Disney Cruise Line took possession of its newest ship, the Disney Fantasy, earlier today from the Meyer Werft shipyard in a traditional maritime ceremony aboard the ship. The Meyer Werft flag was lowered, while the Disney Cruise Line flag was raised, transferring ownership from the shipbuilder to Disney.

This final milestone closes the book on the ship’s construction journey and signals her readiness to welcome guests on her maiden voyage, set for March 31, 2012, from Port Canaveral, Florida. The Disney Fantasy is the second of two newly designed Disney ships that take the family cruise experience to new heights and features many of the innovations found on her sister ship, Disney Dream.

“Today we celebrate the culmination of a wonderful partnership, as we take possession of the Disney Fantasy and prepare for the journey home to Florida. This ship is the result of the superb craftsmanship from the master shipbuilders at Meyer Werft and the innovation, imagination and ingenuity of the Disney team, who have partnered together so beautifully to bring this ship to life,” said Karl Holz, president of Disney Cruise Line.  “We are eagerly anticipating our guests, who will experience storytelling in enchanting new ways onboard the Disney Fantasy while making magical memories that will last a lifetime.”

Known for establishing the family cruise market when the business launched in 1998, Disney Cruise Line continues to build upon this success with a focus on the legacy and heritage of The Walt Disney Company’s most known assets – master storytelling, world-class entertainment and legendary guest service.

“The Disney Fantasy, along with her sister ship, the Disney Dream, are the largest ships that Meyer Werft has ever built,” said Bernard Meyer, managing partner of Meyer Werft.  “Over the last five years we have developed an outstanding partnership working with Disney, and together, we have seen two magnificent ships become reality. The collaboration among Disney Cruise Line, Meyer Werft and its suppliers has been exemplary.”

Meyer Werft and Disney first signed a contract to build two new ships in April of 2007. Shortly thereafter, planning for the design of the ships began and construction started on the Disney Dream, the first of the two new ships, with the first steel cutting on March 2, 2009.  Since the recent completion of the ship’s float out and conveyance on the River Ems, the test-and-adjust period has been in full swing. The ship will remain in Bremerhaven for another week while additional crew members board, and supplies and provisions are loaded. The Disney Fantasy is scheduled to depart on Feb. 16 for its transatlantic voyage to the U.S., with an expected arrival to its homeport in Port Canaveral, Florida on March 6. Prior to that, however, the ship will be moored at Pier 88 in New York City where it will receive its christening ceremony

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With the addition of the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy to the fleet of cruise ships, Disney Cruise Line is able to take more families to more destinations around the world. Disney Cruise Line has always catered to the unique vacation needs of families, and next year will be enhancing the cruise options for guests — whether it’s sun and sand in the Caribbean, outdoor adventures in Alaska or experiencing the wonders of Europe.

Highlights of the Disney Cruise Line 2013 schedule (which can be booked beginning Jan. 26, 2012) include…

Mediterranean from Barcelona
Beginning June 1, 2013, the Disney Magic returns to Europe with plenty of new twists to the Mediterranean itineraries, including a four-night option and special 12-night sailings in addition to seven-night itineraries that treat guests to the best of Europe during the three-month season.

The new 12-night sailings visit destinations such as Venice, Italy, and Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast on one itinerary and Ephesus, Turkey and the Greek Isles including Athens, on another. Each itinerary will offer a sailing departing in June and another departing in July.

All itineraries depart from Barcelona, Spain, as the Disney Magic takes guests on an exciting journey of richly diverse cities, cultures and people. With romantic boulevards, bustling bazaars, iconic locations, mild climates, sun-drenched islands and the brilliant blue Mediterranean Sea, guests will enjoy a world-class family vacation with legendary Disney guest service.

