Model of earlier plans for the Fantasyland Expansion at the Magic Kingdom
When the Fantasyland Expansion for the Magic Kingdom was announced at the inaugral D23 Expo in September 2009, we were warned plans would change, but we would still be in store for the largest construction project in the history of Walt Disney World's first theme park. The announced plans included realms where guests could enter the worlds of "Beauty and the Beast", "The Little Mermaid", "Cinderella", "Sleeping Beauty", "Dumbo", and "Tinker Bell". After these plans were disclosed, many complained that the additions were too girl-centric and offered little, if anything, for male visitors. As a 22-year-old male, it isn't easy for me to admit I was pretty excited about everything in those plans. I think these movies that would have attraction based upon them are all timeless not because girls like them, but because they have mass appeal. I'm pretty sure there are men of all ages that have seen and enjoyed at least of a few of those movies. Regardless, Disney has decided to change plans around based on these complaints and the success of Harry Potter down the road.
While nothing is official just yet, it seems that the "Cinderella", "Sleeping Beauty", and "Tinker Bell" realms are history. Rumors indicate that the once planned "Snow White and the Sevenn Dwarfs" mine-train roller-coaster will fill the plot where the homes of Princesses Cinderella and Aurora would have been. The addition of a small thrill ride is certainly welcome, but it does have its reprecussions. The "Snow White's Scary Adventure" ride that had been in the park since it opened in 1971 is now on the chopping block. Witht the loss of new meet-and-greet experiences in what is the Fantasyland Forest, rumors have the attraction being gutted for a home for the Disney Princesses. I have to admit that while it is not my favorite ride, I'll miss Snow White for the historical signifigance more than anything else.
construction has begun on "Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid"
Still, none of these plans are etched in stone. Things are still shifting and changing, but you'll be happy to know that construction on a new facade and interactive queue for "The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh", a new roof for "The Mad Tea Party", the new "Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid" attraction, and the Beauty amd the Beast inspired "Be Our Guest" Restaurant has begun, so we know these projects have made it through the transition period. No matter what ends uop making the final product of the Fantasyland Forest, I think Orlando visitors and locals will be very happy with the widespread changes and additions.
For a recent look at the Fantasyland Construction, here's a video from WDWNTube:
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