Facelift due for Disney's Magic Kingdom

ORLANDO, Fla., Sept. 13 (UPI) -- The Fantasyland section of the Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom theme park near Orlando, Fla., is set to undergo a major overhaul, Disney says,

The Orlando (Fla.) Sentinel said Disney announced Saturday it plans on adding new interactive areas to the Magic Kingdom section, along with a new ride based on the "The Little Mermaid" and other additions.

Fantasyland's Dumbo children's attraction will also be expanded as part of the upcoming makeover, Disney said.

In addition, Disney has plans to update Hollywood Studios' Star Tours attraction, a simulator ride based on the world from the film "Star Wars." The new Star Tours will debut in 2011, while the Fantasyland changes are expected to be completed by 2013.

Disney's expansion plans come in the wake of an announcement from rival Universal Orlando of a new Wizarding World of Harry Potter attraction to its Islands of Adventure park.

Themeparkinsider.com editor Robert Niles told the Sentinel that the upgrades by both Disney and Universal should prove beneficial to the Orlando area.

"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 said.