After taking a lengthy look at this year’s Halloween decorations and merchandise, we’ll take a look at what else is going on at Magic Kingdom. Like the Animal Kingdom and Epcot posts, the emphasis is going to be on menu changes, but there are a few other things to check out as well.
It’s precisely 2:42pm, so Mickey FASTPASS is about 40 minutes out per usual. With Rapunzel joining the Princesses continuously through 4pm and then intermittently after that, FASTPASSes are further out there. To guarantee Rapunzel access, you’ll want to collect FASTPASSes by 1pm or so.
Disney continues to try to push people back to the Double Dumbos in the back of Fantasyland. Currently, Dumbo Surprises FASTPASSes print along with the Princess FASTPASS. And because Mickey “isn’t connected” to the system, you can pull one for him immediately before or after the Princesses. So I’m holding on to three FASTPASSes after being in Magic Kingdom only a few moments.
A brief foray into merchandise land. People make fun of me and my price tag pictures, but someone always asks how much ___________ is. So I’m back with that.
$12.95 for the mug.
This isn’t a very good picture of the pillow, but it doesn’t look any better in “real life.”
And would set you back a clean 70 bucks.
This 40-foot long shirt.
Is “less than half.”
The plate set:
And the vase:
Kind of lousy pictures on a couple of those. I’m not crazy about the whole thing, but it may appeal to someone.
An embarrassing fact about me: I’ve never had a Main Street Bakery sandwich. Does anyone know if they often run out of these in the evening? Or is it something that’s replenished all day? We’ll take a closer look next time. One is Ham and Cheese and the other is Turkey and Cheese. Both run $6.99.
Menu time at the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor at the end of Main Street. The old version:
And new:
So forget what I said about no exciting new additions. Would you look at that All-American Sundae! Nice to see everything is still a snack credit, even at the $5.09 price point. Looks like they’ve given up on the $6 Gourmet Hot Cocoa that they added after the refurbishment.
Archival Casey’s Corner footage.
Old menu:
New menu:
They raised the price of the Chilli Dog a full dollar, but thankfully didn’t raise the price of the Corn Dog Nuggets or Ball Park Nachos.
The Corn Dog Nuggets, along with the hot cheese sauce, are among the finest in Disney World delicacies. A must purchase and a good value at $4.49. Shame Disney won’t let you have a bucket for a snack credit, considering items up to $5.69 are included.
I was taking pictures of the newly replaced railing when a wild talking trash can appeared.
Otherwise, whatever they’re doing here on the Tomorrowland Bridge continues.
Over to The Lunching Pad (get it, Lunching) underneath Astro Orbiter in Tomorrowland.
Old menu:
New menu:
Some hefty price increases on these Dogs too.
Mickey Pretzels are expanding their influence. They used to be available only at the cart in Frontierland. Then they migrated over to Epcot’s Fife & Drum Tavern. Now they’re available here and the Cool Ship in Tomorrowland. Considering they used to cost $4.50, my thought is that they’re smaller now. Probably just as creepy though.
Checking in on Cart pricing in Tomorrowland.
Disney continues to pull a “Regal Cinema” with the Snack Combo, which is the exact same price as purchasing a popcorn and bottled beverage separately. Or more expensive if you spring for the $2.50 water. Now the Combo stipulates that it’s “two snack entitlements.”
Magic Kingdom is decently crowded on this non-recommended Thursday, though Space Mountain FASTPASS is only out to 4:10pm at 3:09pm. It’s indicative of the lower overall crowd level than we had been experiencing earlier in August.
Over to the Cool Ship.
Where the new menu continues the same theme:
The Churro and Corn Dog are formally added, though they aren’t always available here.
And Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies.
The old menu:
Compared to the new:
Looks like just your standard price increases. Lunching Pad didn’t have muffins advertised on their menu, so this may be it. Along with the Cereal and Milk as a potential quick breakfast option. Annoying that it isn’t a snack credit at $3.69.
Cosmic Ray’s menu is extremely boring at the moment. Though after last year’s Angus Pizza Burger debacle, we should probably be happy about that.
