
As I’ve watched things that have happened at the Magic Kingdom over the past couple of years, as well as hearing the many dozens of rumors during the same timeframe, I’ve put together what I think could be a grand plan. This plan makes even more sense to me as Disney will soon be gearing up to go head-to-head with Universal's Harry Potter land in the very near future. Please keep in mind that these are only my thoughts based on what I’ve seen and heard…predictions if you will. Additionally, the concept art is just for illustrative purposes and wasn’t necessarily created for this particular plan.
A few years back, a couple of things happened at Cinderella’s Castle. First, King Stefan’s Banquet Hall became Cinderella’s Royal Table; infused with Princesses, it became the most sought after dining experience in all of Walt Disney World. Then the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique was added, where all little girls could become a princess. If you recall the recently “leaked” Fantasyland blueprints, you’ll notice that it is divided into sections for all the Princesses. Were the Princess additions at the castle just the beginning of what will soon become an entire land of Princesses? While I believe it’s a distinct possibility, I think this is only half of the story.
You’ll also notice in the blueprints that there are now TWO Dumbo rides sitting s
ide by side. Where will they get the second Dumbo? Well, how about the Magic Carpet rid

e from Adventureland? This ride has to be removed from Adventureland for the second phase to become reality.
In the 2006 Annual Report, Disney showed a few pieces of concept art without explaination. One is a Pirate-Themed Land that has yet to be explained to this day. Does anyone remember the old Tortuga rumors? Perhaps Adventureland could be re-themed as Pirates just as Fantasyland may become re-themed as Princesses. What’s the connection you ask? Well how about the recent addition of the Pirate’s League, where all little boys can become a pirate (that sounds so familiar doesn’t it), as well as a new permanent spot for Captain Jack Sparrow recently added directly across. Could the beginnings of a transformation already be taking place?

Have a close look at the concept art and you’ll see a tie in with yet another old rumor. As part Adventureland’s re-theme into Pirates, we could see the removal of the Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse, and its replacement with The Black Pearl. Throw in the old Tortuga Character Dining rumor and the transformation is complete.
One additional point of fact is that a couple years ago Scott Trowbridge was hired as VP for Creative Research and Development. Trowbridge was formerly VP of Universal's Creative Studios, Senior Show Producer for the Spider-Man attraction, and working on Harry Potter at the time of his move to WDI. Makes you wonder what this man’s been working on at WDI over the past couple of years doesn’t it? Could it be his job to top Harry Potter?
With these two lands re-themed, it ties together yet another recent item…the Pirate & Princess Party. The push for Pirates and Princesses has been great over the past couple of years; could this be why?

Have they been testing the waters for a possible re-theme all along? Is this and this alone what could go against Harry Potter? No, I think this is but one plan for one park. I feel very strongly that, over the next year or so, we’ll be hearing some announcements not only for Magic Kingdom, but for at least one of the other parks as well. Whether it’s the Beastly Kingdom at Animal Kingdom that was planned but never built, or something else, time will tell. I believe we’re going to see a lot of wonderful things happening over the next few years, all thanks to the world of Harry Potter
Oh, it could also be a new ride I predict at the Disney-Hollywood Studios…but I’ll save that for the next blog item. Until then, here’s to the dreamers….I hope they’re dreaming big!!!