What's New at Walt Disney Theme Parks

Fantasy and magic reign supreme at Walt Disney World Resort this year as a major expansion and a number of exciting new additions bring childhood daydreams and flights of the imagination to life. Here's the scoop on the latest changes, expansions, and debuts at Disney's Orlando theme parks, and some insight on what it means for families planning a trip around the World.



What's New at Magic Kingdom Park

• Fantasyland Expansion. At Walt Disney World's flagship theme park, the land of make-believe is undergoing a magical transformation, adding new attractions and experiences, while improving upon some beloved favorites. When completed in 2014, the magical land will be nearly double the size of the original, accommodating more fans in new and increasingly more efficient and interactive ways.


• Storybook Circus. Slated to open in Spring 2012 is Fantasyland's first re-imagined attraction, "Storybook Circus." Starring a doubled Dumbo ride, complete with an interactive big-top, the attraction will include a Casey Jr. children's splash zone as well as a relocated and made-over Goofy ride. The kid-friendly coaster, formerly known as "The Barnstormer," will reappear in a circus theme, and Disney's "Dippy Dawg" will morph from a crop duster to "The Great Goofini."


• FastPass for Character Encounters. While construction is underway, expect to see some changes to make way for the major expansion. Now closed are Mickey's Toontown Fair, Mickey's and Minnie's Country Houses, and Donald's Boat -- a water playground. To meet up with Mickey and Minnie, head directly to "Town Square Theater" on Main Street USA, which has been dramatically renovated in keeping with a magic theme. There, for the first time in Disney Parks' history, Mickey fans can get a quick ticket to a meeting with the Mouse when they obtain a free computer-timed FastPass for a one-on-one character encounter. The renovated theater is also the temporary new home of the Disney Storybook Princesses (FastPass appointments for meeting the Princesses are also available), who are holding court there until they move into their new residence in the planned "Princess Fairytale Hall."


• Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. At the entrance to the perennially popular Pooh attraction, a number of energy-burning activities have been added. Now, while waiting for their turn at the "The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh," kids can bounce around -- literally -- in a redesigned queue which offers multiple ways to manage the waiting wiggles.


• Haunted Mansion. Interactive elements have been introduced to sweeten the wait at a popular attraction over in Adventureland, too. In the queue for "The Haunted Mansion," fans of the classic attraction can meet the mansion characters and "play" a host of musical instruments that are a part of the well-known "Grim Grinning Ghosts" tune production.


• Tiki Room. Also in Adventureland, an old favorite returned in Summer 2011. "Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room" is a high-tech, highly interactive tribute to an original show featuring winged stars Jose, Fritz, Pierre and Michael. A cast of some 200 characters accompanies the all-time-favorite parrot foursome in a remastered musical presentation.


• Tinkerbell's Magical Nook. Meanwhile, just inside the entrance to Adventureland, everyone's favorite Disney fairy is now sharing pixie dust and greetings. Tink is available for autograph signings and photo-ops at "Tinkerbell's Magical Nook," where she's often joined by one of her fairy best friends, including Vidia, Rosetta, Silvermist, Fawn, Iridessa, and Terrence.


• Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom. In a new experience debuting in February 2012, kids and their families can immerse themselves in a role-playing game throughout Magic Kingdom Park as they find clues and cast spells, bringing animated scenes magically to life. Similar to the popular "Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure," (another interactive game introduced at Epcot in 2009) "Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom%22 takes guest engagement one step further, inviting participants to swap trading cards in order to extend their magical adventures. Get your key card, spell cards, and a map at the Fire Station at City Hall, where you'll meet Merlin and set off on your quest.


• The Magic, The Memories and You! In January 2011, "The Magic, The Memories and You!" debuted. In a nighttime trip down memory lane, guests gather at Cinderella Castle to experience a high-tech show, featuring a rousing recap of the day's events. A highlight is the photos of guests projected on the facade of the famous Fantasyland fixture. Through mid-April 2012, the show will take on a stirring-romance theme; while in Summer 2012, it will feature the royal fortress transformed into a sand castle.


• New Healthy Table-Service Meals for Kids. In 2012, Magic Kingdom guests ages 3 to 9 can reach beyond burgers and fries when they try a more refined (and virtuous) way to dine at four Magic Kingdom table-service restaurants. New kids' menu choices include "Steak Skewer Spiedini" at Tony's Town Square, "Barbecue Chicken and Pineapple Flat Bread" at Liberty Tree Tavern, "Grilled Chicken with Couscous" at The Plaza Restaurant, and "Turkey Pot Pie" at Cinderella's Royal Table.

