Disney's Fantasyland to get makeover by 2013

Fantasyland at the Magic Kingdom in WDW will receive a massive makeover that is scheduled for completion by 2013. The highlight of the makeover will be the new Little Mermaid dark ride that will guide visitors on a musical odyssey with Aerial and friends. Disney's California Adventure is set to receive an identical version of the attraction in 2011. In addition to The Little Mermaid ride, Fantasyland will see the addition of a new circus theme for the existing Dumbo the Flying Elephant ride, as well as themed meet and greet areas for Belle, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and Tinker Bell. A new Beauty and the Beast-themed restaurant is also being built inside the Beast's castle. Alleged blueprints for the revamped area were leaked back in July, leading some to believe the makeover was a preemptive marketing move to dull anticipation for Universal's recently detailed Wizarding World of Harry Potter area. [LA Times]