Category: Magic Kingdom

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Cinderella Castle is getting a Makeover!!

Hey thrill seekers,

Exciting news this afternoon!! Disney have just confirmed that Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom is getting a makeover!

‘Cinderella first transformed into a princess 70 years ago this week when the animated classic was released—and ever since, her courage and kindness have been inspiring guests and cast members alike. We are excited to share that her story has inspired a bold, shimmering and royal makeover of her namesake castle at the heart of Walt Disney World Resort.’

Here’s what the newly-enhanced Cinderella Castle will look like when work is completed:

We can see from the image that the new and improved castle will feature golden touches and more royal blue turrets.

Disney have confirmed:
You may notice this exciting work taking place as these stunning enhancements begin in the coming weeks, continuing through summer. But don’t worry! We’ll still get to catch all of our castle favorites like “Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire and Happily Every After”

What do you think of the new look?

Smiles included,

Abby

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10 NEW exciting things to look forward to at Walt Disney World!

Hey Thrill Seekers,

Let’s take a look at what we can expect from Walt Disney World in the next few years!

What? Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Where? Disney’s Hollywood Studios When? 2019

I think this is the most anticipated new addition to Orlando in a good few years! Fly the millennium falcon, interact with Star Wars characters and the possibility of REAL light sabers.. it’s safe to say we cannot wait for this to open!

What? Star Wars Resort Where? south of Hollywood Studios When? 2019/2020

What’t not to absolutely LOVE about this?! A whole hotel themed to Star Wars where you will become part of the galaxy itself in the most immersive hotel ever.

What? Walt Disney World Skyliner Where? Walt Disney World When? 2019

Above is a map of the expected routes for the Skyliner which is a Gondola system that will transport guests to and from the above parks and resorts.

What? New nighttime show Where? Epcot When? 2019

Sadly, IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth is ending in the summer of 2019 but fear not, Disney have promised that we should expect something even better to replace it with more information set to be released soon!

What? Mickey and Minnie’s runaway railway Where? Hollywood Studios When? 2019

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway will feature a new catchy theme song created especially for the attraction as well as a new experience that defies logic, called 2 ½-D. No glasses required.

What? Lightning McQueen Racing Academy Where? Hollywood Studios When? 2019

Step right into the action in a high-octane first-of-its-kind new show that’ll put you right in the middle of the world of Disney•Pixar’s “Cars.”

What? Guardians of the Galaxy attraction Where? Epcot When? 2021

This one has been confirmed as a coaster and we are soooo happy about that!

What? Tron Lightcycle Power Run Where? Magic Kingdom When? 2021

The Lightcycle ride will momentarily place fans into the world of Tron in a lightening speed roller coaster.

What? Space themed restaurant Where? Future World – Epcot When? TBD

This restaurant will be built in a newly developed area located between the park’s Mission: SPACE and Test Track attractions.

What? Ratatouille attraction Where? Epcot When? TBD

This is going to be in a whole new area just past the Eiffel tower and just like the attraction at DLP.

Which one are you most looking forward to and what else would you like to see Disney add?

Smiles Included

Abby

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Disney Updates It’s Purple Wall

Hey Thrill seekers,

Have you got an upcoming trip to Walt Disney World?

The Famous purple wall in Tomorrowland At Disney’s Magic Kingdom has been updated and in my opinion looks better then ever! Disney have repainted a section of the purple wall in a kind of off-white and light-purple colour with a geometric design,the rest of the 50ft area remains purple.

What is the purple wall?

In very basic terms it’s a purple wall where you’ll find lots of instagrammers snapping selfies and pouting like their life depends upon it. The wall’s purple colour is a photographers dream and makes for an amazing back drop.

Currently the hashtag #Purplewall has 30,998 photo’s associated to it and with summer holiday’s on the way we’ll definitely see that rise, who knew a wall could be so popular?

A post shared by L E X 💚 (@thepixietraveler) on

So why is this purple wall so popular?

In a nutshell, its cool…. Not only does it provide the perfect Instagram background but its also pretty popular when it comes to trending topics. Influencers and bloggers can often be found hanging around this wall and by association its become a thing.