What's New at Epcot

• Re-Imagined Test Track. In Fall 2012, a re-imagined Test Track experience is slated to debut in Future World. As part of the newly interactive ride experience, guests will be able to create, ride and then be "scored" on the performance of their own 6-person "SimCar" vehicle designs. In preparation for the changes, the attraction will close for refurbishment in April 2012.


• New Visions. In Innoventions -- a showcase of pioneering technology in Future World -- the VISION House will open in time for Earth Day 2012. The green house exhibit showcases innovative, sustainable and energy-efficient design.


• Katsura Grill. In the Japan Pavilion in The World Showcase, a re-imagined quick-service restaurant is dishing up regional specialties. Replacing Yakitori House, Katsura Grill offers a tranquil Japanese garden setting with indoor/outdoor seating and a family-friendly menu featuring curry, teriyaki, and combination meals with sushi. A kids' meal includes teriyaki chicken, vegetables, and rice.

What's New at Animal Kingdom Park

• Kilimanjaro Safaris. At Disney's Animal Kingdom Park, Kilimanjaro Safaris will soon reveal a black and white striped makeover, as a new savannah featuring a herd of Grant's zebras enters the scene. By Fall 2012, the wild safari-ride will feature an expanded exhibit space with additional animals. A new watering hole will replace the Audio-Animatronic pieces in the current set, providing adventurers on the 20-minute ride with enhanced photo opportunities and improved, up-close views of the animals.


• Wild Africa Trek. In early 2011,"Wild Africa Trek," a new behind-the-scenes animal-sighting experience, debuted. In an interactive bushwalk through uncharted forests, guests can cliff-hang over hippos and cross a rickety footbridge over a crocodile-filled riverbed. The three-hour journey for ages 8 and up includes an exploration of the savannah via customized vehicle and an African-inspired picnic. Theme park admission is separate and required. The new trek joins "Backstage Safari" and "Wild by Design" -- two established tours that are also approximately three hours long.


• Donald's Dining Safari Lunch. In December, 2011, a new dining experience was added. Families who enjoy eating breakfast with Donald and friends can now join the clan for lunch as well at "Donald's Dining Safari Lunch," which takes place at Tusker House in Harambe Village. The buffet-style meal includes carved meats, fish, chicken and vegetarian specialties with authentic accompaniments, and a separate buffet with kid favorites like chicken and macaroni-and-cheese.

What's New at Disney's Hollywood Studios
At Disney's Hollywood Studios, Walt Disney World's movie-themed theme park, a classic ride and a popular family attraction have been re-invented for a modern-day audience.

• Star Tours. If you've always wanted to save the galaxy, you'll love "Star Tours," a re-imagined attraction which debuted in Spring 2011. Re-invented ride elements include a new vehicle from the original StarWars movie (Starspeeder 1000), a new pilot (C-3PO), and 3D technology.


• Disney Junior Live on Stage. In "Animation Courtyard," rising stars "Jake and the Never Land Pirates" join friends from "Little Einsteins," "Handy Manny," and "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse" in "Disney Junior-Live on Stage!"


• Playhouse Disney Live on Stage. With swashbuckling star power, the live stage show -- a re-making of "Playhouse Disney-Live on Stage" -- is a major draw for the preschool and early elementary crowds.


• Pixar Pals Countdown to Fun. Replacing Disney's Block Party Bash, "Pixar Pals Countdown to Fun!" is a fun procession featuring favorite characters from Disney-Pixar films "UP" and "Ratatouille" as well as "Toy Story," "The Incredibles," "Monsters, Inc." and "A Bug's Life."


• Twilight Zone Tower of Terror Race Returns. Returning after a two-year hiatus, a runDisney race through Disney's Hollywood Studios promises to be an adrenalin-pumping Leap Year adventure. Held at night, the September 29, 2012 10-Miler Weekend event will set runners off on a course ending at the "Twilight Zone Tower of Terror." The event features an optional 5K course, kids' races, and a family-friendly after-race party with music, rides, and character-encounter opportunities.


