We spent the day at Magic Kingdom on February 14. It was a gorgeous day and a lot had changed since our last visit.
New banners were up along the entrance hallways:
Part of Exposition Hall is still under scrims:
The Confectionery is also covered by scrims:
Cinderella Castle looked gorgeous, as always:
The Adventureland bridge had been walled off for maintenance:
A temporary bridge was in place for guests to use:
The princesses were greeting guests just over the bridge in Adventureland (immediately to the right):
The Enchanted Tiki Room: Under New Management was not operating:
El Pirata Y el Perico has been renamed Tortuga Tavern:
There was some construction at Pecos Bill's:
Splash Mountain's flumes had the lap bars installed. It looked like there was more room to climb in the flumes without the handles that were there previously:
We got on the train at the Frontierland station. The narration says that the next stop is Main Street, U.S.A. but the train *did* stop at the Toontown stop. Several announcements were made to stay on the train. The station was blocked off:
The walkway from Tomorrowland to Toontown was closed off:
We got off the train at the Main Street Station. Part of City Hall is also under scrims:
We walked back to Tomorrowland. We saw that Mickey and Minnie were greeting guests to the right of Space Mountain, closer to the bathrooms:
Two lanes of the Tomorrowland Speedway were torn up:
Toontown was walled off but you could still see the sign:
The new signs around Fantasyland look great:
Mrs. Potts Cupboard has been renamed Storybook Treats:
There was a sign for the upcoming Seven Dwarf's Mine Train:
A new ice cream cart is in Fantasyland. I love that it looks like Maurice's invention from Beauty & the Beast!
The Toontown pin cart has been moved to Fantasyland:
The spine on Belle's book on the Beauty & the Beast sign says "Fantasyland":
Pinocchio was greeting guests near Pinocchio's Village Haus:
The Haunted Mansion queue line is still walled off to get ready for the new interactive queue and the turnstile is gone:
Ariel and Prince Eric were greeting guests in the Adventureland Veranda Gazebo:
We rode the Tomorrowland Transit Authority Peoplemover (so glad Peoplemover is back in the name!) and we saw that the line for the Tomorrowland Speedway was slow moving because they could only run two lanes:
Over at the Emporium, they had some 40th anniversary merchandise out:
Uptown Jewelers had a 40th anniversary Dooney + Bourke bag:
They also had the new seatbelt bags:
The Art of Disney had the 40th anniversary ears and pin set:
There was a "tunnel" to walk under along the sidewalk by the Confectionery:
The new "Let the Memories Begin!" signs are out at the front of the depot:
I took me a while to realize something was different about the map... Toontown was gone:
It really was a great day. The weather was perfect and I got to spend time with my mom and brother. We had a wonderful time just roaming around and talking... and noticing the changes since we had last been there.
Have a MAGICAL day!! :)
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Posted by Ashley Livingston on February 15, 2011 6:00 AM | 
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Comments (46)
Thank you for your post - very interesting to see all the changes to Magic Kingdom, especially seeing a guide map without Toon Town!
I really like that icecream cart themed to Maurice's invention (Beauty & The Beast) ... and I think I 'need' a Dooney & Bourke 40-year anniversary bag ;)
Emma :)
Posted by Emma, Surrey England | February 15, 2011 8:06 AM
Posted on February 15, 2011 08:06
Great blog!
So many changes.
Thanks for sharing.
Posted by Miguel | February 15, 2011 1:40 PM
Posted on February 15, 2011 13:40
Loved this article about some of the changes at The Magic Kingdom!! Can't wait until all these new things are completed and updated!!! What is the 7 Dwarfs train ride?
AllEars: The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train was announced in December 2010. Thrill-wise it will be between Goofy's Barnstormer and Big Thunder Mountain.
http://land.allears.net/blogs/dnews/2011/01/largest_expansion_in_magic_kin_1.html
Posted by Danielle | February 15, 2011 1:58 PM
Posted on February 15, 2011 13:58
Love the scrims! Cool how they do that. Is there anything Disney does that isn't amazing? Thanks for posting!
Posted by Matt Schaubroeck | February 15, 2011 1:59 PM
Posted on February 15, 2011 13:59
Love the scrims! Cool how they do that. Is there anything that Disney does that isn't amazing? ;)
Thanks for posting!
Posted by Matt Schaubroeck | February 15, 2011 2:02 PM
Posted on February 15, 2011 14:02
I cannot say I was a fan of Toontown so I'm not sad to see it go. I hate seeing so much of MK blocked off, but I know it has to happen to make it even better! Thanks for the update!!
Posted by Jennifer | February 15, 2011 2:09 PM
Posted on February 15, 2011 14:09
The fantasyland ride #'s are different too. Is SWSA gone too ? That may account for the shift in numbers...My latest map is from Feb 6th , but it is the same as my Jan map.
