New Fantasylandofficially opened at Magic Kingdom Park yesterday, and in celebration of the festivities, “Good Morning America” hosted “Dancing With the Stars” pros Tony Dovolani (Season 15 winner) and Chelsie Hightower at Be Our Guest Restaurant, where they reenacted the waltz that Belle and Beast did in the ballroom in the film.
Earlier today, we celebrated a milestone event at the Walt Disney World Resort as we took guests beyond the walls of Cinderella Castle and officially welcomed them to New Fantasyland. It was a star-studded morning with Ginnifer Goodwin from ABC’s “Once Upon a Time,” American Idol’s Jordin Sparks and Mickey Mouse helping us do the honors as we marked the grand opening of the largest expansion project in Magic Kingdom Park history.
New Fantasyland gives guests the chance to step into the worlds of some of our most beloved animated films of all time, including The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast. That’s why it was so exciting to have Disney Animation legends Jodi Benson, Paige O’Hara, Jo Anne Worley, Ron Clements and John Musker on hand for the ceremony, as well.
This expansion represents countless hours of work by thousands of Imagineers and cast members, who together are taking Disney storytelling to a whole new level. The results are spectacular and a true testament to the talent of this extraordinary team.
Walt Disney once said that Disneyland, and by extension all of our parks, would never be complete as long as there is imagination left in the world. That was a promise he made to all of our guests. At the same time, he was charging all of us at Disney Parks to stay true to our legacy of creating experiences that bring our characters and stories to life, helping friends and families make memories that last a lifetime.
I think it’s clear from the stunning work that has gone into every aspect of New Fantasyland that there is still plenty of imagination left in our world.
New Fantasyland is now officially open, which means the adventures and dreams of Belle, Beast, Ariel, Prince Eric, Dumbo and more are now officially ours to explore.
Minutes ago, a truly royal welcome was held for this new area, with “Once Upon a Time” actress Ginnifer Goodwin, pop star Jordin Sparks and Walt Disney Parks & Resorts Chairman Tom Staggs leading a grand-opening ceremony that featured Disney characters, fireworks and more.
As Tom Staggs shared during the grand opening, the addition of these new adventures – which were brought to life by our Walt Disney Imagineers – were inspired by Walt Disney’s vow to keep our parks fresh.
“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,” Staggs said. “New Fantasyland is a spectacular addition to the Magic Kingdom that delivers on Walt’s promise.”
Be sure to check back later today for more photos from New Fantasyland’s grand opening. In the meantime, check out this video of our guests reacting to one of the area’s new attractions, Enchanted Tales With Belle.
Keep an eye on the Disney Parks Blog and follow @WaltDisneyWorld on Twitter for the latest on the grand opening of New Fantasyland. While you’re on Twitter, join in the conversation by using the hashtag #NewFantasyland.
After weeks of poring through page after page on the Internet, studying grainy video, hearing reports of strange encounters and trying to make sense of archival photos from another era, I finally saw the Dragon tonight.
The graceful, fire-breathing creature made his grand entrance tonight in the night skies over Magic Kingdom Park. The majestic, reptilian-like wonder soared high above New Fantasyland, and then roared loudly (in what sounded like roars of joy…if my dragon-speak translation skills are what they used to be).
Sources tell me the Dragon made this special appearance tonight because he was drawn to the New Fantasyland Grand Opening Celebration. As he disappeared into the darkness, I was left wondering if we would ever see him again. There were plenty of cameras on hand to capture this magic moment, and the Disney Parks Blog captured this stunning video of him. Take a look. And don’t forget to check out my Disney Dragon Tumblr site for more.
What better way to pass the time until tomorrow’s grand opening of New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park than with a most difficult mystery puzzler image guaranteed to stump you. Look close at the wooden flower. If you’ve never seen it before, chances are you’ll be seeing it soon. Please put your answers in the comments and we’ll update the post with the answer later today. Read the rest of this entry »
In my quest to find the Disney Dragon, I was tipped off last week by a friendly anonymous(e) source to go to an “Enchanted Forest” and wait for magic to happen. I didn’t know why and didn’t know when. But I knew I had to head to New Fantasyland. From the blurry photos and cryptic videos that have been posted on my Dragon Tumblr blog, I knew the dragon was a bit on the shy side. He doesn’t seem to enjoy being spotted. So if the dragon visited the Enchanted Forest, it would probably happen under the cover of night. Dressed in my best dragon sleepwear, I decided to make a late-night visit, and wait.