Bay 1:
Bay 2:
Bay 3:
The Chilli Dog here is almost a full dollar less than Casey’s, and it’s deluxe! Otherwise, there isn’t a lot going on here. The Chicken and Ribs Combo isn’t on the menu until after 4pm. Chalk that up to the Quick Service Dining Plan and Disney wanting you to buy a $9 entree at lunch instead of an entree that’s all the way up to $15.19. The Chili Cheese Fries or Chicken Noodle Soup would be hearty uses of a snack credit.
With Mickey pasta!
Across from Bay 3, Merida waits continue to be in the 30 to 45 minute range in the afternoon. She just let in a new group, so you’d be waiting about 30 minutes out here and then another 15 inside.
Merida merchandise remains fairly sparse.
They still don’t have dresses any larger than small.
Over to the Cheshire Cafe across from Mad Tea Party.
Old menu:
New menu:
Nothing exciting. Both water options have new logos and the Simply Orange rollout property wide continues.
Mine Coaster construction continues in Fantasyland. It will be interesting to see what the walls look like come November when Enchanted Forest opens.
This building off tot he right of it is “new” with the planting(?) of grass continuing in the background.
Serious crane-age.
Across from Dumbo, Big Top Souvenirs has new signage. Like the Confectionery, Big Top will have a “live kitchen” where the various treats are made on-site.
Along with “Amusing Mementos.”
Very limited tests are being conducted at Enchanted Tales with Belle inside Maurice’s Cottage, the top of which is on the far left.
Disney Parks Blog has a nice video of what to expect. It looks pretty neat and with multiple rooms, hopefully wait times won’t be atrocious. We’ll have to see.
I hopped in line at Dumbo to see what the current procedure was. They weren’t letting anyone bypass the playground area. You can see there’s ropes leading into the playground.
In case you’re wondering what a non-functioning “Ticket to the Amazing Dumbo” looks like. The pager was supposed to go off in five minutes. After 15, I finally went up and told the cast member that mine didn’t seem to be working. She scanned it or some such and said I could “ride whenever I’m ready.”
It wasn’t so bad though. The weather outside was agonizingly hot and it was more or less freezing inside the tent.
Still not too busy in here.
We took a lengthy look inside the tent in this post, so I’ll spare you another detailed look around. As far as whether this playground “belongs in a Disney Park,” I don’t really care who you are. If you have kids, they’re going to have a ball in here. If you don’t have kids, sitting down in air-conditioning is a million times more comfortable than standing outside.
The Dumbos seem to have healed well from their prior bumps and bruises.
Otherwise it’s a very pleasant ride.
There isn’t much to see up here.
The “actual wait” should have been closer to ten minutes had my pager worked.
We may not see new menus at Friar Nook’s, Diamond Horseshoe, and Tomorrowland Terrace until Thanksgiving when crowds pick up sharply and they’re open for business.
Work continues on the wall.
But we’re getting close.
Continuing to Pinocchio Village Haus, we saw a switch over from pizzas to flatbreads back in late May.
Previous menu:
New menu:
Kind of a sad reduction to the Kids Picks. The Cheese Sandwich and Pasta with Meatballs are off the menu.
I liked the old Chicken Parmesan a lot.
The Cheese Sandwich was a little different than your standard Kids Picks as well. That’s the very good Tomato Basil soup to the right of it. For about the same price as an entree, you could have ordered the Cheese Sandwich and the Tomato Soup, which came with a side of yogurt and grapes along with a mini-beverage.
The new Flatbreads are okay. This is a pretty sad amount of sauce on this BBQ version with just a few pieces of onion and chicken.
A little better on the Pepperoni.
And the Caprese is a nice option for the vegetarians among us. If given a choice, I’d probably revert back to the old Disney Pizza menu.
The Pasta was pretty good!
Sir Mickey’s is now surrounded by scrims and refurbishment walls.
That’s the entrance up to Cinderella’s Royal Table and the Castle itself just off to the right.
