MouseSteps Weekly #547: Stitch Day, Test Track Refurb, and Magic Kingdom News

Test Track Passholder Preview and Refurbishment

• 🎢 Test Track Passholder previews are scheduled from July 13th to 19th, with a virtual queue system in place.
• 💡 The attraction officially reopens to all guests on July 22nd, 2025, featuring throwbacks to its original versions, including "it's fun to be free."
• 🚗 The new version eliminates the "design your car" step, aiming for quicker boarding and a more streamlined experience.
• 🛠️ Reach envelope testing has been observed on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, indicating ongoing refurbishment work.

Stitch 626 Day Celebrations in Magic Kingdom

• 🥳 Magic Kingdom celebrated Stitch 626 Day with special character appearances and events.
• 🌟 Rare characters like Angel, Captain Gantu, and Hämsterviel made surprise appearances at the Tomorrowland Galactic Blast dance party.
• 🎭 Performers showcased impressive dancing, even in the heat, with characters like Angel and Stitch staying on stage.
• 🏞️ The Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade was viewed with the castle in the background, featuring a full roster of characters.

Character Surprises and Sightings

• 🐘 In Storybook Circus, characters including Minnie, Goofy, Donald, Daisy, and Pluto were seen riding Dumbo the Flying Elephant before their meet-and-greets.
• 🐾 Pluto was also seen enjoying a dance party and interacting with guests in Storybook Circus.
• 🌟 Raya was spotted meeting guests in Adventureland, with a surprisingly short wait time.
• 🚢 The Liberty Belle riverboat was ridden and photographed, offering views of the Big Thunder Mountain refurb.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Refurbishment

• 🚂 Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is undergoing significant refurbishment, with a scheduled reopening in 2026.
• ⚠️ Reach envelope testing was observed within the mountain, ensuring clearance for ride vehicles and passenger safety.
• 🕰️ The hosts, with decades of experience photographing and recording the parks, shared insights into the long history of such testing on attractions like Tron and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.

Upcoming Events and Sponsorship

• 📅 Upcoming events include the Disney Starlight Parade (July 20th), Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party (starting August 15th), and the Oogie Oogie Bash.
• ✈️ MEI Travel and Mouse Fan Travel are highlighted as the official travel sponsors, offering booking services for Disney, Universal, and international travel, including cruises.