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Category Archives: Refurbishments
2012 Openings Announced for the New Fantasyland as Largest Expansion in Magic Kingdom History
“Fantasyland is a place where a very special kind of memory is made: where children just old enough to understand the moment come in contact with princesses and heroes and meet their most beloved friends,” said Meg Crofton, president, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Operations, United States and France.
“We are excited about sharing our treasured stories in new ways and giving guests the opportunity to interact with their favorite characters like never before.”
Last month, the New Fantasyland unwrapped its first openings with one of two Dumbos planned for Storybook Circus, a new train station and The Barnstormer family coaster whimsically re-themed to The Great Goofini (see separate release for additional information).
Announced Friday were next phases:
July 2012
- Opening of the second Dumbo the Flying Elephant
- Indoor interactive area serving the new double attraction
- Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station.
Openings “In time for Holidays 2012″ were also announced by Crofton for:
- Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid
- Enchanted Tales with Belle
- Be Our Guest Restaurant
- Gaston’s Tavern
- Ariel’s Grotto
And beyond…
- In addition, Crofton announced plans for a 2014 opening for The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.
Related articles
- Opening Dates Announced for Disney’s Fantasyland Expansion! (chipandco.com)
- Dumbo Flies Again as First Phases of the New Fantasyland Stir to Life (chipandco.com)
Opening Dates Announced for Disney’s Fantasyland Expansion!
Great News Disney has finally released dates and details on the Fantasyland Expansion Opening! While they are not opening all areas at once the area we have been waiting for is coming later this year.
Here are the details:
The next phase of Storybook Circus, which includes the second half of the Dumbo the Flying Elephant attraction and the Casey Jr. Splash ‘n’ Soak Station, will open in July 2012.
Disney will have plenty to celebrate the 2012 holiday season, including the openings of Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid, Enchanted Tales with Belle, Be Our Guest Restaurant, Gaston’s Tavern, and Ariel’s Grotto. I would watch for a soft opening in November 2012.
Additionally, the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train will debut in 2014.
Now, who’s planning a visit?
Source Disney Parks Blog
Related articles
- Dumbo Flies Again as First Phases of the New Fantasyland Stir to Life (chipandco.com)
- Disney Confidential – Fantasyland Expansion Gossip (chipandco.com)
Disney World Refurbishment Schedule May 2012
Here is the Refurb and Closure Schedule for Walt Disney World for May 2012 and beyond. Refurbishment/closure information is subject to change without notice and should be confirmed just prior to visiting. Updated information is available at the Disney World Website.
Current
- Stormalong Bay Pool (Yacht & Beach Club Resorts) and slide closed through 4/23/12 for refurbishment. Only a portion of the pool will be closed. Guests may use the open parts of the pool and the pool and slide at BoardWalk Inn Resort.
- Tutto Italia Restaurant (Epcot) closed through 4/27/12 for refurbishment.
- Liberty Square Riverboat (Magic Kingdom) closed through 5/26/12 for refurbishment.
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (Magic Kingdom) closed through 5/27/12 for refurbishment.
- Innoventions: House of Innoventions exhibit closed through late April 2012 for refurbishment. It will reopen with a new name and will focus on green construction and projects.
- Test Track (Epcot) closed through September 2012 for transformation to the Chevrolet Design Center.
- Grand Floridian Spa (Grand Floridian Resort) closed through mid-2013 due to construction at the resort. The Grand Floridian Fitness Center will remain open and guests may use The Spa at Saratoga Springs Resort.
Upcoming
- Pool near Building 55 (Old Key West Resort) closed 4/23/12-4/24/12. The feature pool and all other leisure pools will remain open.
- Lights! Motors! Action! Extreme Stunt Show (Hollywood Studios) closed 4/29/12-5/2/12 for refurbishment.
- Lake Buena Vista Golf Course closed 5/7/12-5/17/12 for refurbishment.
- Magnolia Golf Course closed 5/14/12-5/23/12 for refurbishment.
- Palm Golf Course closed 5/29/12-6/8/12 for refurbishment.
- Oak Trail Golf Course closed 5/29/12-9/28/12 for refurbishment.
- Snow White’s Scary Adventures (Magic Kingdom) will close 5/31/12. It will be replaced by Princess Fairytale Hall, a meet and greet location. The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (a Seven Dwarfs themed roller coaster) will open at another location in the Magic Kingdom.
- Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin (Magic Kingdom) closed 6/27/12-6/28/12 for refurbishment.
- Cape May Cafe (Yacht & Beach Club Resorts) closed 7/9/12-8/4/12 for refurbishment.
- Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue will be closing for refurbishment sometime this fall. Dates are pending.
- Yachtsman Steakhouse (Yacht & Beach Club Resorts) closed 8/27/12-9/15/12 for refurbishment.
Source Mousesavers Newsletter
Related articles
- Disney World Refurbishment Schedule for April 2012 (chipandco.com)
- Disney World Refurbishment Schedule March 2012 (chipandco.com)
Disney Confidential – Fantasyland Expansion Gossip
Here there guys and gals Anonymouse here.
We get tons of questions here on Chip and Co about the Fantasyland Expansion. The biggest one is when is it going to open? While I would love to see it open as soon as possible but unfortunately an Expansion this size is going to take some time. Not to mention we are coming up on the busy season at the parks and Disney is not going to open anything when the park is SLAMMED.
But I wouldn’t be a gossip columnist if I didn’t have some tidbits to share. Here is what I do know..
The Little Mermaid Dark Ride is pretty much finished. Navigating to the ride is another story. If you remember way back when Disney said they were going to open the new area in stages but I think through construction issues and ride placement they are going to do the whole thing at once.
Lets be honest wouldn’t you rather have the whole area opened at one time with a big ceremony and not a little here and a little there? I know Chip suffers from Veruca Salt syndrome and wants it now! I think were just going to have to wait a little longer than expected.
I would venture to say we probably won’t see a grand opening till 2013. You can get a good idea on how the construction is going over here on the WDW Magic site.
I know what you’re gonna say now. But Anonymouse how come they opened Storybook Circus already?? That’s easy it’s because that area already had a way in and out
Overall I think it would be wise for Disney to release some details and not rely on the words of Imagineers. They could do a nice little press conference and give us a full update on the park instead of bit and pieces from Gossip Columns like this one 
Anywho that is all the Disney Gossip I have right now. For my past Gossip articles be sure to check them out here.
Got any good gossip/rumors? Please email me at AnonyMouse@chipandco.com or on my Facebook Page
Related articles
- Fantasyland Construction Update At Disney World’s Magic Kingdom (onlywdworld.com)
- New Burger Restaurant Coming to Downtown Disney? (chipandco.com)
Disneyland Refurbishment Schedule May 2012
If your heading to Disneyland soon be sure to check out the Refurb/Closure list below. Refurbishment information is subject to change without notice and should be confirmed just prior to visiting. Updated information is available on the Disneyland website.
Current
- Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor (Disneyland) closed through 4/25/12 for refurbishment.
- Candy Palace (Disneyland) closed through 4/25/12 for refurbishment.
- Penny Arcade (Disneyland) closed through 4/25/12 for refurbishment.
- Ariel’s Grotto (DCA) closed through 5/3/12 for refurbishment.
- Cove Bar (DCA) closed through 6/1/12 for refurbishment.
- Goofy’s Sky School (DCA) closed through 6/1/12 for refurbishment.
- Carnation Cafe (Disneyland) closed through 6/1/12 for refurbishment.
- Pacific Wharf-Ghiradelli (DCA) closed through 6/1/12 for refurbishment.
- Matterhorn Bobsleds (Disneyland) closed through 6/14/12 for refurbishment.
- Blue Ribbon Bakery (Disneyland) closed through 7/13/12 for refurbishment.
Upcoming
- Ariel’s Grotto Restaurant (DCA) closed 4/30/12-5/3/12 for refurbishment.
- Frontierland Shooting Exposition (Disneyland) closed 4/30/12-5/25/12 for refurbishment.
- The Plaza Gardens (Disneyland) closed 4/30/12-Winter 2013 for the construction of Fantasy Faire.
- Indiana Jones Adventure (Disneyland) closed 5/1/12-5/2/12 for refurbishment.
- Enchanted Tiki Room (Disneyland) closed 5/7/12-5/10/12 for refurbishment.
- Disney California Adventure will be closed 6/14/12 to make final preparations for the grand opening of Cars Land and Buena Vista Street.
Source Mousesavers Newsletter
Related articles
- Disneyland Refurbishment Schedule for April 2012 (chipandco.com)
- Disneyland Refurbishment Schedule March 2012 (chipandco.com)
