Fantasyland
Fantasyland is one of the larger themed “lands” at
Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, and it’s about to get even bigger with an upcoming expansion that will eventually encompass the area that is currently known as Mickey’s Toontown Fair. Anchored by the iconic Cinderella Castle, Fantasyland is the focal point of
Magic Kingdom’s parades and fireworks displays. Some of Magic Kingdom’s most beloved attractions can also be found in Fantasyland, including the original (but updated)
It’s a Small World ride.
All about Fantasyland:
In September of 2009, Disney announced plans for the biggest Magic Kingdom renovation since Walt Disney World opened in 1971, with new rides plus more princesses and fairies. The expansion and refurbishments are slated to begin in late 2009 or early 2010 and be completed in 2013.
While favorite attractions such as the signature Cinderella Castle, Cinderella's Golden Carousel and the Mad Tea Party will remain in place, the Disney Princesses will be even more front-and-center as Disney adds a new ride based on Ariel in The Little Mermaid, and an even greater emphasis on Cinderella, Aurora (Sleeping Beauty) and Belle (Beauty and the Beast). There will also be a new Beast's Castle that will include a restaurant called Be Our Guest. The Dumbo attraction will also be relocated and expanded to include a three-ring circus grounds around the popular ride, while
Tinker Bell and the other fairies of Pixie Hollow will have a new, larger meet and greet area for photos.
Currently there are plenty of opportunities for shopping, character dining, and Disney’s Fast Pass attractions at Fantasyland. Out of town visitors and Florida residents can advantage of discount Disney World tickets or Disney World vacation packages to maximize their savings at the Magic Kingdom, to enjoy everything that Fantasyland has in store for them now, and to fantasize about the attractions this area will have in the future:
- Shopping: Shoppers at Fantasyland will feel as if they stepped into a Disney-themed Grimm’s fairy tale. The shops in Fantasyland include Tinkerbell’s Treasures, Sir Mickey, Seven Dwarf’s Mine, Fantasy Faire and a shop at Cinderella’s Royal Table. In true Disney World fashion, Pooh’s Thotful Shop awaits guests as they depart the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh ride, and has a variety of plush Winnie the Pooh characters. The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo Boutique offers little girls unique opportunity to get a princess makeover, including a chance to look like Disney’s newest princess, Tiana from The Princess and the Frog.
- Dining: For any little girl who has dreamed about dining with Cinderella, this is the place. Cinderella's Royal Table in Cinderella Castle serves Character Dining breakfast and lunch and a Signature Dining dinner in a medieval setting. Guests get royal treatment, photos, and autographs, and reservations are essential. Call 407-WDW-DINE up to 180 days in advance. The quick service Fantasyland eateries include the Pinocchio Village Haus, Village Fry Shoppe, Mrs. Pott’s Cupboard for ice cream, and beverage service at Enchanted Grove and Scuttle’s Landing.
- Attractions: Fantasyland has two rides that use Disney’s Fast Pass: Peter Pan’s Flight and the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. These all-ages attractions are quite popular, and a Fast Pass can reduce a 40 minute wait to something closer to 15 minutes. For visitors who remember Magic Kingdom’s earliest incarnations, they will be delighted to find many of the original rides are still here, such as It’s a Small World (be prepared for the massive stroller parking lot beside it), Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Cinderella’s Golden Carousel and the Mad Tea Party. Peter Pan’s Flight and Snow White’s Scary Adventures also date back to the early days of Walt Disney World, but the rides have been updated over the years.
Other Fantasyland attractions include Mickey’s Philharmagic 3D movie, the Dream Along with Mickey musical stage show, and princess sightings at Ariel’s Grotto and storytelling telling with Belle at the Fairytale Grotto. Pooh’s Playful Spot is an outdoor play area where younger children who are tired or sitting in a stroller (or being directed around the theme park all day) can run around and play.
With so many exciting changes coming to Fantasyland, this area of Magic Kingdom will be the one to watch in the years to come. Be prepared for more princesses, more dining, more attractions and more magic as Fantasyland gets a royal makeover.
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