Magic Kingdom

Well, on our most recent trip to Magic Kingdom, my wishes were finally received. I've been complaining, to anyone who'd listen, that Magic Kingdom, and the other parks at Walt Disney World were being neglected as Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure were expanding and adding great attractions. In fact, the entire Cars' Land coming to DCA looks absolutely amazing, and I can watch World of Color videos over and over again. Then there are times when I sit and watch Fantasmic at Hollywood Studios and long for the days of sitting around Frontierland watching it transform for the Fantasmic at Disneyland. And then there is the bain of Magic Kingdom, Mickey's Toon Town Fair, and week attempt to capture the spectacular Toon Town from Disneyland.

So when it was announced that we would be getting a well earned expansion of the park, I was excited. I know that we won't see Mr. Toad's again, nor will we ever get any of the storybook rides that make Disneyland so charming, but a major expansion was just what was needed for the park. Over the past year as the fences went up and the construction began, I was giddy with excitement to get on Dumbo (a ride I never wait for any longer) just so I could get a peek over the fences.

But it hasn't just been an expansion. All over the park the tarps have gone up over the buildings as one by one Main Street was brought back to glowing splendor. Further, Big Thunder will be going down for long term refurbishment hopefully to repair the effects that make it so spectacular. Maybe I could look past the disappointment that was Space Mountain's refurb for the hope that some real investment is going into the park to make them sparkle.

Of course that means that currently walking around the park can be tough. There is definitely a hint of work in nearly every corner that you look. So if you plan on visiting make sure you are aware that many attractions are down during these next months and some of the parades will be restricted or even cancelled. You may wish to spend more of your time in other parks rather than at Magic Kingdom.

And, finally, we had a chance to go back to the Tiki Room which has been restored to its original show after the fire in the ceiling and I can't help but wonder if this is just a stop gap plan until a true update to the show can be employed. The old show was charming, but it is no longer entertaining. My children, who love all things Disney and can tolerate going on most attractions over and over, were definitely not enjoying the "new" show. I hope that something new is in the wings.