Each week, we hear from our readers how excited they are to learn more about the expansion of New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park. This week, we’re proud to announce that the Disney Parks Blog will partner with Walt Disney Imagineering to bring you a live chat with Walt Disney Imagineer Chris Beatty on Wednesday, Nov. 9 at 1:30 p.m. EST.
Chris is one of many Imagineers who have been tasked with taking favorite Disney films, such as “Beauty and the Beast” and “The Little Mermaid,” and transforming them into immersive experiences that will thrill guests when New Fantasyland debuts late next year.
Get to know Chris and his work by taking a look back at this video clip provided by Walt Disney Imagineering, in which he discusses the construction of one of the area’s coming attractions, Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid.
You can submit your questions for Chris now in the “Comments” section below, or ask questions in real time during Wednesday’s chat.
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59 Comments 2 Replies
Linda from MD on November 7th, 2011 at 11:45 am
Is there any official date for the opening? I see Fall 2012 on the information, but wondering if there is any date in mind (always planning the next trip). I can’t wait for the chat.
Adam on November 7th, 2011 at 12:52 pm
This is so exciting! I’ll definitely be there.
Robert on November 7th, 2011 at 2:06 pm
I’ve heard a lot and seen much about phase 1 which includes Little Mermaid, Beast’s castle, Princess Aurora’s cottage, and the Dwarf’s mine roller coaster, but I have only heard rumblings about Pixie Hollow and the fairies for Phase 2. Can you give us a little more insight into an opening ETA (more specific than 2013) and details about Pixie Hollow?
Also, is the new restaurant in Beast’s castle the only new sit-down dinner in this expansion? And will it be French cuisine to reflect the film’s setting?
Heather on November 7th, 2011 at 2:07 pm
We are going to be there Sept 27 to Oct 4… we are very excited to see everything new! Is there a time available for openings?
Shelly on November 7th, 2011 at 2:08 pm
When will reservations be open for the new restaurants? And to piggy back that idea, when will the restaurant menus be available? I have two girls (and mother) who are itching to visit!
shawna on November 7th, 2011 at 2:10 pm
Can’t wait to book our next trip back when this new fantasyland opens!!
When exactly will the whole new area open? Hoping to go in October 2013 and be able to enjoy this new part of Magic Kingdom..
How many rides total does the new fantasyland have?
Trisha from IN on November 7th, 2011 at 2:11 pm
Yes, when is the Under the Sea ride going to open? We are trying to plan our next visit and want to plan it for a time when that ride will be open. My 3 year old LOVES Ariel!
Valerie from FL on November 7th, 2011 at 2:14 pm
Will there be events planned, pre-official-opening, for annual passholders?
Laura on November 7th, 2011 at 2:16 pm
I LOVE Ariel and “The Little Mermaid.” From what I’ve seen, the attraction is really reminding me of the “Nemo & Friends” ride in EPCOT. Can you tell us what is really going to set this attraction apart? Thanks so much, and looking forward to our next trip in April and looks like we will have to set another for Fall 2012 as well
Kim on November 7th, 2011 at 2:17 pm
In regards to Beauty & the Beast–what kind of immersive experience can we expect? Will it only be a restaurant, or will there be other features/areas to explore? B&tB is my absolute favorite in the Disney history, and anything that’s out there has my attention.
Can I also hope for B&tB merchandise for women? I feel so cheated!
autumn from VA on November 7th, 2011 at 2:18 pm
What is the link for this chat?
Jennifer Fickley-Baker on November 7th, 2011 at 4:12 pm
Autumn – Check the blog on Wednesday. The chat will take place here, on the main page at 1:30.
Sasha on November 7th, 2011 at 2:20 pm
I know the date is fall 2012 but I was wondering if any of the other attractions in the Fantasyland expansion are opening sooner? We are coming in the middle of February.
Teresa on November 7th, 2011 at 2:22 pm
My son, Mac, is 10 and would like to grow up to be a Disney Imagineer. What advice can you give an aspiring imagineer?
Megan on November 7th, 2011 at 2:22 pm
What is it like slowly seeing favorite Disney films come to life in building these new attractions?
