Fantasyland, a sub-park in the Magic Kingdom of Disney, has re-opened its new additions on December 6, 2012. The park addition is the largest add-on to Magic Kingdom yet, and has been highly anticipated by many Disney fans.
”More people will want to experience the park before their friends and family,” said junior A.J Ralph.
New parts of the park focus more on the princesses of the Disney franchise. However, Disney also wants to add aspects that boys can enjoy as well. The new features in the park are from the movies The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and Snow White.
Commenting on the part of the park she’s looking forward to, Ashley Marquez freshman said, “The roller coaster because it gives you an adrenaline rush. It seems interesting. I used to love watching Snow White.”
Earlier in the year, the first part of the expansion was released, called Storybook Circus. The theme is that of a large, joyful circus, sure to win over any youngster at the park. Storybook Circus features a second Dumbo ride, and a new roller coaster.
Now, opened to the public for the first time, is Enchanted Tales with Belle, an interactive experience that gets the audience involved. Guests journey through different settings in the actual story, while interacting with famous characters in the story and playing important roles.
Beasts Castle is also a new addition, modeled to look like the castle from the film. Under the castle is the new restaurant, Be Our Guest, based on the dinner in the movie. At night, the restaurant turns into a fancy dinner place, with French food and a gorgeous ambiance.
Along with Be Our Guest is Gaston’s Tavern, a lunch joint that serves light food, and a special dish, “LeFou’s Brew,” a drink made of apple juice, marshmallows, and passion fruit.
Besides Beauty and the Beast, another movie will be brought to life by Disney. The Little Mermaid is being brought to Disney for eager fans. With Eric’s Castle accompanying the new ride, Under the Sea, this addition has been a hit.
Under the Sea is a fun-filled ride, where riders hop into a giant clam shell and journey through the story of the Little Mermaid. Throughout the ride, riders are greeted by familiar characters and a chorus of familiar songs from the movie accompanies them through the ride.
Snow White’s Scary Adventure ride will be retired by Disney and is no longer included in Fantasyland. However, the beloved ride will be replaced by none other than the Princess Hall of Fame, where everyone can meet and greet the princesses all day. The hall is set to be released in 2013.
The final installment to Fantasyland, a rollercoaster based on the Seven Dwarfs, will be released in 2014, finishing the expansion.
“I think it’s cool,” said sophomore Samantha Brown about Disney’s expansion. “I’ll be going there.”