Rates start at $796 per person for four-night cruises, $1,015 per person for seven-night cruises and $2,244 for 12-night cruises departing from Barcelona for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

Four-night Mediterranean Getaway
Ports: Barcelona; Nice (Villefranche), France; Palma de Mallorca, Spain
Departure dates: July 9, Aug. 6

Seven-night Mediterranean Cruise
Ports: Barcelona; Nice (Villefranche), France; Florence (La Spezia), Italy; Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; Naples, Italy
Departure dates: June 1, 8, Aug. 10, 17, 24, 31

12-night Mediterranean with Greece
Ports: Barcelona; Nice (Villefranche), France; Florence (La Spezia), Italy; Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; Athens (Piraeus), Greece; Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey; Mykonos, Greece; Valetta, Malta

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Post tags: DCL, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Miami

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Because each of the items are limited edition, there are less of them than there are passengers, so the items are available via a Random Selection Process (RSP) in which guests can list their preferred items on a list and the items are then randomly awarded to those who want them. If there are still items left over, it then gets awarded to those who asked for it on a second and (subsequently) a third list. On the Disney Dream, much of the merchandise went unrequested so it was even available for sale upon request aboard the ship, and some merchandise was even available on following sailings.

Pictured above (not to scale) are the Robert Olszewski light-up Disney Fantasy miniature (measures 13″ in length). It’s limited to 100 pieces and retails for $295 and will be hand-signed by Olszewski. Also pictured are the vinylmation figures: a 9″ Disney Fantasy figure with a limited edition size of 750 pieces and a retail cost of $49.95 and the set of two 3″ and one 1 1/2″ vinylmation set paying tribute to the Minnie statue in the ship’s atrium, limited to a whopping 2500 pieces and retails for $39.95 (in contrast, the set for Admiral Donald on the Disney Dream was limited to 1,000 pieces and sold for $25).

There appear to be less of the more exotic items for the Disney Fantasy than the Dream (no crystal sculpture for example), but there are definitely standouts. For example, the ear hat is actually a set of two, one themed to Mickey and one to Minnie, with an edition size of 500 and a pricetag of $74.95. Also of note is the most expensive item on the list, a ‘limited release’ 14K gold and diamond (.24 carat total weight) with an 18″ chain, yours for just $4100.

To see the complete list of the items available to maiden voyage sailors, download the PDF. Also available is a PDF of the Disney Fantasy inaugural art being offered at the Vista Gallery.

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Final touches on the ship’s construction, such as the installation of the mast, will be performed while she is berthed at the yard’s pier. Two weeks later, she is expected to be conveyed to the North Sea via the River Ems. She will then officially be delivered to Disney Cruise Line on February 9 in Bremerhaven.

From there, it’s a Transatlantic voyage in which her first stop is Pier 88 at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal in New York City (12th Ave. & 55th St.), where she is scheduled to be berthed from February 28 through March 2, causing some to speculate that this is where the christening for the ship will take place. Although possible, it will put the christening slightly ahead of schedule relative to her first sail date as her slightly older sister, the Disney Dream, was. Christening or not, it’s likely that the decision to bring her to New York City first is a calculated move by both the city and the cruise line to bring worldwide attention to  her and the fact that older sis Disney Magic will be sailing out of New York a few months later. It will make for much better television as well as ABC’s ‘Good Morning America,’ ‘Live! with Kelly,’ ‘The View,’ ‘The Chew,’ and ‘The Revolution’  all originate from the city, as do other Disney-friendly potential venues including ‘The Rachel Ray Show.’

What we have been able to confirm is that the ship will be open for private tours for industry professionals (i.e., travel agents) and, we assume, media outlets. In fact, one could easy speculate that while Disney Parks celebrates its ‘One More Disney Day’ campaign at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom and Disneyland, those who can’t make the trip can expect to see the Disney Fantasy celebrating on ‘Good Morning America,’ although this is pure speculation.

The float out ceremony of the Disney Fantasy is expected to be streamed live on the Meyer Werft website. Photo courtesy Meyer Werft.

UPDATE: The Meyer Werft webcam can be found here. The Disney Fantasy is expected to leave the dock building at approximately 6 am ET (noon local time).

UPDATE #2: Better live stream at

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Also during ‘Cruise In and Win Week,’ audience members will be randomly selected from the in-studio audience and will also have the chance to win a Disney Fantasy cruise by playing just one ‘Millionaire’ question.