ASHLEY:
Snow White's Scary Adventure is still there.
Posted by vanessa gordon | February 15, 2011 2:17 PM
Posted on February 15, 2011 14:17
Can't wait to see all of this in person in March, our 22nd visit.
Posted by Jeanine Van Voorhees | February 15, 2011 2:21 PM
Posted on February 15, 2011 14:21
great over view-------a time of year for those that like walls-------but must admit that the painted scrims are so much nicer than the blaise cloth covers that they used to use.
Posted by Alpha Gollihugh | February 15, 2011 2:27 PM
Posted on February 15, 2011 14:27
wow, glad im not visiting february. Is this due to recession and low attendance, or more positive changes.
Posted by tammy jacobs | February 15, 2011 2:29 PM
Posted on February 15, 2011 14:29
Thanks for the updates and great pix. Missing WDW so much right now!
Posted by Tracey | February 15, 2011 3:10 PM
Posted on February 15, 2011 15:10
What a great pictorial! Thanks so much for all the details. I will be there in two weeks, and was really curious what changes were already in place.
Posted by Maggie Andrelczyk | February 15, 2011 3:28 PM
Posted on February 15, 2011 15:28
Wow, lots of changes. Although, I must say, I would be extremely disappointed if that was the 1st time my family and I had been to Disney. All of the construction seems to take away from the 'magic'...I don't know...maybe it's just me. We're still very sad that Toontown is gone. My boys loved it! We're going in Oct and can't wait to see all of the new things. Great pictures!!
Posted by Glory Hoeflich | February 15, 2011 3:32 PM
Posted on February 15, 2011 15:32
What exactly is a seatbelt bag? I saw the pictures but they look like regular handbags.
ASHLEY:
They are bags made out of seatbelts instead of cloth or leather. In all honesty, I'm not sure I would have realized that's what they were if I hadn't seen the posts from the Disney Store on Facebook about them last week.
Posted by Brenda | February 15, 2011 4:04 PM
Posted on February 15, 2011 16:04
We were just there last week, it's amazing how much has changed since we were just there in October. Can't wait until all the construction is completed! Thank you for the update about the Haunted Mansion que - we asked several cast members and they weren't giving up any information.
Posted by Debby Schem | February 15, 2011 4:52 PM
Posted on February 15, 2011 16:52
Wow, thanks so much for all the pictures. I really enjoyed. Definitely looks different that what we saw in Dec. Can't wait for the changes to be done. Another purse, I own 3 already. Something else to consider.
Posted by Susan Kometz | February 15, 2011 5:47 PM
Posted on February 15, 2011 17:47
So when is all of the constructions expected to be completed? by June 2012??
ASHLEY:
The Fantasyland construction won't be completely finished until 2013. The first phase will open in 2012.
The refurbishment of the buildings along Main Street shouldn't last too long.
Posted by Dana | February 15, 2011 5:52 PM
Posted on February 15, 2011 17:52
I'm excited to see the new Haunted Mansion queue. Thanks for the updates!
Posted by Rose | February 15, 2011 6:02 PM
Posted on February 15, 2011 18:02
Dear Disney People:
Please finish this by August! LOL
Posted by Julie Anne Ianello | February 15, 2011 6:26 PM
Posted on February 15, 2011 18:26
We were there last Friday, when we heard a cast member say that Toontown would be closing for good at 8pm that night! We ran over and took pictures and went to visit Mickey and Minnie to wish them well on their move!
Posted by Loye Schulthess | February 15, 2011 6:28 PM
Posted on February 15, 2011 18:28
Thanks for the update. I was just thinking about the Toon Town Railroad Station this morning. Nice job! :)
Posted by Cedric | February 15, 2011 9:31 PM
Posted on February 15, 2011 21:31
Thank you so much for all the info. Have been wondering how prgress has been made on the expansion but hadn't really heard anything.
Posted by Cindy | February 15, 2011 11:31 PM
Posted on February 15, 2011 23:31
My friend Eileen and I are going in May, and I did not realize this was the 40th anniversary. Just wore my 25th anniversary sweatshirt last weekend. Hope all the construction on Main Street is done by then. Can't wait to see what's new.
Posted by Bobbie | February 16, 2011 10:10 AM
Posted on February 16, 2011 10:10
great post!! can't wait for all the new fantasyland attractions. El Pirata changing its name... My wife and I are yet to walk by that place when it's open... anyone else encounter that?
Posted by Scott Szafasz | February 16, 2011 3:22 PM
Posted on February 16, 2011 15:22
My sister and I are going to WDW this Easter. Will the bldgs along Main Street be done by then? Also, will the Easter parade still take place? One more question, will Cinderella Castle still be in tact?
Thanks....
