Fantasyland
ThemeDisney's animated fairy tale films, Fantasy, the towns and villages of Europe
Disneyland
StatusOperating
OpenedJuly 17, 1955
Magic Kingdom
StatusOperating
OpenedOctober 1, 1971
Tokyo Disneyland
StatusOperating
OpenedApril 15, 1983
Disneyland Paris
StatusOperating
OpenedApril 12, 1992
Hong Kong Disneyland
StatusOperating
OpenedSeptember 12, 2005
Shanghai Disneyland Park
StatusOperating
OpenedJune 16, 2016[1]

Fantasyland is one of the "themed lands" at all of the Magic Kingdom-style parks run by The Walt Disney Company around the world. It is themed after Disney's animated fairy tale feature films. Each Fantasyland has a castle, as well as several gentle rides themed after those Disney animated feature films.

Disneyland

History and environs

Original dedication

Here is a land of imagination, hopes and dreams. In this timeless land of enchantment the age of chivalry, magic and make-believe are reborn and fairy tales come true. Fantasyland is dedicated to the young and the young at heart, to those who believe that when you wish upon a star your dreams do come true.

Fantasyland is one of the original themed lands at Disneyland. Fantasyland features Sleeping Beauty Castle at its main entrance, which is also the park's icon, and a central courtyard dominated by King Arthur Carrousel, in front of which sits a sword in an anvil; several times each day a costumed Merlin helps a child pull the sword from it. The entrance also contains a separate walk-through attraction that opened in 1957 but was closed from 2001 to 2008 due to security concerns following the September 11, attacks. The attraction re-opened in May 2008.

The famed "Fantasy in the Sky Fireworks" show was introduced in 1956, but Tinker Bell's first flight wasn't until 1961. The first Tinker Bell was Tiny Kline, former circus aerialist. Multiple shows have replaced this most involving some sort of 'flying' character, such as Tinker Bell.

In 1983, Fantasyland received a major facelift (dubbed "New Fantasyland")[2] and the attraction façades changed from a Renaissance motif to a fantasy mock up of a Bavarian village, similar to the European setting of many of the fairy tales Walt adapted. The area was expanded to allow for more space between attractions. Existing rides were given small but helpful upgrades; new rides were added; and only a small handful of less popular attractions were removed. To commemorate the opening of New Fantasyland, the drawbridge was lowered on Sleeping Beauty Castle for only the second time ever (the first being the park's opening in 1955).[3][4][5]

The plaque in front of the castle marks the spot where the Disneyland Time Capsule is buried. Sealed on the 40th anniversary of the park (1995), it contains different items from the history of Disney parks. It is scheduled to be opened in the year 2035, forty years after it was first sealed.

Fantasyland was said by Walt Disney to be his favorite land in the park.[6] He said, "What youngster has not dreamed of flying with Peter Pan over moonlit London, or tumbling into Alice's nonsensical Wonderland? In Fantasyland, these classic stories of everyone's youth have become realities for youngsters - of all ages - to participate in."

Current attractions and entertainment

Former attractions and entertainment

  • Snow White and Her Adventures (1955–82)
  • Canal Boats of the World (1955)
  • Mickey Mouse Club Circus (1955–56)
  • Mickey Mouse Club Theater (1955–82, replaced by Pinocchio's Daring Journey)
  • Keller's Jungle Killers (1956)
  • Skyway to Tomorrowland (1956–94)
  • Motor Boat Cruise (1957–93)
  • Midget Autopia (1957–66)
  • Fantasyland Autopia (1959–99)
  • Skull Rock (1960–82)
  • Snow White's Scary Adventures (1983–2020)
  • Videopolis (1985–2006)
  • Fantasyland Depot (1961–93, re-themed as Toon Town Depot)
  • Disney Afternoon Avenue, featuring Disney Afternoon characters (1991):
  • Ariel's Grotto in Triton's Garden (1996–2008, replaced by Pixie Hollow)
  • Fantasyland Theater:
    • "Plane Crazy" Stage Show (1991–2012)
    • Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage (1992–95)
    • The Spirit of Pocahontas (1995–97)
    • Disney's Animazement - The Musical (1998–2001)
    • Minnie's Christmas Party (2001-02)
    • Mickey's Detective School (2002–03)
    • Snow White: An Enchanting Musical (2004–05)
    • Disney Princess Fantasy Faire (2006–12)
    • Mickey and the Magical Map (2013–20)
    • Tale of the Lion King[7](2022–24)
  • Fantasia Gardens (1993–2006)
  • Royal Theatre
    • "Frozen" (2015–16)

