X17 XCLUSIVE - Preparations Under Way At Neverland

We reported earlier that the King of Pop will return to Neverland Ranch, his Santa Barbara estate, on Thursday morning for a public viewing the day later. (A private service is scheduled for Sunday, two days after that, as July 4th falls in between.)

X17 photogs just got off a 2-hour flight to the ranch and we can confirm that preparations are indeed underway... An X17 photographer tells us:

"There were at least thirty workers preparing the grounds for the big event. There were landscapers outside, people coming in and out, cleaning and preparing the house. And there was a police cruiser on the property, monitoring the perimeter."

Sounds like a lot of activity going on! While we understand the need for fans to say their goodbyes to MJ, we can't help but wonder... how will this all go down? The area is certain to be flooded with people wanting to pay their respects - but can security keep the chaos under control? And should such a viewing even have been allowed? And what about that 30-car LAPD escort just to get the body up there? Are us taxpayers paying for that?!

Our photographer adds: "All the carnival rides have been removed. The grass was finally being watered. The place was bustling with activity but it was definitely coming together - this old, dead property is coming alive again."

Neverland is about to turn into Graceland! Stay tuned for pix and more info, coming ASAP!