In recent months, WDWNT’s Tom and Eric have been redesigning Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom over on the WDW News Today Podcast. While we highly suggest you listen to the podcast, we’ve also put together a summary of the changes they’d like to make to the park below, complete with concept art designed by WDWNT Graphic Designer, Charlie.

Starting off, we’d like to note that Tom and Eric decided not to hold themselves within the bounds of the current Magic Kingdom map. However, they tried to stay inside the general footprint of the park and use what could realistically be expansion pads beyond the current berm.

Main Street U.S.A.

Perhaps the most dire issue at the Magic Kingdom, the bypass (or lack of a bypass) for Main Street U.S.A. needs to be addressed. As attendance and nighttime events have grown at Magic Kingdom, Disney built a “bypass” to the right of Main Street U.S.A. The side street is paved and only lightly themed during normal park hours, although it is typically only used for peak hours and during Halloween and Christmas parties. There is also a pathway on the left side, although it is used much less as it is truly a backstage area only opened to guests when needed.

In 1992 Disneyland Paris opened with a solution to the bypass problem. Instead of empty side streets, covered and themed arcades (shown above) were built on either side of their Main Street U.S.A. These offer ways to avoid high crowd levels and the elements, while also providing back entrances to many of the stores lining Main Street.

Tom and Eric’s ideal Magic Kingdom would emulate these arcades with the addition of a garden area complete with a winding path, trees, benches, and water features to alleviate even more guest pathway congestion. This area would ideally be located to the right of the new arcade, pushed into an existing Cast Member parking lot and what was one envisioned to be home to a Main Street Theater.

By building the arcade, the second floor of Main Street would also be expanded, leaving room for a fine dining experience and lounge. For example, a version of Walt’s Restaurant celebrating the history and dreams of Walt Disney with art on display would be a perfect fit. For a lounge, we would also add “Bar Marceline,” ideally located above a Main Street Soda Fountain, creating a more authentic turn-of-the-century environment.

Speaking of the second floor, the Magic Kingdom Club 33 location would also be moved from Adventureland. This would allow for a better fireworks viewing area for members and open up some real estate in Adventureland (more on that later).

Moving to the first level of Main Street, Eric specifically mentions a more authentic Main Street Confectionary experience. Instead of the current “sanitized” version, visual changes would be made to create a more classic experience. Mars would be removed as sponsor and relocated to another area of the park. The M&M wall would be completely removed. A larger show kitchen, more treats, and window displays would be added to create a more period-themed interior.

The Main Street Firehouse would also see changes. While the patches, firetruck, and themed decor would remain in honor of the noble firemen it honors, an interactive element would strengthen the experience. By adding an interactive firehouse game with a screen or practical set where children and other guests can “put out fires,” they could learn the value and importance of the job. Those that participate might be given a Mickey Firefighter sticker or other small gift. Informational plaques could also be added to increase awareness of what is already in the firehouse.

More organic interactions with Mickey, Minnie, and other characters would also add to the kinetics of Main Street, similar to those that happen at Disneyland Park. In that same vein, the Citizens of Main Street would return bringing the thought that Main Street is part of a real town with postal workers, newspaper writers, and police officers interacting with guests.

In Eric’s ideal world, he would also widen Main Street, U.S.A., despite Tom’s criticism that the project is impractical.

Regarding the hub at the end of Main Street, Eric would create a large, lowered terrace view to allow for better firework viewing. However, simply improving the use of the current area as intended would possibly create better operational use. Cinderella Castle would be painted back to its original colors (which is happening).

Some final thoughts in the first Main Street U.S.A. pass would revert some sections of the Emporium and Casey’s Corner to their original state (or similar.) Across the way, the Tony’s Town Square Restaurant would get menu changes, and Tony would entertain guests as a character interaction. Swapping the Main Street Cinema from merchandise back to an actual place where guests cold watch short films in the air conditioning wraps up the major changes to the land.

