Happy FriYAY! I had a perfect Friday at Walt Disney World. I started my day in Magic Kingdom, went to the Polynesian for an update, and found new dishware in Animal Kingdom.
Magic Kingdom Mornings
Sunrises at Walt Disney World are one of the most magical parts of the morning. You can see the other cars pulling in still have their headlights on. It was absolute darkness up until this moment when the sun finally peaked over the horizon of the Transportation and Ticket Center. Calm moments like this are everything to me at Disney.
Build Your Own Headband
When I arrived at Magic Kingdom I went into Emporium hoping to find some new merchandise. I did find an entire wall dedicated to the Create Your Own Headband experience featuring the same characters that we have seen at Hollywood Studios and Disney Ever After in Disney Springs.
Small Crowds for Rope Drop
Usually, Magic Kingdom has smaller crowds on days it is hosting Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. I decided to take in the castle for an extra second this morning before making my way into the park. This spot is located to the right of the grassy area in front of the castle. It’s a really great spot for family photos, and usually, there are a few Photo Pass Cast Members roaming around the area to help out.
Liberty Doll
THE LIBERTY DOLL MOVED. THIS IS NOT A DRILL. She was previously standing in the center, but I guess she got tired and decided to lean against the wall, or maybe this is how she sleeps and she just slept in this morning. It was an early park day after all. Usually, Magic Kingdom opens at 9:00 a.m. but today it opened at 8:00 a.m., which means early entry was at 7:30 a.m. The Liberty Doll, as I call her, is located in Liberty Square in one of the home windows. Have you ever seen the Liberty Doll in person?
Cinderella Fountain
When I walked to Fantasyland, I noticed that the Cinderella Fountain was off and drained. The drinking fountains surrounding her remained functional. When you go to the parks as often as we do, it’s these small details that really matter to you. Hopefully, this will be a minor fix as the fountain went through a total refurbishment just last year. Cinderella Fountain returned from refurbishment in September 2023.
Storybook Circus Banner Missing
In March of this year, the right banner was missing from the Storybook Circus entrance after the wind claimed a corner and forced Cast Members to remove the banner entirely for safety. During my visit today, I noticed that the left banner is now missing. No idea as to why it has been removed. We have been getting a lot of rain and wind lately so perhaps it’s just the same story again just with the opposite banner this time.
Space Mountain Closed Temporarily
Space Mountain was closed temporarily when I walked by this morning. They did have a cornhole game set up outside the attraction for guests.
DVC Polynesian Island Tower Construction – Boat Side
After a quick and rather uneventful morning in Magic Kingdom, I took a boat ride to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort to see what the construction crews had been up to since my last visit. On the water side, I noticed the pool was filled with water, crews were working diligently on the outdoor bar space, and more woodwork was added to the facade of the building. Stay tuned to our website for more detailed updates.
DVC Polynesian Island Tower Construction – Monorail Side
I took the monorail from the Polynesian to go see the new merchandise at the Grand Floridian. On my way, I caught a glimpse of more construction which revealed plywood on the structural supports of the canopy outside the front of the building. The shape certainly feels more Polynesian-inspired.
Grand Floridian Merchandise
The new merchandise at the Grand Floridian did not disappoint. There were a few new pieces, including a Corkcicle Bottle for $44.99, an ornament for $26,99, a glass for $14.98, and a few other nice pieces. All the new Grand Floridian merchandise is located in Curiouser Clothiers at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.
Curiouser Clothiers also had Kendra Scott Disney jewelry on display and a new Disney Spa Collection with everything you need for a deep clean spa experience at home. Stay tuned to our website for more details.
Flaska Reclinata – Pandora – The World of Avatar
Okay, you caught me. I park-hopped to Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The baja tickler is certainly not located in the Grand Floridian, but it is located at the entrance to Pandora – The World of Avatar in Animal Kingdom. When I walked into the immersive land I spotted a father working diligently to make the flaska reclinata spew water. In Pandora, the Na’vi call this a txumtsä’wll (don’t ask me to say it) but it means “poison-squirting plant” which just seems an odd choice for Disney… Maybe I’m overthinking it.
Reusable Cups in Satu’li
In Satu’li Canteen, I spoke with a very knowledgeable Cast Member who was excited to share that the restaurant is testing new plastic cups that may be coming to Animal Kingdom to help cut down waste. There are two different-sized clear cups and a mug. No, you can’t take these with you, but you can request a to-go plastic cup which is offered upon request.
There was also a new compost trash can next to the regular trash and recycling bins. Be sure to visit our website for more details.
Little Words Project Disney Character Bracelets – $30.00
On my way out of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, I finally found all six of the Disney Little Words Project bracelets. Each bracelet cost $30 and was available at Riverside Depot. My favorite character is Minnie Mouse, but Daisy has my favorite bracelet. Let me know which one is your favorite in the comments or on social media.
Happy Friday!
My car remains parked at the Transportation and Ticket Center where we first saw the sun rise. It was well past lunchtime, so I caught a bus back to the Polynesian Village to walk to the TTC to get my car. Busses can be a drag on your vacation at Walt Disney World, but they’re a great place to cool your phone down and maybe have a quick snack.
It was a fun day on Disney property as are most days. My favorite part of today was definitely the sunrise. It was too beautiful for words. What was your favorite find of the day? Let me know in the comments down below or on social media. Have a great weekend!
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The post PHOTO REPORT: Magic Kingdom 10/4/2024 (Emporium Finds, Polynesian Update, and More) appeared first on WDW News Today.