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When you wish upon a star: record-breaking Disney expansion
Despite the dismal economy, Disney’s plan announced last year for the largest expansion in the history of Walt Disney World is going ahead with a major renovation of Fantasyland, new rides and other expansions.
"We’re going to take the guests beyond the castle walls," Disney Imagineer Jack Blitch told Orlando TV Channel 9.
According to a statement from the company, Fantasyland will be expanded by 2013.
“Disney world officials are hoping the expansion, which will be completed in three years, will attract more visitors to the park,” says the AP.
But it’s also in response to the planned expansion of Universal Studios in Orlando which is adding a new Harry Potter section of its Islands of Adventure Park to open next year.
Disney’s Fantasyland will also be more interactive under the new plan. Guests will be able to train to be a knight, dine with princesses or have dinner in Gaston’s Tavern from “Beauty and the Beast,” according to Disney officials.
"Not only will it immerse guests into story lines of their favorite princesses, but it’s actually going to make guests part of the stories,” said Walt Disney "imagineer" Diego Parris.
Crews plan on breaking ground on Fantasyland anytime.
Disney also revealed details about several other projects. They include:
- Disney Cruise Lines is adding two new ships: The Disney Dream will sail in 2011, and the Disney Fantasy will begin service in 2012.
- Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay, is also getting a makeover.
- Disney’s Wide World of Sports complex will soon be rebranded to become ESPN Wide World of Sports.
- And, for the first time since 2001, the Magic Kingdom will bring back its Main Street Electrical Parade as part of a special summer celebration.
Two years ago, the Walt Disney Company also announced a multi-year, $1.1 billion expansion plan for its California Adventure Park.
By David Wilkening
David
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