Listen to Lena

Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion

Inside the Magic: Disney World’s New Fantasyland

By

It’s been just over a week since my family returned from Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida… and we still have the magical afterglow. Oh, it’s all Disney-this and Disney-that from the boys non-stop… but you know what? It’s all good! Because I can’t stop talking about it either. #LOVEDisneyWorld

Now I know I teased you last week with a small peek into our experience – and, of course, the many misty-eyed moments I encountered – but I also promised that I would follow up with more details about the New Fantasyland. So here we go! Read on for The Facts (what you need to know) and The Fantasy (our experience and thoughts).

The Facts

The New Fantasyland is the largest expansion in the history of the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort. Featuring attractions, dining, shopping, character interactions, recreation and more, the new grounds are laid out fairy tale-style amid waterfalls, grottoes, arched bridges, forests and circus big tops.

“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,” said Tom Staggs, Chairman, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “New Fantasyland is a spectacular addition to the Magic Kingdom that delivers on Walt’s promise. We’re thrilled to take guests beyond the walls of Cinderella Castle to discover new worlds featuring iconic Disney characters and stories in ways that are more imaginative, more interactive and more immersive than ever before.”

The Fantasy

Every inch of the New Fantasyland is perfect for young children. EVERY INCH. Reid, who is an average two-year-old at 35″ tall, was able to go on all the rides with us! (Often more than once – we had to do Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid six times just for him. OMG.) From Dumbo, the Flying Elephant to the elegant Be Our Guest Restaurant, the New Fantasyland is the perfect destination for toddlers and young families. During our 5-day stay, we spent 50% of our time at Magic Kingdom, including the Fantasyland expansion. So, for every reader who has commented “My kids are too young!” or “I have a whiny 2-year-old” – guess what? So do I… and he LOVED it.

The Facts

Referenced earlier, Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid is a major attraction where guests ride in clam shells (so much fun!) and travel with Ariel and her friends through their exciting adventures above and below the waves – all against a musical backdrop of songs from the film. The adventure begins on land, but then guests descend below the ocean’s surface or “under the sea”.

The Fantasy

I feel like I could write a whole post dedicated to Reid’s fascination with Ariel, but since I already chatted about his first crush in my previous post, I’ll stick to the mechanics of the ride for now. Simply put, it’s much fun for the whole family. While the kiddos are captivated by the colourful characters that reside down below, adults will bob their heads to the catchy music. I have to admit – Ryder, at 4-years-old, shuddered the first time we encountered the larger-than-life Ursula – but on subsequent rides he was waiting for her, and even hummed along to her iconic tune “Poor Unfortunate Souls”. The clam shells travel at the perfect speed for young riders and the best moments of the film are captured in glowing technicolour.

The Facts

Storybook Circus invites you to explore a lively world inspired by the Disney animated film Dumbo. It dazzles with a glittering array of classic Disney characters and classic Disney storytelling. From the colorful big-top circus tents to the interactive line queues to the animal footprints that pepper the pavement, Storybook Circus offers imaginative touches at every turn. Attractions include Dumbo, the Flying Elephant, The Barnstormer Featuring the Great Goofini, Pete’s Silly Sideshow and Fantasyland Train Station.

The Fantasy

Not one, but TWO Dumbo, the Flying Elephant rides? Yes please. (The difference: one goes clockwise, the other counterclockwise.) The rides feature shiny new red and gold colors (inspired by ’50s- and ’60s-era tin toys), newly-created signature illustrations and a water feature encircling the base of both attractions (very fairy tale-esque). Again, an authentic family ride that was enjoyed several times over by the boys. Soaring high above Storybook Circus, our nighttime view was almost romantic; the beautiful colours of the circus twinkling amongst the stars. And as the ride slowed to a stop, you could just hear the chorus of “Again!” ripple through the elephants.

The Facts

Be Our Guest Restaurant features a lavish dining experience in the elegant ballroom, delicate Rose Gallery and mysterious “West Wing” of the Beast’s Castle. By day, the restaurant serves up quick-service cuisine, so you can enjoy a short break from the park festivities. By night, it becomes a traditional table-service restaurant where you can reconnect with family and friends over satisfying fare.