Listen to or watch the episode below:

Redesigning the Magic Kingdom – Main Street, U.S.A. – The WDW News Today Podcast: Episode 78

Adventureland

To begin, Magic Kingdom’s adventure land has some… problems. In the Main Street U.S.A podcast, Tom and Eric moved Club 33 out of Adventureland. The idea is to turn the current location, the area just to the right as you are entering the land, into a larger seating area for Sunshine Tree Terrace. With it would come the return of an Orange Bird meet and greet to Magic Kingdom. This is a necessity as Swiss Family Treehouse would be removed from the left side in favor of a trackless Mystic Manor ride. Mystic Manor is Hong Kong Disneyland’s unique counterpart to The Haunted Mansion, although different enough with no real direct connection. Lord Henry Mystic could have collected artifacts from other attractions and areas of Adventureland that tie in the addition.

The pair also agreed to the removal of The Magic Carpets of Aladdin and Liki Tiki water play area to create a wider walking path on the left. The path to the right which curves in front of Aloha Isle would also be widened. In the center would be an expanded water play area and seating area for guests taking advantage of the now three quick service locations. The area would be lightly themed like the Tropical Hideaway and feature aspects related to The Enchanted Tiki Room. With the newly redesigned Adventureland comes a version of Bengal Barbecue, a fan favorite location originating in Disneyland. The current Zanzibar Trading location (currently utilized as a seating area) would become the quick service restaurant. That seating area would be replaced in the Sunglasses Hut location just down the way.

The Jungle Cruise takes up a large footprint within the bounds of Magic Kingdom, and there is room to push it out into the previously planned area for Fire Mountain. With the added space, another attraction could be added. Eric’s idea for Hathaway Browne’s Aerotours brings a Pteranodon Flyers-style attraction to Adventureland. Guests would be suspended above land shared with the Jungle Cruise, dipping and weaving through the attraction’s land and cave. This would add non-intrusive kinetic energy to the land with vintage planes and nods to the Society of Adventurers and Explorers (S.E.A). This integrates with Jungle Cruise, Skipper Canteen, and the added Mystic Manor. Exploration trails would also be added to the spaces that weave between attractions.

With all these additions and changes to Adventureland, it also makes sense to add another entrance to Magic Kingdom through Adventureland. This would take shape in the form of The Explorer’s Lodge (similar to that located at the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort).

This small, luxury resort would tie in the stories of the Society of Adventurers and Explorers established in Adventureland. Architecturally, the resort would fit in with the foliage and design of Adventureland. Hathaway Browne’s Aerotours might weave through the resort and additional walking exploration trails.

Caribbean Plaza

Moving further into the land and adding even more dining options, a Blue Bayou-esque restaurant would take shape as Treasure Point Restaurant. Similar to its predecessor, Treasure Point would be located “inside” Pirates of the Caribbean and overlook the attraction. The Beak and Barrel might also be moved to be situated overlooking the attraction, as well. This conversation also spurred the complete rebuilding of Pirates of the Caribbean to add scenes and incorporate the aforementioned dining and lounge options. This could also remove the integration of the intellectual property that the ride inspired in addition to updating scenes that may not currently “work.”

Pirate’s League would also be retuned. The former Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique-style location allowed guests young and old to be transformed into pirates or mermaids. With that, streetmosphere additions would also add to he kinetics of the land. At intervals throughout the day, the Caribbean Plaza area of pirates could be “sacked” or a rooftop stunt show could occur. The Rusty Cutlass Band would become a year-round offering, as well, with the stage moved into part of the current Tortuga Tavern area. The remaining Tortuga Tavern real estate would house Pirate’s League.

With all of these updates, a smoother transition between Adventureland proper and the Caribbean Plaza area would be required. Shown in the concept art above, a waterfall would block the view of a shipwreck until guests have turned the corner. With the updated Pirates of the Caribbean, a wrecked ship would loom over guests, similar to that at Disneyland Paris. The entrance to the attraction might even be through the ship’s mast. Waves crashing and other sounds would also be added surrounded the wreck and entrance.

