Skip to content

construction

New Fantasyland Imagineer Shares Vision, Timeline Adjusts


Click to view larger size.

Disney has announced some slight updates to the schedule for the phased rollout of the new Fantasyland. The Storybook Circus area will still be the first to start opening up, but it too will open in phases. I also had the opportunity to interview the Imagineer Art Director for the Fantasyland Expansion about how the vision for the Fairytale Forest and StoryBook Circus areas are being realized.

First here is Disney’s recent release on Storybook Circus which will now start opening in phases beginning in early 2012.

Is Dumbo spinning in the wrong direction?

Actually, Dumbo is just reversing decades of flying in counter-clockwise circles. Call it “unwinding,” if you will. And in a new location within Magic Kingdom.

Guests will board Dumbo the Flying Elephant from the lovable critter’s left side — like mounting a horse … and unlike the way guests hop aboard for a whirl at Disney parks on three continents. It is scheduled to begin happening in early 2012 when select experiences in the Storybook Circus neighborhood of New Fantasyland debut just northeast of Mad Tea Party.

Also early 2012, the existing Dumbo attraction near Prince Charming Regal Carrousel will close, be refurbished and be moved to a location in Storybook Circus next to the new Dumbo attraction. The result when completed later in 2012: double Dumbos, one going this-a-way, one going that-a-way … a real circus act, if you will.

There also will be a “big top” that serves as a queue area for the popular attraction. It will feature a variety of interactive experiences currently being developed.

Two other Storybook Circus elements planned for opening early in the year are The Barnstormer and Fantasyland Station. Guests who enjoyed The Barnstormer at Goofy’s Wiseacre Farm will be happy to know the junior coaster thrills of that attraction are back with a thematic change: Goofy has sold the farm and is now a circus stunt pilot and magician, The Great Goofini. The completely re-imagined train station will serve as the gateway to Storybook Circus and all Fantasyland points beyond.

Below the jump is The Disney Blog’s interview with Imagineer Chris Beatty:

Read More »New Fantasyland Imagineer Shares Vision, Timeline Adjusts

Extreme Makeover: Home Edition kicks off new season with very special visit

Editor: Please welcome guest author Kristen Barrett who feels a very special connection with Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. It’s definitely not an understatement to say that Extreme Makeover: Home Edition has opened new doors for families across the U.S.. With the first season or two… Read More »Extreme Makeover: Home Edition kicks off new season with very special visit

Magic Kingdom Update – Ch-ch-ch-changes ( Part II )

Took a walk around the Magic Kingdom on Saturday and noticed quite a few changes coming to the park and surrounding resorts. Part one of the update had the Fantasyland Expansion updates, and this second part contains a look at something that may make as big an impact as all of new Fantasyland. As usual, click on the photos for a larger version.


Powder blue walls surround the beach area that will soon become a noisy construction zone next to the Wedding Pavilion.


They’ve installed a gate and some construction fencing (meant to keep spills from leaking outside the construction area), but no work on expanding the plot of land that will eventually hold the tower and partially block the view of the Wedding Pavilion.


Plans are under way to divide the Magic Kingdom parking lot into two zones. Two tram loading zones will have distinct colors and names. In theory this will help guests find their cars faster at the end of the night. In practice, not so much as anyone at Disneyland can attest. Guests still find themselves in the wrong parking lot at the end of the night.

Lots more, including details on a new game coming to the Magic Kingdom, below the jump:

Read More »Magic Kingdom Update – Ch-ch-ch-changes ( Part II )

Magic Kingdom Update – Ch-ch-ch-changes ( Part I )

A quick trip through the Magic Kingdom on Saturday revealed a number of changes coming to the park. There are also a few fun new pieces of merchandise to peruse. Click on any image to see a larger version. Now, let’s get started.


The park is looking festive with plenty of Halloween decor everywhere.


City Hall joins in the fall themed fun.


There did appear to be just a bit less of the holiday themed decor this year than before. But it was still a few days ahead of the 1st official Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, so more may be coming.

A lot more to see below the jump:

Read More »Magic Kingdom Update – Ch-ch-ch-changes ( Part I )

Hong Kong Disneyland Expansion Video

Youtube user michael20183 is back with more video from the Hong Kong Disneyland expansion. They’re adding three mini-lands and work is nearing completion on one of them:

Also, below the jump video of the RC Racer attraction doing testing:

Read More »Hong Kong Disneyland Expansion Video

Hong Kong Disneyland Construction Updates

California Adventure and the Magic Kingdom aren’t the only two Disney theme parks to be getting a major expansion, Hong Kong Disneyland has been working hard on adding three new mini-lands. Toy Story is closest to completion. Grizzly Trail and Mystic Point both have a… Read More »Hong Kong Disneyland Construction Updates

Magic Kingdom Update – Part I

Since moving here in 2005, I can’t remember a busier time for construction at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. I’m always happy to see tarps up around a building because it means that building is getting some much needed TLC. But buildings have two sides and it seems the insides of certain attractions are being allowed to fall into disrepair. But I’m getting ahead of myself. Here’s part one of a two part pictorial romp through the Magic Kingdom and Downtown Disney this weekend.

The tarps are down around the Main Street Confectionery. It features a new red, white, and blue scheme, which works well in Town Square. The roofing appears to be more detailed as well.

There is some art deco/nouveau work on its neighbor facade that’s evocative of the seaside pier. I like it, but the bright colors really stand out considering its pale green neighbor.

I always keep my eyes open for new t-shirts and such. I really liked this new one from Space Mountain.

And this one from Splash Mountain caught my eye as well (although it may not be exactly new). There was a time not too long ago when Disney was ending all the attraction specific merchandise. But it’s back and better than ever.

Lots more below the jump:

Read More »Magic Kingdom Update – Part I

Fantasyland Expansion Construction Update

If my short update from Sunday got you excited, then you’ll love this Fantasyland Construction update from LaughingPlace.com. The tarp is down from the back of Cinderella Castle, and construction is zooming ahead full speed, which you can see from Dumbo for now. Tons of… Read More »Fantasyland Expansion Construction Update