New construction may add truth to 'leaked' Fantasyland refurbishment plans
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):
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):
Thanks to Gordon for the animated image.
UNBELIEVEABLE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I was just there (ok last week) and they are doing some renovations, but nothing looked major to me.. main street had like one building being worked on.. and then just around the corner from the castle..
Only thing I think people will miss is Toontown, where you can see/meet Mickey & Minnie, that appears to be completly taken away, except for the Barnstormer
amazing your work is really good
I think that this is an awful idea. I truly hope that they don’t go through with it. Devoting space to each princess is just ridiculous, especially when THE ONE THAT STARTED IT ALL isn’t included.
Adding to the Dumbo ride would be nice since that line can be very, very long. The princess theme has really been pushed hard the last several years, especially with the little girl princess makeover package people can buy for their kids. And if you’ve been to the movies, you’ll notice that the princess in The Princess and the Frog movie is African American. There will now be an almost full set of every nationality/race of princesses!
I’ve been to MK Toontown a few times and it’s by far not the highlight. However, the Barnstormer is great, and they are keeping that, apparently!
Instead of this huge thing, I would rather they just double dumbo and add Little Mermaid. Like come on, do we really need 20 girly meet and greets. What about us guys? Why does Disney have to take unisex stuff and target little girls with it? For example, Disney Channel!!!!!
I for one would love to see more of Cinderella and the Princesses, they all form part of the magic of Disney for my family so bring it on WDW
they always do this!!!and it stinks! they will take billions of dollars and pour it into useless projects. The only good thing I read was a little mermaid ride.they need more rides!!!! when people spend $$ on theme parks they want rides not tons of scenery hosting stores to spend more $$ in. Disney World needs at least two more RIDES