While looking around the Castle Courtyard, I got a call back from Buzz. He was over in Toontown, so I told him that I’d meet him.
On the way, I paused briefly to check out some of the details on the Carousel. I wonder how Anastasia and Drizella feel about being depicted in each other’s colors here. Knowing them, I wouldn’t assume that they would be pleased.
This was the first time I had been back to Magic Kingdom since the entire back half of Fantasyland was blocked off and Ariel’s Grotto and Pooh’s Playful Spot were removed. It seems so empty back there now! They did have some cool art and descriptions of the new Beauty and the Beast area and Little Mermaid attraction along the wall though, so there was at least something to look at. It’s nice to have more of a Beauty and the Beast presence in the park. A restaurant seems a natural choice, but it would have been nice to get a ride too.
Dumbo and Timothy.
The construction was complete on Mrs. Potts Cupboard. I really like the new look with the thatched roofs- a bit more rural English countryside than before. Having it still be themed to Mrs. Potts though doesn’t quite seem to work with the new look. Since Beauty and the Beast is getting a whole new area with the expansion, I think it would be neat to rename it after another Disney character. I’m hoping for a new
Wind and the Willows theme. It would work well with the architecture and could be a nice tribute to the now-gone Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride that used to be next door.
Over at the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Piglet and Pooh’s tree seemed to be settling in it’s new spot closer to the attraction. It was still behind construction walls, but the part with Piglet was poking over the top of it.
Artwork of Prince Eric’s Castle representing the soon-to-be Little Mermaid attraction. I think I’m most looking forward to this part of the expansion. From what I’ve seen of the concept art and such, it should be a great attraction.
Once I arrived in Mickey’s Toontown Fair, I found Buzz. It turns out that after we had split up earlier that morning, he went on Space Ranger Spin 3 times in a row. Next, he noticed that the Astro Orbiter was down to a 15 minute wait and decided to give it a try. The wait turned out to be closer to 30, but he enjoyed the ride and its views of the park and beyond. He ventured to Fantasyland after that to ride another of his favorites, the Mad Tea Party (Buzz sure can spin a Tea Cup faster than anyone I know!
), and then went to Toontown to ride the Barnstormer before meeting up with me. Since we were already in Toontown, I suggested we check how long the line is at the Judge’s Tent.
Of course, to get to the Judge’s Tent, you have to walk through Mickey’s Country House first. I really thought that Toontown would be gone by the next time we made it to the Magic Kingdom, so it was nice to get another chance to look around and take some photos.
After all these years, Mickey’s kitchen is still a mess.
Mickey’s gameroom.
I wonder if Mickey has a hard time figuring out what to wear every day.
Mickey’s less-famous backdoor.
The wait was advertised at 30 minutes which didn’t sound so bad, so we decided to get in line. The actual wait turned out to be a little less than that.
I really haven’t been to the Judge’s Tent very often, and the only other times I’ve been there wasn’t any line to speak to. Because of that, I’d never gotten to see the pre-show movie or any of the details in the queue. The movie was pretty cute. It was nice to see all the clips from the old cartoons as well as Donald and Goofy’s antics from the projection room.
Once we got to the front of the line, we were greeted by Mickey and Minnie who were adorable. I hadn’t gotten any photos of Mickey and Minnie together, so it was nice to be able to have a chance to get some.
After meeting a handful of Disney couples earlier in the morning, it seemed fitting to meet these two as well.
After meeting Mickey and Minnie, we decided to take the train back to Main Street in order to and look and grab some lunch at Casey’s. We never got to take a ride on the train last year, so it was nice to be able to do it this time around.
Next chapter: Corn Dog Nuggets- yey or nay?
I remember seeing they were doing that but couldn't remember what they were calling it.
That is totally what it is too. Even in VOTLM he doesn't have that kind of hair do.
