Lots! The powers that be at Disney know that their success lies in reinventing themselves without abandoning traditional characters and attractions. With that in mind, Disney is going all out with lots of park improvements taking place from 2011 – 2013. These improvements are in celebration of Disney’s 40th anniversary, which took place in October 2011.
Let’s start with Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. Fantasyland will re-open in phases, starting in late 2012. When renovations are completed, it will be double its former size and offer all kinds of new experiences and attractions, such as Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and Journey of the Little Mermaid.
Remember the beloved parrots, Fritz, Jose, Michael, and Pierre, in Tiki Room? It has been upgraded to Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room and now has 200 characters plus our fiesty parrots in an all new and improved show.
To make wait times more bearable, fun stuff has been added to see and do while in the queue at some of the most popular attractions, such as at The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh and Haunted Mansion.
Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom will be a role-playing adventure with participants helping Merlin defeat the enemy and save the day!
New shows include Main Street Electrical Parade and The Magic, The Memories, and You! The parade is dazzling with 500,000+ LED lights and lots of new floats. The second show is a high-tech performance at Cinderalla’s Castle.
At Disney’s Hollywood Studio, lots of improvements have been made. Pixar Pals Countdown, featuring characters from classic films, such as Toy Story and Ratatouille, has been added. Star Tours was revamped this year, including a cool new vehicle and 3D technology. Disney Channel Rocks is a high energy rock concert that replaces High School Musical 3. Furthermore, there will be lots more opportunities for interaction with Disney characters throughout this theme park.
At Epcot, the biggest change is the return of Captain EO, a 3D show starring Michael Jackson and three new dining options.
In the Animal Kingdom, a new tour is offered for ages eight and older. This three-hour interactive journey for the adventurous, Wild Africa Trek, takes place on foot and in a safari vehicle and includes an African picnic.
For more information, visit:
www.disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/magic-kingdom
www.disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/epcot
www.disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/animal-kingdom
www.disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/hollywood-studios
Terrance Zepke studied Journalism at the University of Tennessee and later received a Master's Degree in Mass Communications from the University of South Carolina. She has studied Parapsychology at the renowned Rhine Research Center. She began her career as a freelance writer and photographer, ... 
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