Welcome to Part 2 of my Limited Time Magic tour, “A Walk in the Park” with Phil Holmes. The next part of our tour took us to New Fantasyland. We were able to see them actively constructing Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. Phil said they are hoping to have this up and running by the beginning of summer at the absolute latest. We now know it is scheduled to open at the beginning of May. I can’t wait for this to open! Our next stop was Bonjour! Village Gifts. Phil took us in the shop and pointed out a painting of a man on the back wall. He told us that he is now immortalized at Magic Kingdom because the painting is modeled after him. They even painted him wearing a ring that commemorates his 40 years working for Disney.
As we worked our way through New Fantasyland, Phil discussed the addition of the second Dumbo The Flying Elephant ride and its new interactive queue. There is an awesome indoor play area for kids and tons of seating for the adults. You are given a pager that will buzz when it is your turn to get on the ride. It is a great way to pass the time, as opposed to standing in a line.
Remember how I said Phil ended our tour in a very memorable way? Well, Phil invited us to be a part of the Magic Kingdom Welcome Show! This is literally something I’ve dreamed about. I was ecstatic to help Mickey open Magic Kingdom for the day. Nothing can describe the feeling of pulling up on the Walt Disney World Railroad and looking at all the smiling faces below, eager to enter Magic Kingdom. It was one of my favorite Disney moments, ever! I was definitely wiping away a few tears! It was such a magical morning, and could not have ended in a more perfect way.
During the train ride, several attendees took the opportunity to ask Phil a few questions; one person even asked him to take a selfie! One of the questions was regarding the possibility of Limited Time Magic events and tours in 2014. Phil said that it was quite a challenge to come up with and carry out a new Limited Time Magic offering each week in 2013, and they plan on focusing on the new #DisneySide promotion in 2014. The only thing that may come back is one of the more popular Limited Time Magic events: the Dapper Dans singing Boy Band hit songs from artists such as *NSYNC and Backstreet Boys. In fact, this was so popular with guests that they offered this twice at Disneyland Park in 2013. So, you never know!
At the conclusion of the tour, we each had an opportunity to take a photo with Phil and express our gratitude. He also presented us all with the most amazing Disney pin I have ever seen. Although I had been to the Magic Kingdom countless times, I really saw the park in a whole new light during this tour. Phil’s insight and anecdotal stories were wonderful to hear, and I am so thankful Disney not only offered these Limited Time Magic tours, but that I was able to be a part of one.
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