We go to Walt Disney World a lot. Maybe not as much as some people, but more than most. One of the reasons we keep going back is that there is always something new or something we haven’t gotten around to doing. This past trip, we got to experience most of “New Fantasyland” for the very first time. With so many new additions to the park, we thought it warranted a “10 Best” list of its very own!
1. The Details
Hoof prints in the sidewalk are just one of the many subtle touches
to creating the overall feel of New Fantasyland
Nobody does details like Disney. The immersive experience Disney Imagineers create is amazing, and is such a big part of the magic! New Fantasyland is no exception. Statues, signs, waterfalls, rocks, and plants… Disney pulled out all the stops.
2. Streetmosphere
No, I did not make up the word, “Streetmosphere”. It means the entertainment that roams the streets and interacts with guests, making them part of the story and the experience. While it’s always been found on Main Street USA, the opening of New Fantasyland has brought Streetmosphere back to the areas behind the castle. Royal Majesty Makers roaming Fantasyland, and Circus acts on the streets of the Storybook Circus area add extra magic to your day!
3. Enchanted Tales with Belle
We were very excited to meet Belle in her new attraction! Enchanted Tales with Belle is part show, part character greet.
The Wardrobe and Lumiere are amazing works of animatronic technology that greet you upon entering.
Now, when we posted about our favorite Character Meet and Greets a while back, we weren’t sure how much interaction there would be between Belle and the participants in the show. We knew that you had to have a part in the play in order to get your picture with Belle, but we were pleasantly surprised to find that Belle took a little time to talk to each one of the guests playing those parts, including our little pepper shaker, Bella.
4. Be Our Guest Restaurant
We celebrated our Anniversarywith dinner at the Magic Kingdom’s newest restaurant, Be Our Guest. It opened to a great deal of fanfare, and we were fortunate to snag a great reservation time.
The restaurant is very large, with 3 separate dining rooms. We got to sit in the ballroom, and we felt like we were sitting inside the movie!
The intricate details inspired by the film could be found throughout the restaurant.
And the food and service did not fail to impress! We even got to try “The Grey Stuff”… and as you might imagine, it’s delicious!
5. Gaston’s Tavern
Also inspired by Beauty and the Beast, Gaston’s Tavern is a not-so-humble establishment in the small provincial town located in the shadow of the Beast’s castle. It’s famous for the Roasted Pork Shank and LeFou’s Brew!
In case you missed it, you can get a more in depth review of Gaston’s Tavern in our post here.
6. Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid
One of the two completely new rides of New Fantasyland (the other is the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train slated to open next year), this dark ride takes you through the storyline of the Little Mermaid.
It’s a fun ride with colorful scenes and the great music from the movie. The whole family will enjoy it!
7. Casey Jr. Splash n Soak Station
In the heart of the Storybook Circus area is a train full of animals who are just dying to get you wet. As our kids can tell you, if you get in their range, these circus animals will get you more than wet… you’ll be soaked!
8. Pete’s Silly Sideshow
In Pete’s Silly Sideshow, you can meet Daisy, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy, all playing their roles as circus performers! We love meeting Disney characters at the parks, and we especially love meeting classic characters in unique attire! We’ll be adding this to our list of favorite character meet and greets!
9. Dumbo the Flying Elephant
The classic Disney “flying” attraction, Dumbo has gotten a makeover and has moved to the Storybook Circus area. Now featuring two carousels of pachyderms, the ride has double the capacity. While I’ll miss the views of the castle from the old Dumbo, I won’t miss the tortuously long waits. We walked right on both times we rode Dumbo, and didn’t even get to take advantage of the indoor play/waiting area.
10. Tangled area
Located at the border of Fantasyland and Liberty Square, Rapunzel’s Tower overlooks a nice area for taking a break.
With restrooms and seating, the Tangled area of Fantasyland is a great respite from the park. It’s a great place to recharge… literally!
Concealed in the tree stumps all throughout the seating area are AC and USB charging stations for your electronic devices! A great modern addition to the Magic Kingdom!
And if you think this area looks great during the day, be sure to come back once it gets dark and the lanterns are lit up!
So that’s our 10 Best things about New Fantasyland… for now. When Fairytale Hall and the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train finally open, this list may change. And eventually, the “New” part of Fantasyland will no longer be new, and will just be considered Fantasyland.
This list was roughly in order of the way we toured the area, and not by any ranking system. Our list, as always, is based solely on our experiences and opinions.
Have you experienced any parts of New Fantasyland yet? Agree or Disagree? Let us know in the comments section below. We love hearing from you!
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Deb @ Focused on the Magic
Tuesday 29th of April 2014
The picture of you at Gaston's is fabulous! That must have been a blast! Love BOG too. Counting down now - 11 days:)
Melanie
Monday 31st of March 2014
So fun! Can't wait to see and do it all next June with my GS troop. :)