As we approach the 30th anniversary of “The New Fantasyland” at Disneyland park, I thought it would be fun to compare what Fantasyland looked like when it opened in 1955 to the Fantasyland we know today, which has remained mostly unchanged in its fairytale village style since it reopened on May 25, 1983.

We started with a vintage black and white photo taken somewhere inside Fantasyland and tried to recreate it. King Arthur Carrousel and the Mad Tea Party were moved from their original locations in 1983, so it was Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride and Sleeping Beauty Castle that helped us establish the location perfectly.

Whether you first experienced Fantasyland in the last 30 years, or you remember it during its “medieval faire” years, it has been and always will be as Walt described it on opening day: a timeless land of enchantment.


Read on for more posts about the history of Disneyland park:

• The Carolwood-Pacific Railroad, Inspiration for the Disneyland Railroad
• Windows on Main Street, U.S.A., at Disneyland Park: Van France
• It’s a Jungle Out There: The History of Jungle Cruise Horticulture

Tagged: DL, DLR

Filed: Disney History, Disneyland Park, Disneyland Resort

When we shared a first peek at Mystic Manor in Hong Kong Disneyland, I know many Disney Parks Blog readers immediately added it to their “must do” list – me too. Today, there’s even more to share. Walt Disney Imagineering’s creative executive Joe Lanzisero is taking us on a behind-the-scenes tour of Lord Henry’s stately Victorian mansion.

One of the critical elements for making Mystic Manor a great attraction was the music and the addition of legendary composer Danny Elfman, according to Joe. “Danny has the ability to create tension and excitement but there is always a grin underlying it,” he said. “He has a sense of scary fun, so Danny was perfect.”

Along with an amazing soundtrack, the attraction features a trackless ride system and combines innovative special effects, state-of-the-art technology and Disney storytelling to create an immersive experience.

Mystic Manor opened on May 17 so you can now tour Lord Henry’s home yourself by boarding his latest invention – the “Mystic Magneto-Electric Carriage.” But be sure to keep an eye open for Albert, Lord Henry’s pet monkey, because when he opens a peculiar music box in the museum, all of Mystic Manor’s contents magically come to life.

Tagged: BtS, Hong Kong Disneyland, Imagineers, Video

Filed: Behind the Scenes, Hong Kong Disneyland

This Saturday marks the 30th anniversary of an important celebration. The year was 1983, the day was May 25, and a new, redesigned Fantasyland was unveiled at Disneyland park. Of course in true Disneyland fashion, there was a grand opening, including the lowering of the drawbridge at Sleeping Beauty Castle. That hadn’t happened since the park opened in 1955! Creative Advisor to Walt Disney Imagineering, Tony Baxter, was one of the Imagineers on the redesign team. Disney Parks Blog spoke with him about that opening day and what other attraction they used as inspiration. Enjoy!

Tagged: DL, DLR, Video

Filed: Disney History, Disneyland Park, Disneyland Resort