The redesign has split opinions which isn’t surprising as Disneyheads (is that a thing?) hate change but we’ll have to wait a while to see what effect the redesign has.

Personally I think the purple wall is cool and i will 100% be taking a selfie there next year when i go, well maybe… depending on how busy this wall is.

Will you be taking a selfie in front of the Purple Wall? If so make sure you tag us in your pics.

Smiles included…

Chloe

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Walt Disney World’s Incredible Summer

Hey Thrill Seekers,

The summer of 2018 is set to be a big one at Walt Disney World. We’ll be seeing new attractions, entertainment, experiences and much more at Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom this summer and Disney have stated that it is going to be an ‘Incredible Summer’…

Lets take a look into what we can expect…

Magic Kingdom

The Incredibles Take Over Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom Park – Guests can party with Mr. Incredible, Elastigirl, and Frozone from Disney•Pixar’s “The Incredibles” and the soon-to-be blockbuster “Incredibles 2.” Edna Mode, the greatest superhero costume designer, will also make her debut appearance. Each evening, guests can enjoy a “SUPER” dance party on the Rocket Tower Stage. 

EPCOT

The Guardians of the Galaxy Take the Stage at Epcot – StarLord, and Gamora from “The Guardians of the Galaxy” will join an alien band, taking guests on a journey through the cosmos. The party will feature hits from Awesome Mix Tapes 1 and 2 – fun and favorite tunes from the two movies’ soundtracks – building the anticipation for a new Epcot Guardians of the Galaxy attraction.

Animal Kingdom

“Adventurers Meet UP! A Great Bird Adventure” & A “Dino-Tastic” Celebration for Donald Duck Will Debut At Disney’s Animal Kingdom – Two new can’t-miss offerings will debut at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in time for the park’s 20th anniversary. First, guests can discover new bird species from around the world at the new show “Adventurers Meet UP! A Great Bird Adventure,” which will star Senior Wilderness Explorer Russell and his furry friend Dug. The park will also launch a “dino-tastic” celebration, in which Donald Duck takes over Dinoland, U.S.A., in a new character celebration.

Hollywood Studios

Toy Story Land Opens at Disney’s Hollywood Studios – One major highlight of “Incredible Summer” will be the grand opening of Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This new 11-acre land will shrink guests to the size of a toy and allow them go explore the fun and adventure of Andy’s backyard. There, guests can experience two new attractions: the family coaster Slinky Dog Dash and Alien Swirling Saucers. Toy Story Land also will feature an existing guest-favourite attraction, Toy Story Mania!, which will expand to add a third track into the rotation. The land’s Woody’s Lunch Box will be a new quick-service restaurant that will offer up tasty meals and old-fashioned soda floats to Toy Story Land guests.

We are still anxiously awaiting an exact opening date for Toy Story Land though….

Who can’t wait to get to Walt Disney World this summer?!

Smiles Included,

Abby

 

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Disney are Celebrating Mickey Mouse’s Birthday on November 18

Hey Thrill Seekers,

Now here’s one for your diaries.. The Big Cheese, Mickey Mouse will be celebrating his 89th birthday on Saturday the 18th November (doesn’t seem to age does he, wonder what skincare regime he uses) and wants as many people as possible to celebrate with him. You will be able to join in on the fun at all of the Disney parks around the world!

Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando will be celebrating with very special  “Happy Birthday, Mickey!” buttons, a Sorcerer Mickey Cake and lots more merchandise. Guests will also be able to sing and dance along with “Happy Birthday” during Move It! Shake It! Dance & Play It!, Cosmic Dance Party in Tomorrowland and performances by the Dapper Dans. Also, no birthday party would be complete without photo props. These props will be available at all four of the parks for guests to capture this special occasion. Another birthday surprise is that everyone who collects their photos at the parks will receive a folder with a commemorative sticker, how lovely. 😀

Disneyland Resort will host a celebration procession for Mickey Mouse, featuring some of his special friends and the Disneyland Band. It will start at “it’s a small world” pausing for a special moment at Sleeping Beauty Castle before continuing down Main Street, U.S.A., to Town Square. There will be plenty of chances to sing “Happy Birthday” along the way.

