Skip to content

expansion

Magic Kingdom Photo Update – Part 1

It’s been a few weeks since our last update and the construction at the Magic Kingdom has been moving at a quick pace. First, a little of the latest news:

  • Guests have actually been invited to some limited soft testing of “Enchanted Tales with Belle,”
  • the Fantasyland construction walls will be shifting this week changing traffic patterns significantly,
  • we’re hearing that the Brave Wee Lads (aka the 3 bears) will soon be leaving the Merida meet and greet. They were cute, but like their counterparts in the movie, didn’t say much and pretty much were window dressing.

Okay, let’s get on with the first part of our tour. It’s in two parts this week since we have a lot of photos to share:

The walls that separate old Fantasyland from new are nearing completion. There’s still some detail work to be done, but already there are some incredible elements leaking through. We love these ‘Coat of Arms’ that highlight classic Disney fairytales, including some that will have attractions behind the wall.

Magic Kingdom New Fantasyland

Magic Kingdom New Fantasyland Update

Read More »Magic Kingdom Photo Update – Part 1

Concept art for Ariel’s Grotto – New Fantasyland Meet and Greet

It took them long enough, but Disney World has finally released a little bit of concept art for the new Little Mermaid meet & greet that will be attached to, but separate from, the larger attraction. The concept art for Ariel’s Grotto shows her seated… Read More »Concept art for Ariel’s Grotto – New Fantasyland Meet and Greet

Local TV Station Goes Behind The Walls of New Fantasyland

Local news station, and NBC affiliate, WESH TV, was taken behind the walls of New Fantasyland with some of the best footage I’ve seen yet. There are two great videos on the website: One focused on costumes and another with some long looks at the… Read More »Local TV Station Goes Behind The Walls of New Fantasyland

Grizzly Gultch – Preview Hong Kong Disneyland’s Original Attraction

Hong Kong Disneyland is in the middle of a much needed expansion. One of the three lands will be a new concept for any Disney theme park – Grizzly Gultch. The main attraction will be a new roller coaster that is something of a cross… Read More »Grizzly Gultch – Preview Hong Kong Disneyland’s Original Attraction

New Fantasyland Expansion, Video Tour from Behind The Walls

Yesterday I had the great privilege to get a tour of the New Fantasyland expansion from Walt Disney Imagineer Chris Beatty. No photo or video was allowed on that tour, but Disney has made available the following two very recent videos from the construction site. Up first is an interview with Art Director Ted Robledo who talks about the project and what guests can expect when this exciting project is complete.

Below the jump is a more extensive look at the work being done, particularly around the Be Our Guest restaurant, Maurice’s Cottage, and The Little Mermaid attraction.

Read More »New Fantasyland Expansion, Video Tour from Behind The Walls

New Fantasyland Update – Magic Kingdom Expansion Progress

Took a stroll through the Magic Kingdom over the weekend and discovered that things are really in high gear throughout most of the new Fantasyland expansion project. Here are photos with some of the highlights (all the photos have larger versions if you click on them).

Work is in high gear to get the Casey Jr Soak Zone ready for the summer. Since I took this photo they’ve added even more, including many of the circus animals that will double as water fountains. Also note the landscaping and work on the red tent. Apparently the red-tent will be a meet and greet area featuring Donald, Chip & Dale, Goofy, and similar classic characters..

Although the Dumbo ‘tent’ was once all beautifully painted, they’ve stripped off that finish and started new work on the exterior.

Read More »New Fantasyland Update – Magic Kingdom Expansion Progress

New Fantasyland Update – Vertical Construction on Mine Train Coaster has Begun

Popped into the Magic Kingdom for a late afternoon stroll and was surprised to see how much work has progressed in the last two weeks. Not only has the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train coaster gone vertical, but lots of little details have been added to the already detail rich Storybook Circus area. Let’s go see, shall we:

New Fantasyland Expansion Magic Kingdom
Here’s some of the vertical infrastructure going up for the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. Note how tall it is and there isn’t even a show building yet.

New Fantasyland Expansion Magic Kingdom
Here’s another show showing how tall the show building will be. Much of the view of New Fantasyland we’re used to will be blocked by the mine train ride.

Read More »New Fantasyland Update – Vertical Construction on Mine Train Coaster has Begun

Hong Kong Disneyland Construction Update

In the recent company annual meeting Disney CEO Bob Iger touted an expansion at Hong Kong Disneyland that would double its size. He may have been slightly exaggerating there. But it is a much needed addition. Here’s the latest video showing Mystic Point and Grizzly… Read More »Hong Kong Disneyland Construction Update