Tag Archives: fantasyland
First Tree Planted in Magic Kingdom’s Fantasyland Expansion
Check out this fun photo from our friends at Walt Disney Imagineering. The team recently brought a little life into the New Fantasyland area at Magic Kingdom Park by planting the first tree.
To give you some reference, the building at the far left with the red and blue roof is actually the second floor of Pinocchio’s Village Haus, which peeks over the construction wall into New Fantasyland. The tree is being placed near what will become the entrance to New Fantasyland. The building at the right is Maurice’s Cottage, which will house fun, interactive storytelling with Belle and Lumiere.
Source Disney Parks Blog
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Imagineer Chris Beatty Discusses New Fantasyland Expansion

Disney Parks Blog hosted the first ever live chat yesterday, for those of you who missed it, people were invited to ask questions to the Imagineer in an online chat and get an immediate response. I’m sure there were many more questions than answers but that’s to be expected…inquiring mines want to know!
Chris Beatty was rather “Disney-esque” in his responses; not giving away too much information but slightly foreshadowing what the new Fantasyland will have to offer.
Main topics of the discussion were the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, the Be Our Guest restaurant, Under the Sea-Journey of the Little Mermaid and the Great Goofini.
There were affirmations made regarding the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, confirming that it will be a family friendly “coaster” and not a major thrill attraction. The ride will feature new technology inspired by the film itself. The ride will be the first to debut the “swinging bucket” feeling in the cart itself. The Mine Train will focus on the Seven Dwarfs but of course Snow White will make an appearance within the attraction.
The Fantasyland expansion will open in phases beginning in fall of 2012 and will offer experiences related to the classic Disney films that everyone loves.
Under the Sea~Journey of the Little Mermaid has already opened in Disneyland’s California Adventure park but the Walt Disney World adventure will bring you through the grottos and underneath Prince Eric’s Castle while your waiting for your ride vehicle.
Another major portion of the expansion project is the Be Our Guest restaurant, Beast’s Castle and Belle’s Cottage. Chris mentioned that he was most looking forward to the opening of the Be Our Guest Restaurant. He truly believes that you’ll feel transported into the film once you step inside. When asked if Lumiere will appear like Remy does at Les Chef’s De France, Chris replied, “We’re currently working on a new blog update on Lumiere, so stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog”.
Belle’s Cottage will feature a storybook adventure and you’ll feel as if you stepped inside the story of Beauty and the Beast. Gaston’s Tavern will have a larger than life portrait above one of the fireplaces.
Plenty of water has been added to the new Fantasyland areas. Under the Beast’s Castle and bridge past the Little Mermaid all the way to Dumbo the water features will make the environment feel authentic as only Disney can make it.
Last but not least, our beloved “Barnstormer” will be getting a make-over and transforming into “The Great Goofini”. Ride along with Goofy as he becomes a stunt pilot in the circus and be prepared for some Goofy flying lessons!
Chris mentioned more than once to keep an eye on the Disney Parks Blog for more updates and new secrets to be revealed!
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Time lapse video of Fantasyland Construction
Time-lapse of the beginning of construction of the expansion of Fantasyland in Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World in Florida.
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Disney Confidential: More Fantasyland Rumors.
Hey there guys and gals Anonymouse here.
If you know me in real life, you know that I live and breathe Disney gossip and the one thing that gets me all a twitter is anything about the Fantasyland Expansion. Recently, I’ve been hearing rumblings that the Great Goofini is set to open sometime in the Spring. I’m hearing May thrown around a lot, but I’d love to see it open in time for the big Spring Break crowds in early April.
You may recall that this new attraction is just a recycled Goofy’s Barnstormer (pray that they keep those chickens–I love them). In Disney speak, it’s getting a new “overlay.” I know, fancy right? It will be themed along the lines of the Storybook Circus, with Goofy as a circus ringmaster. And while it’s debatable whether or not kids even like the circus these days, that’s what you’re getting in the old Toon Town-a circus. And you will like it. Bad Chip Monkey!
