal Kingdom! His next favorite place in Tom Sawyer Island in MK 🙂
I know this is somewhat off topic, but when I was staying at All Star Movies 2 weeks ago, we were in Mighty Ducks. As we were walking past Dalmatians to the Food Court, I noticed that there were refurbishment fences around 2 of the buildings. Just letting you know that work has started up again.
This is actually very good to know, so thanks! I was thinking it might’ve resumed since the Port Orleans Riverside work did, but it’s good to have confirmation.
Is there any word on how long the tram area will be under construction at Magic Kingdom and Epcot? How long was Hollywood Studios entrance and bus area under construction for?
Our trip is in four months, so just wondering if we’ll have to deal with construction at the entrance of those parks.
Tom, we are thinking of doing the fireworks/ dessert party at Tomorrowland Terrace. We have never done this before, do they give you better seats if you arrive earlier, or do they already have the seating plan decided by the reservations. I am going in Nov with an 11 year old and want to be able to see the show this time, our view from Main Street last time was nil at best and I want this trip to be better. Any tips would be appreciated. TIA
I’d do the after fireworks party. You can go into the reserved section on the hub, stake out a place while everyone else is eating and then afterwards go over for the desserts and avoid the stampede to exit the park. You can sit on the grass but there are no tables (I did this over thanksgiving week and we were able to sit through the entire show.). The view seems better because it’s more straight on and you don’t have a roof blocking part of the show.
I bet the camel is getting a new look in anticipation of the live action Alladin movie release.
Please please please be consistent. If you want text before photo, do it throughout. If you want text after photo, do it throughout.
I love the hat! Hope I can get one in June. Where did you spot it?
Hi Nikki
I am the proud owner of one of those hats, I was there at the same time as Tom & Sarah (but didn’t spot them).
They were pretty abundant in Adventureland, they were also in the Emporium and at D Springs at the Disney Fashion shop whose name I can’t recall…its over past the Coke Shop.
I believe I saw them in World of Disney too.
On the back is sewn in ‘all the birds sing words’ – quite subtle.
Thanks. My family is going in August! Can’t wait…
I totally disagree the color and the design of the “dad hat” scream Tom to me. Now I may just be a long time reader but I think I know!
Haha, almost all of my hats are either some shade of blue or beige, so green would be quite a departure from the norm for me!
You need one for St. Patrick’s day.
Norm is so boring! hahahaha
Not entirely sure who the ghosts are in that pic.
does this mean that MK and EPCOT visitors should expect the 2019 WDW Bus Stop Half Marathon, now that the DHS one is finished?
Only those who are driving. The bus and monorail situation at both parks is not impacted.
Have no fear! The spitting camel is now overlooking Magic Carpets of Aladdin, spitting on riders. At least he was earlier in the month.
It went missing last week or late the week before.
I noticed the camel missing too. Then while on a Keys to the Kingdom tour on 4/10/19 we noticed it behind the Pirates ride building. It’s head was on the the ground next to it’s body, but we all have our bad days. So for a small fee of $99 plus park admission you too can see the missing camel.
Nice coverage of the current state of affairs at MK. The walkway should be really nice, assuming they build in the photo pulloffs. Will be following intently for the next 25 days before we arrive. Thanks, Tom and Sarah
The moat being dry is killing the great views. nice update
at least the castle is still visible. imagine the poor folks at disneyland, some maybe going for the first time, and they can’t even see a castle, just a wall.
During what part of the ride at the Haunted Mansion is the photo taken? My family is very competitive and we always have a contest with the “best” photo taken. Memory maker has been a great investment for us.
It’s in the portrait gallery–you’ll see a bright flash of what’s meant to look like lightning and that’s when your photo is taken.
Thanks. My family is going in August! Can’t wait…
It’s near the beginning of the ride. When you are going past the portraits, you’ll see a “lightning” flash as you pass the last one.
I love your Haunted Mansion picture. My son has a collage of the fine pics taken of him on the rides. He either looks terrified or bored and they made a funny post. Fun blog! Thank you!
When will the moat and path be finished? I’m going in June, hoping that it’s done!
Great update! Is the moat draining limited to just the area around the one pathway or is the entire moat actually drained? We’ll be there soon and I’m hoping it’s the former.
Great update!