History of New Fantasyland

By D.Z. Theme Park Specialist

Back in 2009, rumors about a Magic Kingdom Fantasyland Expansion were buzzing around! Finally on Sep 12, 2009 at the first D23 Expo, Chairman of the Parks and Resorts Jay Rasulo confirmed it was all true. This expansion would feature a Little Mermaid attraction, a Beauty and the Beast themed restaurant, and even a whole new expanded Dumbo attraction.

Two years later at the D23 Expo 2011, the Parks and Resorts Presentation once again talked about New Fantasyland! Bruce Vaughn came out to give guests an update. Bruce went over each attraction! Then, he talked about a ride that most didn't even know about! The Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train! Bruce next showed us a virtual ride through. (For video see bottem) It was not the whole thing.. Just bits and pieces.
 

For the past three years, Disney has kept their promise. New Fantasyland opened its attractions one by one! First was Dumbo the Flying Elephant! That was in March of 2012!



Next to open was Enchanted Tales with Belle! That opened in September 2012!!

Finally more attractions began to open in October!
 

The Little Mermaid attraction is just like the one in California, except the front and queue.  

 

 

 

Here is the California version. Not too many differences in the ride.
 (This video shows only half the attraction)

 

 

Here is a full tour of the Be Our Guest Restaurant in New Fantasyland! Great place to eat.

 

In Belle's village, you can meet Gaston!

 

Fantasyland just opened on December 6, 2012! A dragon was even flying around New Fantasyland!

 

Here is the video of the opening event!

This video includes Chairman of the Parks and Resorts Tom Staggs, Jordan Sparks, Geniffer Goodwin, and Mickey Mouse!!




As you can tell, New Fantasyland is really something special. After all these years, its still not completed! Coming in 2014 is the Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train!!! This video is a virtual ride through that was shown at the D23 Expo!

Just a few days ago, Disney released another virtual ride through, that has more in it. Disney has been working on this project a lot!