• Character Encounters
  Also new is a close encounter with some favorite Disney TV stars, which takes place on "The Streets of America," near Mama Melrose's Ristorante Italiano. Young guests can bring their autograph books along with their fame-seeking aspirations to a "Meet-and-Greet Experience with Phineas and Ferb." As the suburban stepbrothers hatch a plan to make a movie about their wacky adventures, kids become part of the plot and get time in the spotlight as adoring fans seeking autographs and photo-ops with the stars. You'll find more new character meeting opportunities throughout the park. Featured characters include Winnie the Pooh inside "The Magic of Disney Animation," Jake of Jake and the Never Land Pirates in "Animation Courtyard," and Mater and Lightning McQueen of Cars near "Muppet Vision 3-D."

What's New at Walt Disney World Speedway
Exotic Driving Experience at Walt Disney World Speedway
If you enjoy the thrill of Epcot's "Test Track," you'll love the "Exotic Driving Experience," the newest adventure at Richard Petty Driving Experience, located just outside the Magic Kingdom. In this ultimate rubber-burning adventure, racing fans can get behind the wheel of a Lamborghini, Audi, Porsche, or Ferrari and test their skills and their need for speed on a custom-built one-mile circuit. Experiences are guided by a professional driver -- choose a ride-along option or take charge and set the pace as you negotiate turns and straight-aways on six laps around the track.

What's New at Downtown Disney
Splitsville Brings Upscale Entertainment to Downtown Disney
In Fall 2012, Splitsville rolls on to the Downtown Disney West Side scene, bringing new options for dining along with weatherproof fun for the whole family. Featuring live music, billiards, and 31 lanes of upscale entertainment, the two-story complex will also offer patio dining and lane-side delivery of a diverse menu of traditional and upscale fare, from fresh sushi to pizza to hand-cut filet sliders.

New Resorts
Suite Dreams at Disney's Art of Animation Resort
Soon, overnight visitors to Walt Disney World's Resort can stretch their budget and enjoy expanded elbow room, when Disney's Art of Animation Resort debuts. Scheduled to open in phases in 2012, Walt Disney World Resort's newest hotel (a budget category property) will celebrate the enduring magic of Disney's animated films as beloved characters are brought to life in animated scenes and super-sized figurines.

In late May 2012, the first themed wing, consisting exclusively of family suites and paying homage to "Finding Nemo," will open. Subsequent openings through the end of 2012 will include all-suites wings devoted to "Cars" and "The Lion King," as well as a wing of traditional guestrooms adorned by "The Little Mermaid" icons and decor.

Situated next to Pop Century Resort, Disney's Art of Animation Resort will offer 1,120 family-suites and 864 themed standard rooms, along with three pools, including "The Big Blue," a 12,000 gallon "Finding Nemo"-themed feature pool.

Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort
Central Florida will soon be home to a luxury-laden Four Seasons resort, slated to open in 2014 in Disney's master-planned Golden Oak community. Featuring 444 luxurious guestrooms, a spa, and an 18-hole championship golf course, the property will also offer three pools, a "lazy river," tennis courts, a basketball court, a climbing wall, and family recreation facilities.

New at Existing Resorts
Disney's Port Orleans Riverside Resort
Beginning in Spring, 2012, visitors to the bayou can get the royal treatment, as Disney's Port Orleans Riverside Resort rolls out the red carpet for the first time to its newest "Royal Guest Rooms." In guest quarters designed to celebrate famous Disney princes and princesses, interactive elements like headboards that light up to treat guests to a mini-fireworks show combined with themed royal linens and whimsical gilded decor.

Located in the %22Magnolia Bend" section of the Old-South themed moderate-category property, 512 Royal Rooms will feature two queen beds and will be available with a standard, garden, water, or river view.

Room for Luxury at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort
Luxury-loving guests will find new and expanded options for overnight stays when the Villas at Disney's Grand Floridian opens its deluxe doors in late 2013. Located near the spa and wedding pavilion at the luxurious Grand Floridian Resort, the property will be the 12th member of the Disney Vacation Club portfolio and will offer easy access to Magic Kingdom via monorail along with a new interactive splash zone for children. In early 2013, a renovated Disney's Grand Floridian Spa is scheduled to re-open, featuring new and improved options for personalized pampering.

For an in depth look at the parks, see our Disney World and Disneyland destination reviews. Got advice of your own? Visit our Disney Forums and share your tips!