Disneyland Paris will also hold celebrations in Main Street, U.S.A. Be prepared to celebrate Mickey’s birthday just before “Disney Magic on Parade,” as well as during the Lucky Nugget Saloon show at Disneyland park and in “Mickey and the Magician” at Walt Disney Studios park.

Visitors to Hong Kong Disneyland will be able to pick up a special Mickey Birthday pin and a special edition Times Guide in honour of everyone’s favourite mouse. At Shanghai Disney Resort  and Tokyo Disney Resort, guests will have the chance to sing “Happy Birthday” and join in lots of special photo opportunities.

Leading up to his big day, Mickey Mouse will take off to exciting destinations such as Japan, Canada, China, England, Chile and the United States. He will share magical moments along the way.  He will then bring a few more surprises when he visits the Good Morning America studios in New York City on November 15.

We’d love you see all of your favourite Mickey Mouse moments, photos and memories. Here’s my personal favourite when Mickey and Minnie surprised us at breakfast on my recent SuperFAM trip to Orlando!

Smiles Included

Abby

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Abby’s Pre-Orlando Adventure

Hey Thrill Seekers,

Its nearly time…….

If you watch our bi-weekly Facebook Lives you’re bound to know that i’m due to go on a ‘Super Fam’ trip and in particular, how excited I am about it! Well it’s time and i’m finally leaving tomorrow to embark on what is sure to be the best trip EVER.

If you follow our Facebook or Instagram accounts you’ll be seeing loads of videos and photos from yours truly over the next week including all things Disney, Universal and SeaWorld. Before I start packing (yes I know I’ve left it very last minute) I thought I would give you guys a run-down of what my trip is going to involve.

Soooo.. I arrive in Orlando at 5pm -ish on Sunday and by 9.30pm i’ll be at Universals Halloween Horror Nights!! Nothing like throwing us in at the deep end aye?! I’m absolutely terrified but also mega, mega excited for this (I do feel sorry for the people who are going to have to keep picking me up off the floor in the houses though) The house i’m most excited for is SAW: The Games of Jigsaw, SAW hasn’t featured at HHN for 8 years now and i’m pretty eager to see what’s going to be involved this time around.

For the first few days i’m going to be staying at Universals Cabana Bay Beach Resort which I’ve heard is very nice indeed. 😛 On my first full day i’ll be visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Diagon Alley, Hogsmede Village and Universal Studios. I’m absolutely buzzing to visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – I’ve heard so many amazing things about it and I just can’t wait to see it all for myself and i’m especially excited for  Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts™.

On to the next day.. On this day I will be visiting Volcano Bay in the morning and Universals Islands of Adventure in the afternoon, woooo!!! I can’t wait to ride Krakatau™ Aqua Coaster and teeny bit scared to do Ko’okiri Body Plunge™ I feel like this is going to be a fantastic morning and I can’t wait to get loads of snaps of the Volcano! For Islands of Adventure I’ve been warned not to wear white tops or any denim and this is because i’m bound to get ABSOLUTELY SOAKED on the water rides.. Hopefully it’s a warm day (oh I forgot to mention, the weather forecast for next week is BEAUTIFUL.) Oh i’m also very eager to ride The Incredible Hulk Coaster We have a surprise evening with Universal on this day and i’m super excited to see what this is going to be, of course, i’ll keep you updated!

Day 4 is the day i’m most excited about… anyone who knows me will understand why. Ever since I can remember, I’ve wanted to swim with a dolphin and now i’m lucky enough to have the opportunity to do it YAY!!! If you haven’t guessed already, i’ll be visiting Discovery Cove in the morning. I’m not going to lie there will probably be some tears buy hey, who cares it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity! After Discovery Cove i’ll be travelling over to Busch Gardens where I cannot wait to ride all the big coasters and ALL of the pressure is on me to ride Falcons Fury.. i’ve got this!

