I remember sitting in awe when I first heard the news about the Fantasyland expansion at the Magic Kingdom. I think that was back in 2010, and the renderings presented were unbelievable. Among the list of additions were Beast's Castle from Beauty and the Beast and an attraction featuring The Little Mermaid, much to my daughter's delight.
What's even more unbelievable is the Grand Opening of Fantasyland is right around the corner -- with an official date set for December 6, 2012! Previews will begin on November 19, for those that want a sneak peek 😉
Since I have been away for most of the summer, I haven't seen any of the transformation going on at the Magic Kingdom, which should make for an even more impressive reveal! I've been told that Storybook Circus is open with the new dueling Dumbo, the Flying Elephant ride, The Great Goofini coaster (formerly Barnstormer), and Casey Junior's Splash and Soak area.
The main attractions that I'm looking forward to are The Little Mermaid Ride and Be Our Guest Restaurant (food counts as an attraction, right!?) in Enchanted Forest ... thankfully, I won't have to wait much longer!
The Grand Opening of Fantasyland will include:
Under the Sea - Journey of the Little Mermaid Ride
Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid is a major attraction where guests will travel with Ariel and her friends through their exciting adventures above and below the waves – all against a musical backdrop of songs from the film. The new attraction combines the enduring appeal of a classic Disney “dark ride” with wonderful technological innovations to offer guests a personal journey into the scenes of the film. Adventurers will feel as if they are descending below the ocean’s surface. Once “under the sea,” guests will find themselves immersed in the story of “The Little Mermaid,” sharing Ariel’s adventure through a magical cast of characters and a captivating musical score that will entice everyone to sing along. The fun continues at “Ariel’s Grotto,” a meet-and-greet with the mermaid heroine herself.
The Castle of the Beast
The Be Our Guest Restaurant will feature a lavish dining experience in the elegant ballroom, gallery, and mysterious “West Wing” of the castle. With seating for 550, this magnificent facility will offer “great food fast” service by day and full table service dining in the evening. Nearby in Belle’s Village, guests will find the rousing Gaston’s Tavern and Bonjour! Village Gifts.
Enchanted Tales with Belle
The adventure begins in Maurice’s workshop, where a magical mirror is the doorway to a captivating new kind of storytelling experience: guests will be transported to the Beast’s library to meet Belle and Lumiere, and share in a lively, interactive re-telling of the “tale as old as time."
Are you excited as I am about the opening of the new Fantasyland? What feature/attraction are you most looking forward to?
Photo(s) credit: Walt Disney Co.
trisha
this is really exciting!!!
trisha
Zipporah Sandler
Walt's Dream come true.
debra
This sounds fabulous!
Stefani
This is going to be great. I remember seeing signs in April for it.
Rachel @ Following In My Shoes
Ooooo -- now THIS makes me want to go to a Disney park!
Emily @FamilyNLifeLV
This looks amazing!! I'd love to take my family!
Colleen
They had a lot of the park sectioned of for this when we were there last. How exciting!
Lolo
This is so exciting. I had no clue it was coming!
Toni
THis is actually one of the reasons we are getting annual passes instead of just a 3 day pass so we can go back a few times after it opens for a weekend here and there LOL
Jenn @therebelchick
I was just at Disney in June and I didn't see anything new from Fantasy Land, how exciting!
April Decheine
That will be so awesome! Looks beautiful!!
Kathleen
I am really excited. We were planning on going later this year, so maybe I will time our trip for when it is open.
Jennifer
I can't wait to go to the Be Our Guest restaurant!
A Time Out for Mommy- Elaina
This is so exciting!
Kelly
Those are beautiful images and it looks like it's going to be a fantastic amusement park.
Yolonda@ The Thrifynistas
I'd love the Mermaid ride! We are talking about Disney for Christmas but not set in stone yet.
Billie
Looks exciting, I would love to try the Be Our Guest Restaurant.
MomStart (Ashley)
SO COOL! Walking to Gaston's Tavern like in the movie would be so cool!
Theresa
Looks beautiful!
Ty @ Mama of 3 Munchkins
Looks amazing!
Tricia Nightowlmama
for some reason I can't see any of your pics but I did see the making of the boards when i was at Disney in march so EXCITING
Crystal @ Simply Being Mommy
It looks lovely! I can't wait to go back.
Liz @ A Nut in a Nutshell
It's going to be absolutely amazing!
Anne - Mommy Has to Work
I can't wait to take my daughter!
Jenn
Squeee! Can't wait to see it. We saw some of the construction during our December visit.
megan
I can't wait till this opens. Hope to make it to Disneyworld then.
Virginia from That Bald Chick
I'm sure it will be a big hit!
Donna
What gorgeous images!