22 March 2010 by Walt Disney World Travel Examiner - Heather Leigh Carroll-Landon
One of the largest refurbishment projects Walt Disney World has taken on is the expansion of Fantasyland in the Magic Kingdom Park. During this expansion rides will be updated and refurbished, new attractions added and some old ones will become only a memory. Phase one of the Fantasyland Expansion is underway and is scheduled be completed 2013.
Walt Disney World has filed it permits with Orange County, contracts have been awarded and some preparations have begun. Some construction walls are up in an effort to hide the work behind the scenes from guests.
Here is a refresher of what can be expected from the Fantasyland Expansion project:
· Princesses-in-waiting will be able to visit her favorite Princess in her castle, cottage or château. Guests can share a dance with Cinderella, celebrate Sleeping Beauty's birthday or listen to Belle tell a story.
· Be Our Guest and enjoy dining in one of three enchanted rooms at the Beast's castle.
· Fly with Dumbo on his new, twice the original size, ride.
· Journey under the sea with Ariel in her new interactive area.
· Meet Tinker Bell and the other fairies at the newly added Pixie Hollow.
· Mickey's Toon Town Fair will be removed to make room for the expansion.
· The Barnstormer from Mickey's Toon Town Fair is expected to be re-themed and placed in the Dumbo's Circus area.
Early components of the Fantasyland Expansion are expected to be completed and opened in 2012, with the final part opening in 2013. Guests should be prepared to possible impacts that could occur during a Walt Disney World vacation. However, Disney assures guests they will still have a magical time regardless of the expansion construction.
GO BACK