Disney unveils new plans for Florida parks

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Disney's new Fantasyland was the biggest expansion to the Magic Kingdom since it opened. On Friday officials announced another major expansion, this time at Animal Kingdom.
 
The James Cameron film "Avatar" has inspired the latest adventure planned for Animal Kingdom.
 
Earlier this year crews broke ground on what will become the area of Pandora, featuring a glowing forest and Banshee ride. The magical land won't open until 2017, but other changes are coming that Disney officials said will help visitors extend their experience into the night.
 
There will be what's called a "Rivers of Light Spectacular"' at night and live performers around the tree of life. And a different way to see the animals in what Disney officials described as a "New, darker version of the Kilimanjaro safaris."
 
The Lion King is coming back to the Harambe Theater at Animal Kingdom for the summer too.
 
For travelers new cruise itineraries will take people to Norway and Iceland. And Disney plans a special trek through Norway, inspired by the hit film "Frozen."
 
"Our guests will follow in the footsteps of the frozen filmmakers and see the place. They'll meet the people and experience the awe-inspiring beauty behind this magical film," said Carl Holtz with Disney Cruises.
 
One of Disney's oldest resorts, the Polynesian Resort, will be renovated and will include bungalows over the water.
 
And construction on the new face of Downtown Disney is still in the works. The first part of Disney Springs, "The Landing," is set to open sometime early next year.

And Star Wars Weekends are back soon and expanding

"We're also closing our Star Wars evenings with Symphony in the Stars. This will be a state-of-the-art evening finale featuring some famous 'Star Wars' characters, a frenzy of fireworks and our award-winning Glow with the Show technology," said Walt Disney World president George Kalogridis.

WFTV