Winnie the Pooh still prints Dumbo Surprise FASTPASSes as well. Should you choose to actually pull FASTPASSes for Dumbo, you’d get Surprise FASTPASSes for Mickey’s PhilharMagic, which are worthless since they’re never needed. With so much Dumbo FASTPASS avaailability, the return time is pushed further back. It’s hard to say how many of those Surprise FASTPASSes are actually used. Considering the standby wait should have been about ten minutes, with just five minutes in the tent, we can assume that not a lot are actually used.
Ahead is supposed to be a permanent Rapunzel Meet and Greet…and bathrooms.
Speaking of FASTPASSes, things seem to be returning to normal. Peter Pan is much further out than any other attraction. Remember that Space Mountain was only out to 4:10pm a bit ago and we’ll see Big Thunder Mountain’s return is only 40 minutes out again shortly.
And speaking of heavier crowds on a non-recommended day, that’s a 30 minute posted wait at Mansion with a queue that’s extended and about to overflow.
Columbia Harbour House continues to have the most seemingly healthy, varied menu at Magic Kingdom.
Old menu:
New menu:
Larger: http://www.easywdw.com/reports5/chhmenu.jpg.
Or:
Nothing too extraordinary has changed here, which is fine since we saw a lot of changes last year. I like just about everything, from the Salmon to the Lobster Roll to the Sandwiches. Surprisingly, the Sandwiches are the same price along with the Lobster Roll. The “Shrimp Basket” is now a Platter served with Coleslaw. Instead of a Fish/Shrimp Combo, it’s now a Chicken Nugget/Fish Combo. Most of the items are slightly more expensive. The $3.99 Lemon Slush is now a permanent fixture on the menu.
Across from Columbia Harbour House sits this Pizza Cart that is occasionally operational.
It seems kind of crazy to drop over seven dollars on a pizza that’s cooked lord-knows-where. But it’s the same price as it used to be!
Liberty Square Market.
New menu:
It’s the same idea as before.
Along with the corn.
This is a nice, quick way to get a hot snack that’s relatively inexpensive. The corn is much better than what’s served at Pecos Bill and the Potato is a decent size too. At times they do have a Sweet Potato (recommended), but it didn’t look to be available at the moment. It’s a “seasonal” thing that’s actually seasonal.
Another option in Liberty Square is Sleepy Hollow Refreshments.
Old menu:
New menu:
More snack credit foolery with the $5.69 Funnel Cake included but the $4.59 Waffle left out. Otherwise, this is another great snack joint.
Even though I didn’t care much for them, I’m glad to see the Waffle Sandwiches are still on the menu. Maybe you’ll have more luck than I did. There’s just so much waffle that it’s overwhelming. And there’s nothing spicy about that chicken.
Standard popcorn pricing.
You’ll see me recommending Liberty Tree Tavern for lunch a lot. For less than half the price of dinner, you can order a nice entree in a nice air-conditioned restaurant. With a few family members/friends, you can order a few different things and try to re-create the dinner buffet yourselves. Dinner buffets are so stressful because you know you have to eat your body weight to get your money’s worth.
Here we are at Frontierland Snack Alley.
Pretzels.
Turkey Legs.
Hot Dogs. Not open that often.
Westward Ho.
Baby Corn Dogs.
The General Store in Frontierland is a treat shop that you may or may not be aware of.
They have fudge and cookies just like the Confectionery, though the selection isn’t as vast.
They do have the Turkey Leg “Crisped Rice Treat” though.
Country Bear Jamboree is closed for refurbishment, which means it’s entertaining one more child than usual.
On to Pecos Bill.
Old menu:
New menu:
Looks to be just some price increases.
At 4:23pm, Big Thunder FASTPASS is just about 40 minutes out with a 40 minute posted wait.
Longer waits and a later FASTPASS return time at Splash.
Golden Oak Outpost across from Pecos Bill.
Kind of a waste of space, though lines are usually among the shortest at Magic Kingdom, making it easy to pick up a beverage.
Tortuga Tavern, which is on the right up here across from Pirates of the Caribbean.
Old menu.