We already know that side A of the Dueling Dumbo will open some time in February (thanks to an article from yours truly), so when Goofy opens up a couple of months later, this area should be complete, with a new train station, character meet and greets, and shopping.
But wait, there’s more.
Because we’re also hearing that the Journey of the Little Mermaid, the centerpiece attraction in the Fantasyland Expansion, may be further along than we thought. This is leading to some conjecture that we can expect soft openings sometime this summer. I’m not putting too much stock into this theory, but I like it and I hope it’s true.
I’ll keep you posted.
Anywho that is all the Disney Gossip I have right now. Let me know what you think in the comment box below. For my past Gossip articles be sure to check them out here. (Chip is making me plug my own articles)Bad Chip Monkey!
Got any good rumors? Please email me at AnonyMouse@chipandco.com or on my Facebook Page
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Top 5 Disney World Quick Service Restaurants
When it comes to dining at Walt Disney World, there are a plethora of choices available to suit any taste and budget. One of the restaurant types that you can get a wide variety of choices is the quick service restaurant. Located all over the Walt Disney World resort, there are a ton of different options available for you to choose from. In this piece, I’m going to outline my top 5 quick service restaurants!
1) My favorite quick service restaurant is The Pinocchio Village Haus Restaurant. In my view, this restaurant has it all:
- A great location in Fantasyland, so it is accessible from many parts of the Magic Kingdom
- A great observation point into the “it’s a small world” attraction, where you and your kids can wave to the people embarking on their journey!
- Good food, such as Italian Meatball subs, pizzas, chicken tenders, and more.
- A fun atmosphere where the Disney Magic shines through.
2) Next on my list of favorite Quick Service restaurants is Sunshine Seasons over at Epcot in The Land Pavilion.
- Like the Village Haus, this is a great location; enjoy some awesome food while you are waiting for your Fast Pass for Soarin’!
- The food at Sunshine Seasons is absolutely incredible. What are you looking for? Sushi? They’ve got it! Comfort food? They’ve got that too! In fact, they have a ton of different options available that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters!
- A great environment; if you want to people watch, then this is one of the places to do it at. Don’t like the special affects of Soarin’? That’s okay, grab something to eat here and enjoy being in the moment!
3) One of my favorite quick service restaurants at Animal Kingdom is Flametree Barbeque!
- Located in Discovery Island, the same section as the Tree of Life
- Absolutely hands down — some of the best food you will find on property! I love the ribs and chicken you can get there, and the prices are reasonable to me!
- Whenever I eat there, it always seems to have fast service.
- I really enjoy the outdoor seating, but watch out — the birds like to beg for food!
4) Back at the Magic Kingdom, my next favorite quick service restaurant is Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe!
- Located in Tomorrowland, Cosmic Ray’s is a great place to grab a quick bite to eat, and has a huge seating layout.
- Chicken, Burgers, or Sandwiches, what’s your pleasure? Cosmic Ray’s serves all of these, and has kids menus also!
- Sophie enjoys catching a show of Sonny Eclipse rockin’ the tunes!
- For a lot of variety that will suit most everyone, check out Cosmic Ray’s!
5) Lastly, next on my list for my favorite quick service dining restaurants is La Cantina De San Angel!
- Located in the Mexico Pavilion of Epcot’s World Showcase, La Cantina De San Angel has been an Epcot fixture since 1982!
- For a quick Mexican fix, this restaurant serves up some good food! If there are no table service reservations available, don’t worry, you will enjoy this food!
- Now located next door to La Hacienda de San Angel, the outdoor seating (which can be a problem during busy times) provides picturesque views of all the World Showcase!
I hope that you have enjoyed my top five quick service restaurants! Just writing all of this out has made me hungry, so who wants to join me? What are your favorite quick service restaurants?
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