What I saw — or didn’t see, actually — is pretty amazing. While I didn’t see our flying friend in person, thankfully a cast member and my camera guy were quicker and caught a glimpse. Take a look.
Maybe my day for seeing him in person is coming. Or maybe not. Some people I’ve talked to think that after so many years of being on his own, the dragon won’t actually stake a claim to call anyplace “home.”
With the grand reveal of New Fantasyland only a few days away, I thought a look back at the articles discussing merchandise would be helpful for those planning a visit to Magic Kingdom Park.
The Pins of New Fantasyland
I gave you a first look at the pins we created for New Fantasyland back in September. As a reminder, we will be holding a special pin release party on December 6 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort Convention Center, Room J. There will not be any pins released at Magic Kingdom Park on December 6, as all quantities of items will be released at the party.
Guests visiting Magic Kingdom Park on December 6 will find a small assortment of commemorative shirts (available all day), D-Tech On Demand iPhone cases and other items. The shirts and the Disney Princess cases for the iPhone will also be available from December 6-9 at http://www.DisneyStore.com/NewFantasyland.
In October, I invited you to say “hello” to Bonjour! Village Gifts, which is a great place for all things from Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast.” We’ve added a few new items since that article was first published including dishware, coffee mugs and apparel. Look for some additional collectible items in this location coming in 2013.
One of my favorite additions to New Fantasyland is Big Top Souvenirs located in the Storybook Circus area. This beautifully detailed merchandise location contains a variety of items including things inspired by Walt Disney’s “Dumbo.” Be sure to try the fresh caramel corn, a delicious New Fantasyland cupcake or a refreshing Goofy’s Glacier at Big Top Treats.
Excited for the opening of New Fantasyland? Join in on the conversation on Twitter with the hashtag #NewFantasyland.
To celebrate, Disney’s Yellow Shoes Creative Group just shared with us these amazing new wallpaper images of New Fantasyland.
The artwork was created for the FindingFantasyland.com website, an immersive site where you can learn more about the imaginative story behind the New Fantasyland expansion, rediscover the magic of classic fairytales, and break a curse that will reveal New Fantasyland to the world.
Be sure to check out the terms of use about using the wallpaper before you download it.
Don’t miss any of our opening week coverage by following @WaltDisneyWorld on Twitter and using the hashtag #NewFantasyland.
Ladies and gentlemen, children of all ages, New Fantasyland is proud to present the Storybook Circus Giggle Gang!
What would a circus be without clowns? At Storybook Circus in Magic Kingdom Park, our masters of mirth tickle your funny bone with a whirlwind of wackiness. Just wait until you meet boss clown Chuckles Buffoon McMonkeyshine III and his protégés, Whinny Horselaugh and Snort. Together, they engage in circus shenanigans, from classic calamities to clown calisthenics. They’re sure to have you in stitches!
Joining the Storybook Circus Giggle Gang is the Silly Saxtet, parading onto the circus grounds with their own unique twist on circus music standards, and featured clown Wowzer, a specialty performer who takes center ring and keeps his audience enthralled with amazing feats of thrills, chills and hilarity.
Inspired by everything from Walt Disney’s “Dumbo” to the music of Spike Jones, the Storybook Circus Giggle Gang also has its roots in the classic traditions of The Greatest Show on Earth. Several members of the ensemble are graduates of the famed Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Clown College.
“I feel like I’m going back to my roots,” said Show Director Mark Renfrow, himself a member of the Clown College Class of ’83. “People are going to be really surprised by the Storybook Circus Giggle Gang. They’re just so approachable and fun. They really bring the whole circus area to life.”
The Storybook Circus Giggle Gang debuts this week, as part of the grand reveal of New Fantasyland!
For more news on the Storybook Circus area of New Fantasyland, check out the posts below:
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