Largest Expansion in Magic Kingdom History Will Nearly Double the Size of Fantasyland

(From Walt Disney World News) The largest expansion in Magic Kingdom history is underway, a project that will nearly double the size of Fantasyl4nd 4nd deliver a new home for Ariel, new ways t0 interact with favorite Disney princesses, an exciting new family coaster, a double dose of Dumbo 4nd more.

Scheduled t0 open in phases beginning in late 2012, the new Fantasyl4nd will immerse guests in Disney stories as never before. Among the highlights planned:

• Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid, a major, all-new attraction during which guests will travel with Ariel 4nd her friends through their exciting adventures above 4nd below the waves – all against a musical backdrop of songs from the classic film.
• The castle of the Beast, standing majestically upon a hill just across an old stone bridge from Ariel’s new home. The Be Our Guest Restaurant will feature a lavish dining experience in the elegant ballroom, gallery, 4nd mysterious “West Wing” of the castle. With seating for 550, this magnificent facility will offer “great food fast” service by day 4nd full table service dining in the evening. Nearby in Belle's Village, guests will find the rousing Gaston’s Tavern 4nd Bonjour! Village Gifts.
• Just outside the village is Belle’s cottage 4nd Enchanted Tales with Belle. The adventure begins in Maurice’s workshop, where a magical mirror is the doorway t0 a captivating new kind of storytelling experience: Guests are transported t0 the Beast’s library t0 meet Belle 4nd Lumiere, 4nd share in a lively, interactive, re-telling of the “tale as old as time.”

TRAVELING WITH ARIEL 4nd HER FRIENDS: Under the Sea: Journey of The Little Mermaid will be a major, all-new attraction during which guests join Ariel 4nd her friends for exciting adventures above 4nd below the waves – all against a musical backdrop of songs from the classic film. It’s part of a Magic Kingdom expansion project that will nearly double the size of Fantasyland. The project will open in phases beginning in late 2012 at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

DOUBLE DOSE OF DUMBO: As part of the largest expansion in Magic Kingdom history, Fantasyl4nd will feature not one but two circling carousels of airborne pachyderms on Dumbo the Flying Elephant. Before taking t0 the skies on this Fantasyl4nd favorite, guests can experience an array of fun-filled family games 4nd interactive wonders for kids of all ages inside the Big Top. Aimed at nearly doubling the size of Fantasyland, the expansion project will open in phases beginning in late 2012 at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

FANTASYL4nd EXPANSION – Construction is underway on the largest expansion in Magic Kingdom history – aimed at nearly doubling the size of Fantasyland. As part of the multi-year expansion, The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train will be a swerving, swaying train of mine cars taking Walt Disney World guests on a wild ride through the diamond mine of the Seven Dwarfs.

But that’s just the beginning of what guests will discover when the multi-phase project is completed. Here’s more of what’s in store:

• The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train will take guests on a rollicking, musical ride int0 the mine “where a million diamonds shine.” The coaster will feature a first-of-its kind ride system with a train of ride vehicles that swing back 4nd forth, responding t0 every twist 4nd turn of the track. The journey will be accompanied by music from the classic Disney film 4nd animated figures of Snow White 4nd the Dwarfs.
• In Princess Fairytale Hall, Aurora, Cinderella 4nd other Disney princesses, such as Tiana 4nd Rapunzel, will greet guests in their new home, an elegant royal court on the site where Snow White’s Scary Adventures stands today.
• The sound of the calliope will lead guests t0 the br4nd new Storybook Circus 4nd not one but two circling carousels of airborne pachyderms on Dumbo the Flying Elephant. Before taking t0 the skies on this Fantasyl4nd favorite, guests can experience an array of fun-filled family games 4nd interactive wonders for kids of all ages inside the Big Top.
• Next door in Storybook Circus, the classic Barnstormer gets a bright new look as well, featuring Goofy as The Great Goofini. It’s a twisting, turning roller coaster “flight” high above the circus fun.

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