Sample menu items:

  • Sandwiches and salads at lunchtime, including the classic croque monsieur, tuna Niçoise salad, vegetable quiche and grilled steak sandwich with garlic butter spread—plus, of course, pommes frites
  • Heartier fare at dinner, including rotisserie Cornish hen, grilled strip steak with pommes frites, sautéed shrimp and scallops, French onion soup and assorted cured meats and sausages accompanied by a selection of wine and beer that complements the French-inspired cuisine

The Fantasy

I’m just going to let these pictures do the talking.  (Source: Walt Disney World News)

I was thrilled to be a part of the New Fantasyland opening at Walt Disney World, and a special thank you goes out to the team at Disney Parks in Canada for the kind invitation. The memories we made will last a lifetime! But when I think about the rides, the attractions, the characters and more – sure, they were spectacular. In fact, they were more than spectacular – they were magical. But the ONE thing I’ll never forget?

The looks on my boys’ faces. The wonder, the awe. The smiles, the laughter. The sheer, unadulterated  joy… the magic. And THAT is what Disney is all about.

Start planning your next vacation – visit www.disneyworld.ca.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Christine O'Connor

    im so envious when I read about disney trips, my hubby was always too busy to take any family vacations. I always wanted to take my girls there and see their faces light up. i think in the 25 yrs we were married we took I family vacation and it was for 1 wk at a cabin in the summer.

    • Lena

      Oh Christine – I know this will sound cliche, but it’s NEVER to late to vacation at Disney! I am 34 years old and I just went for the first time… and had the time of my life!

  2. Amanda

    We’re trying to figure out the perfect time to take our three kids to Disney so they are all old enough to love it and remember. I can’t wait!

    • Lena

      Amanda, if there’s one thing this visit taught me, it’s not what they’ll remember, but the what they’ll experience NOW!

  9. Kristen

    Thanks for sharing your magical experience! We have been twice now and I love learning new secrets! So excited to take our little guy to fantasy land!

  10. Amanda Weatherby

    WOW That looks like it would be a great place to go.You look like your having so much FUN!!!!!

  11. Marissa

    Awesome pictures Lena. Your boys are so lucky to have this experience at such a young age. I’m sure the memories will last a lifetime. Thanks for sharing your amazing trip to Fantasyland.

    • Lena

      Couldn’t have said it better, Marissa! So thankful for being able to give my little guys this amazing experience.

  13. Robin

    Before you left, I told you that as cliched as it sounds, the only way to describe Disney World is magical. And I believe that now you have been, you will have to agree that I was right! Can’t wait to see the new Fantasyland expansion!

    • Lena

      Yes, you were absolutely, 100% right Robin! And you were also right about Disney being addictive – we can’t stop talking about it!

    • Lena

      Seriously, I’m a grown woman and I LOVED it each time – more so because I spent half the ride watching the awe on my little guy’s face!

    • Lena

      Everyone should go at least once! Hey, I went for the first time and I’m well past the kid years, LOL!

  21. Lisa H

    The picture of you and your sons seem to sum up going to Disney – they look so happy and every one relaxed…. a perfect vacation!

    • Lena

      It truly is! After experiencing it for myself, I can finally say I understand what all the fuss is about!

    • Lena

      That’s what I love about Disney Parks – they’re constantly evolving but still stay true to the original vision :)

  32. Nicole W.

    Sounds like you guys had a blast! Can’t wait to visit Disneyland/world sometime!

    Too funny you had to go on the Little Mermaid ride 6 times – not surprising after hearing about Reid’s crush! :)

    Great photos, by the way!

    • Lena

      Oh, I suppose I wasn’t surprised either, haha. And you know what? Totally worth it. Just seeing his eyes light up at every twist and turn on the ride… priceless.

    • Lena

      Waiting is the hardest part! Since Reid is tall enough to clear all the toddler rides, I feel like we could definitely have a blast again in Magic Kingdom, but we may want to hold off so he can experience the other parks as well!

  34. Marisha Tysick

    I wish we could go, my son is only 16 months right now…that and we will be saving for many years so we will be able to go …what a magical place! Not only would my son have fun when he is old enough but my fiance and i would also have an awesome time since we are big kids at heart :)

    • Lena

      Oh, you are PERFECT for Disney World! And from all the research I’ve done, it is possible to have a wonderful vacation without breaking the bank.

