Big Thunder Mountain

This morning I got up early to take Susan and Jennifer to the airport to fly to another book event, then went to Magic Kingdom to ride Big Thunder Mountain. It reopened last month after being closed for over a year for refurbishment. It was much smoother than it used to be and the theming elements all looked refreshed, but it’s mostly the same as it was before. 

The queue provided so decent views into the old Tom Sawyer Island work area, where Disney is constructing a new ride based on the Cars movies. After Big Thunder I rode Haunted Mansion. I wouldn’t have minded watching Hall of Presidents, but the first show didn’t start until 10:30 and it was already getting hot, so I headed out. 

I decided to head out to Fort Wilderness to get some lunch at Trail’s End. They are continuing to make progress on Lakeshore Lodge’s new boat dock. I get to see the workers adding stuff while at work, but can’t take photos. A couple months ago they cleared the “shoe tree”.

The cabins are coming along as well, and recently they planted palm trees around the future pool area. I was planning on having a beer with lunch, but when I got to the Fort I was disappointed to learn Crockett’s Tavern now doesn’t open until 3 pm. I ate then headed home.