New menu:
Interestingly, prices haven’t increased on the entrees. That makes the Taco Salad 40 cents cheaper than Pecos Bill! The Caesar Salad is “new,” though it’s available all over. Since it doesn’t mention being hand-tossed, we have to assume it’s still prepared by those hand-less robots. Disney is so far behind the times!
Tortuga Tavern has been operating most every day since its rebranding. This is the Kids’ Quesadilla haul.
The Nachos are a good value if you’re looking for something substantial to share, particularly if you’re waiting for a late afternoon dining reservation or something.
Otherwise, you get to dress up your burrito etc. at the toppings bar, which includes salsa, cheese, tomatoes, lettuce, and a variety of packaged sauces.
More carts.
Those glazed nuts are actually pretty good.
Mmmmmmmmm.
Shrunken Ned’s Boat across from Jungle Cruise are reportedly done for good.
They barely ever worked.
Disney is purportedly planning to install a Pirates of the Caribbean themed game in Adventureland. Or the Jungle Cruise dock is being expanded for wheelchair access.
Continuing to Sunshine Tree Terrace, one of my favorite buildings.
Old menu:
New menu:
Just about the same.
The Citrus Swirl is the same price and is an excellent treat if you’re looking for something cold and refreshing.
The “All Natural Lemonade” has a price increase of 20%, which seems pretty high. It’s okay, but not something I’d necessarily go out of my way to order for nearly four bucks.
The Magical Carpets’ Camel turns his head again, which means he can spray you with water as you walk around Adventureland.
(S)He seems more than a little smug about it.
Egg Roll Cart!
Pricing is exactly the same as before.
The Egg Rolls are better than the Corn Dogs in my opinion. They’re basically Minh brand deep fried, if you’re familiar with Costco’s frozen egg rolls. Quite tasty.
Pricing on Dole Whips is getting pretty wild.
New menu:
On August 23rd 2011 (the day before the last price increase), pricing looked like this:
So that’s an 18.8% increase on the Dole Whip and 19.0% on the Float. But then you can look at Fountain Beverage pricing too – 18.3% in just over a year. Pretty crazy.
I like Dole Whip Floats, but they’re one of the most overhyped things in the World as far as I’m concerned. But then you can’t trust me. I think Soarin’ is a joke too!
Long waits for the Princesses even without Rapunzel.
Photopass opportunities seem to be on the rise since the introduction of Photopass+. Here they’re set up with Goofy on the bench in front of Tony’s.
See you.
Disney is building an Alice in Wonderland themed water play area at the Grand Floridian.
And Grand Floridian DVC construction continues rolling on.
That just leaves Hollywood Studios.
{ 28 comments… read them below or add one }
Can you get a snap of the Storybrook Treats menu? I saw something about a chocolate chip cookie hot fudge sundae. Shame on the Plaza hot cocoa removal… my sister would have loved that in Dec. You got to keep an eye on those wild talking trash cans… they’re fast and unpredictable. The turkey leg crisped rice treat.. bizarre.
In looking through your cart menus, I did not see any of the frozen minute maid lemonades. Are these not available anymore? I saw the ones in the pre made cups but I’m looking for the ones that are served in drinking glasses. I love those!
I know that Tortuga Tavern is usually open seasonally. Is it usually open near the end of September?
Yay! My fave, the fruit & nutella waffle, is still around.
SWEETS!!!! in Frontierland, how could I have missed this?????? I was in dire need of fudge at this point of walking!!!!!!
“some more carts…”
and you showed these awesome glazed nuts. Now I have to have some. Where is this random cart?
Hi Josh, love reading all your reviews! Could I ask a favour please? Would you be able to take a photo of an “uncrustables” sandwich if possible from the kids menus. I’m from the UK and have no idea what they look like, and what fillings they have in them!!
Many thanks
Google is your friend.
Every time I consider going w/o the dining plan you do a price update! I guess I will stick with”free” dining no matter how controversial
“People make fun of me and my price tag pictures”
Be careful, sensitivity is a sign of weakness in the blog-o-sphere! If those DIS-boarders read that they will take it and run!!
