As expansion and renovation continues within both Disneyland and Walt Disney World, the company has shared news of some of the most anticipated dates with the public. Below is a quick rundown of what guests can expect during visits to the parks during 2012.
Exotic Driving Course comes to the Richard Petty Experience at Walt Disney World. Beginning January 2012, guests can experience the Exotics Course, a new one-mile custom built circuit, which will be home to a fleet of “supercars” that guests can experience, including a Lamborghini, Ferrari, Audi, and Porsche. Reservations can be made at exoticdriving.com.
Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom. Sorcerers will be coming to the Magic Kingdom soon, as Merlin invites you to undertake missions, and fight the bad guys. As apprentice sorcerers, guests will be armed with “magic spells” (special cards) which they can use to help vanquish “meanies” like Yzma, Kronk, and others. Look for this new interactive experience to debut in early 2012. Access to the role-play adventure is included with theme park admission.
The New Fantasyland Attractions. One of the most exciting updates in the Disney universe will be The New Fantasyland coming to Walt Disney World. The expansion, which nearly doubles the wildly popular part of the park, isn’t slated for completion until 2014. However, the company has now shared that the first new attractions will begin opening in early 2012. Guests can expect to see the newly re-themed Great Goofini roller coaster (previously The Barnstormer), as well as the new Fantasyland Train Station, and the “dueling” Dumbo the Flying Elephant attraction. Many other attractions will be opening in 2013, as Disney continues this historic expansion.
The Disney Fantasy Hits the High Seas and Disney Cruise Line Offers New Ports and Itineraries. Disney’s fleet of oceanliners will increase from three to four in 2012, when the Disney Fantasy sets sail in March 31, 2012. The ship, which will accommodate 4,000 passengers, will sail week long itineraries out of Port Canaveral, Florida. But that’s not all. For the first time, DCL will also set sail from three new ports in 2012: New York, Seattle, and Galveston, and with lots of new and exciting ports of call and adventures awaiting guests.
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort Opens. Disney’s newest resort will usher in a first-of-its-kind experience, when the new property, inspired by Disney’s animation heritage, opens in May 2012. The highlight of the new resort will be 1,120 themed with The Lion King, Cars, and Finding Nemo. In addition, another 864 single family rooms will feature Little Mermaid theming. The Nemo section is scheduled to open first in May 2012, followed by Cars in July, and The Lion King in September. The Little Mermaid rooms will be available in late 2012.
Cars Land Debuts at Disney California Adventure. Make way for Mater, Lightning McQueen, and the rest of the gang, as the highly anticipated Cars Land opens at Disney California Adventure. With three immersive attractions as well as shopping and dining inspired by Cars, guests will truly feel as though they’ve stepped into Radiator Springs.
Many more surprises are in store for Disney fans in 2012. What are you most excited to see in the new year?
