The Imagineers at Walt Disney World are busy at work with improvements, additions and many surprises for 2010 and beyond.  It's time to start planning your next visit so you can experience the upcoming variety of treats.

Magic Kingdom News

After dark excitement known as 'Summer Nightastic' is coming to the Magic Kingdom and the other parks in 2010.  Returning to Disney World in early June will be the classic "Main Street Electrical Parade" led by Tinker Bell waiving from the basket of a magical balloon aboard a new float.  Pinocchio and Snow White also join the parade. 

Magic Kingdom will also treat guests to a special summer fireworks spectacular during which the night sky will explode in vivid colors and brilliant visual effects as whimsical music fills the air.

Breaking ground this year is a three-year major expansion of Fantasyland.  When completed, guests will be able to step into their favorite Disney fairy tales to have more magical and immersive encounters with Disney princesses.  For example, at "Dreams Come True with Cinderella," guests will meet Cinderella face to face in her country chateau and share a dance.  Beauty and the Beast comes alive with new dining opportunities including the Be Our Guest Restaurant and Gaston's Tavern.

Other additions to Fantasyland will be a new "Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid," where Ariel and her friends will entertain in a ride-though adventure featuring favorite songs from the film.  The classic "Dumbo's Flying Circus" will hover above new expanded circus grounds, twice the size of the original.

New at Disney's Hollywood Studios & EPCOT & Animal Kingdom

News at the other parks includes the announcement of enhanced lighting effects and the addition of a new drop sequence to "The Twilight Zone-Tower of Terror" ride, and an all-new 3-D version of the "Star Tours" attraction at Disney's Hollywood Studios.  Epcot will present a "Sounds Like Summer" concert series, and extended hours at Disney's Animal Kingdom several times a week gives you more opportunities to talk to the animals.

There's a new way to help you get around the parks and enjoy all the new exhibits. Already available for all of you Verizon Wireless customers is Disney's Mobile Magic, a Disney developed mobile application that helps you navigate Disney World and Disneyland. The app provides helpful and timely information such as attraction wait times, Fastpass return times, information on character locations and more.  The fee for the app is $9.99 and it is good for 180 days; a 24-hour free trial is available for a limited time.

Disney Cruise Lines News

Disney Cruise Line has lots coming up.  First, in 2010, Disney Magic and Disney Wonder sailings to Northern Europe and the Mediterranean will include three new ports of call - Tunis in northern Africa, the island of Marta and Ajaccio, Corsica.  And, in 2011, Disney Wonder will sail for the first time to Alaska, with seven-night cruises to Tracy Arm, Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan. 

Additionally, the cruise line is expanding its fleet in 2011 and 2012 with the addition of two new ships, Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy.  The new 1,250-passenger ships will more than double the capacity of the cruise line and they will offer innovations, engaging children's spaces, family entertainment and immersive experiences for which Disney Cruise Line is renowned.  Finally, enhancements are coming in the summer of 2010 to Castaway Cay, Disney's private island in the Bahamas. Plans include an expanded family beach, a floating water platform featuring two twisting water slides, two fresh-water play areas, a new teen retreat, and 20 new private cabanas.