Why Disney World Fans Are Suddenly Running to Liberty Square at Night

You can see a NEW CHARACTER in the Magic Kingdom… kind of. 

Some of our favorite touches at Disney World are little things. Small details are scattered around the parks that guests may not notice until their 10th…or even 110th visit, but these give each park’s lands depth and detail that makes them feel like real environments. Recently, we just noticed a new one of these at the Magic Kingdom. 

If you find yourself in Liberty Square after dark, take a look at the windows above Ye Olde Christmas Shop. If you time it right, you may see Ichabod Crane himself! A projection of Disney’s version of the classic literary character — as seen in the studio’s 1949 film The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad — is presented as part of a small show in the window. 

Keep your eyes peeled next time you’re in Magic Kingdom in the evening…you might just spot THIS familiar figure! 👀 pic.twitter.com/z4RuWs3ClQ

— AllEars.Net (@AllEarsNet) July 27, 2024

We hung around Liberty Square ourselves for a bit recently, and from what we’ve pieced together: Once it’s dark enough for the projection to be seen, Ichabod will appear about every 5 minutes for a show that lasts about a minute and a half.

During that time, the projection sips tea, eats, reads, and engages in other small activities by candlelight. 

Ichabod Crane first appeared in Washington Irving’s 1820 short story The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (acknowledged as one of the first pieces of American literature) which is set in colonial era upstate New York. Said setting makes Ichabod the perfect character to appear in Liberty Square, as the land is modeled after northeastern colonial-era areas of the United States, including the massive Dutch Gothic facade of the Haunted Mansion.

In fact, there are a few references to the character and story in the land already. A sign that promotes “Music & Voice Lessons by Appointment. Ichabod Crane, Instructor” has long hung near the Christmas Tree Shoppe.  

There’s also of course the Sleepy Hollow quick service location — which is actually modeled after Washington Irving’s New York home — but we’re still too steeped in mourning over the loss of their beloved food to truly think about that location right now! 

The new Ichabod Crane projection in Liberty Square is that kind of small, thematic addition that Disney excels at when they’re at their best, and we would recommend checking it out next time you’re in Liberty Square after dark. Stay tuned to AllEars for further Disney World details. 

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What’s your favorite tiny Disney detail? Let us know in the comments below. 

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