Listen to or watch the episode below for more details and thoughts to the changes in Adventureland.

Redesigning the Magic Kingdom – Adventureland – The WDW News Today Podcast: Episode 79

Frontierland & Liberty Square

The real heavy lifting begins with Frontierland, although the Podcast begins with a discussion on Liberty Square. However, aspects of those changes flow into Villains Land, so let’s travel to the Wild West first.

While the thought was tossed around to create a New Orleans Square on Tom Sawyer Island, the plan morphed into a re-theme of Pecos Bill into Tiana’s Palace, essentially segmenting the corner with Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, the restaurant, and a Dr. Facilier’s Emporium store into a New Orleans-inspired area. This plan also removed Eric’s thought to add the Western River Expedition.

These changes in mind, only one option remains: move Big Thunder Mountain to Tom Sawyer Island. A smilier layout is already in place at Disneyland Paris, with the mountain acting as the island. The updated coaster would have refreshed theming with a large boring machine, designed by S.E.A. member, Jason Chandler. Other improvements would be similar to what is currently planned along with a better queue area with air conditioning and more interactive elements.

In the place of a leveled Big Thunder Mountain, a Coco-themed area would be added. One attraction, possibly on or alongside an alebrije, would journey through the Land of the Dead. Outside, a Mexican-inspired quick service restaurant and a band stand for a Mariachi Band would round out a smaller new land. Space for dancers would also allow for more kinetics in the land.

The Country Bear Musical Jamboree and The Diamond Horseshoe would remain. The Diamond Horseshoe would revert to its former glory with stage shows and entertainment.

Despite Eric’s urging to create a Muppets-themed Hall of Presidents, Tom fought for it to stay in its current form, honoring Walt’s wish. However, some tweaks could be made to the speaking segments from each president along with an updated film. The pair compromised with the permanent return of The Muppets Present… Great Moments in American History, a show which features Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Gonzo, Fozzie and Sam Eagle as they describe major events in the founding of the United States. 

The Liberty Tree and Columbia Harbour House will remain. However, the Liberty Square Market would be moved into the current ticket office that connects to Sleepy Hollow (or into Sleepy Hollow, itself).

In the finalized plan, The Liberty Bell Riverboat remains stationary and docked in the Rivers of America, complete with a jazz band and seating areas for guests.

The idea for northern Liberty Square is to create a small transitional land connecting to the future Villains Land. Sleepy Hollow as a town would serve as that transition with the Headless Horseman staring in his own ride, a wooden roller coaster. This would be a family coaster with an indoor scene allowing guests to race away from the classic villain. A Sleepy Hollow Refreshment-style quick service would be moved into this area, taking place of the current location. For live entertainment, Ichabod Crane and the townspeople would roam around the area.

This particular land would be located just past The Haunted Mansion, providing a seamless transition into Villains Land.

Listen to or watch the episode below for more details along with the back and forth conversation surrounding Frontierland and Liberty Square.

Villains Land & Fantasyland

Transitioning from the new Sleepy Hollow mini-land at the exit of Liberty Square to Villains Land, there will be a pumpkin patch that slowly moves from pumpkins to jack- o’-lanterns to dark vines and rocks, as if Maleficent has created them.

One of the anchor attractions for the land would be inspired by the iconic scene in The Emperor’s New Groove when Yzma says, “Pull the lever, Kronk,” before going on a roller coaster-like track throughout her lair. The idea would be to create a family-style ride that combines roller coaster and dark ride aspects —think The Mummy or Hagrid’s Motor Bike Adventure at Universal. The ride vehicle would stop along the track to shift guest focus to practical sets and animatronics continuing through the story of the film.

The Yzma attraction would be located inside a very well-dressed building set in the ruins of Peru, allowing for a seamless transition between the new Coco-inspired land and Villains Land. At the exit of the ride, a shop called Yzma’s Potion Palace would be a “trading place” for all villains to trade potions and poisons. Kronk would also walk around in his chef’s hat greeting guests and interacting with patrons. The location would also serve Kronk’s spinach puffs that he bakes in the film.