Current restaurants and refreshments

  • Edelweiss Snacks
  • Maurice's Treats
  • Red Rose Taverne
  • Troubadour Tavern

Former restaurants and refreshments

  • Character Foods (1955–81)
  • Welch's Grape Juice Stand (1956–81)
  • Yumz (1985–2004)
  • Enchanted Cottage Sweets & Treats (2004–2012)
  • Village Haus Restaurant (1983–2017)

Current shops

  • Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
  • The Castle Holiday Shop
  • Stromboli's Cart
  • Royal Reception
  • Fairy Tale Treasures
  • "It's a Small World" Toy Shop
  • Le Petit Chalet
  • The Mad Hatter

Former shops

  • Merlin's Magic Shop (1955–83)
  • Tinker Bell Toy Shoppe (1957–2008)
  • Castle Candy Kitchen/Shoppe (1958–67)
  • Arts & Crafts Shop (1958–82)
  • Clock Shop (1963–69)
  • Castle Arts (1983–87)
  • Mickey's Christmas Chalet (1983–87)
  • Geppetto's Arts & Crafts (1983–2007)
  • Briar Rose Cottage (1987–91)
  • Castle Christmas Shop (1987–96)
  • Disney Villains (1991–1996)
  • The Castle Heraldry Shoppe (1994–2017)
  • Names Unraveled (1995–2005)
  • Knight Shop (1997–98)
  • Princess Boutique (1997–2005)
  • Villains Lair (1998–2004)
  • 50th Anniversary Shop (2005–06)
  • Three Fairies Magic Crystals (2006–08)

Magic Kingdom

Expansion

The area went through a large expansion and renovation between 2010 and 2014.[8]

Conceptual artwork for the expansion shows several new additions and changes.[9] Included is a new dark ride themed to Disney's 1989 film The Little Mermaid (also located at Disney California Adventure), and an area themed to Disney's 1991 animated film Beauty and the Beast featuring the Beast's Castle with a new sit-down restaurant and Belle's cottage.[9] There is also a rest area themed to Disney's 2010 musical film Tangled, and an interactive queue for Peter Pan's Flight.[10][11]

Mickey's Toontown Fair was closed on February 11, 2011 in order to build the Storybook Circus area of the Fantasyland extension.[12] Some elements of Mickey's Toontown Fair were demolished and others were re-themed to the new area. Storybook Circus is based on elements of the 1941 animated film Dumbo and other characters from the Mickey Mouse universe. The Dumbo the Flying Elephant ride was removed from Fantasyland and rebuilt in Storybook Circus, the new version doubling the capacity of the old ride and introducing an interactive queue. The Barnstormer at Goofy's Wiseacre Farm was renamed The Barnstormer featuring the Great Goofini.[9] Storybook Circus has been completed and became fully open to the public on October 4, 2012. The first stage was completed on March 12, 2012 ("The Barnstormer", the renovated Storybook Circus train station, and the first half of the new Dumbo ride).[13][14] The second phase of Storybook Circus (the second half of Dumbo, the indoor queue area, and the Casey Jr. Splash 'n' Soak Station) opened in July 2012. The third and final phase (Pete's Silly Sideshow and Big Top Souvenirs) saw the completion of Storybook Circus on October 4, 2012.