On day 5 i’ll be visiting SeaWorld in the Morning , Aquatica in the afternoon and back to SeaWorld for the evening! 😉 Very excited to ride Manta and Mako at SeaWorld as everyone in the offices always raves about how good they are. Especially excited to be lucky enough to ride them in the dark also! Psyching myself up for Ihu’s breakaway falls at Aquatica!

I’ll be staying over night at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, ready for day 6.. On day 6 i’ll be visiting EPCOT in the morning and Animal Kingdom in the afternoon. Can’t wait to visit all of the different countries at EPCOT and i’m so buzzing for Pandora – The World of Avatar at Animal Kingdom, the reviews i’ve read about Avatar – Flight of Passage have all been great so I cannot wait to experience it for myself too.

On the 7th Day i’ll be off to Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom, I am really looking forward to seeing Cinderella’s Castle, meeting all of the characters and getting to experience the iconic rides and attractions such as The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster. I also hope I get to watch Happily Ever After, could possibly shed a tear or two here as well!

On my last day I get to go SHOPPING at the Orlando International Premium Outlets and the Florida Mall, I’ve got all my pennies saved up for this I’m just hoping i’ll have enough room in my suitcase!! After that it’s home time 🙁 🙁

Only 1 more sleep to go and i’ll finally be off!! If you would like to follow my action packed week make sure you keep checking our Facebook and Instagram as i’ll be trying to post as much and as often as possible.

See you all soon!!

Smiles Included,

Abby

 

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Disney’s Retired Attractions

Hey Thrill Seekers,

Theme parks are constantly making improvements to their parks. Attractions are always coming and going; some we’re happy about and some we’re not. I’m going to take a look into some of the iconic Disney attractions that have been retired.

Disney’s Magic Kingdom is a great starting point with Extra TERRORestrial Alien Encounter which was a brilliant attraction that was replaced in 2003 with Stitch’s Great Escape! Rumour has it that even Stitch will be leaving us soon as the park has already scheduled Stitch’s Great Escape for seasonal closures! 🙁

Mr Toad’s Wild Ride is talked about on so many Disney forums so I can only imagine how amazing it was. Originally due to be a roller coaster, it ended up being a dark ride with the left and right tracks being 2 completely different experiences! Unfortunately, I’m too young to have seen this as it closed in 1998 to be replaced by The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh.

Snow White’s Scary Adventures opened way back in 1971 but was deemed a little too scary for some guests so closed for a refurbishment in 1994 before opening back up to the public until 2012. Princess Fairy-tale Hall is now in it’s place.

Let’s pop over to Disney’s Epcot and see what’s been changing here over the years shall we? One of my all time favourites that I remember from the first time I ever visited Orlando, Honey! I Shrunk The Audience! I’m not usually a fan of 4D attractions but how can you not love this?! I was gutted when this got taken away but it was temporarily replaced with Captain EO Tribute in 2010.

Maelstrom was an indoor log flume ride which would have it’s twists and turns before moving you backwards. Sadly, this ride closed in 2014 although I was so happy to finally see a Frozen ride, Frozen Ever After!

Horizons was a dark ride taking you through the ideas that could be used in the future to make the world even greater! Horizons was then replaced by Mission: SPACE, a motion simulator ride in 1994.

Over at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Journey into the Jungle Book was a theatrical show filled with animals as well as costumed-humans which closed in 1999 and was replaced later on by Tarzan Rocks.

Tarzan Rocks was another theatrical show lasting about 30 minutes (perfect for the AC) which closed in 2006 before being replaced with Finding Nemo – The Musical.

Pocahontas and her Forest Friends opened with the park in 1998 and had an array of live animals as well as the lead character from the movie. The theatre seated 350 guests at a time but ended for good in 2008! Nothing major has replaced this show yet even today, but you can still have a meet and greet with Pocahontas herself!

Next stop, Disney’s Hollywood Studios where it used to be best known as the home to Mickey’s Sorcerer’s Hat which was inspired by the apprentice segment in Fantasia! Since 2015, his hat can no longer be found at Hollywood Studios, but instead, a view of The Great Movie Ride.