Plus one lucky home viewer will also win a trip for four aboard a Disney Fantasy preview cruise through a sweepstakes to be held on ‘Millionaire’s’ website. To enter, visit http://www.millionairetv.com beginning at 12:01 am ET on January 9 (ending 11:59 pm ET on January 13). One entry allowed per person. Must be at least 18 years of age and a U.S. resident to participate.

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Post tags: Contest, DCL, Disney Fantasy, Sweepstakes, WWTBAM

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The Midtown Manhattan & Top of the Rock excursion will take you into the heart of midtown aboard an air-conditioned motor coach. You’ll visit the ‘Top of the Rock’ observation deck located at 30 Rockefeller Plaza which offers unparalleled views of the Big Apple. The breathtaking landscape stretches for miles in every direction and includes panoramic views of: Central Park, the Empire State Building, The Hudson River, Brooklyn Bridge and much more.

Return to street level and your guide will take you around the Rockefeller Center and across Fifth Avenue for a brief photo stop. You will re-board your coach and the tour will continue passing the Waldorf Astoria Hotel, Central Park, Fifth Avenue Shops, Empire State Building and Times Square. Stop at Grand Central Terminal to take some pictures of this beautiful Beaux-arts building in midtown Manhattan and free time to browse or purchase a snack.

The length of the excursion is 4 to 4.5 hours and costs $129 per adult and $89 per child. It also includes a transfer to LGA, JFK or EWR airports. For more information, visit the excursion page.

The New York by Land & Sea excursion takes you aboard the ZEPHYR, a state-of-the-art, custom built luxury catamaran to enjoy an approximate 60-minute tour of New York’s waterways. You”ll experience unparalleled views of the skyline and the port as your tour guide provides an informative English narration while smoothly plying New Yorks’s waterways.

You’ll also sail under the Brooklyn Bridge and see the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, the Woolworth Building, the World Financial Centre, the famous borough of Brooklyn, and Staten Island as well as the State of New Jersey and Ellis Island, immigrant gateway to America and a brief stop in front of the Statue of Liberty (visit to the Statue not part of the excursion). Finally, disembark the ZEPHYR at the South Street Seaport for free time to shop, sightsee, and have a snack at some of the dozens of eateries that fit every taste and budget before being dropped off at your departing airport.

The length of the excursion is 4 to 4.5 hours and costs $129 per adult and $89 per child. It also includes a transfer to LGA, JFK or EWR airports. For more information, visit the

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Post tags: DCL, New York City, NYC

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Notable activities include:

The ‘Alaskan Wonders Family Cruise Vacation’ is available on the following sailings in 2012: 6/4, 6/11, 6/18, 6/25, 7/2, 7/9, 7/16, 7/23, 7/30, 8/6, 8/13, 8/20. Minimum age for this adventure is 4 years. Suggested age 6+ years. Gratuity for Adventure Guides is not included.

For more information, contact Disney Cruise Line or your preferred Disney Travel Agent.

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0elmcNDQlVo

The adventure begins with Kermit, Miss Piggy, Fozzie, Gonzo, Animal and a cast of more than 20 Muppets preparing to stage a big performance. But there’s a problem: Kermit’s banjo is missing, Fozzie’s squirting flower has vanished, Gonzo’s crash helmet has gone astray, Animal’s drum sticks have disappeared and the Swedish Chef can’t find his cleaver! All of the props for the big show have been stolen by a cunning thief (or more likely, another Muppet). As Walt Disney Imagineering Interactive Producer Estefania Pickens explains in the video, Kermit comes to the Midship Detective Agency to find Mickey Mouse to help find the stolen props. Instead, Kermit learns that Mickey has taken a lunch break and Pepe has taken over the office in Mickey’s absence.

Guided by a map and holding a unique game card in front of select pieces of Enchanted Art, guests unveil clues and find missing props. Elsewhere on the ship, guests may check a Muppets message board and find a Muppet-sized stateroom door to discover clues. Their mission is to identify the culprit and solve the crime before it’s time to raise the curtain and light the lights on the Muppets’ big show.