Snow White's Scary Adventures closed on May 31, 2012. The original ride was removed and Princess Fairytale Hall, a new Disney Princess "meet and greet" area, opened on September 18, 2013, where the attraction previously existed.[9][15] An area themed to Disney's 1937 film Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs features the dwarfs' cottage and a new roller coaster ride called the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. The coaster features a first-of-its-kind ride system with a train of ride vehicles that swing back and forth, responding to the twists and turns of the track. Although not part of the original plans for the new Fantasyland, this attraction took the place of several proposed interactive Disney Princess meet and greets; these have been removed from the updated plans for the expansion.[16] The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train opened on May 28, 2014, completing New Fantasyland.[17][18]

Current attractions and entertainment

Storybook Circus

Former attractions and entertainment

Former restaurants

  • Hook's Tavern[20][21][22]
  • Enchanted Grove (1983-2011, replaced with Cheshire Cafe)
  • Round Table (current site of Storybook Treats, 1971-1994)
    • Mrs. Potts' Cupboard (1994-2010)
  • Lancer's Inn (current site of Friar's Nook, 1971-1986)
    • Gurgi's Munchings and Crunchings (1986-1993)
    • Lumiere's Kitchen (1993-2006)
    • The Village Frye Shoppe (2006-2009)

Tokyo Disneyland

Tokyo Disneyland has two original attractions among the usual dark rides: Cinderella's Fairy Tale Hall, which features the story of Cinderella in a walk-through style attraction, and Pooh's Hunny Hunt, which uses a trackless ride system. It is also the only version of Fantasyland to still feature the original version of Dumbo the Flying Elephant with only ten flying elephants, while the other versions of the attraction have sixteen elephants.

On April 29, 2015, The Oriental Land Company revealed a major expansion/re-imagining of the area that included the addition of areas based on Beauty and the Beast and Alice in Wonderland.[23] Alice in Wonderland was supposed to be the theme for a new area that would have replaced the current It's a Small World building, which would have been moved next to Space Mountain. However, the plan was cancelled and been replaced by an indoor theater, The Happy Ride With Baymax, a ride based on the 2014 film Big Hero 6 in Tomorrowland, and a meet and greet attraction with Minnie Mouse in Mickey's Toontown.[24][25] On September 19, 2019, it was announced that the opening date of this area is April 15, 2020. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan, this date was moved to September 28, 2020.[26]

Current attractions and entertainment

Former attractions and entertainment

  • Skyway (1983–98)
  • Mickey Mouse Revue (1983–2009)
  • Cinderella Castle Mystery Tour (1986–2006)
  • Small World Stage (1983–95)
    • The Kids of the Kingdom (1983–88)
    • Let's Be Friends (1988–89)
    • It's a Musical World (1989–93)
    • Mickey Mouse Club (1993–96)
    • Alice's Wonderland Tales (1995)

Current restaurants and refreshments

  • Cleo's
  • Queen of Hearts Banquet Hall
  • Troubadour Tavern
  • Village Pastry
  • La Taverne de Gaston

Current shops

  • Brave Little Tailor Shoppe
  • The Glass Slipper
  • Kingdom Treasure
  • Pleasure Island Candies
  • Pooh Corner
  • Stromboli's Wagon
  • Village Shoppes
    • Bonjour Gifts
    • La Belle Librairie
    • Little Town Traders

Former shops

  • Fantasy Gifts (closed on February 15, 2018)

Disneyland Paris

The fourth Fantasyland to open was in France, at Disneyland Park, previously named Euro Disneyland. Themed as a fairy tale village, this land specifically notes the European origins of the source material for many Disney animated films.

A unique attraction of the park was Les Pirouettes du Vieux Moulin, a Ferris wheel added to the rear of The Old Mill building in 1993. The Old Mill, which resembles a Dutch windmill and was inspired by the 1937 Academy Award-winning Disney cartoon of the same name, was a feature of the park when it opened in 1992, and serves drinks and snacks. The ride closed in the early 2000s, but the wheel and its eight bucket-like passenger cars were left in place and were seasonally decorated. It was later reformed, with the buckets removed, the mill's building serving as a snack counter and the queue area as a meet and greet area.[28][29]

Current attractions and entertainment

Former attractions and entertainment

  • Les Pirouettes du Vieux Moulin
  • Fantasy Festival Stage:
    • Winnie the Pooh and Friends, too! (1998–2008)
  • World Chorus