Journey into Narnia: Prince Caspian was a walk-through attraction, testing your knowledge on the movie and even includes a character meet and greet! This closed in 2011 being replaced with The Legend of Captain Jack Sparrow before becoming Toy Story Land. Toy Story Land is currently under construction to become even larger in the near future.

Isn’t it amazing how much Walt Disney World has changed throughout the years?! Can you think of any other Disney attractions that we can no longer visit?

Smiles Included…

Louise

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Disney Announce New Nighttime Spectacular Show ‘Happily Ever After’

Hey Thrill Seekers,

Another announcement! We just can’t get enough 😛

A new nighttime spectacular at Disney’s Magic Kingdom called Happily Ever After will debut on the 12th May replacing the long-running Wishes Nighttime Spectacular. Disney have said that it’s going to include a mixture of Disney storytelling, beloved Disney characters, fireworks and loads more!

“Gather ‘round Cinderella Castle for an awe-inspiring show that’s sure to surprise and delight.”

It appears that it’s going to focus on some of the magnificent adventures that different Disney characters have undertaken to achieve their dreams. Fireworks, pyrotechnics, original animation and a ‘heart tugging’ story line – what more can you ask for?

Happily Ever After is going to start with a dream and will continue to take you on a incredible journey that will capture all of the humour and heart of loads of Disney’s animated films including:

  • Aladdin
  • Big Hero Six
  • Brave
  • Frozen
  • The Hunchback of Notre Dame
  • The Incredibles
  • The Lion King
  • The Little Mermaid
  • Moana
  • Mulan
  • Tarzan
  • The Princess and the Frog
  • Toy Story
  • Up
  • WALL-E
  • Wreck-It Ralph
  • Zootopia

The show is set to be 18 minutes of lights, laser, projections and fireworks so don’t forget to gather round Cinderellas Castle if you are visiting Magic Kingdom from the 12th May onward.

“It all comes together in a dazzling way—for a fantastical finale to your day at Magic Kingdom park.”

Know Before You Go

  • Don’t forget to check the Times Guide at Magic Kingdom park for schedule and showtimes.
  • It is an outdoor show and subject to cancellation due to inclement weather.
  • Showtimes are subject to change.

So what do you think of the new nighttime show at Magic Kingdom? I for one cannot wait and I LOOOOOOVE the title.

They all lived happily ever after..

Smiles Included…

Jess

 

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Top Secrets at Disney’s Epcot

Hey Thrill Seekers,

Hopefully you’re still enjoying finding out about some of the parks secrets?! I’m sure you are, or you wouldn’t be here would you…

We’re going to whizz around Epcot clockwise so you can get a feel for the park/world. Future World pavements come alive at night time in between Spaceship Earth and Innoventions. If you look down you will see the floor lit up. Speaking of Spaceship Earth, if you hit all of the switches and dials at once, something cool might happen!

Our first country pit stop is Mexico where you will be able to find added little steps on the side of the pyramids. These were added at a later date to ensure safety for children that liked to climb up.

Over at Norway the roof of the pavilion is covered in grass, real grass! They have gardeners that regularly maintain it instead of having goats up there like they really do in Norway! 😉

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Most of the time you’ll be absolutely boiling walking around the parks in the day with all that exercise, not to forget, the burning sun! If you purchase a fan from the China pavilion, they will personalise it for you and even write your name in Chinese!

At the back of the Germany pavilion is a cuckoo clock, you’ll need to be there at the top of the hour to witness it, and if you’re lucky enough to time it right you’ll see a wooden child pop out of the clock and twirl throughout the cuckoo.

Located in the middle of the Italy pavilion is the Fontana de Nettuno which is the fountain that contains the image of Neptune meaning God of the Sea.

You might notice that the America pavilion looks like it’s 3 storeys high when in actual fact it is 5 storeys high! The architects have done such an amazing job on deceiving the human eye.

