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Over the last week, Disney fans across the internet have been excited by the possibility of a major Fantasyland makeover coming to the Magic Kingdom soon. It all started when an image reportedly depicting plans for the refurbishment surfaced online (you can click the image to enlarge it in a new window):

Fantasyland plans

The plans call for the addition of several new areas to Fantasyland including sections devoted to Disney’s princesses Belle, Cinderella, Aurora, and Ariel. In addition, according to the plans, Dumbo would be moved and enhanced with two spinning sections instead of one and Tinker Bell and her fairy friends would take over the current entrance of Toontown, replacing it with Pixie Hollow.

But you’ve probably read all about that already. Whether these plans were really leaked or just something out of a Disney fan’s imagination is still unknown. However, signs are beginning to point to their legitimacy.

Here’s the new information…

Some cast members who have backstage access to Fantasyland and Toontown are now reporting that some construction has begun in these areas – and the assumption is that it is part of the major overhaul. We’ve also been told that areas normally open for use by cast members are being blocked off and even some buses are being rerouted. Moreover, there are sources who claim to have spoken to Imagineers who said that these plans are indeed final and in-progress.

This wouldn’t be the first time Disney has given one of their Fantasylands an overhaul. However, the last major Fantasyland upgrade was not at Walt Disney World but rather in California at Disneyland, back in the early 1980s, when its carnival-type atmosphere was replaced with the look of a more detailed European-style village.

Since Disney has not officially announced any plans to renovate Fantasyland in Orlando yet, we’re still skeptical of the plans – but keeping our eyes and ears open. It seems to become more truthful by the day.

To give you a better idea of how the plans fit in to the existing Fantasyland landscape, here’s an animated overlay (click to enlarge):

Fantasyland Overlay

Thanks to Gordon for the animated image.

Related Posts:

  • Construction Update: New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom shaping up
  • Disney testing new meet-and-greet queueing procedures, may point to upcoming Fantasyland changes
  • Work in Progress: An aerial view of Fantasyland construction at the Magic Kingdom – Fall 2011
  • Fantasyland Expansion Update: Aerial photos and video of Walt Disney World – Spring 2011
  • Large photo leaked of tabletop model for Fantasyland’s makeover

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