Hello there! While this week might feel like a breather after the hustle and bustle of holiday cheer at the parks, there’s still plenty of exciting news and fresh merchandise to explore. Today at Magic Kingdom, we witnessed the arrival of new pins, the introduction of artificial intelligence technology at one of the resorts, and many other updates.
Greetings from the Transportation and Ticket Center
Good morning! Fun fact: during party days like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, the Magic Kingdom often sees lighter crowds, yet opening operations these days can be a bit slow.
For instance, I arrived at the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC) around 7 a.m., with the park opening to general guests at 8 a.m. However, the express monorail to Magic Kingdom was not yet operational. This meant guests opted to take the resort monorail or ferryboat; I went with the ferryboat option.
A Calm Morning Starts the Day
Walking into Magic Kingdom, I was taken aback by just how peaceful it was. Yes, it’s a party day, yet it’s still the busy season. Perhaps the chilly Florida mornings have deterred some visitors from coming out.
Refurbishment Updates
I observed that the restrooms adjacent to City Hall, where guest relations are located, were covered in scrim. The upgrade appears to be light, likely involving some painting, given that only the exterior is covered. This approach keeps the incomplete areas away from guests’ view.
Earlier this year, scaffolding was also sighted near those restroom entrances.
Witnessing Sunrise at the Castle
I can’t get enough of the holiday decorations in the parks, but there’s something extraordinary about witnessing a sunrise at Cinderella Castle during this festive season. It’s almost like stepping into a fairytale.
New Baublebar Earrings
While strolling through Uptown Jewelers, I discovered some delightful new Baublebar earrings. The first set features Mickey and Minnie Mouse elegantly revolving in a pink teacup. They match the Play in the Park collection debuted earlier this year and are available at Uptown Jewelers for $35.00.
A stunning pair of golden Mickey head earrings is also available for $40.00, showcasing a design of an ear headband, Mickey peace sign, smiley face, and a cascade of vibrant details, possibly indicating the start of a new collection.
A Small Visitor
This little squirrel was a delightful sight outside the Skipper Canteen, seemingly enjoying his breakfast while observing the trickle of guests entering his domain.
Merchandise for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
At Critter Co-op, I came across new merchandise celebrating Princess Tiana, including an impressive $149.99 doll, perfectly replicating her look from Tiana’s Bayou Adventure ride finale. Additionally, there’s a new figurine set priced at $34.99.
Importantly, the bunny theme continues to appear prominently in the pull toys, indicating close alignment with Disneyland’s offerings, which is something we’ve monitored closely.
New Open Edition Pins
In Frontierland Trading Post, I discovered new open edition pins featuring some of my favorites. Here’s what I found:
- Max and Roxanne Pin – $14.99
- Goofy and Max Fishing Pin – $12.99
- Baby Animal – $12.99
- Baby Pluto – $12.99
- Baby Pooh – $12.99
Which open-edition pin caught your eye? Personally, I’m fond of the Baby Animal pin, especially with all the latest Muppets updates. Keep an ear open for forthcoming news about the Muppets in the parks!
The Lion King Pin Extravaganza
I spotted a new series of Lion King pins at several locations, notably in the Emporium Shop and Fantasy Faire. Here’s what’s available:
- Hakuna Matata Pin featuring Pumbaa and Simba – $16.99
- Mufasa and Simba Pin – $12.99
- The Lion King Pin Set – $34.99
- Simba and Timon Pin – $14.99
- Mufasa and Rafiki Pin – $12.99
- Simba and Scar Pin – $22.99
My favorite? The pin of Mufasa hugging Rafiki. What’s your top pick?
2025 Ornaments Are Here
Disney has begun unveiling its 2025 merchandise, with the 2025 ornaments now available at Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe in Magic Kingdom. The standout is a light-up ornament featuring a tiny blue Cinderella Castle behind the large “2025.” Mickey pops out of the “0” while Minnie perches on the “5.”
This ornament is priced at $29.99 and shines brightly with two LED lights illuminating Mickey’s adorable face.
Tangled Restroom Update
The vibrant mural outside the Tangled restrooms, added this past May, has already begun to wear down. Initially so dazzling, the paint now looks faded after countless feet and photo ops. Let’s hope for a new refresh with more durable paint soon!
Magic Kingdom Morning Bliss
Spending time in the parks more than most, I feel incredibly fortunate to experience the charm of Cinderella Castle and the vibrant ambiance of Disney. It’s truly an experience that never loses its magic.
AI Technology Testing at All-Star Sports
At All-Star Sports End Zone Food Court, Disney is trialing a new AI-powered self-checkout system. The technology is still in its infancy and is being supervised by a Cast Member who steps in for technical difficulties. It was an interesting experience, although I’m not convinced the technology is sufficiently reliable yet. What are your thoughts on AI potentially replacing human staff?
Construction Progress at Lakeshore Lodge
Construction of the Lakeshore Lodge is progressing steadily. Previously named Reflections – A Disney Lakeside Lodge, it has seen a change in branding. Current activity includes structural supports and earth moving, hinting at more substantial progress to come as we approach 2027.
Riding the Express Monorail
No trip to Disney feels complete without taking at least two rides on its transportation systems. I hopped on the express monorail to return to the TTC, sharing the ride with a young boy eagerly anticipating some Chick-fil-A for his lunch.
Thanks for joining me on my day at Magic Kingdom! Until next time, let’s keep the magic alive!
What was your favorite part of the day? Have you visited the parks during the holiday season? Share your thoughts in the comments and on social media.
For the latest updates from Disney Parks, follow WDW News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
The AI Buzz Hub team is excited to see where these breakthroughs take us. Want to stay in the loop on all things AI? Subscribe to our newsletter or share this article with your fellow enthusiasts.
