Though the Magic Kingdom doesn’t have large construction projects going on like those underway at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot, this generally-consistent park has actually gone through a number of changes recently, including the expansion of a special guest services team, progress on one of the Magic Kingdom’s most high-profile projects, plus the addition of an after hours event that is totally free (for annual passholders, that is). If you’re planning on going to the Magic Kingdom in the near future, here’s all the changes you need to know about!
1. Track construction to begin on Tron roller coaster, according to recently-filed permits
Image: Disney
One of the most-anticipated new attractions coming to Walt Disney World over the next few years is the Tron roller coaster, modeled after TRON Lightcycle Power Run at Shanghai Disneyland. And though construction on this attraction has been happening backstage since 2017, it looks like permits have been filed for the most important part of this new attraction: the track!
According to the recently-filed paperwork, long-time Disney construction partner Coastal Steel Inc will be installing “ride steel” over the next few months at the Magic Kingdom, which is certainly an exciting development.
Though we still don’t have an official opening date for this attraction, with Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opening this year at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Guardians of the Galaxy rumored to be opening next year at Epcot, it seems more likely than ever that Disney is looking to open this new ride in 2021, just in time for the 50th anniversary of the Magic Kingdom!
2. Planning underway for Super Bowl Parade next week at the Magic Kingdom…depending on game outcome
Image: Disney
3. Guest Experience Team sticking around through the spring
Image: Disney
Over the holiday season Disney deployed a new Guest Experience Team at the Magic Kingdom, which was a special team of Cast Members who were stationed throughout the park to help guests make the most of their day by proactively assisting guests with booking, modifying and recovering FastPass+ selections, navigating the My Disney Experience app, and using MagicBands.
And though this was originally designed to be a limited-time support addition, it looks like these special Cast Members in the blue shirts will be sticking around through the end of the spring, as guests continue to flock to the Magic Kingdom during the Spring Break season.
If you shoudl need them, these special Cast Members can be found in the following locations around the park
- Main Street, U.S.A. – Castle Hub
- Tomorrowland – Near Stitch’s Great Escape
- Fantasyland – Along castle wall, near Enchanted Tales with Belle
- Frontierland – Across from Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Cafe (Golden Oak Outpost side)
- Adventureland – Near Jungle Skipper Canteen
4. Special V.I.Passholder night at the Magic Kingdom announced for February
Earlier this week Disney announced that Gold, Platinum, Platinum Plus, and Premier Passholders will be able to participate in another V.I.Passholder Nights event this month. This special, free event is like an Extra Magic Hours program for annual passholders that allows eligible guests to stay in the park on February 26 at Magic Kingdom (or at Epcot on March 21) after the park closes to regular guests. Though the park won’t be at full operation, select attractions, shops, and dining will stay open for these events. However, the catch is that annual passholders must register to participate in V.I.Passholder Nights, and will need to check their email for a unique link that will allow them to register themselves and their family for this special event.