  35. Sarah Baheyeldin

    Looks like you guys had an amazing time! Definitely going to be memorable for years to come!

  36. Jolee

    Love the wrap up Lena! You make me want to haul the kids to the new Fantasyland next year. If I can budget right, I think I just might!!!!

  37. AlexandraSD

    What a wonderful experience for you and your whole family. Reid is so adorable – love his picture in your other post when he’s sitting with Ariel!

    • Lena

      Aw, it’s my desktop background right now! He called her “Reruel” but we don’t have to tell her that :)

    • Lena

      Oh, that’s so nice to hear! Whenever I look at the pictures I too want to go back right away – and we were just there!

  40. Hannah S.

    Hey Lena! I know it’s been forever since I commented on your blog but I’ve been reading everyday! Wanted to say how much you deserve all the awesome press you’ve experienced lately and it’s no surprise you’re getting amazing trips like this. Way to go, looks like the family had a great time!

  44. Jana

    We’ve been crosssing our fingers that we can take our daughters in a few years. Would be the trip of a lifetime!

  45. Amanda Gatineau

    Looks like the expansion is a hit! Loved both your reviews and am happy to see the family had so much fun. Also great to hear that the young ones had a great time. It can be hit or miss with toddlers, I know this first hand!

    • Lena

      Yes, it really can be a hit or miss, you’re absolutely right! Thankfully the boys were enamoured with everything!

  46. Aimee Geroux

    I love this! You all look so happy and like you had such a wonderful time not to mention the food pics OMG its only 10:54am and already my mouth is watering!

  48. Lori Byrne

    I would LOVE to go, maybe in a few years when the boys are much older. That is by far the best place to go with yours kids.

  50. Theresa A.

    Oh we adore Disney! Love the photos. Had my eye on media coverage of Fantasyland and loved your posts. Way to go!

  53. Jennifer Abbott

    I want to go!!! what a memorable trip that would be your right its never too late to vacation at Disney :)

  54. Ella Pretty Blog

    Sounds like SUCH an amazing experience – as cliched as it sounds – Disney really is so magical.

    Part of it is the attractions – but a lot of it is the employees – their kindness and friendliness makes everyone feel special.

    I can’t wait to check out the new Fantasyland some day – thanks for giving us a sneak peek :-)

    • Lena

      Ella, you’re bang on about the employees. All were a joy to speak to, and they were so good with the boys. You can tell that they adore their work, for sure!

  56. NT

    Lena – did you take the photos of the food yourself? Those are amazing pictures!
    Did you ever visit one of their waterparks? There are waterparks, and then there are Disney waterparks – our family LOVED them.
    For all previous posters who wish they could go but are on a tight budget, there really are ways! The most expensive thing are the entrance tickets. Go during low season and save with things like free dining packages. Staying offsite is so cheap – can’t beat the price of accomodations in Orlando. Consider flying from Buffalo for cheaper fares or drive down. Planning is the key! Find out how others do it on disboards.com – a forum where I’ve picked up alot of good tips.

    • Lena

      Haha no NT, not sure if you saw it in the post but I credited WDW for those photos. They are pretty amazing! And we didn’t have a chance to visit their waterpark – with only 4 days we wanted to make sure we hit Magic, Animal, Epcot and Hollywood.

      I LOVE your tips!! You’re always right – there are ways to make anything less expensive. And thanks for letting readers know about disboards.com. Will have to check it out myself!

  58. Stacey L

    I so can’t wait to take my kids to Disneyland, I want to wait till there old enough to remember and do more stuff with them. I love vacation and warm weather. Looks like you all had a great time. I’ve been before the new part opened and would love to go again with my family and see the new stuff.

  60. Michelle Chow

    The desserts look so lovely and delicious. The family photos just add to your story it is great to see the whole family enjoying Disney World.The menu sounds delicious and the fact that your 2 year old was able to join the family on all of the rides was great to hear. I really loved your description of the ride Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid. It made me want to go on the ride – it sounds like such fun. Thank you for this review Lena. I learned a lot of new information.

    • Lena

      You’re welcome Michelle! I love that my 2 year old was able to partake in all the rides. Such a great family vacation!