Current restaurants and refreshments

  • L'Arbre Enchanté (The Enchanted Tree)
  • L'Auberge de Cendrillon
  • Au Chalet de la Marionnette
  • March Hare Refreshments
  • The Old Mill
  • Pizzeria Bella Notte
  • Toad Hall Restaurant

Former restaurants and refreshments

  • Fantasia Gelati

Current shops

  • La Bottega di Geppetto (Gepetto's Shop)
  • La Boutique du Château (The Castle Shop)
  • La Chaumière des Sept Nains (The Seven Dwarfs' Cottage)
  • La Confiserie des Trois Fées (The Three Fairies' Sweet Shop)
  • La Ménagerie du Royaume (The Kingdom Menagerie)
  • Merlin l'Enchanteur (Merlin the Magician)
  • La Petite Maison des Jouets (The Little House of Toys)
  • La Ferme de Bo Peep (Bo Peep's Farmhouse)
  • Thumper's Burrow Treats
  • Sir Mickey's Boutique

Hong Kong Disneyland

Hong Kong Disneyland features the most prominent Disney trademark, Castle of Magical Dreams and many of the classic fairy tale characters from everyone's childhood find their "homes" here, all have their own attractions, and the rest of the gang hangs out at the Fantasy Gardens, the meeting point for character greetings.

In August 2014, the second Pixie Hollow decor had moved closer to Adventureland, and the area that up to the Fantasyland Train Station, was surrounded by fences hiding the works that started recently[30] for "Fairy Tale Forest", which opened on December 17, 2015 as part of the park's 10th anniversary celebration presented by Pandora.[31]

On June 29, 2023, the park removed Sword in the Stone due to the construction of a new Walt Disney statue entitled "Dream Makers" which debuted on October 15, 2023, as a part of the 100 Years of Wonder Celebration. The statue immortalizes the moment when Walt Disney, sitting on a bench and watching his daughters on the Merry-Go-Round in Griffith Park, dreamed up the idea for Disneyland.

Current attractions and entertainment

Former attractions and entertainment

Restaurants and refreshments

  • Clopin's Festival of Foods
  • Popcorn, Cotton Candy, Frozen Lollipops Cart
  • Royal Banquet Hall
  • Small World Ice Cream
  • Soya Chicken Leg, Corn on the Cob, Frozen Lollipops Cart

Current shops

  • Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
  • Enchanted Treasures
  • Merlin's Magic Portraits
  • Merlin's Treasures
  • Pooh Corner
  • Storybook Shoppe

Shanghai Disneyland Park

Opened on June 16, 2016, Shanghai Disneyland Park also features a version of Fantasyland. The park's castle, called Enchanted Storybook Castle, represents all Disney Princesses and is the largest of all six Magic Kingdom castles.[33] A brand new unique attraction called Voyage to the Crystal Grotto, a guided boat ride tour through the castle, and around Fantasyland, is also included.

Current attractions and entertainment

Current restaurants and refreshments

  • Fairy Godmother's Cupboard
  • Merlin's Magic Recipe
  • Pinocchio Village Kitchen
  • Royal Banquet Hall
  • Tangled Tree Tavern
  • Troubadour Treats

Former restaurants and refreshments

  • Celebration Cafe (2016–18)

Current shops

  • Be Our Guest Boutique
  • Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
  • Cottage Curios
  • Fantasy Faire
  • Hundred Acre Goods
  • Mickey & Minnie's Mercantile
  • Mountainside Treasures

