Magic Kingdom fans received a welcome surprise this November as one of Fantasyland’s longest-running attractions lifted its curtain earlier than expected. Mickey’s PhilharMagic, which officially debuted back in 2003 after replacing The Legend of the Lion King in the Fantasyland Theatre, had been scheduled for a temporary closure beginning November 1, 2025. The refurbishment was announced as routine, with Disney noting plans to replace theater seating during the process.
While the three-week pause was originally set to conclude on November 23—just in time for the busy Thanksgiving holiday—Disney quietly reopened the attraction six days early, according to reports, on November 18. That unexpected return marks a major highlight for mid-November visitors, as the show remains a favorite stop for families, longtime fans, and anyone looking to enjoy classic Disney animation with a twist.
Featuring Donald Duck in chase mode after swiping Mickey’s sorcerer’s hat, the 3-D adventure journeys through iconic scenes from Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, and Peter Pan.
Guests often note the sense of nostalgia throughout the 12-minute show, complete with sensory effects—like the famous apple pie scent during “Be Our Guest”—that bring the experience to life beyond the screen. In 2021, the attraction was refreshed for Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary with a surprise addition: a Coco sequence set to “Un Poco Loco,” giving the show a new musical moment.
This refurbishment joins several updates happening around the resort. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad continues its major track and effects overhaul, while Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin has been closed since August to receive new ride vehicles, upgraded laser blasters, and a new character named “Buddy.” As for PhilharMagic, reports from the reopened location indicate that no major changes are visible just yet—and the official Walt Disney World Resort website still lists the attraction with “no times available.”
For now, though, the music is playing once more. If you’re visiting Magic Kingdom in mid-November, this earlier-than-anticipated return may be the perfect encore.
Are you happy to see the attraction reopened? Let us know in the comments down below!