Regarding the land’s castle, it would be themed to Maleficent and be situated in much the same position as in the current concept art, in the back middle of the land above a show building or store.

The location of the castle would provide a way for the Magic Kingdom Fireworks to be seen in a brand new way, fitting with the “story” of Villains Land. Similar to the Fire of the Rising Moons experience in Disneyland’s Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, the fireworks could be viewed from this land with different story elements. Millions of LED lights and castle projections would tell the story of villains being villains, taking over the Magic Kingdom. In the end, those lights turn bright and colorful as magic returns to the kingdom and the villains are defeated. If the park is closing, this offers guests a way to leave the night with positivity. If the park is set to stay open, the land would reset a few minutes later.

Thinking of another attraction, something with high capacity and up-time is necessary. This could be accomplished with a boat ride through the villains’ lairs or homes. Guests would begin the ride by entering through the Magic Mirror complete with projections and fog, transitioning to the first villain-themed show room. As they progress, each villain would try to convince the guests who is the most evil. The end of the ride would have a small exterior drop with a light splash.

A third “flat ride” attraction where guests spin on Ursula’s tentacles would complete the land’s rides, adding a family-style attraction for everyone.

Other entertainment would bring interactive streetmosphere to guests exploring Villains Land. In the story, the villains would be trying to recruit guests to their cause as henchmen. In show moments, Gaston might look for “strong” individuals or Maleficent might look for someone who can help cast spells.

A quick service restaurant called “Hades Hideaway” or “Zero to Gyro” would serve Greek-inspired cuisine in the land. Entrees would include the gyros with comical posters featuring Hades urging guests to “Destroy that Gyro.” Another “Pain and Panic” dish (or dishes) would offer a sweet and savory option for guests. Mediterranean Bowls would offer another “healthier” option.

Another idea would take the idea of Cinderella’s Royal Table and turn it into a restaurant where Lady Tremaine has been relegated to run the location. Several years ago, a Villains’ Sinister Soiree takeover of Cinderella’s Royal Table featured the Tremaine’s singing “Royals” by Lorde during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. This performance along with invited villainous guests would keep guests entertained during the dining experience. The location would be called Le Château de Tremaine.

Rounding out Villains Land, water features and rock work with carved faces of villains and their sidekicks would work well with the planned Art Nouveau and “Conjured Architecture.”

Moving into Fantasyland, there are several moves, updates, and refurbishments that need to occur.

These changes start with the facade and location of “it’s a small world.” Compared to any other “it’s a small world” facade in the world, Disney World’s version is lacking. Since the attraction would already need to be pushed back from its current location to add the updated facade, why not just move the entire ride to the left side of the current Storybook Circus, allowing the facade to be used for projections and another fireworks viewing area. This would transition the current area into a Fantasy Garden-like area. The Barnstormer would be rethemed into a Casey Jr. Circus Train coaster, and the splash pad would be removed.

In the place of the current “it’s a small world,” an updated version of Peter Pan’s Flight (similar to that in Shanghai — see video above) would be built in the larger space. Some of the classic props, such as the London set and tin foil volcano would be used in the updated attraction, maintaining some of the nostalgia and history.

A classic dark ride featuring Cinderella would be built in the current Princess Fairytale Hall building. Since the ride would not be considered an E-ticket, it would not have to be huge. This just provides a connection to Cinderella Castle and her story.

Mr. Toad would also return as host of a reimagined quick service restaurant in the current Friar’s Nook location. Toad Hall would serve classic theme park foods like burgers, chicken, and other crowd favorites. It is also a harmless connection to park history that allows Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride fans to have a piece of that back. Pinocchio Village Haus would remain with a menu overhaul and windows looking into the early scenes of the new Peter Pan’s Flight.

The Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast attraction from Tokyo Disneyland would also be recreated for the reimagined Magic Kingdom. To make room for this, the entire section of Fantasyland stretching from Be Our Guest to Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid would be bulldozed. Enchanted Tales with Belle in Maurice’s Cottage and the village would be rebuilt, flowing into a Beast’s Castle area that would serve as an entrance facade for both Be Our Guest and the The Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast ride. Guests will enter through castle doors to the restaurant, but the ride will also take place “inside the castle.”

Final touches would fix the Mad Tea Party, creating a more ornate canopy overhead. The Cheshire Café would also be torn down and replace with a larger quick service location with more seating and garden area. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh would also be updated with new figures and details.

Listen to or watch the episode below for more details:

Tomorrowland

The goal for Tomorrowland is to create a more cohesive land within the Magic Kingdom. The aesthetic of a Mid-Century Modern 1960s-esque “future” is the goal, with nods to the World’s Fair and what people thought the future might look like. Having fun with the thought of an “imaginary” Disney World’s Fair mixed with an Intergalactic Multiple World’s Fair is where we’ll begin.

TRON Lightcycle / Run fits into this theme, so it can stay within the bounds of the updated Tomorrowland. Older Disney Sci-Fi movies will lend references and Easter eggs into the decor of the surrounding areas. Disney’s 1979 The Black Hole would inspire “The Donut Hole,” replacing Joffrey’s Revive. Props from the film and references to characters would decorate the kiosk.

Tomorrowland Speedway would be completely removed. In its place will be several offerings, and another Tokyo Disneyland attraction will make its way into Magic Kingdom in the form of Happy Ride with Baymax. A large flavored popcorn store called The Big Pop will be located next to the attraction. Behind the two new locations would be a table service restaurant with a rooftop terrace for fireworks viewing and dessert parties. A pathway from the area of Cosmic Ray’s and Mad Tea Party would be opened up, as well. This would lead to the TRON and Space Mountain side of Tomorrowland.

Speaking of TRON, to celebrate the release of TRON: Legacy, Disney California Adventure hosted ElecTRONica,  an interactive nighttime dance party that featured dancing, performers such as LASERMAN, a 3D sneak-peak of the film, a mock-up of the End of Line Club, and a recreation of Flynn’s Arcade, where guests could play classic arcade games. The redesigned Tomorrowland will take inspiration from that event. The space will begin with Flynn’s Arcade and feature arcade games. There would also be a way to get “beamed” into the grid and transported into a speakeasy-style End of Line Club for guests 21 and up. Entertainment would be included in the space, as well.

The Walt Disney World Railroad and the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover will both remain. However, both will be rerouted through the updated attractions. The train will travel through the grid until guests are out of the TRON area. The PeopleMover will also travel through the updated TRON area, as well.

Moving to Space Mountain, the building and queue simply need to be cleaned up. The roller coaster itself would be replaced and modernized. The decor and theming could use a refresh, as well.

The current Rockettower Plaza Stage would be demolished to open up the walkway. A circular stage would replace it toward to center of Tomorrowland. The new Tomorrowland Expo Stage would be covered and have a dance floor area.

Moving to the Carousel of Progress, the upcoming Walt Disney animatronic announcement scene will likely remain, but the rest of the attraction would revert to its original state as a museum-like offering. To match this, the exterior structure of the attraction would be replaced with a more World’s Fair-style facade, complete with a beautiful translucent ceiling with rainbow lightning shining out.

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Sting would be removed. A Stitch-themed shooter style attraction would replace it. In the ride, guests would be members of the Galactic Federation trying to capture an escaping Stitch or Jumba, if themed to the Live Action film. The center of Tomorrowland will also get a new theme, and the tower will be rebuilt for better accessibility and theming. Astro Orbiter will be renamed to the Galactic Federation Astro Orbiter, leaning into the Lilo & Stitch theming. The Lunching Pad would be renamed to “Dogs from Outer Space,” aligning with Stitch’s love for hot dogs, and specifically referencing the chili dog gag from Stitch’s Great Escape.

