The newest section of Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, New Fantasyland, is now officially opened.
Amid of ceremony led by Walt Disney Parks & Resorts Chairman Tom Staggs, guests on hand for the celebration also enjoyed face time by actress Ginnifer Goodwin of ABC’s Once Upon a Time. Singer Jordan Sparks sang, while Disney characters and fireworks also heralded the special occasion.
Although guests have been treated to “dress rehearsals” since October, and a “soft opening” since November 19, today marks the official date that the new area, which doubles in size the popular Fantasyland area of Magic Kingdom, will be open without interruption to guests.
In his remarks to the crowd, Skaggs said that the expansion was, at its core, inspired by Walt Disney’s original vision for the Disney Theme Parks:
Walt Disney once promised that Disneyland, and by extension all of our parks, would never be complete as long as there is imagination left in the world. New Fantasyland is a spectacular addition to the Magic Kingdom that delivers on Walt’s promise.
We are on location today at Walt Disney World for this historic occasion. Be sure to check back with DisZine as we continue to bring you all the news from the New Fantasyland grand opening events scheduled throughout the day.
The grand opening takes place as the New Fantasyland construction continues. While many new attractions and areas are opened now, including attractions from Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, and Dumbo, other attractions are still to come. Guests can look forward to a new roller coaster, the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, as well as the Princess Fairytale Hall character experience, over the next couple years.
Photo copyright Disney.
