Disney World ready for biggest ever overhaul

Walt Disney World is to set to carry out some major improvements on the Fantasyland section of its Magic Kingdom, in what is being billed as the single biggest overhaul in the theme park's 38-year history.

New attractions will include a ride based on The Little Mermaid, an expansion of the Dumbo ride, as well as all new interactive areas based on some of Disney’s best-known princesses. In addition to this, Disney has announced plans to update Star Tours, the Star Wars-themed simulator ride in Hollywood Studios. The new simulator, which is scheduled for 2011 will have state of the art 3-D effects.

A more impressive Disney World, as well as the lure of an upcoming Wizarding World of Harry Potter from Universal Orlando is set to reignite travel to Orlando and holidays in Florida, which has expereiced a slump in recent times.

Robert Niles, publisher of themeparkinsider.com said "There might be some Harry Potter fans who are waffling on the expense of trips to Orlando. But if you can throw in something new at Disney, maybe they'll make the trip.

Niles added, "At this point, travel isn't a zero sum game. They've got to get people on planes travelling again."

Disney has declined to reveal how much it is to spend on the projects.