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The Japan pavilion has a statue that was donated to Magic Kingdom by the Japanese government but it was later moved over to Epcot when the park opened.

Morocco might look ordinary to you but you might notice if you look close enough that you can spot the The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror over at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. They have painted this to match the rest of the buildings in this area of the Morocco pavilion so that it blends in as Disney like to have the concept of not seeing each of the parks from another. You may also notice that during Illuminations: Reflections of Earth that Morocco is the only pavilion not to be lit up. This is to show respect as it would go against their beliefs.

Only one part of Epcot can be seen and not touched by the public. This part happens to be in the France pavilion and be the Eiffel Tower. Disney call it the ‘carrot’ of the park because it is made to look bigger than it actually is. At only 1/10 of the size of the original, this tower is mounted on top of a building.

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Everyone loves to visit other peoples versions of their ‘home’ which is why I love seeing the United Kingdom pavilion. Here you can actually look up your own family ancestry and have it printed. This is available for everyone visiting the park, not just the Brits!

Canada seems to have a lot of little hidden elements in it’s pavilion. There are 3 totem poles there, but only ONE of these is actually real! There is also a rock that opens up for the Illuminations show which is where the globe comes out from. You’ll notice a beautiful waterfall that was actually built here to mask the noisy generator located just behind it and the Hotel du Canada looks 5 storeys high but in actual fact, is only 3! (a bit similar to the America pavilion)

Canada-Pavilion

I have also heard that some of the trash cans and water fountains might talk to you…

What else do you know about Epcot?

Smiles Included…

Louise

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Top Secrets at Disney’s Magic Kingdom

Hey Thrill Seekers,

Day three and we’re being nosey at Disney’s Magic Kingdom.

Did you know, when you’re standing outside Cinderella’s Castle, the cast members are all walking around right beneath your feet? That’s right, Magic Kingdom is actually on the top level of 3 storeys. You won’t see many cast members strolling around the park because they are strolling around beneath you!

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Interesting fact number two, to ensure that the Magic Kingdom park is kept clean and tidy, you will find you are never anymore than 30 steps away from a bin! (Or a trash can as they would call it)

Anyway, onto some cool facts around the Magic Kingdom lands. As you enter the park into Town Square you will Tony’s Town Square Restaurant themed on Lady and the Tramp. If you look down outside, you will see paw prints from them – cute!

Photo Sep 3, 2008, 6-27 AM

Goofy can be seen on a bench just by Tony’s and if you sit close enough, you might be able to have a little conversation with him!

Continuing down Main Street with Cinderella’s Castle in sight, you might notice there’s a barber shop and yes, it’s a real working barber shop! Imagine being able to tell someone you had your hair cut at Magic Kingdom! Or it could be your son’s first ever hair cut?

Also down Main Street there are are some old-timely, decorative telephones that you can pick up and listen to. Who knows what you might find out from one of these?!

Over in Tomorrowland there are some metallic palm trees, usually seen to be spread open just like a normal palm tree. Stay there until the night time, and you will see them fold up! (Night night)

trees

Next door in Fantasyland you might see a statue resembling The Sword in the Stone. Many people take pictures trying to pull the sword out and then walk away, but little do they know that every so often someone will actually pull the sword from the stone!

Behind Cinderella’s Castle is a statue of Cinderella. If you bow down to take a drink from the water fountain, you will see that the crown on the backdrop sits perfectly on Cinderella’s head.

Liberty Square, home to The Haunted Mansion has lots of secrets floating around. On the top of the mansion you will notice that it is topped with all different chess pieces and if you look up at night time, you might see some spooks in the windows!

lol

Most of you will have heard of Hidden Mickey’s (if not check out this previous blog), but Frontierland has a Hidden Tinkerbell! As you exit Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, you will see it on the rock on your left hand-side.

Before we go, we can’t forget Adventureland! As you exit the Pirates of the Caribbean ride you will walk across a moving floor. If you look down you will see footprints and circles, the circle represents the pirates stump!

Do you have any secrets about Magic Kingdom that you are eager to share with us?

Smiles Included…

Louise

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