Discover the New Fantasyland Expansion at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom

In 2012, Florida’s Walt Disney World unveiled a significant expansion that introduced new attractions, shops, and dining establishments within the Magic Kingdom. As one of four parks at the expansive resort, the Magic Kingdom consistently attracts more visitors than any other theme park, establishing its status as the most frequented park globally. The expansion, referred to by Disney as “New Fantasyland,” not only broadened the array of activities available but also enhanced capacity at the bustling park. Over time, Disney eliminated the “New” moniker and now regards the enlarged area as an integral part of Fantasyland.

The entrance to the expansion, illustrated here, occupies the space previously used by the original Dumbo ride. In developing this area, Disney repurposed portions of land that once comprised the lagoon for the now-defunct 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea submarine ride, in addition to Mickey’s Toontown Fair. This added land significantly increases the size of the Magic Kingdom’s signature area.

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The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

The highlight of the expansion and the focal point of the Fantasyland Forest is the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. This ride constitutes a blend of family-friendly roller coaster and delightful dark ride features. In contrast to the Snow White attraction that preceded it, the emphasis here is less on the heroine’s frightening experiences and more on the industrious dwarfs and their endeavors within the diamond mine. The journey commences at the dwarfs’ cottage, where guests board “mine cars” for an exciting adventure.

For Disney World’s seventh coaster, the innovative ride system allows the train’s cars to swing dynamically while navigating the track. The cars pivot freely perpendicularly to the track, ensuring that they absorb most of the lateral g-forces instead of the riders. These forces are not particularly intense; the coaster, which has a minimal height requirement of 38 inches, accelerates to a maximum speed of 34 mph. The swinging cars are among the unique characteristics of the Seven Dwarfs ride. A slight spoiler notice: Look out for the ominous witch, who makes a brief appearance in the attraction.

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Under the Sea- Journey of the Little Mermaid

In contrast to its counterpart at Disney California Adventure (and not to be mistaken for the Voyage of The Little Mermaid stage show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios), the Fantasyland rendition of Under the Sea- Journey of the Little Mermaid features a distinctly different exterior that includes Prince Erik’s castle and elaborate rock carvings. An additional element includes an interactive “scavenger hunt” experience during the queue, where guests assist crabs in organizing Ariel’s underwater treasures by indicating objects on screens. An animatronic Scuttle the seagull showcases the bounty in one of the preshow segments.

The ride itself closely mirrors its west coast equivalent. It utilizes an Omnimover system (wherein the vehicles navigate through the scenes on a continuous conveyor belt) and “clammobile” cars akin to those found in Epcot’s charming The Seas with Nemo and Friends ride. The attraction vividly retells the fairy tale as portrayed in Disney’s classic animated film, albeit in a considerably abbreviated and somewhat abrupt manner.

The ride’s magnificent animatronics feature a diminutive Sebastian the Crab with small rear-projected eyes and an Ariel whose vibrant red hair appears to float gracefully under the sea. Notably, the signature song “Under the Sea” sets the tone for one of the attraction’s scenes, while another segment showcases an expansive Ursula the Sea Witch undulating to “Poor Unfortunate Souls.”

A large crimson tent situated behind the ride indicates the transition between Fantasyland Forest and Storybook Circus, hosting a meet-and-greet area with Ariel. Guests may take photos, obtain autographs, and even share brief hugs; however, attempts to kiss the character would likely result in a reprimand.

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Beauty and the Beast Land: Enchanted Tales with Belle

Initially, when Disney announced the Fantasyland expansion, the concept was overwhelmingly focused on princesses, primarily featuring attractions aimed at a young female audience. Subsequently, Disney revised its plans and incorporated attractions suitable for a broader demographic, ensuring that boys would not feel disinclined to engage. Nevertheless, the distinctly feminine Beauty and the Beast land continues to exist.

As visitors progress through the forest, they arrive at Belle’s Village, the residence of “Beauty” and the nascent princess. The main attraction of this village area is Enchanted Tales with Belle, accessed via Maurice’s (Belle’s father) cottage.

Visitors are guided to a workshop where they encounter a magical mirror. Instead of revealing who is the most beautiful of them all, this mirror transforms into a door transporting them to the Beast’s castle. Imagineers have utilized significant visual effects to accompany the mirror. The animatronics of the attraction, including The Wardrobe and Lumiere (the suave candlestick character from the film), showcase impressive craftsmanship.

This experience represents Disney’s initiative to create more immersive and interactive attractions. Instead of passively watching a narrative unfold, as with the more traditional Little Mermaid ride, participants actively engage in the show, taking on character roles within the story.

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Beauty and the Beast Land: Be Our Guest Restaurant

In Fantasyland, Cinderella is not the sole princess associated with a castle. The Beast also resides in the vicinity, welcoming guests to his grand chateau, the elegant and capacious Be Our Guest Restaurant. During daytime operations, it offers quick-service meals, while in the evening, it transforms into a table service restaurant featuring an upscale menu (along with appropriate price points) and, for the first time at the Magic Kingdom, a selection of wine and beer.

The grand ballroom prominently displayed in the film has been meticulously recreated. It is perpetually illuminated by the soft glow of opulent chandeliers, simulating nighttime, while simulated “snow” cascades over the moonlit mountains visible through large windows at the rear of the ballroom.

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Beauty and the Beast Land: Gaston’s Tavern

Alongside the Be Our Guest restaurant, the expanded Fantasyland features Gaston’s Tavern, a quick-service establishment situated within Belle’s Village. Despite its name, alcoholic beverages are not available; however, the “tavern” does offer LeFou’s Brew, a frozen beverage composed of apple juice, infused with toasted marshmallow and light mango foam. This drink appears to be Disney’s response to Universal’s Butterbeer phenomenon. While LeFou’s Brew is flavorful and significantly less sweet, it has not achieved the same level of popularity as the enticing Potter beverage. Gaston’s Tavern also presents a limited menu featuring a savory roasted pork shank and a sweet chocolate croissant.

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Storybook Circus: Dumbo Rides

The section formerly known as Mickey’s Toontown Fair has now been rebranded as Storybook Circus. A major attraction within this area is Dumbo the Flying Elephant, arguably Disney’s most recognizable ride. To accommodate the substantial number of guests eager to fly with Dumbo, Disney World introduced a second ride platform during the expansion, effectively doubling capacity. Moreover, instead of enduring long waits in the Florida heat, guests can enjoy games within an air-conditioned tent until their turn for the ride arrives, receiving a restaurant-style pager to notify them.

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Storybook Circus: Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station

Every few moments in Storybook Circus, a train filled with circus animals sprays jets of water, providing a refreshing experience for sun-soaked guests. This cooling area is designated as Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station. Additionally, it features Pete’s Silly Sideshow, which masquerades as a circus sideshow, yet serves as a meet-and-greet venue with Goofy, Donald Duck, Minnie Mouse, and Daisy Duck, allowing families to enjoy one-on-one interactions with their beloved Disney characters and capture memorable photographs.

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Storybook Circus: The Barnstormer

Storybook Circus also includes Fantasyland’s second roller coaster, The Barnstormer. This kiddie coaster has a height restriction of 35 inches and reaches a maximum speed of 25 mph. The overall experience is completed in just one minute. It serves as an excellent introductory coaster for first-time riders. Additionally, The Barnstormer is ideal for Disney World newcomers who may be hesitant about the somewhat more intense Seven Dwarfs Mine Train but are eager to challenge themselves.