ASHLEY:
Disney hasn't said when the buildings on Main Street will be finished. The Easter parade no longer takes place. Yes, Cinderella Castle will still be in tact. Have fun at Disney World!! :)
Posted by Debbie | February 16, 2011 8:53 PM
Posted on February 16, 2011 20:53
Hey just realized were going to Disney this summer and it's their 40th and MY 40th b-day!!! Cool souvies for me :)
Posted by Karen | February 16, 2011 10:56 PM
Posted on February 16, 2011 22:56
Wow! Lots and lots of construction going on! It seems to me that there have been tons of scrims up around the park this year--it seems everything is getting a fresh coat of paint for the 40th Anniversary! Disney posted a huge profit for the most recent quarter (and I believe for the year as a whole--lots of big movies!) --it doesn't surprise me that they are using some of the newfound revenue for some park improvements--there are certainly areas that need it!
Posted by Heather Macdonald | February 16, 2011 11:52 PM
Posted on February 16, 2011 23:52
I'm going to be going down Feb. 26 and will be there through March 5. Will the shops on Main Street be open during all this?
ASHLEY:
Yes, the shops on Main Street are open.
Posted by Michele Blackford | February 17, 2011 7:30 AM
Posted on February 17, 2011 07:30
Wow. It looks like they are doing a ton of work to MK. I'm glad they are getting a lot done. It needed it. But I am also glad I am not going this year and by the time I go back next year all of this stuff will be completed.
Posted by Kevin Gramlin | February 17, 2011 9:23 AM
Posted on February 17, 2011 09:23
Wow, thanks for taking time out of your day with your family to stop and make note of all the current changes going on!! It's weird to see everything blocked off, but it will all be worth it in the end!! I am hoping to start plannning my next trip soon!! Thanks again!!
Posted by Jen S. | February 17, 2011 9:27 AM
Posted on February 17, 2011 09:27
Does WDW plan to move minnie and mickey's house to Fantasyland? We will be visiting during Easter and I was looking forward to my 3yr old visiting Minnie's house.
Deb Koma replies: During construction of the new Fantasyland, Mickey and Minnie are greeting guests in Tomorrowland, near Space Mountain. Once the new Fantasyland opens in 2012, we've been told that there will be some place special for Mickey and Minnie, but there are no specifics released as yet.
Posted by Bridgett | February 17, 2011 10:45 AM
Posted on February 17, 2011 10:45
Thanks for the updates on Magic Kingdom. I have reservations to go with my wife and three kids in August. I can't wait to see the changes
Posted by Jeff G. | February 17, 2011 12:36 PM
Posted on February 17, 2011 12:36
With the tunnel, is the confectionary still open? Where oh where will we get our main street fudge for the parade if it is closed? Yes, technically I understand other places have fudge, but not like Main Street!
ASHLEY:
Yes, the Confectionery is still open. The main entrance is under the tunnel. The side entrance was also open. :)
Posted by Kassie | February 17, 2011 6:02 PM
Posted on February 17, 2011 18:02
Thank you for the comments regarding Disney. We visited last July and had an absolutely wonderful experience. We are seriously thinking about going back this year as it will be my husband's 40th birthday and where else would you want to spend your 40th, but Disney of course! I cannot wait for the new Fantasyland to open. Too bad it wasn't this year.
Posted by Katie | February 17, 2011 7:49 PM
Posted on February 17, 2011 19:49
Hi, im Rob from the UK,(great wesite by the way), my wife and myself have been too WDW 3 times now 2001, 2006 and last year, each year we see different things and wonder what we we find the next time we go (will be May 2012). Hopefully Fantasyland will be complete by then as will the majority of the sheduled works there. We always find that even though there are works ging on you really dont notice them as just being there captures the true magic of Disney. I think its this that brings out the hidden child in all of us, so I say carry on WDW and make it more magical for everyone.
Posted by Robert Newton | February 18, 2011 6:10 AM
Posted on February 18, 2011 06:10
Wow to all the changes. My family and I will be there at the end of March. Do you know if all the construction will still be going on then? I understand fantasyland will not reopen for the first phase until 2012 but what about the rest? Thanks so much - looking forward to my trip!!!(so is my 4 year old seeing the princesses)
ASHLEY:
The Main Street construction/refurbishment does not have posted/set dates. Sorry I can't be more helpful. Hope you and your family have a GREAT time at Disney World!! Please tell your daughter to say hi to the princesses for me. :)
Posted by Stephanie Davis | February 18, 2011 5:21 PM
Posted on February 18, 2011 17:21
Thank you for the update. Have been wondering how its been going since our visit in August 2010. Being a mum of a snall child (and a scardie cat) I am pleased to see the addtion of lapbars to Splash!
