Magic Kingdom Fantasyland expansion

[blusteryday]

As usual Rach, Disney are keeping their cards close to their chest, but 2012 is slated for when some of the first attractions will come on line. The Mine Coaster isn't scheduled to open until 2013/14, so there won't be a 'big bang' opening. It will open in phases. All the more reason to keep going back

[loves_disney]

thank you so much for this! loved the video! we are going this year but said we won't go back until it is finished! cannot wait!

[Rawhide]

Another reason to return...

[Guest]

Looks fab! x x x

[juliab]

It looks brilliant, we're hoping to go back in 2013, can't wait to see it all

[Cannavar]

I don't want to be a Grumby old man (pun intended) but why is the expansion taking so long? They began working on it a while ago and the mine ride could be 3 years away? Didn't they build the whole of the Magic Kingdom and the MK resorts with monorails in the same amount of time?

Seems a shame that the park needs to be only 3/4s open for such a long period. I'm sure its going to be great but having already had to walk past the construction site on one holiday, it seems a bit OTT to think that is will still be building in 3 years...

[blusteryday]

It's a fair point Cannavar. I think there is a big difference between building a park from scratch, and expanding one whilst guests are ambling around. It's also fair to say that they are having to dig out a whole bunch of existing infrastructure, and bed new stuff in. Oh, and don't forget they ditched a whole bunch of plans quite late in the day - the mine coaster was only formally confirmed last month - so that slips the project back again.

[Cannavar]

Originally Posted by blusteryday

It's a fair point Cannavar. I think there is a big difference between building a park from scratch, and expanding one whilst guests are ambling around. It's also fair to say that they are having to dig out a whole bunch of existing infrastructure, and bed new stuff in. Oh, and don't forget they ditched a whole bunch of plans quite late in the day - the mine coaster was only formally confirmed last month - so that slips the project back again.

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I can understand the problems with it being an open park, although the area they are building is completely cut of.

My issue with it, and this goes for most upgrades in the park, is that it shatters the illusion that the park creates in its themes. I realise there is no way around this, but having to go back over photos to remove a great big crane that is in the background is, well... just not Disney You can't exactly miss all the work they are doing if you are anywhere in the east side of the park.

I'm completely behind the change, the park is fantastic but it continually needs to be updated to keep people going back, I just wish they could do it quicker...and wonder why they can't.

[blusteryday]

Well, they can't blame European working regulations I guess they are happy(?) that walling off areas does not have a direct impact on the guest - I'm sure Walt would have had something to say about it having a negative impact on the show. Why can't they do it any quicker - great question. If Disney could, they would - there's no good reason in delaying stuff if it has a negative impact on attendance.

[ally1966]

Can't wait - it looks amazing. Our next visit is pencilled in for 2013, was hoping to pull it forward to end of 2012 - but maybe it'll be worth waiting now!