Magic Kingdom – New Hub, New Hair, and a Little Fast Electric Parade!

IMG_2589After what seems to be a year since work started on the hub expansion of the Magic Kingdom a the area closest to Main St. has opened including Wishes FastPass+ viewing areas.IMG_2636

IMG_2651The areas are very well done with a nice place to sit and relax during the day on the astroturf and beautiful fountains. IMG_2648

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IMG_2639One of the few things about this area that I am not overly fond of is the movement of the small brass statutes of the characters that used to be around the Partners statue which are now inside the planter areas, but that is just a small thing compared to the space that has opened up due to this new work.IMG_2643

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IMG_2634Overall this area adds the feel of space that has been missing since before the time of Wishes where everyone gathers around the Hub and causes a dead stand still. I look forward to the next portion being open.

Now for the new hair and fast parade head to the next page.

IMG_3072Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid one of the first classic dark rides built in the past decade has been a classic example of WDI going in and updating an attraction they feel is not perfect. This transformation actually started with The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel's Undersea Adventure, which is the same attraction but in Disney California Adventure, that first opened with the Ariel figure in the Under The Sea scene with hair that looked like a soft serve twirl on her head and was quickly changed to a more boxy hair style that currently is still the standard for that figure. With this latest upgrade the lighting has been adjusted in the Under The Sea scene to make it more of a dark scene so when each fish is called out during the song it is showcased by its own spot light. But they more notable change again seems to be all about the hair, moving from the plastic hair to a more natural look.

But really the best way is just to see it. This first video is from when the attraction first opened.

This video is the current state of the attraction.

Before I sign off, I had to include this because it is just to much fun to pass up, here is the Main Street Electrical Parade in just over 30 seconds.

Jeremiah Good
Our main correspondent for Walt Disney World and the Orlando area and a heck of a paleontologist if he does say so himself.