Posted by Marie | February 18, 2011 7:14 PM
Posted on February 18, 2011 19:14
I was never a "fan" of Toontown until 2009 when I took my then 2 1/4 year old grandtwins there. The delight on their faces to be able to go into Mickey's and Minnie's houses was amazing.
We are going back this coming May when they will be 3 3/4, and the second thing (after meeting Buzz and Woody) that they wanted to do this trip was to go to Toontown. When I explained that Mickey's and Minnie's houses weren't there any more so we couldn't see them again, there were two very sad little kids...
I hope that the powers that be at WDW eventually re-create Mickey's and Minnie's houses. For the littlest visitors to the Magic Kingdom, nothing is more magical than meeting Mickey and Minnie, having just been in their houses.
ASHLEY:
Mickey and Minnie's houses are being relocated. Disney hasn't said where they will be or when we will see them again but they will be back. Have fun in May!
Posted by Grancee | February 18, 2011 7:45 PM
Posted on February 18, 2011 19:45
We have been to WDW many times but were planning a trip in Oct. with our 5 year old grandson. His first trip. After seeing the changes, I'm wondering should we wait a year. Are the fantasy rides going to still be there during this construction? I wanted him to see all the favorites, Dumbo, Snow White, Pooh. Since it's his first trip, I wanted it to be really special for him. Should we wait? What do you think? Thanks for your input.
ASHLEY:
All the Fantasyland rides are open right now and will be (with the exception of any ride with scheduled maintenance). If you don't mind the walls around the back part of Fantasyland, it's still very magical. The kids I saw around Fantasyland loved looking at the signs on the walls. It's a personal preference, though. Hope you have a great time with your grandson! :)
Posted by Cathy | February 19, 2011 10:45 AM
Posted on February 19, 2011 10:45
Just wondering if WDW has said what is technically being considered the first phase to open in 2012? There are so many changes but just wondering what some of the first things to open up in 2012 will be. Thanks and great info!
ASHLEY:
The original information from the 2009 announcement said that 'The Little Mermaid' ride and the princess area(s) would be the first phase to open in 2012. When they changed the plans somewhat earlier this year, they didn't offer specifics on which attractions would open when.
Posted by Steve Bratcher | February 19, 2011 2:33 PM
Posted on February 19, 2011 14:33
I also noticed that the map only shows 2 lanes of cars running on the Tommorowland Speedway..... what did previous maps show?
ASHLEY:
Previous maps showed the same picture of the Tomorrowland Speedway. I looked at a map from 2009 and it has the same picture on it.
Posted by Cody Shaw | February 20, 2011 12:15 AM
Posted on February 20, 2011 00:15
Thank you so much for all of your pictures and information ! We are going in May and seeing all of the pictures makes us so excited to return !
I do hope that some of the refurbishments will be completed by the time we go. Main Street is one of my favorite places in the world to be!
Posted by Lori | February 20, 2011 3:20 PM
Posted on February 20, 2011 15:20
Hi there, thanks for the great updates. My family and I have been every year for the past ten years from the UK. We love living the dream. We decided not to vacate 2011 due to all the construction, and like many ohers here would be disappointed with all the works, though clearly necessary.
We truely cannot wait to return 2012 !!!
One question from my 9 yr old daughter.....will Goofy's ride and Donald's ship, in what was Toon Town remain ?
ASHLEY:
The only that will remain from Toowtown will be Goofy's Barnstormer. However, it will be re-themed to fit in with the circus area that will be where Toontown was. Donald's house is, unfortunately, not going to be returning. Have a great time in 2012!
Posted by Michael Pritchard | February 21, 2011 5:03 AM
Posted on February 21, 2011 05:03
We are finally getting to go back to the World in September after a 4 year LONG separation. Do you think that a lot of the construction will be complete with the exception of the new Fantasyland? I loved your blog! I just keep getting more excited!
ASHLEY:
Most everything but Fantasyland should be done by your visit in September. Have fun!
Posted by Shannon | February 25, 2011 1:05 PM
Posted on February 25, 2011 13:05
i am so excited about Disney, what a wonderful place to be relaxed, rewarding, wonderful memories celebrating life! Thank you Disney!!!
Posted by christa | March 1, 2011 9:05 AM
Posted on March 1, 2011 09:05
Our family's first visit was in early March with all of the scrims and all of the construction. I must say we were pretty dissapointed in the scenery. It didn't appear to be "magical" in any way at all. Every where we looked were walls and screens. Rides we had read about like Jungle Cruise were running, but not operating properly. It was just a long boring boat ride because nothing moved like the skipper said it should have. Haunted Mansions line was like being in a box and at the end of the ride there was canvas all over the walls. We had saved for 6 years for this and I don't think we'll ever waste that much money again.
Posted by Deidre | April 10, 2011 2:35 PM
Posted on April 10, 2011 14:35