The Lunching Pad will be moved to the current Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies. This location will serve as a tie-in to a new attraction in the former Stitch’s Great Escape. The space simply doesn’t work for a theater attraction anymore, so it would be reworked into the Buy N Large Product Showcase, sort of like a faux-Innoventions. Wall-E and EVE meet and greets would be a part of the “showcase floor.” Other interactive exhibits and games would add to the area. The new Lunching Pad would play into the Wall-E film adds with blue and red treats, Buy N Large cups, and other film references.

Across the way, a theater show called “Ralph Breaks the Expo” would take the place of Monster’s Inc. Laugh Floor. At the exit of the show, a Mission to Mars candy shop will house bright and colorful Mars Candy decorations.

Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café will remain with update theming for the expo and a new menu. A fun, non-alcoholic lounge might even be added near Sonny Eclipse, called the Starlight Lounge. Mickey’s Star Traders will become Medfield Merchandise, themed to the fictional Medfield College created by The Walt Disney Company. Experiments and exhibits would be displayed as if Medfield had a booth at the expo.

Finally, the Disney Vacation Club Kiosk in Tomorrowland would receive a new flying saucer prop from The Cat from Outer Space. A matching game would be used to draw families into the DVC kiosk, similar to offerings at others across Walt Disney World. Another cat, Mochi from Big Hero Six, would sit atop pressed penny machines in the area — near Happy Ride with Baymax.

Listen to or watch the episode below to catch even more details and hints to the World’s Fair and the 1994 Tomorrowland.

Recapping & Changes

In the course of creating the final map, several empty spaces and underutilized areas were discovered, so this section is to recap “fixes” and to give amendments and notes where needed.

Main Street, U.S.A.

The largest change for Main Street is the addition of covered arcades, taking the place of the currently unthemed walkways on either side of Main Street U.S.A. Both walkways would covered with green space and room to move around outside of a crowded main path. The arcade on the right walking toward the castle would also provide guests a direct path into Tomorrowland. This shortcut would end at a new and updated Carousel of Progress show building that can be viewed all the way around.

Back onto Main Street, a soda shop and updated bakery maintain the time period of the land. The new second floor offers Bar Marceline, Walt’s Restaurant, and Club 33 in a new location.

Adventureland

The removal of The Magic Carpets of Aladdin and addition of Bengal Barbecue with additional seating greatly change the middle of Adventureland for guest flow and convenience. Intermingled with Jungle Cruise is Hathaway Browne’s Aerotours, a new attraction. Toward the newly reimagined Pirates of the Caribbean, streetmosphere additions will include walk-around characters and . The Rusty Cutlass Band as a year-round offering.

New additions include the Treasure Point Restaurant and Albert’s Curios, Trinkets, & Baubles.

Frontierland

The largest change in Frontierland is the demolition of the current Big Thunder Mountain. The ride would be reconstructed on Tom Sawyer Island with a lengthier track and refreshed theming. As with most lands, streetmosphere will be increased. The County Bear Musical Jamboree will remain in its current state, and the DVC lounge will be turned into a lounge celebrating the Country Bears.

Beyond Big Thunder, a Coco-inspired land with an attraction, plaza, and dining locations will be built to replace the former coaster. Halloween and Christmas overlays might be added to increase holiday offerings in the park.

The Liberty Belle Riverboat would also return as a stationary seating location with a jazz band.

Liberty Square

Over in Liberty Square, the Hall of Presidents remains alongside the return of The Muppets Present… Great Moments in American History. Haunted Mansion will also remain in its current location. A Master Gracey’s Table dining location will be added. The theming will bring guests into the ballroom scene of the attraction.

Nearby, the Ride of the Headless Horseman will be situated in the transitional land of Sleepy Hollow, seamlessly moving guests from Colonial America to Villains Land, complete with an Ichabod Crane roaming character. The current Sleepy Hollow Refreshments will be move to this new mini-land, and replaced with Amos’s Inn.