‘The Case of the Stolen Show’ is a self-paced adventure game designed for guests ages nine and older. It features several possible endings and multiple randomized events – so each time a guest plays, they have a different gaming experience.

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In the virtual game, moviegoers will join a classic animated character in a 90-second interactive, big screen version of the AquaDuck as found on Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Dream and Fantasy ships. The 765 foot experience propels guests with powerful water blasters on an exhilarating flume ride unlike any other. By moving their arms and acting together like a virtual ‘human joystick’ the audience controls game action as they take a virtual video ride along with the classic character while he gathers surprises on his way down the flume. Surprises gathered along the way will be counted at the end of the game and results posted on the screen.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgRtoNjIhRg

The 6 week Christmas campaign will play in select theatres in major cities across America in the FirstLook Pre-Show Program offered by AE partner NCM Media Networks prior to screenings of Twilight: Breaking Dawn and Happy Feet 2. NCM is the largest screen advertising company in the world, and is a leading integrated media company reaching U.S. consumers in movie theaters, online and through mobile technology. It represents over 18,000 screens owned by the three largest global theatre owners, AMC Theatres, Cinemark and Regal Cinemas. Other such campaigns are planned for the future.

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Reporting from the new Disney Cruise Line facility in Toronto, Deb Wills of AllEarsNet has confirmed via Twitter something we reported several months ago, that a new musical titled ‘Wishes’ will debut on-board the Disney Fantasy when she sets sail early next year.

Although details have surely changed since we first reported the new show (which we first knew to be titled ‘Reflections’), here are some of the role descriptions we first shared:

Specific roles that appear to be tied to the new show include:

Kayla: female, 18+ to play 18, ethnically diverse, strong actor, principal vocalist, class valedictorian, serious and grounded, values her friendships above all, soprano, pop/Broadway style, D belt;

Brandon: male, 18+ to play 18, strong actor, principal vocalist, quirky good looks, unlikely leading man, humorous yet can ground himself when necessary, secretly in love with Kayla, brother to Nicole, tenor, pop/Broadway style, low Bb to high A;

Nicole: female, 18+ to play 18, strong actor, principal vocalist, funny sidekick, feisty with a big personality, sister to Brandon, mezzo soprano, pop/Broadway style, low F to high G mix;

‘Wishes’ is Disney Cruise Line’s newest original stage show, presented exclusively aboard the Disney Fantasy. The stage spectacular combines a heartfelt story, an enchanting score and lavish production numbers. “Wishes” is a 45 minute musical journey about three best friends who discover the secret to being a grown-up is staying connected to their inner child.

Musical Numbers and Cast of Characters for ‘Wishes’ Include:

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Post tags: DCL, Disney Fantasy, Wishes

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Throughout the Disney Fantasy, guests will discover creative and whimsical technical innovations – whether it’s mealtime, playtime or bedtime. “Paintings” spring to life. Guests’ own drawings dance with Disney characters. Interior staterooms have a porthole view of the sea outside. Animated characters chat with guests. The floor beneath children comes alive to movements. Among the highlights:

Muppets Adventure Game
The Muppets are coming to the Disney Fantasy! While playing “The Case of the Stolen Show,” guests take an interactive adventure quest around the ship, uncovering clues via more than a dozen pieces of Enchanted Art and physical “evidence.”

The adventure begins with Kermit, Miss Piggy, Fozzie, Gonzo, Animal and a cast of more than 20 Muppets preparing to stage a big performance. But there’s a problem: Kermit’s banjo is missing, Fozzie’s squirting flower has vanished, Gonzo’s crash helmet has gone astray, Animal’s drum sticks have disappeared and the Swedish Chef can’t find his cleaver! All of the props for the big show have been stolen by a cunning thief (or more likely, another Muppet).

Pepe the King Prawn offers to take on detective duties to help Kermit and the rest of the Muppets find their missing props. Kermit, worried about Pepe’s lack of detective skills, turns to the guests for help.

