Fantasyland Expansion

[Len90]

Future Guy, the rumors are really flying around right now. I fear that whatever is being talked about will be changed numerous times between now and completion. I think it is safe to say that the Dumbo, Beauty and Beast Restaurant, and Mermaid ride are the safe bets. We also do know that stuff will be built as Disney would not have invested the money to clear all the that land if they only are planning on using some of it.

I really hope all these rumors can help make the next three years fly by!

[Amy]

Future Guy, the rumors are really flying around right now. I fear that whatever is being talked about will be changed numerous times between now and completion. I think it is safe to say that the Dumbo, Beauty and Beast Restaurant, and Mermaid ride are the safe bets. We also do know that stuff will be built as Disney would not have invested the money to clear all the that land if they only are planning on using some of it.

I really hope all these rumors can help make the next three years fly by!

The anticipation and rumors help the time go by quicker for sure

[Mr.ToadWildRider]

We also do know that stuff will be built as Disney would not have invested the money to clear all the that land if they only are planning on using some of it.

Well that's kind of up for debate. They built all those zombie land hotel units.... They may PLAN on using it, but that doesn't mean that they will necessarily.

[jenhen27]

Future Guy, not sure on a mine train coaster. They already have one of those in Frontierland and they already have a Snow White Ride. I would however love to see something more than an extra dumbo ride and a just one new mermaid ride after all is said and done. Seems like an awful lot of catering to the little girls and their princesses but that's Disney's bread and butter I suppose. As long as they don't take my Peter Pan I'll be happy.

[Len90]

We also do know that stuff will be built as Disney would not have invested the money to clear all the that land if they only are planning on using some of it.

Well that's kind of up for debate. They built all those zombie land hotel units.... They may PLAN on using it, but that doesn't mean that they will necessarily.

Very true. I just am trying to remain hopeful that something like that doesn't happen in one of their theme parks... let alone in the Magic Kingdom.

[mindflipper]

We also do know that stuff will be built as Disney would not have invested the money to clear all the that land if they only are planning on using some of it.

Well that's kind of up for debate. They built all those zombie land hotel units.... They may PLAN on using it, but that doesn't mean that they will necessarily.

Very true. I just am trying to remain hopeful that something like that doesn't happen in one of their theme parks... let alone in the Magic Kingdom.

It's okay to leave an attraction sitting there dead - like EPCOT's WoL or 20K UTS at MK - but just to leave a giant area of cleared ground? I don't think even Disney would tolerate an eyesore like that. Clearing ground for hotel is one thing, but leaving a big undeveloped hole in the middle of a theme park is another.

[NaCler]

mindflipper - Yeah, but they could put in a bunch of benches/covered areas/vending carts to cover-up that eyesore until more "concrete" plans are developed. Wasted space... I would hate to see that also.

[99Soulz]

Regarding the recent news of the revamping of the plans....I'll play some devil's advocate to the comments about it being targetted to little girls. I too was surprised to see an expansion of this scale focussing on just one aspect, princesses. But I have to tell you my eyes have opened now with having 2 daughters and being occasional visiters to the World. If you were to ask me if the MK was geared more to boys or girls I would have said it was gender neutral (before having a daughter) but after visiting with them I've realized how heavily weighed it is towards boys and in fact it's grossly weighed to boys.

Now, let me say this first. I in no way think girls can't or shouldn't aspire to become or experience "boy" things. I am only speaking of the reality of asking the majority of boys and girls what they prefer. Upon visiting the World for the first time with daugheters it really opened my eyes as to how much boy-stereotype things there are compared to girl-stereotype. Tommorrowland has rocketships, race cars, and astronauts. Adventureland has Pirates and Indiana Jones-type explorer theme in all the giftshops, Frontierland has the good old cowboy and indian feel and an island with a trails and forts. Trust me when I say girls are able to enjoy these type of things too - I have lots of pictures of getting my girls to hold a pirate sword or toy gun in the gift shops.

But in reality 9 out of 10 girls aren't going to ask for pirate swords, toy guns, rocket ships or race cars on their birthday. But I can guarantee you 9 out of 10 boys wouldn't mind opening them up on theirs.

In fact, there are actually zero attractions geared to a girl stereotype. Instead only 2 meet and greets (Ariel's Grotto & Storytime with Belle).

So looking at the original expansion plans, I'd say half was really geared to girls and those being the meet and greets. The other additions would be enjoyed by all (Little Mermaid, Be Our Guest/Gastons, Dumbo area). I'm anxious to see what this new guy has in store for the revamping of the plans. I agree the park should be enjoyed by all and I would be happy to see some more things for my daughters to enjoy.

[Amy]

That is an interesting perspective from a mother of daughters 99Soulz...

[NaCler]

That is an interesting perspective from a mother of daughters 99Soulz...

or FATHER... she meant...

[Mousekedude]

That is an interesting perspective from a mother of daughters 99Soulz...

or FATHER... she meant...

Mousekedittos! I love WDW for myself, but whenever I see a super-cute little girl, I get all sad and fuzzy-hearted inside. I'd like to have a little girl, but sadly that's not in the cards.
I'm sorry, please don't ask me to elaborate....

Moving on.....

[Jacca5660]

Blankety Blankety Blank!

[Amy]

That is an interesting perspective from a mother of daughters 99Soulz...

or FATHER... she meant...

Whoops! Sorry...yes, an interesting parent's perspective ~ there, how about that?!

[Len90]

It's okay to leave an attraction sitting there dead - like EPCOT's WoL or 20K UTS at MK - but just to leave a giant area of cleared ground? I don't think even Disney would tolerate an eyesore like that. Clearing ground for hotel is one thing, but leaving a big undeveloped hole in the middle of a theme park is another.

That was on the back of my mind when posting earlier. I am a bit worried about the change in plans. As we have seen, Disney does not have a great track record. We can look at how long the 20K area went like it is. Secondly, they have the skyway terminals. We can head on over to EPCOT and take a look at the Odyssey, WoL, and Millenium all sitting empty. Finally a trip to DHS will show Sounds Dangerous (*seasonal*), and the empty space just behind Pixar Place.

99soulz, I really enjoyed reading your perspective. Especially from the fact that my family never had to worry about girls.

[MadEye]

Finally a trip to DHS will show Sounds Dangerous (*seasonal*), and the empty space just behind Pixar Place.

Might want to clear Sounds Dangerous off the list as it is open until Star Tours reopens next year. With Toy Story Mania (reopens tomorrow) and Walt Disney: One Man's Dream (a few more months from what I hear) down for refurb, the park needs something open...