Lisa on November 7th, 2011 at 2:26 pm
Where in FAntasyland will this be? Is somethimg being taken down?
Beth on November 7th, 2011 at 2:27 pm
I’ve got a few questions…specifically about the Be Our Guest restaurant.
1. Will it be considered a signature dining experience?
2. Will the menu contain dishes such as the gray stuff, cheese souffle, etc?
3. When will it open?
Thank you!
Ashley on November 7th, 2011 at 2:34 pm
My fiance and I will be visiting for our honeymoon in late August 2012. I’m really hoping to be able to have dinner in the Beauty and the Beast Restaurant, will it be open by then?
Catie on November 7th, 2011 at 2:40 pm
I saw that there will be a Dwarves Mine Cart ride. Is this going to be like Thunder Mountain, or will it be more geared for smaller children?
Jennifer from NC on November 7th, 2011 at 2:40 pm
When Pooh’s Playful Spot was built, the Imagineers included a wonderful hidden memorial to the attraction that previously occupied the space (20,000 Leagues Under the Sea) by way of a small engraving in the large tree.
Are there any sorts of hidden touches planned for the new Fantasyland to memorialize the space and/or the attractions that have been put to rest as a result of the expansion?
Lonnie on November 7th, 2011 at 2:45 pm
Could you talk a little about the “blue sky” process and how ideas evolve through that stage.
Tricia on November 7th, 2011 at 2:57 pm
We are beyond thrilled to have young girls at a time when Disney seems to be just getting better and better. Thank you for that! My question is as a Disney Imagineer, are you more concerned with sticking to the classic Disney style or keeping up with popular culture?
One thing our family personally loves about Disney is the attention to detail and the deep level of tradition that is evident in everything Disney (as a company) produces. What is it like to walk in the shadows of some of the great imagineers before you and how does their legacy influence decisions you make about what to improve on or add to the parks?
Jeffrey from SK on November 7th, 2011 at 3:09 pm
Wat is happening, if anything, with the old Snow White ride??
Christina on November 7th, 2011 at 3:30 pm
Hello Chris!
The amazing magic of Disney is captured and brought to life so vividly by Imagineers like you. =0) What advice would you give to “Aspiring Imagineers”?
Trinity on November 7th, 2011 at 3:30 pm
Hi! I have two questions:
1. I have heard rumors that the Pixie Hollow Attraction has been “put off to the side”. Is that true?
2. I’ve heard a lot about the Beauty and the Beast, Dumbo Circus, Snow White and Little Mermaid attraction areas. However, when the Fantasyland expansion was announced, there was also talk about a new Sleeping Beauty attraction and a Cinderella attraction. Will these still be incorporated into the New Fantasyland? If so, when will these be opened?
John on November 7th, 2011 at 4:31 pm
When is Cars Land coming to WDW? Is it replacing Catastrophe Canyon and the Studio Backlot Tour ride at DHS?
Judy from NJ on November 7th, 2011 at 4:43 pm
Will the new Fantasyland include my grandson’s favorite, Casey Jr.’s train?
Georgina on November 7th, 2011 at 5:29 pm
Hello Chris
My boyfriend and I are travelling to WDW in Sep 2012 and cannot wait to see the progress!! What is expected to be finished by that time?
Also, has there been a most challenging part so far of the expansion?
Lyndsey on November 7th, 2011 at 5:33 pm
Hi, I am currently writing my university dissertation on the design of immersive environments and have been focussing on the work of Disney. I’d love the opportunity to ask Chris a couple of questions.
1. Can you talk a bit about the design of sensory focused elements within the attractions, in particular those that go beyond the visual?
2. Do you think narrative is the most important element in the creation of an immersive space?
Can’t wait to watch!
corina on November 7th, 2011 at 5:37 pm
Dear Chris, my name is Corina and I recently turned 20, my dream goal in life is to become a Disney Imagineer. I recently passed my exam for woodworker, and I was wondering what kind of diploma’s I’d need to have to actually become an Imagineer or to be able to work in the Disney parks as lets say a Haunted Mansion maid.
