DLW 149: The Magic Kingdom

This week, a lot of stuff happening behind the closed gates, restaurants have reopened interior dining, theme parks are beating COVID-19, Kate joins us to talk about her experience at the Bower’s Museum, new merchandise, we finish our discussion with our Magic Kingdom experience, and more!

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News:

MiceChat got some more aerial photos of the resort this week and showed off some of the ongoing construction. Before taking to the skies, hand washing stations have been spotted just inside the gates at Disneyland before the entrance tunnels to Main Street. It seems like there is a lot of work underway to prepare for an eventual reopening. The bridge to Frontierland is almost complete, with the land’s entrance sign about to be re-installed. The last of the “french fry” rocks at the entrance to Tomorrowland have been removed and are in the process of being cleared away. The Snow White Facade has been completed and the scaffolding has been removed. Work also appears to be progressing on King Arthur’s Carousel. – https://www.micechat.com/270189-disneyland-update-spooky-skies-over-an-empty-kingdom/

Over in Disney California Adventure, new plexiglass shields have been installed at the entrance turnstiles. There have also been some iron fencing installed to facilitate a shield between entrance sections. The paths in front of the new Spider-Man attraction appear to be completed, but the rest of the campus is still dirt. The PYM test kitchen is still missing walls as well. The new administrative building behind Cars Land looks almost complete. Gondolas are still missing from the Pal-A-Round and the swings have been removed from the Silly Symphony Swings. With all of this work happening, the parks should look great when they reopen to the public! – https://www.micechat.com/270189-disneyland-update-spooky-skies-over-an-empty-kingdom/

With Orange County being removed from the purple status last week, restaurants in Downtown Disney have begun seating guests at 25% capacity indoors. There is still outdoor seating available as well. – https://wdwnt.com/2020/09/photos-restaurants-in-downtown-disney-now-allowing-indoor-dining/

The largest U.S. theme parks have reported no COVID-19 outbreaks since reopening. Florida’s Orange County Department of Health said in late August that Disney World, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld Orlando haven’t had any outbreaks. An outbreak is defined as teo or more people with coronavirus who are linked to a potentially extensive transmission within a setting or organization, according to the CDC. – https://www.ocregister.com/2020/09/14/largest-u-s-theme-parks-report-no-covid-19-outbreaks-since-reopening/

With Orange County moving into the red category, museums could reopen with limited capacity, including the Bowers Museum, which is currently hosting “Inside the Walt Disney Archives: 50 Years of Preserving the Magic” exhibition. Here to join us and talk about her experience is supporter and Community Manager Kate.

This week there was a second Downtown Disney shopping event held in the old ESPN Zone building. As we reported on before, the Pop-Up! Disney interior hasn’t been changed, they just added areas to look at and choose merchandise. Items were limited to 2 per guest. There were 5 items for sale which included a Fidget Bat pin for $17.99, a Victor Geist, better known as the organ player from the Haunted Mansion, Funko Pop for $39.99, an Oogie Boogie Popcorn bucket, a pair of light up dice, and a sequined Mickey Pumpkin bag. Four of these items were available outside of this event, only the pin was exclusive. – https://www.micechat.com/269725-heres-what-was-available-at-todays-downtown-disney-shopping-event/

Sprinkles in Downtown Disney has reopened this week. Orders must be placed online at order.sprinkles.com, and credit cards are the only acceptable form of payment at this time. – https://wdwnt.com/2020/09/photos-sprinkles-reopens-at-the-downtown-disney-district-at-disneyland-resort/

Disneyland’s 65th anniversary is just going on and on it seems. Target, Boxlunch and Amazon are getting into the game with 65th merchandise. Some of the items have already gone on sale, and some will debut as late as November 15th in the case of Amazon. Target has a pin set, lunchbox, t-shirt and more. Items will be available online and in store starting in early October. Also coming in early October are exclusive Boxlunch items including a sweatshirt, Loungefly mini-backpack, and more. Some of the items are available for pre-order. Finally, at Amazon, they also have a mini-backpack, crossbody bag, pins, and more. – https://www.micechat.com/270115-disneyland-65th-anniversary-merchandise-coming-to-target-boxlunch-amazon/

A new Mickey Pumpkin headband has landed at World of Disney. The new headband features pumpkin Mickey as each of the ears, with a black and orange headband. The ears are made of a leather-like material and are padded. It is priced at $29.99. – https://wdwnt.com/2020/09/shop-mickey-mouse-jack-o-lantern-ear-headband-arrives-at-world-of-disney-in-downtown-disney-district-at-the-disneyland-resort/

The Holiday tradition of the Candlelight Processional has been cancelled this year at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World. According to the Orange County Register, Disneyland has not had the amount of time and information needed to put on the event this year with no clear understanding from the state on when they can open. It would have been the 62nd annual event this year. – https://www.micechat.com/270189-disneyland-update-spooky-skies-over-an-empty-kingdom/ and https://www.ocregister.com/2020/09/10/disneyland-cancels-candlelight-processional-as-coronavirus-threatens-christmas-events/

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge may have taken the Big Thunder Ranch Barbecue from everyone, recipes were posted this week if you have been wanting some. Big Thunder Ribs, Big Thunder BBQ Baked Beans, Big Thunder Ranch Coleslaw, Big Thunder Ranch Cornbread and more are posted in the link in our show notes. – https://www.micechat.com/269963-big-thunder-ranch-barbecue-recipes/

Overnight, Star Wars Trading Post has taken over the Wonderground Gallery in Downtown Disney. The store features a lot of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge merchandise and looks to be temporary, but there is no official word on if that is the case. – https://dlnewstoday.com/2020/09/photos-video-star-wars-trading-post-takes-over-wonderground-gallery-with-galaxys-edge-merchandise-at-disneyland-resort/

Discussion Topic:

Magic Kingdom – https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/magic-kingdom/maps/