As much as I would love this to be true, it's most likely a misunderstanding or miscommunication.
Beastly Kingdom, if it were real, would be the largest in-park project in nearly 10 years. A project of this magnitude would be difficult to keep secret for very long. If they were at the point to hand out carpeting contracts, we should have been hearing some significant buzz about it, as well as seeing significant activity in the Camp Minnie-Mickey area - site surveys, ground preparation work, etc.
I really hope I am wrong - next to the Excavator, BK has always been my favorite canceled AK addition.
EDIT/Addition: It's true that WDW needs a major addition within the next few years, since a fifth gate is not on the horizon and Universal is likely to attract a lot of attention with their Potter land. But recently they have been building and refurbishing attractions at a rate that we could have only dreamed of just five years ago - it's hard for me to imagine that they'll add a major new land before "cashing in" on the recent and upcoming attractions with a period of relative quiet.
My first post, so be kind...
Nobody should believe anything until it is announced. I enjoyed reading the first post with the faint possibility that it may be true. Just because someone was contacted, doesn't mean it is going forward. It could be to get opinions, possible design work, etc.
Now if they truly were adding BK to the park, in the original area where Camp Minnie Mickey is now, wouldn't you think that Disney would move Legend of the Lion King to a new location in, let's say, the African section near Harambi. The show is WAY TOO POPULAR for it to just go away.
As for Disney adding and upgrading at a terrific pace, many of these upgrades are needed as WDW seems to have been neglected over the last five years. What they do at Animal Kingdom is quite different than their other parks. Joe Rohde runs this park and his creativitiy and imagination is evident throughout, especially with Expedition Everest.
I'm sure if they are doing preliminary work now, there may be a cut off period for approval. I would think that Disney would wait for any major announcements until right before or during the opening of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal to move some of the spotlight back on Disney World.
As for a fifth park, I think we are years away on that one. The four parks need some care right now.
MK needs some TLC and a new E ticket ride where 20K used to be.
Epcot needs to add some more excitement and possible attractions, especially since Wonders of Life is no more. These possible candidates have been tossed around: a Canada log flume ride, Japan Mt. Fuji, Germany Rhine River Ride, and a Weather Pavillion. Hopefully one or more could get approval.
AK: With the addition of EE and upcoming Rivers of Light parade and full-service dining Yak and Yeti, AK is on it's way to becoming a full-day park. It does need more attractions. Hopefully BK is on the horizon and maybe once Asia is set, a new territory could be conjured up (I vote for the Australian Outback).
DHS: With the name change in 2008, I hope this park gets the treatment is deserves. Pixar Place will be a welcomed addition, especially since rumor has it that a version of the Crush Coaster from the Paris Studios is rumored to come over in some fashion. Although I don't agree with the official response concerning the "hat", it would just make sense to move that darn thing to a new location. Here's hoping for future expansion and soon.
I'm all for BK, as I think many internet posters are. If Disney only reads half of what people write in here alone, that would be worth it. Given other site and blogs talk up BK, it just seems like a natural progression.