I live in The Netherlands, and I actually think I’ll have to immigrate to America, so I’d really like to know for sure that I would have a chance of success if I try.
thank you in advance!
Tsz Leung from ON on November 7th, 2011 at 5:52 pm
Will there be any circus themed show in the Storybook circus tent?
Daren from TX on November 7th, 2011 at 6:08 pm
Looking forward to hearing more about the timeline of openings the way things sit as of today.
Lauren on November 7th, 2011 at 6:17 pm
Hello. Here are my questions for Chris:
1. I was really interested to see the video that was posted on the Disney Parks Blog showing how the mural for the Under the Sea–Journey of the Little Mermaid attraction was being created. I noticed that the mural is not the same as the mural that is in the load area of the Little Mermaid attration in Disney California Advendure park in DLR. My question is: Are there going to be any other major differences with regards to the ride itself that is currently being built in WDW versus the ride that is already open in DLR (and I don’t just mean the exterior of the ride or the line queue, but rather the ride itself)?
2. Are there going to be any soft openings or annual passholder previews for the Under the Sea–Journey of the Little Mermaid ride?
3. Will Under the Sea–Journey of the Little Mermaid be a FastPass attraction?
4. Will there be some kind of opening day ceremony when each of the different phases of the Fantasyland Expansion official open to the public, similar to the opening day cermony with Jodi Benson at Disney California Adventure Park when their version of the Little Mermaid ride opened there?
5. Was the Little Mermaid ride created in collaboration between the DLR and WDW Imagineers, or was the ride mainly created by DLR Imagineers and is just being tweeked and minorly changed by the WDW Imaginneers for it’s implementation as part of the Fantasyland Expansion? If yes to the latter, how are WDW Imagineers putting their own stamp on the attraction, besides just the new mural?
Christian on November 7th, 2011 at 6:28 pm
Hi Chris, my name is Christian and I am a film major at Pace University in New York City. My dream in life is to become a Disney Imagineer. My family and I visit Disney World every summer and all I want to do is create the experiences I have felt at Disney for future generations that visit. However, I’m not sure how a film major would fit in as an Imagineer. I would like to be apart of the creative process for Disney Parks, but am not sure what role that is. I was wondering f you could give me some advice on how to achieve my dream. I would greatly appreciate this.
I also have a question for Jennifer Fickley-Baker. Hi Jennifer, I unfortunaley have class during the Live Chat on Wednesday and wanted to know if it were possible to hear the live blog at a later date? Also, how would I know if Chris Beatty answered my question?
Thank you for your help.
Jennifer Fickley-Baker on November 8th, 2011 at 4:43 pm
Christian – The transcript of the live chat will be available on the blog. Please check back when you’re free.
Jamie from FL on November 7th, 2011 at 6:30 pm
I don’t know if Chris will read this but… I have dreamed of becoming an Imagineer since I got interested in Engineering. I live in Florida and grew up around Disney and grew to love it and the magic it can bring to a kid’s face walking through the gates at The Magic Kingdom. I am a senior about to graduate George Washington University with a civil engineering degree and want to know if you have any tips on taking the right path to becoming an Imagineer. Thank you!
Jamie
Chris on November 7th, 2011 at 6:35 pm
Is there going to be an addition of an E-ticket type ride in this expansion? Or just restaurants etc?
Chris on November 7th, 2011 at 6:37 pm
Will the Seven Dwarfs mine train include dark ride elements?
Anthony on November 7th, 2011 at 7:46 pm
What exactly is the Barnstormer turning into?
Mike on November 7th, 2011 at 7:56 pm
Is there any truth to the rumor that there will either be a Restaurant based upon The Princess and The Frog, or a retrofit to Splash mountain based on this film?
Kevin on November 7th, 2011 at 8:52 pm
My Question concerns the Little Mermaid attraction. As of recent, there was some talk, by some imagineers, animators who worked on the film and John Lasseter, that the attraction in california did not meet it’s potential, despite its success with the public. So, they are going to be making some changes which will make the attraction even better. Can you describe some of the changes? Will they be adding more detail, or more scenes?
Also, my final question is about the Circus. There will be an interactive game floor inside the circus tents( correct me if I’m mistaken). What kind of games can we be expecting that go with the story of Dumbo?