Seeing that Mickey pretzel pic caused an instant image of some cast members holding Mickey by the arms and shoving his face into a boiling vat of oil, then tossing a handful of salt on his now exposed facial burns. I can almost hear the screams as he riles in pain……$4.50 you say?
Yes Kevin, thanks for the constructive comment. I did Google it but wasn’t able to find any accurate photos.
Really. Is there any need to be snarky.
an uncrustable is a peanut butter and jelly sandwich made with a round ravioli press – picture making the sandwich (with grape jelly and white bread), cutting all the crust off in a circle pattern and pinching the edges. It’s kind of like a peanut butter and jelly bread pocket.
Hm. A playground at the Grand Floridian..I wonder if they’ll call it a playground since there is a slide? Unlike the Boneyard at Art of Animation… I guess that’s what DVC gets you. Sigh.
Thankyou Jen!
I just wondered if they came with any other fillings, as I don’t really want my DD eating chicken nuggets and fries as her couner service option for 2 weeks! I’m not sure that she would eat an uncrustables if it is just pb & j, but I guess she could give it a try!
Thanks again (smiley face!)
@Rhonda-so it’s not just me. I think they keep raising the prices of snacks, and including more items, so the DDP looks more attractive. Did you notice the increase of the chocolate items at the General Store (and therefore everywhere else) up from $3.95 to $4.99. Crazy! Some items maybe, but last year I thought it was ridiculous that the Mickey PB cups was $3.95 and a Reese’s cup is so much better. Now they are $4.99. I wonder how many get purchased for cash vs. a snack credit? Hmmmm. I am surprised that fudge is still $3.95.
@Ellie. as of 8/24 (my most recent update) Storybook treats was still offering ..Hot Fudge Cookie Sundae (Cookie topped with Vanilla Soft Serve and Hot Fudge) $4.69 for a snack credit. Though I’m sure the price will increase.
Thanks again Josh. You gave me something to do this Sunday a.m.-update my MK list on my snack thread-you know-over on that board that thinks you are “snarky”
@Claire – Here’s a picture… http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_bN9se-ul_aE/RreSflaVkdI/AAAAAAAAAJs/1fXQ3UOoT1Y/s400/uncrustable.jpg
I also see other kids meal options above besides chicken nuggets….hamburger, turkey sandwich, tuna sandwich, mac and cheese, pizza, quesadillas.
Aobrien- we go a lot in mid-late Sept and I’ve never seen Tortuga Tavern open
. The low crowds make it more than worth it though!
Jill Marie, thanks for the link. Well they look …….. mmmm…… interesting!
Sorry I should have explained better, my DD will not eat hamburgers, pizza, mac n cheese! She is also allergic to fish! Good ol cheddar cheese is what I put in her sandwiches at home! Hopefully she will eat the turkey sandwiches!
Thanks for all your help (smiley face!)
I hear you finally found a spot where your guide/assistance camel can relieve itself while in the Magic Kingdom? Any idea where this spot may be?
Looks like splitting an entree 2 or 3 ways is cheaper than snacks for 3 now. Sheesh.
See the photo of the dumbo queue – Nice to see Danny DeVito working the Dumbo tent playground entrance?
And if you look at the photo of the goofy photopass opportunity – isn’t that the guy behind on the porch doing the exact same pose with his own cap???
Josh,
I see the chicken noodle soup still has lots of those ” icky” things
You did a great job again .
Health inspectors must be getting a bit more picky about the chili, Chicago dog goes up 20 cents, and chili dog a full dollar? Yikes
I love love love Columbia Harbor House! Glad to see not much has changed! Great report, Josh!
We loved the Penne and the Chicken Parm at Pinocchio Village Haus. There isn’t any CS with pasta on the menu now is there? Disappointing.
I can’t believe you shared a picture of your nuts!
I’ve always wondered- do you actually order all that food and eat/drink it or do you just ask to photo other people’s trays?
I am very glad that you take pictures of price tags. When I see something I want, it makes it much easier to get by calling the WDW mail-order….especially being able to give them the SKU.
Is Flynn going to be at the permanent Rapunzel M&G?