New Fantasyland

On December 6, 2012 the new Fantasyland expansions opened at the Magic Kingdom in Disney World.  While I would have given just about anything to be there, I was able to watch the progress of its development online.  Let me tell you, those imagineers at Disney can do anything and they can do in a way that will blow your mind!  There are four main attractions, including two new restaurants that I can't wait to see for myself on my next visit.

1) Enchanted Tales With Belle

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This is the interactive storytelling experience that I dreamed about as a kid.  From a YouTube video courtesy of Inside the Magic showing the full preview (which you can watch here
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ROaMrXqenfU), it shows how groups of guests start off in Maurice's cottage, which is complete with every detail you can think of.  You can see a photo of a young Belle and her mother, the book from the movie right on the page that has the corner that the sheep bit off in the song "Belle" and so much more.  You are led by a tour guide to Maurice's workshop and are magically transported to the Beast's castle, where with the help of the Wardrobe and Lumiere, guests help tell the story to a very beautiful Belle.  The animatronics of the Wardrobe and Lumiere are a great element and are going to help really bring the story to life for every guest that gets to enjoy it.  This is going to be the ultimate character experience for any Disney fan.


2) Gaston's Tavern

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Like Enchanted Tales With Belle, this place will put you right in Beauty and the Beast.  Outside the tavern is a large statue of the one and only Gaston, with his sidekick Le Fou.  Walk inside and you'll see a tavern similar to the one in the movie.  From the antlers that are around the walls to the large painting of Gaston, the feeling that this is his place, his home will be everywhere.  It is set up to be a quick service style restaurant with food items such as a variety of fruit and vegetables, portable roasted pork shanks and what will be my favourite, warm gooey cinnamon rolls, along with other pastries.  For drinks, there will be plenty of non-alcoholic options, including a concoction called Le Fou's Brew which is made with apple juice and toasted marshmallows.

3) Be Our Guest Restaurant

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The second new eating establishment in New Fantasyland is the appropriately titled Be Our Guest Restaurant.  Named after the hit song in Beauty and the Beast, this is the place where you can enjoy either a quick service lunch or a traditional sit down dinner.  It features three themed rooms - the West Wing, the Rose Gallery (only for lunch) and the Ballroom.  I am most looking forward to being able to dine in the Ballroom.  The scene where Belle and Beast have their iconic dance as Mrs. Potts sings the movie's title track is nothing short of movie magic.  This is one of my favourite romantic scenes from any movie and the look and feel of that ballroom that they danced in was something I never thought I would get the chance to experience.  From the images and videos I've seen, they go all out to re-create it in the most perfect way. 

The menu is inspired by French cuisine, featuring salads, sandwiches and other lighter items for lunch and more traditional dinners in the evening.  Some of those main courses can include grilled strip steak with pomme frites, sauteed shrimp and scallops and other various meats.  There is also a selection of beer and wine to accompany each.  For desserts, they have a selection of creme puffs and cupcakes - perfect for any sweet tooth! 

And be sure to check out the grey stuff, Lumiere says it's delicious!

4) Under The Sea: Journey Of The Little Mermaid

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In 2006, I received a special edition DVD of The Little Mermaid.  One of the special features included a segment on a Little Mermaid themed ride that was never built and I thought what a shame because this could be a really great thing for Disney to do.  Well, a few years later, we have it.  I don't think it's quite the same thing but the concept and a lot of the ideas appear to be similar.  Travel in a clam shell vehicle into Ariel's world and experience not only her story, but also the music that helped tell her story.  Throughout the ride, guests will hear songs such as "Part Of Your World," "Under The Sea" and Kiss The Girl."  The visuals also look incredible for this, typical for what you might see in a Disney indoor slow ride featuring animatronics.  Although I have to say they continue to get better and better.  It amazes me the way they can continue to take guests into these worlds, such as Ariel's, through Disney magic.  Another cool thing thing to point out here, after guests finish the ride, they can go to Ariel's Grotto nearby to meet Ariel.  Reminds me of when my dad, sister and I were in Disney world in 2005 and we got to meet Ariel at her former grotto.  Seems like her new home at Eric's castle is going to be a great one and I can't wait to check out.


So those are the main attractions of the New Fantasyland.  There are more things to come in the future, including a Princess Fairytale Hall and the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.  I can't wait to experience all of these things and more on my future visits to the happiest place on earth!!

My dad, sister and I with Ariel, 2005