Disney unveiled details of its ongoing Fantasyland expansion via the Disney Parks Blog today ahead of its scheduled update, which is to take place this evening.
Most of the information had previously been shared, and the announcement provided further details of upcoming attractions. But one announcement came as a surprise to the Disney community: Snow White’s Scary Adventures will be closed to make way for a new Princess Fairytale Hall. The character experience in the shadow of Cinderella’s castle will offer guests access to all of their princess favorites, including new ones to the fold, like Tiana and Rapunzel.
Fans of the Snow White’s Scary Adventures need not be sad for long; a new roller coaster, The Seven Dwarves Mine Train, will continue to tell the story of Disney’s very first animated feature in a new way. Featuring a swinging track that will be the first of its kind, the ride will also include classic music from the film, as riders are taken through the diamond mines in search of the Dwarves and Snow White herself.
As expected, Disney also announced that the very popular Dumbo the Flying Elephant ride will be expanded to include two carousels. In the same area, which will be themed as Storybook Circus, the queue for Dumbo’s ride will include interactive circus fun for kids and parents alike. In this way, Disney appears to be continuing its push to make waiting for attractions less tedious and more entertaining, as though the queue itself is part of the attraction. Within Storybook Circus, the existing kiddie coaster Barnstormer will also be re-themed, as Farmer Goofy trades in his chicken coop for a cape, and becomes the Great Goofini. More information will come on this transformation to be sure.
We’re also learning more about the Be Our Guest Restaurant as well. Apparently, the setting for the new eatery will be none other than Beast’s Castle! The large restaurant will seat up to 550 guests. By day, visitors will be able to get “great food fast,” while at night, the location will become a full service restaurant. Beast’s Castle is slated to stand on a hill, and just outside, visitors can step right into the “Beauty and the Beast” story, and explore Belle’s Village – complete with Gaston’s Tavern and Bonjour! Village Gifts.
Nearby, work continues on Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid, which replaces Ariel’s Grotto. Whereas the former attraction was a character experience, the new ride will take guests right into the experience of Ariel’s world.
Disney continues to state that the new Fantasyland expansion will open in phases,with most of the work being completed by 2013.
Concept Art Copyright Disney.
