Magic Kingdom January 2017 Projects Update and a Walk Around the Park – Frontierland to Tomorrowland

Continued from Part 1.

People are always asking where to see the Festival of Fantasy Parade and my usual recommendations are in Frontierland across from Pecos Bill or on Main Street in front of the Confectionery because those areas are typically less crowded. This is the Parade route at 2:35pm in Frontierland and you’d have your choice of spots. If you’re running a bit late, Disney will close off the pathways into Adventureland and Frontierland about a minute before the Parade steps off and that offers an opportunity to fill in those spaces last thing. But the “best spot” is otherwise where there’s room.

A quick ride on Splash Mountain:

Still a better view than Tiana’s Riverboat Party.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad reopened without many meaningful changes though lighting and other effects have been improved and most of the attraction and queue received a fresh coat of paint.

We are still without Disneyland’s projection effects.

But there are goats.

And some new references.

But everything looks great.

Into Country Bear Jamboree:

The Hoedown Happening is a fun (and these days, rare) opportunity to interact with characters in an informal setting. This week, it starts at 5:10pm, 6pm, and 6:45pm in front of the show.

Over in Liberty Square, The Hall of Presidents is closed all the way through June 29th.

Fortunately, the can’t-miss Muppets Present show is still scheduled throughout the day in front of Heritage House:

Not all showtimes are published, with the Paul Revere version posted even less often, but current showtimes are 9:30am, 10:20am, 11:30am, 12pm, 1:25pm, 2pm, 4:15pm, and 4:45pm.

Over at Memento Mori, I don’t remember seeing this tank top:

Not sure if I can get into this dress but I’m sure going to try.

Behind the Castle, the crane is back to aid in taking down the Dream Lights and perhaps some other work.

The most exciting thing going on in Fantasyland is that the sparkling Dasani waters come in bottles rather than cans now.

And leather engraving is available at Big Top Souvenirs across from Dumbo.

Go Frozen for an authentic Westworld experience.

While “Genuine Leather” is the lowest grade, maybe Star Wars Land will bring Corellian leather chairs or other furniture.

Speaking of Star Wars, you can pick up this TaunTaun (he’s just sleeping kids).

Sort of creepily packed with four Tsum Tsum toys.

A Joffrey’s location is slotted for Tomorrowland. I’m hoping that doesn’t mean we lose one of my favorite things in Cool Ship. Hopefully the long game on security is to install these “Cool Scanners” at the front of all the Parks so it “feels” like less of an airport or stadium situation.

The area to the left of the Tomorrowland stage is also walled off, but it’s a massive space, perhaps to offer more room to construct a coffee stand.

Stitch’s Great Escape remains closed with no operating hours scheduled in 2017 thus far.

The next potential opening would be around Presidents Day Weekend, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s already been gutted.

Tomorrowland Speedway is still there.

The Space Mountain store is still home to Guest Relations and may be a more convenient stop than City Hall if you want to complain about this website’s content. Don’t let them convince you that they can’t do anything about it.

Cosmic Ray’s has some walls around it on the Castle/Fantasyland side.

Heading out:

That’s what’s going on around Magic Kingdom. I have a Be Our Guest breakfast reservation on the 26th and we’ll see how that goes along with morning touring with the new rope drop procedure.