Guided by a map and holding a unique game card in front of select pieces of Enchanted Art, guests unveil clues and find missing props. Elsewhere on the ship, guests may check a Muppets message board and find a Muppet-sized stateroom door to discover clues. Their mission is to identify the culprit and solve the crime before it’s time to raise the curtain and light the lights on the Muppets’ big show.
“The Case of the Stolen Show” is a self-paced adventure game designed for guests ages nine and older. It features several possible endings and multiple randomized events – so each time a guest plays, they have a different gaming experience.

Enchanted Art
Throughout the Disney Fantasy, more than 20 pieces of Enchanted Art, inspired by classic Disney characters and animations, immerse guests in Disney storytelling in a completely new way.

As guests pause to admire an individual piece of Enchanted Art, it magically comes alive. Some examples of Enchanted Art new to the Disney Fantasy:

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The lifetime achievement award, now named after Disney Legend Harrison ‘Buzz’ Price, will be bestowed upon Joe Rohde, Executive Designer and Vice President, Creative for Walt Disney Imagineering, in recognition for his 30 years with The Walt Disney Company. Beginning his career as a model designer for EPCOT Center, Rohde has been influential and an integral part of Disney Parks and Resorts projects worldwide. Notably Rohde led the team that conceptualized, designed and built Disney’s Animal Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort and, most recently, he was responsible for the creative design and content of Aulani, A Disney Resort and Spa, at Ko Olina, O’ahu, Hawai’i, which debuted in August 2011.

Star Tours [2.0] at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at the Walt Disney World Resort won the Thea Award for the category of ‘Attraction Refresh. According to the nomination committee, tThe refreshed attraction has succeeded both operationally and with the extremely loyal Star Wars fan base. For the guests, the most compelling feature is the variable content that affords multiple storylines, locations and characters. This element of surprise is driving multi-generational audiences to return again and again to get a shot at exploring different vistas into many realms of the Star Wars Galaxy. Today’s audience expectations for a high tech science-fantasy world as renowned as Star

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Post tags: Awards, TEA

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To place an entry into the sweepstakes, eligible entrants may play once per calendar day by spinning the board game’s wheel and moving x amount of spaces along the gameboard. There are four different game space types to land on, each rewarding or penalizing the entrant: the Disney Cruise Line Space adds 25 points to the voyage ; Treasure Space adds an upgrade to the cruise along with 100 points; Disney Hero allows you to choose between the nearest upgrade spaces; and Disney Villain eliminates a nearby upgrade space. Gameplay ends when you reach Castaway Cay at the end of the gameboard. If you’ve managed to rack up 500 points or more, you’ll gain a bonus entry into the sweepstakes. If the winning entrant manages to collect all the upgrades, a special bonus upgraded will be added to the prize.

Initially players will be limited in how many potential upgrades they can receive, but by inviting friends to play (the rules specifically state referrals must be known on an in-person basis), entrants will increase their upgrade capacity by five for each referral who plays. However, if an entrant plays eleven times during the contest period, they will be awarded everything regardless.

Possible upgrades include: Adults Only Dinner for two at Palo Restaurant, Adults Only Champagne Brunch at Palo Restaurant, Private Tour of the Galley, Flounder’s Reef Nursery Care, Entertainment Pack, Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Facial, Couples Absolute Spa Ritual (Pro-Collagen Marine Facial + Well-Being Massage, Daily Passes to The Rain Forest for two (2) people, Salon Visit – Ladies ‘Up-Do’ Each Evening, Salon Visit – Ladies wash, cut and style, Salon Visit – Men’s wash, cut and style, Ship Shape Desk Set, Choice Photo Package at Shutters (Twenty (20) Photo credits to use in any combination), Premium Photo Package at Shutters (Thirty (30) Photo credits to use in any combination), Bon Voyage Memory Box, Bon Voyage Stateroom Celebration, Private Airport Transfers, Classic Wine Package, Bon Voyage Package, Puerto Vallarta Port Adventure for Four (4) people, $50 in Arcade Credits, Cabo San Lucas Port Adventure for Four (4) people, $400 in Shipboard Credit. The bonus upgrade for obtaining all

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Post tags: Contests, DCL, Giveaways, Sweepstakes

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On the Disney Fantasy, guests can splash and play in the AquaLab – a brand-new water play area on deck 12, near the entrance to the AquaDuck water coaster. Families can frolic among pop jets, geysers and bubblers in this fun and fanciful 1,800-square-foot space. As the story goes, AquaLab was created by Donald Duck’s nephews, Huey, Dewey and Louie, and features a variety of water “experiments” designed to drench the whole family.