References

  1. ↑ Smith, Thomas (January 12, 2016). "Opening Date Set for Shanghai Disney Resort, Disney's Newest World-Class Destination". DisneyParks Blog. Retrieved January 14, 2016.
  2. ↑ Post card showing "New Fantasyland" http://www.perrific.com/disney/cards/card29.html
  3. ↑ "This Week in Disney History: 'The New Fantasyland' Opens at Disneyland Park, 1983". Disney Parks Blog.
  4. ↑ "New Fantasyland (1983) - From Fair to Village". The Disney Classics.
  5. ↑ "Disneyland in 1983 and the Transformation of Fantasyland: #60DaysTo60Years". Trips with Tykes.
  6. ↑ "5 Key Facts about Walt Disney's Favorite Theme Park Land". Theme Park Tourist. March 2015. Retrieved 2 March 2016.
  7. ↑ Lynch, Kelsey (December 9, 2021). "More Fan-Favorite Entertainment Returns to Disneyland Resort in 2022, Including 'Celebrate Gospel!' and 'Tale of the Lion King'". Disney Parks Blog. Retrieved March 2, 2022.
  8. ↑ "New Fantasy Land Soft Opening". All Ears.Net. 12 October 2012.
  9. 1 2 3 4 "Update on New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park". Disney Parks Blog. 18 January 2011. Retrieved 11 March 2021.
  10. ↑ Walt Disney World opens “Tangled” themed rest area, further expanding Fantasyland with device charging area and bathrooms Retrieved March 8, 2013
  11. ↑ Peter Pan’s Flight debuts new themed queue taking Walt Disney World guests through the Darlings’ house Retrieved July 8, 2015
  12. ↑ Smith, Thomas (10 December 2010). "New Fantasyland Expansion Update". Retrieved 10 December 2010.
  13. ↑ Brigante, Ricky (March 12, 2012). "First look inside Storybook Circus as Walt Disney World opens first part of New Fantasyland with Dumbo, Barnstormer". Inside the Magic. Archived from the original on March 14, 2012. Retrieved March 21, 2019.
  14. ↑ MacDonald, Brady (March 14, 2012). "Disney World Opens First Phase of Fantasyland Expansion". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on March 21, 2019. Retrieved March 21, 2019.
  15. ↑ Princess Fairytale Hall to make royal debut on Sept 18 as Walt Disney World completes new home for Cinderella, Rapunzel Inside the Magic, Retrieved September 7, 2013
  16. ↑ "New Fantasyland evolution: Walt Disney World modifies concepts, artwork while Magic Kingdom expansion takes shape". Inside the Magic. Retrieved 2 March 2016.
  17. ↑ "New Fantasyland Celebrates One Year Anniversary at the Magic Kingdom". wdwforgrownups.com. Retrieved 2 March 2016.
  18. ↑ Smith, Thomas (2 May 2014). "Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Opens May 28 at Walt Disney World Resort". Disney Parks Blog. The Walt Disney Company. Retrieved 2 May 2014.
  19. ↑ Smith, Thomas (30 July 2010). "New Character Experience, 'it's a small world' Update at Magic Kingdom Park". 20 January 2011.
  20. ↑ "Fantasyland Hook's Tavern Restaurant".
  21. ↑ "A Tribute to Don Carson's Artwork - Part One". 27 August 2010.
  22. ↑ "Yesterland: Places Not to Drink at the Magic Kingdom".
  23. ↑ "Tokyo Disney Reveals Details of 'Frozen' and Fantasyland Expansions".
  24. ↑ "Tokyo Disney announces five new attractions".
  25. ↑ "Tokyo Disneyland Development New Facilities Opening in Spring of Fiscal Year 2020" (PDF) (Press release). Oriental Land Co., Ltd. December 6, 2018.
  26. ↑ "Tokyo Disneyland Expansion Areas to Open on September 28". Disney Parks Blog. September 19, 2019. Retrieved September 17, 2020.
  27. ↑ "TDL、2011年4月15日に「シンデレラのフェアリーテイル・ホール」をオープン". マイナビニュース (in Japanese). 2010-10-15. Retrieved 2021-06-11.
  28. ↑ "Disneyland Paris - The Old Mill". disney-pal.com. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 2 March 2016.
  29. ↑ "Snacks". Explorer Disney. Retrieved 2 March 2016.
  30. ↑ "HKDL Fantasyland and Toy Story Land Pictorial Update - Plus : 2015 HLDL 10th Anniversary Attraction Revealed !".
  31. ↑ "Hong Kong Disneyland's 10th Anniversary With A Whole Lotta Magic".
  32. ↑ Hong Kong Disneyland announces major expansion plans, By Karla Cripps, November 24, 2016, CNN.com
  33. ↑ Anstey, Tom (13 January 2016). "Disneyland Shanghai sets June opening date". Attractions Management. Retrieved 13 April 2020.
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