Tying It All Together ~ Magic Kingdom's Grand Plan?

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 side by side. Where will they get the second Dumbo? Well, how about the Magic Carpet ride 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!!!

Fantasyland Blueprints Leaked

A few days ago, some blueprints were "leaked" by someone at Disney that shows a massive expansion of Fantasyland. Not only does it include the Little Mermaid attraction I mentioned in another blog, but so much more.

First, some points of reference. In the image below (click to enlarge), look for the carousel and teacups along the bottom of the image. The area between these two attractions, that run along the very bottom of the image, are the current Snow White and Winnie the Pooh rides. You can also see a portion of the Tomorrowland Indy Speedway to the right of the teacups, and the Barnstormer coaster at far-right-center.

After studying these blueprints for a while, I noticed a few things. First, Toontown is basically gone, swallowed up by the Fantasyland expansion. Second, I noticed something was missing....the Dumbo attraction. If you look to the top right corner however, you'll notice that Dumbo isn't missing, but moved. In fact, there are TWO Dumbo attractions sitting side by side in what once was Toontown. Additionally, where Ariel's Grotto currently sits is now a Beauty and the Beast themed area as well, with what looks like a restaurant called "Be Our Guest". Finally, you'll notice an enlarged Pixie Hollow, as well as sections for Cinderella and Aurora...with small attractions/greeting areas of their own.

Could this be Disney's answer to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter? It seems quite obvious that Disney will respond in some form or fashion once Universal opens its new Potter themed land. I've always thought that Disney would wait until after Universal opened its new land before taking any action of their own....which makes perfect sense if you think about it. It not only allows Disney to gauge the impact of the Harry Potter attractions, but also gives them a chance to see it for themselves, and know what they're up against.

So, for now, have a close look at these blueprints, there's lots going on in there and it gives a good idea at what could be happening very very soon in a land with plenty of room for much needed expansion. Its also important to note that Disney often changes and tweaks their plans, sometimes even during construction, so expect many changes when/if construction begins.

A Few of My Favorite Things ~ The Real Characters

As my trip to Walt Disney World draws closer, I am reminded of many fun times with the characters. This time, however, when I say characters I'm not referring to Mickey and friends....but the "real characters," as in the Cast Members.

The Cast Members often provide lasting memories by some of the fun things they do. A good way to remember some of these great times is by having a photo taken with them. Whether it be a fun time in the front car of a monorail, at one of the nations at World Showcase, or an encounter with someone such as Art the Greeter...ask them for a photo and they'll usually be more than happy.

I've found that many of the CM's really enjoy adding that extra piece of magic to your vacation experience and looking back at some of the photos I've taken with them really brings back happy memories for me. Many of the CM's stay in character as well. For example, get a photo with someone at the Tower of Terror or Haunted Mansion and make sure you have a gloomy look on your face, because they usually will as well.

So the next time you're at Walt Disney World, don't forget some of the "real characters" that make your trip even more fun. Stop and ask for a photo. They'll be happy that you asked and you'll have a memory of that moment to last a lifetime!!!

Thoughts & Prayers ~ Disney Monorail Accident

At around 2am two Walt Disney World Monorail trains collided, killing a Castmember who was driving one of them. This is a very sad story and I wish to send my thoughts and prayers to the Castmember's family. No one else was hurt in this accident and the monorail system remains shut down today pending an investigation into the cause of the crash. The Monorails involved were Pink and Purple. Seven others were checked by paramedics and released, with no other injuries reported.

It is worth noting that this is the first such incident to ever occur on the entire monorail system, making it one of the safest forms of transportation on the planet. Once the cause has been determined, one can bet that Disney will put many more safeguards in place to prevent such a tragedy from happening again.

Click here for the latest from the local news.

Below is a link to a photo taken by an unidentified witness. I originally included the photo in this blog, but decided to switch to a link due to the sensitive nature of the photo.

Click here to view the photo.