Children entering the AquaLab will see that the nephews are away for the time being, leaving the young cruise guests in charge of the AquaLab. Through hand-painted notes left by the nephews, kids are put in charge of the AquaDuck water coaster. By turning wheels and moving levers at three wacky aqua stations kids “control” the speed and temperature of AquaDuck.

At a leaky wall, the water fun is all hands on deck as kids try to keep the water circulating by covering holes in squirting and spurting pipes with their hands. In another area, kids scramble to stop leaky pipes from filling Uncle Donald’s row boat with water. Water leaks and sprays from the Ducky Dinghy, suspended overhead, and as the boat fills a fish pops his head out of a bucket while everyone gets delightfully drenched.

[View with PicLens]

In addition to AquaLab, the Disney Fantasy features another new area for guests of all ages to cool off. On deck 12 forward, a wading pool with a fountain water feature, ample seating and lounge chairs under canopy offer a respite in the shade.

In addition to Quiet Cove Pool and Cove Bar on the Disney Fantasy, a new adult-exclusive area offers a retreat on the upper decks for guests 18 and older.

At Satellite Sun Deck on deck 13 forward a brand-new water feature called Satellite Falls is a circular splash pool with benches and a gently falling rain curtain that provides cool comfort. Around this upper deck, adult guests can soak up the sun in loungers or relax in the shade under a canopy.

Like her sister ship the Disney Dream, the Disney Fantasy offers many options for sun and fun on deck with a shipboard water coaster, fresh water swimming pools, a whimsical water play area for little ones, a relaxing poolside oasis for adults and an interactive sports deck:

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January-May 2012 at Walt Disney World Resort also is a time when road runners take to the streets and byways of the Vacation Kingdom in marquee runDisney events, Major League Baseball returns to Champion Stadium, Epcot blooms and Disney celebrates the possibilities of youth.

Here’s a look at what’s in store …

Look! Dumbo is going the wrong way!
Actually, Dumbo is just reversing decades of flying in counter-clockwise circles. Call it “unwinding,” if you will. And in a new location within Magic Kingdom.

Guests will board Dumbo the Flying Elephant from the lovable critter’s left side — like mounting a horse … and unlike the way guests hop aboard for a whirl at Disney parks on three continents. It is scheduled to begin happening in early 2012 when select experiences in the Storybook Circus neighborhood of New Fantasyland debut just northeast of Mad Tea Party.

Also early 2012, the existing Dumbo attraction near Prince Charming Regal Carrousel will close, be refurbished and be moved to a location in Storybook Circus next to the new Dumbo attraction. The result when completed later in 2012: double Dumbos, one going this-a-way, one going that-a-way … a real circus act, if you will.

There also will be a “big top” that serves as a queue area for the popular attraction. It will feature a variety of interactive experiences currently being developed.

Two other Storybook Circus elements planned for opening early in the year are The Barnstormer and Fantasyland Station. Guests who enjoyed The Barnstormer at Goofy’s Wiseacre Farm will be happy to know the junior coaster thrills of that attraction are back with a thematic change: Goofy has sold the farm and is now a circus stunt pilot and magician, The Great Goofini. The completely re-imagined train station will serve as the gateway to Storybook Circus and all Fantasyland points beyond.

Cruella de Vil, meet the apprentice sorcerers! And you, too, Scar. And, for that matter, a legion of other Disney villains!
When Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom premieres in early 2012, Merlin the magician will recruit guests as apprentice sorcerers to undertake missions to subdue the “baddies” in what Disney Imagineering calls an “immersive role-playing adventure.”

Armed with what appear to be nothing more potent than cards, guests engage with villains at special locations throughout the

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