Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom to Expand in a big way

The past few times I’ve been to the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, I noticed large construction walls in areas around Fantasyland. These walls sport inspirational quotes from Walt Disney and have park guests curious as to what is going on behind those tall, colorful walls. This past weekend I was at Walt Disney World for the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration and found out what the future holds for this secret area.

Construction is underway on the largest expansion in Magic Kingdom history. This project will nearly double the size of Fantasyland! Opening in phases beginning in late 2012, the expansion will deliver a new home for Ariel, new ways to interact with favorite Disney princesses, an exciting new family coaster, a double dose of Dumbo and more, immersing guests in Disney stories as never before.

A new family coaster, 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.

Fantasyland will feature not one but two circling carousels of airborne pachyderms on Dumbo the Flying Elephant. Before taking to the skies on this Fantasyland favorite, guests can experience an array of fun-filled family games and interactive wonders for kids of all ages inside the Big Top.

Under the Sea: Journey of The Little Mermaid will be a major, all-new attraction during which guests join Ariel and her friends for exciting adventures above and below the waves – all against a musical backdrop of songs from the classic film.

It seems as if there’s always something magical in the works at Disney and this amazing expansion of Fantasyland will offer guests more attractions and a bigger space to play in the Magic Kingdom. There are other magical experiences to be added, including, the castle of the Beast, across from Ariel’s new home. The castle of the Beast will overlook Belle’s Village, which offers immersive adventures and the Be Our Guest restaurant. Of course, there will also be shops, character greetings, and the Princess Fairytale Hall, which will give little guests (and big ones too) a chance to interact with their favorite princesses.