Walt Disney World

One of the reasons why Disney World is such a popular family destination is that it’s always changing. From year to year you can experience new rides, attractions, restaurants, special events and even accommodations. Over the next two years, Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida will be jam packed with new and exciting experiences, including the largest expansion in Magic Kingdom history.

What’s New:

‘The Magic, The Memories, and You!’ Nighttime Spectacle – New for 2011, Disney Parks brings us the “Let the Memories Begin” campaign. As part of the promotion, park guests become the stars of a new nighttime castle show. During the ten-minute experience, Cinderella’s Castle comes to life with music and movement.

What makes this show unique is that guest photos, up to 500 of them from throughout the day, are projected onto the sides and spires of the castle. Each photo is hand-selected from the Disney PhotoPass system, so you never know when you might see a familiar face.

Wild Africa Trek – Looking for a little more adventure in your Disney World vacation? Now you get up close and personal with African wildlife at the new Wild Africa Trek. Guests ages 8 and up can take part in this African safari that takes you deep into Disney’s Animal Kingdom. On this three-hour adventure you’ll be led by an expert guide off the beaten path.

Your experience includes a hike through dense forests and a harnessed walk across a rickety footbridge, with crocs and hippos below. On the second half of the tour, open-air vehicles take you through the Savannah to your private camp safari, where you sample traditional African cuisine. This experience in limited to 12 guests per group, pricing will vary seasonally.

Star Tours 3D – Star Wars fans know it’s long overdue. Star Tours at Disney’s Hollywood Studios has finally gotten a much needed facelift, and the new 3D attraction will be debut May 20, 2011. The new Star Tours bridges the gap between the two Star Wars trilogies- transporting guests to familiar destinations in the Star Wars galaxy.

What’s Next:

Fantasyland Expansion – The first phase of the Fantasyland Expansion is set to open in late 2012 and once completed, will nearly double the size of Fantasyland in the Magic Kingdom.  Some of the highlights include, Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid, Be Our Guest Restaurant, The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Princess Fairytale Hall and Dumbo the Flying Elephant—times two!

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort – Also opening in late 2012 is the long awaited Art of Animation Resort. Occupying the lot across from Pop Century, this new value resort will feature the animation of Finding Nemo, The Little Mermaid, Disney’s Cars and The Lion King. More than half of the nearly 2,000 themed rooms will be family suites.