The New Fantasyland
New? Yes, NEW. There is a whole New Fantasyland at the Magic Kingdom. This is the best expansion at Walt Disney World in years, maybe ever.
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Yes, some of the best, the most endearing rides Uncle Walt created were located here. From Dumbo to Peter Pan to that ride I won't mention except to say the song never ends. Can it really get better? Well, frankly, yes it can.
The New
Two whole new areas are being introduced in the upgrade. (I can see a day with Fantasyland is divided into 3 complete different "lands".)
Storybook Circus
Storybook Circus is the first section of the New Fantasyland. It opened in the spring of 2012.
It replaced Mickey's Toontown Fair.
The Carolwood Park Train Station at Storybook Circus
Photo by Don Sullivan
Storybook Circus is the circus (at least in part) from the movie Dumbo. The circus has come to Carolwood Park (Carolwood Railroad is what Uncle Walt named his backyard train set.) with it's big star Dumbo. The big top is all set up and ready. Ladies and Gentlemen ... Boys and Girls ...
Dad's Storybook Circus page
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
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There are now two Dumbo ride vehicles plus a whole new waiting area that includes an interactive playground that kids just love. Even with the doubling, Dumbo still has long lines, but now you can get a FASTPASS.
Dad's Dumbo page
The Barnstormer starring the Great Goofini
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Dumbo is the star of the circus, but Goofy tries really hard.
The old Barnstormer ride has been spiffied up and is now the "B" attraction at the circus. Goofy takes you on a daredevil ride around the park. (Goofy still hasn't learned how to fly.)
The Barnstormer is a roller coaster for younger children. It's a great way to introduce kids to the thrill of roller coasters.
Dad's Barnstormer starring the Great Goofini page
The Giggle Gang
The Giggle Gang is the group of clowns that go with the circus. Every circus has clowns. The Giggle Gang is a great group of specially trained clowns.
Dad's Giggle Gang page
Casey Jr. and Soak Station
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Casey is the train that brings the circus to town. When Casey makes an appearance things get a little wet. (Yes, wet.) Casey Jr. is located in the old Donald's Boat location and makes good use of the old drainage system to keep things tidy. (Disney likes things tidy.)
Casey shows up pulling cars with giraffe's and elephants that like to spit on those around. Oh, yeah, even little Casey gets in the act and "blows his top". It's really cool on a hot day.
Dad's Casey Jr. page
Fantasyland Railroad Station
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You have arrived at Carolwood Park. Get ready for a really big shew.
You can hop on the train and go right to the front of the park. It's a really great way to get around. All Aboard ...
Dad's Disney World Railroad page
Storybook Circus is the first part of the upgrade and it's just great. The new interactive queue at Dumbo is so good it might be hard to get the kiddos to go ride Dumbo.
Enchanted Forest
The second part of the upgraded Fantasyland is called the Enchanted Forest. What an obvious idea having an Enchanted Forest. All the great Disney Movies have enchantment and most of them are set in the forest.
Prince Eric's Castle from the Enchanted Forest
The Enchanted Forest is opening on December 6 (it's already been open for a while, but officially it will open on the 6th). Here's what's inside -
- Under the Sea - Journey of the Little Mermaid - take a ride "under the sea" and see the story of the Little Mermaid complete with the sea witch and good winning in the end.
- Enchanted Tales with Belle - walk through Belle's house (Maurice's Cottage) and into a magical world where guests are chosen to play parts in the story of Beauty and the Beast.
- Ariel's Grotto - a meet and greet with Ariel herself
- Be our Guest Restaurant - the restaurant based on the rooms in the Beast's Castle.
- Gaston's Tavern - come see how Gaston himself eats to keep that "manly figure".
Take a peak inside the new Fantasyland with this look at Maurice's Cottage -
Belle's Magic Mirror at Maurice's Cottage
Video from Walt Disney Imagineering
Tangled Restroom
Rapunzel let down your long hair. With the popularity of the movie Tangled, Disney needed something to represent it's newest Princess. The Tangled Tower has been in the work for a couple of years and now that area is opening. What's going to be under the Tangled Tower? For now just restrooms. MMmmm? Not really sure what's up with that.
The "Old" Attractions
The "old" Fantasyland attractions are something special. Most are based on some of the classic movies Uncle Walt released in the early days. Most of these were designed by Uncle Walt himself.
Alice and the White Rabbit at the Mad Tea Party
Photo by Express Monorail
The Mad Tea Party
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Join Alice and her friends in a grand Tea Party.
It's called the "Mad" Tea Party because you have to be truly mad to enjoy this ride.
(Special Note: Dad hates this ride.)
Hop in a giant tea cup and go spinning around. Now that's just mad. But it is a very imaginative ride. Uncle Walt took a simple midway ride and turned it in to one of the most enduring and thrilling rides ever imagined.
Dad's Mad Tea Party page
It's a Small World
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It's a world of laughter a world of tears ...
(Yes, Dad's mean sometimes.)
Like it or hate it, you have to try it at least once.
Dad's It's a Small World page
Peter Pan's Flight
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Yes, you can fly right over London and off to Neverland. Peter Pan's Flight is one of the busiest rides in Fantasyland. In fact it has some of the longest lines in all of the Magic Kingdom.
Dad's Peter Pan's Flight page
Winnie the Pooh
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See Winnie, Kanga, Roo, Piglet, Owl, Rabbit and Gopher as you wind through the story from Christopher Robin's perspective.
The colors are incredible.
Dad's Winnie the Pooh page
Mickey's Philharmagic
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Mickey takes a break from leading the orchestra and Donald takes over.
What comes next is mayhem and great scenes from some wonderful Disney movies. Fly with Aladdin and Jasmine, roar with Simba, fly with Peter and Tink off to Neverland.
After some hair raising experiences Mickey comes back in and saves the day. You gotta see this.
Dad's Mickey's Philharmagic page
Dining in Fantasyland
Be Our Guest is open and it is the star of the show. Wow. It's just amazing. From the location (below the Beast's Castle) to the Magic Rose, this place has something for every Beauty and the Beast Lover. You might even be greeted at the front door by the Beast himself.
Gaston's Tavern serves hunks of pork and cinammon rolls and
Pinocchio Village Haus has pizza and sandwiches, Mrs. Potts Cupboard or as it's now called Storybook Treats is a great place for snacks, drinks and ice cream. The Enchanted Grove has drinks and only drinks.
Dad's Magic Kingdom Dining page
The Future
Expansion is not finished yet. Several more attractions have been announced. Construction is scheduled to continue until sometime in 2014. Check out Dad's Fantasyland upgrade page for updates.
Dad's Fantasyland Upgrade page
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Dad's Bottom Line
The New Fantasyland is outstanding. The new and upgraded attractions are just pretty neat. The "old" attractions are still classic and timeless. Now if the rest of the Magic Kingdom could get a face lift like this one ...
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