Photo Finds: Fantasyland expansion and other updates from Magic Kingdom

We visited Disney’s Magic Kingdom yesterday for a couple of hours to bring you some Fantasyland expansion updates and other noticeable things around the park. Let’s start in Tomorrowland and make our way around the park counterclockwise.

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Don Gworek sent this photo in from the Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant. Looks like they have some new things on the menu, including this lobster roll with homemade chips.

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While riding the Peoplemover (for which we had to wait in line), we noticed the big wet rollable granite ball that used to be behind these construction walls is gone. We’re not sure if it will be returning before the construction walls come down.

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One person in our group went to trade a Vinylmation so we told him to meet us by the statue of Pleakley from the Lilo & Stitch movie and cartoons, but there was a problem. The statue is no longer there. Luckily he knew where it used to be.

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I noticed cast members lifting the hoods on quite a few cars on the Tomorrowland Speedway. I thought maybe they all happened to break down, but they were disabling the engines while they brought more cars onto the track.

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Here’s a look at the frame for a circus tent that will be a part of the Storybook Circus area featuring the dual Dumbo rides. (Photo by Don Gworek)

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The Tigger bounce area of the new Winnie The Pooh queue is still roped off. I’m not sure if it’s a safety hazard or if something isn’t working right. I’ve only seen it open once since the interactive queue was added.

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Here’s a look at the front of the new Little Mermaid ride building. When it opens next year, it’s going to have a much more elaborite theme than the recently opened ride at Disney California Adventure. Click Here for a look at the ride at the Disneyland Resort. The inside is said to be the same on both coasts.

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You can see that Maurice’s workshop is taking shape. The Disney Parks Blog describes it as “modeled after a French cottage, will be surrounded by a wishing well, footbridges and lush landscaping. Once inside, guests will step through a magic mirror and find themselves inside Beast’s expansive library, which he created as a gift for Belle in the film. This room will serve as the setting for a memorable character interaction experience with Belle – which will require a little help from Lumiere, the enchanted candlestick.”

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Here’s a look at some of the rock-work that will be a part of the mountain surrounding Beast’s Castle.

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We’ve posted photos of this food cart before and told how it’s one of the first “new Fantasyland” things to appear in a guest area, but now they’ve added a sign that confirms it. The sign reads “Maurice’s Amazing Popping Machine”.

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I believe this construction wall is there to hide the construction of one of the new castle walls. The freestanding wall will match Cinderella Castle’s decor.

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Remember the old Skyway building by It’s a Small World that has sat unused for years? Well this is an old photo of it….

Here’s how it looked yesterday. They’re tearing it down to make way for restrooms. It’s expected the restrooms near the Peter Pan ride will close down. Could an interactive queue also be coming to Peter Pan?

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We stopped by an often overlooked area, the shooting gallery in Frontierland. I think it’s one of the only extra cost attractions in the park. It’s $1 for 35 shots. I heard it may close down soon for a refurbishment.

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Even the squirrels get tired in the Magic Kingdom. I’ve never seen a one lying around like this. At least I think that’s what he was doing.

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Blackbeard from the new Pirates of the Caribbean movie has been added to the ride of the same name. But his projection isn’t very clear in our park. I was at Disneyland in California a few days ago and the their projection seemed sharper. Below is a photo I snapped at Disneyland for comparison.

You can also hear Blackbeard’s voice as you exit the ride. Disney says Davey Jones will be back on the projections later this year.

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After riding, as you enter the gift shop, there are portraits of both Angelica and Capt. Jack from On Stranger Tides.

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Did you ever notice that this rock outside the attraction sort of looks like a skull? I’m sure that’s no coincidence.

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The old sign for The Enchanted Tiki Room is still up, but construction walls have also been erected. Look for the classic attraction to reopen in August.

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After we left the park, we went to the Grand Floridian Resort for a look around. Did you know they offer their guests a free movie on the beach every night and free marshmallows to roast by the fire?