A LOT is happening in Magic Kingdom right now. Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin just recently reopened with some HUGE updates. A Villains Land is in the process of being constructed. A new Cars-themed expansion is being built in Frontierland.

Magic Kingdom

Well, a LOT of big changes are happening in Magic Kingdom as early as this summer. So if you’re looking to check out some new things in the park, this summer might be the perfect opportunity to do that. Let’s chat about these big changes!

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

It’s been over a year since Big Thunder Mountain Railroad closed, but the ride received a TON of new updates, including new track, a new scene, a new exterior, and more. Finally, the ride is set to reopen on May 3rd, which is about the best way we can think of to kick off the summer season in Disney World.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

Disney has been teasing some of the changes that were made to the ride, and it sounds like the Wildest Ride in the Wilderness is about to get even a little wilder!

Cinderella Castle

The ICON of Magic Kingdom, Cinderella Castle, is in the middle of a paint job to bring its colors back to its white, silver, and blue hues. Painting will probably continue into the summer, but the good news is that the work is only being done in the mornings, so you can still get those great castle selfies in the afternoons.

Painting the castle

Disney has not yet announced a timeline on when the painting might be complete, so it could be happening further into the year than we even thought. These things do take a while, after all.

Characters during early theme park entry

For those Disney World visitors staying at Disney World hotels, Early Theme Park Entry just got a little more exciting. As part of Disney World’s Cool Kids Summer, which runs from May 26th through September 8th, you’ll get to meet characters in the parks during Early Theme Park Entry. This means you’ll have 30 minutes to meet with your favorite characters before everyone else.

Tigger in Magic Kingdom

Disney has not revealed which characters you might see during this time, but Disney is asking guests to keep an eye out for characters during this time to take advantage of all the special meet and greets. That means there may be some surprises!

Jessie’s Roundup

The Diamond Horsehoe is getting a bit of an upgrade on May 26th. Jessie’s Roundup: A Rip Roarin’ Revue will be happening at the restaurant during Cool Kids Summer. According to Disney, you’ll be able to “join Jessie, Woody, and friends for some energetic fun at Jessie’s Roundup, where you’ll craft, dance, and yodel your hearts out in the western revue.”

Woody and Jessie

Disney has not released a lot of other details about Jessie’s Roundup, but it certainly sounds like a great addition to The Diamond Horsehoe.

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin reopened on April 8th, but there’s a big likelihood that most folks won’t be experiencing the updated ride until this summer, so we had to mention it. SO much has changed, including the ride vehicles, the pistols, the targets, and more.

It’s Buddy!

You’ll want to make sure to check out the new and improved version of this ride. Maybe you’ll even become a Galactic Hero!

So if you’ll be visiting Magic Kingdom this summer, you have a LOT to look forward to. We’ll be keeping an eye out for more updates in all four of Disney World’s theme parks, so stay tuned to DFB for more.

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What do you think of these changes? Share your thoughts in the comments!