Andrea on November 7th, 2011 at 8:55 pm
What would be your advice to those individual interested in becoming an imagineer? What type of schooling should I pursue after a bachelors in mechanical engineering? What makes a resume stand out to WDI?
Kevin on November 7th, 2011 at 9:00 pm
For all those who are striving to become an imagineer it takes hard work. There are over 140 discplines in Imagineering, so the career path is not a huge thing. Afterall, you can’t really go to school with a major in Imagineering. The best advice I have is do what you love, and do it well. Become a generalist to the vast knowledge around you, but a specialist in your field-a visionary. Ofcourse networking and actually applying will help as well. Every imagineer has there own story of how they became one. So, there really is no correct path into Disney Imagineering.
Janet on November 7th, 2011 at 9:45 pm
Will there be a playground area like the Pooh’s Playful Spot or the Toontown one?
Timothy on November 8th, 2011 at 12:18 am
When will the Magic Kingdom see another E-ticket attraction? Splash Mtn. in 1994 was the last E-ticket added to the Magic Kingdom. So its coming up to almost 20 yrs in 2014 since a really big ride like Splash has been added. I’m glad we are getting another dark ride in Fantasyland like Mermaid and also excited about the small family coaster themed to Seven Dwarfs, but when will we finally see an E-ticket?
Crystal from KY on November 8th, 2011 at 12:29 am
Will the Mine ride be more like Thunder Mountain or will it be a little more mild? Also, what’s the current timline for openings next year? We are trying to plan our trip and want to include the new Mermaid ride and the new restaurant. Thanks!
DaVid on November 8th, 2011 at 8:17 am
How did you become an Imagineer? And how what steps should one take to become one themselves while entering college?
DaVid
DaVid on November 8th, 2011 at 8:18 am
Is there a possbility of a Lumierre animatronic figure, similar to the nimatronic Remy, to be carted around Be Our Guest resturaunt as seen in the artist rendering?
DaVid
Judy from TX on November 8th, 2011 at 9:31 am
Hi Chris,
Is there a possibility that the Imagineers will EVER run a competition with the prize being “Imagineer for a Disney Year” and if so can I be nominated as the first prize winner for suggesting it? Please?
Emily on November 8th, 2011 at 1:21 pm
Dear Mr. Beatty,
I was wondering, what have you enjoyed most about working on the Fantasyland expansion? I think that imagining the Forest and then seeing it come to life would be fantastic. This seems like it would be an amazing project to be part of, and I think it would be so cool to imagine new areas and attractions for Walt Disney World. Thank you so much for your time!
Sincerely,
Emily
Travis from NH on November 8th, 2011 at 1:26 pm
Hi,
I’m curious if you could share any details on the differences between Ariel’s Undersea Adventure at Disney California Adventure and Journey of the Little Mermaid at Magic Kingdom. A recent video revealed a new sunset mural, which is much different than California’s. In an older video, there was an artist rendering of a rockwork/cavern loading & unloading area. Will it be more like that concept art, or similar to the one in California? I’m excited to hear the differences since I’ve already ridden it at Disney California Adventure.
Thanks!
-Travis
George from PA on November 8th, 2011 at 1:28 pm
Hi Chris, I first have to say that I am very grateful of what you and the other Imagineers do to create magic worldwide for the Disney Parks and Resorts, everyone keep up the good work! I have a few questions for you if you could answer them if possible.
1. What role did you play in the expansion and what was the best experience that you have had so far working on the project?
2. I’ve heard that the Be Our Guest Restaurant, Dwarfs Mine Train, The Little Mermaid and Storybook Circus is only phase 1, is there going to be a phase 2 and could you give a us a little insight of what it might be?
3. Finally, I life long dream is to become an Imagineer some day. I want to be able to say to myself one day that I am contributing to making Disney magic happen on all four corners of the globe. I want to be a concept/show writer. I will be receiving my associate’s degree in education and will be persuing my bachelore’s degree in creative writing. Am I taking the right path onto becoming this kind of Imagineer? Hope to working with you in the near future!
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