The remaining sections of Liberty Square would remain ultimately the same.

Villains Land

Lots of interactive elements would (and should) be a part of Villains Land, including a walkthrough Maleficent’s Castle with a dragon. Henchmen Training would also be a major part of the land’s story along with villain meet and greet areas. Each would have their own mini-show with photos after. The goal is to create an environment that feels as if the villains are trying to “take over” Magic Kingdom which culminates with a nighttime show.

Yzma’s Groove Coaster would be the anchor attraction, urging guests to “Pull the Lever!” A secondary attraction called “Villains: The Cruelest One of All” would add a boat ride to the land, allowing villains to show off their evil skills as guests float into and through their homes and lairs. A third attraction called Sorcery Showdown would bring a Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters-style ride to Magic Kingdom. In this version, the villains would be fighting over the guests.

Outside of the attractions, lots of rock work and large immersive details would make the land stand out against the rest of Magic Kingdom. Several dining and shopping locations would round out the new land.

Fantasyland

Transitioning from Villains Land to Fantasyland is a joint merchandise location with one side named Madam Mim’s Miscellany and the other Merlin’s Prestidigitorium. The two are “dueling” and that is represented in the facade of the shop. Both are smashed up against one another and damaged with blue and pink lights and battle noises coming from the windows above. Merlin has also magically created a dining location called Merlin’s Culinary Concoctions. Magical pots, pans, and cooking tools will be located around the restaurant “preparing” the food.

Inspired by Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom, a new gaming experience would begin across from the Merlin locations with a small queue and Merlin Animatronic explaining the experience. Another entrance and exit route has also been added near the new locations to alleviate some of the guest flow issues currently facing the land.

Fantasyland will also take on more of an English Fairytale-style. The Sword in the Stone would be moved into a garden area, with the return of the ceremony hosted by Merlin.

Continuing the fairytale theming, a Pixie Hollow area would be added next door to the expanded Peter Pan attraction, now located in the previous location of “it’s a small world.” An embellished Fairy Tinker Bell’s Busy Buggies ride would add another family attraction to the land alongside a playground and Tinker Bell meet and greet. This area would lead into a London Square at the edge of Fantasyland, transitioning into Columbia Harbor House and Haunted Mansion. In the place of the old Peter Pan attraction, a 101 Dalmatians Dark Ride would add capacity and theming to the London-themed area. A Toad’s Hall Quick Service would also be added.

The center of Fantasyland remains relatively the same. In previous plans, Toad Hall took the place of Friar’s Nook, but in the updated map, a snack stand themed to Winnie the Pooh would take its place. The location would be titled the 100 Acre Bakery and have several sections themed to Pooh and friends.

Cinderella’s Dream, a dark ride takes the place of the current Princess Fairytale Hall. Several other areas were updated or moved around to make room for the now 20 attractions in Fantasyland.

Transitioning to Tomorrowland, a World’s Fair/Fair Ground Garden area replaces the current Storybook Circus. “it’s a small world,” a Casey Jr. Circus Train coaster, and Dumbo the Flying Elephant round out the area to make it fit with the theme.

Tomorrowland

To recap changes in Tomorrowland, attractions and locations dedicated to Wreck-It Ralph, Wall-E, and a full Stitch Galactic Federation area pulls in the new World’s Fair theme to the land. The exterior of Carousel of Progress would be completely renovated while the interior of Space Mountain receives a remodel. A new stage and Happy Ride with Baymax add more kinetics to the land, as well. To update the space around TRON, a Flynn’s Arcade gaming and dining location would round out the Grid-themed area.

Dining options would include new additions like the Tomorrowland Terrace, Dogs from Outer Space, The Donut Hole, and The Big Pop.

Listen to or watch the episode below for all of the remaining details surrounding the enter Magic Kingdom Redesign below:

What changes would you make to Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom? Let us know in the comments and on social media.

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