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New Fantasyland Now Open,
Largest Expansion Ever at Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom
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LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – In
pixie-dusted ceremonies filled with favorite Disney characters,
daytime fireworks and timeless melodies from classic Disney films,
New Fantasyland grand opened Dec. 6, 2012 at Walt Disney World
Resort.
“Walt Disney once promised that Disneyland, and by extension all of
our parks, would never be complete as long as there is imagination
left in the world,” said Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Tom
Staggs. “New Fantasyland is a spectacular addition to the Magic
Kingdom that delivers on Walt’s promise. We’re thrilled to take
guests beyond the walls of Cinderella Castle to discover new worlds
featuring iconic Disney characters and stories in ways that are more
imaginative, more interactive and more immersive than ever before.”
The largest expansion in the 41-year history of the Magic Kingdom,
New Fantasyland features attractions, dining, shopping, character
interactions, recreation and more – laid out fairy tale-style amid
waterfalls, grottoes, arched bridges, forests and circus big tops. A
multiyear expansion project that doubles the size of the existing
Fantasyland, the sprawling new area lies just beyond the existing
Fantasyland in the shadows of Cinderella Castle.
New Fantasyland consists of the Enchanted Forest and Storybook
Circus areas. Walt Disney Imagineers brought to life beloved Disney
stories and magical places, putting guests in the middle of Disney
classics and new favorites – and making memories to last a lifetime.
Here’s just a sampling of the new enchanted areas now open in New
Fantasyland: |
- Under the Sea ~ Journey of the
Little Mermaid. Guests riding in clamshells travel with Ariel
and her friends through their exciting adventures above and
below the waves – all against the musical backdrop of beloved
songs from the film. Before the experience, the fun is whimsical
and interactive in the queue area under Prince Eric’s Castle.
After the attraction and below the seaside cliffs, guests can
meet the princess herself in Ariel’s Grotto.
- Enchanted Tales with Belle. In a
faroff French village, an enchanted mirror becomes the gateway
to a new kind of storytelling experience. Through props,
costumes and other interaction, guests step right into the story
of “Beauty and the Beast” – meeting Belle,
Madame Wardrobe and Lumiere, and sharing in a lively
re-telling of the “tale as old as time.”
- Be Our Guest Restaurant features
a lavish dining experience in the elegant ballroom, delicate
Rose Gallery and mysterious “West Wing” of the Beast’s Castle.
The magnificent space offers “great food fast” lunch service by
day and full-service table dining at night. Both experiences —
fittingly for the story of Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” —
feature French-inspired cuisine.
- Gaston’s Tavern welcomes guests
to a comfy French lodge done in homage to — Gaston himself. The
menu of this casual restaurant includes LeFou’s Brew, named for
Gaston’s sidekick and a cooling concoction sure to satisfy any
thirst.
- Dumbo, the Flying Elephant - a
Fantasyland icon -has doubled in size. Two Dumbos – one going
clockwise and other counterclockwise – take guests circling
above Storybook Circus in ride vehicles they maneuver
themselves. The two Dumbos are connected to an indoor “big top”
allowing guests to enjoy circus-themed activities while awaiting
their ride time with the lovable pachyderm.
- Aboard The Barnstormer Featuring
the Great Goofini,it’s family-style coaster fun as guests dip
and soar daredevil-style above the circus grounds. Ride vehicles
follow the twisting, turning coaster “flight” of stuntman Goofy.
- Beloved
Disney characters as aspiring circus stars are on hand to meet
their adoring fans in Pete’s Silly Sideshow. Minnie Mouse, Daisy
Duck, Goofy and Donald Duck are decked out in their big top
finest to await their big break – and pose for photos with Magic
Kingdom guests in the process.
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| There’s even more in store as the
expansion of New Fantasyland continues: |
- Princess Fairytale Hall (2013)
will be the new home for Disney princesses to meet their loyal
subjects in the Magic Kingdom. To open in the Castle Courtyard
in the center of Fantasyland, the regal space will provide the
perfect setting for meeting Cinderella, Aurora, Tiana and the
other Disney princesses.
- The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
(spring 2014) will take Magic Kingdom guests on a rollicking,
musical ride into the mine “where a million diamonds shine.” The
family-style coaster will feature a first-of-its-kind ride
system with a train of vehicles that swing back and forth.
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In a week of other milestones, Test
Track Presented by Chevrolet opened in a new re-imagined version of
the iconic Epcot attraction.
A new collaboration between Chevrolet Design and the creative team
of Walt Disney Imagineering, Test Track Presented by Chevrolet puts
guests in the designer’s seat for a multisensory experience as they
create their own virtual concept vehicle before boarding a “SimCar”
to race through a thrilling series of hills, hairpin turns and
straightaways. The attraction zooms in on how meticulous vehicle
design influences top performance on the open road and lets guests
see how their virtual cars would perform.
Splitsville Luxury Lanes
Guests who roll over to Downtown Disney West Side starting this
month can experience the hottest trend in boutique bowling at
Splitsville Luxury Lanes. During a Splitsville media preview Friday,
Dec 7, 2012, guests donned concierge-delivered bowling shoes and
noshed on sushi and filet mignon sliders as they honed their games
with strikes and spares.
The hip, retro-style bowling venue is the largest in the bowling
brand’s fleet and the only two-level location, with 30 lanes and
more than 50,000 square feet of entertainment space. The
family-friendly Splitsville also features billiards, live
entertainment, a balcony bar with sweeping views and upscale dining
that includes a children’s menu of treats. Splitsville opens Dec. 19
to guests.
Beyond New Fantasyland, Splitsville and Test Track Presented by
Chevrolet, also in Disney’s spotlight was: |
- “Celebrate the Magic” New
Castle Projection Show at Magic Kingdom Park – Music, stunning
imagery and special effects transform Cinderella Castle and the
surrounding hub during a dazzling display that pays tribute to
Disney artistry and storytelling. Tinker Bell soars and weaves
among the castle turrets, Alice beckons guests down the rabbit
hole and beloved characters like Dumbo and Simba come to life
during the show.
- Pirates of the Caribbean:
The Legend of Captain Jack Sparrow at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
– An eerie grotto and mysterious pirate skull lead to an epic
ship-to-ship battle via state-of-the-art technology at this new
experience in Soundstage 4 near Pixar Place. Disney guests are
immersed in the high drama and swashbuckling adventure of the
four “Pirates of the Caribbean” films.
- Senses – A Disney Spa at
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort - New-age pampering amid
turn-of-the-century Victorian elegance is in store for guests of
Senses – A Disney spa at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort. Newly
remodeled and now owned and operated by Disney, the spa opens
Dec. 17 and combines elegance with modern touches, plus a dash
of Disney whimsy.
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Academy
Travel is an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner
Specializing in Walt Disney World,
Disneyland Resort, Disney Cruise Line and Adventures by Disney Vacations
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