#NEWFantasylandCA

Inside the Magic: Disney World’s New Fantasyland

December 18, 2012 By Lena

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 Most Magical Place on Earth…

December 12, 2012 By Lena

… had me mostly misty-eyed.

It’s true; I officially cried at least five times while visiting the New Fantasyland expansion at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. Now considering that it was MY first time at a Disney resort, I expected that my emotions would run high. And while I experienced everything from euphoria and nostalgia to simple child-like wonder, I couldn’t deny the lump in my throat on several occasions. With a casual dab at the corners of my eyes, I always smiled through the happy tears.

Want to hear more about the largest expansion in Magic Kingdom history? Oh, I’ll get to that another day. Today I’d love to share with you my Top Five Misty-Eyed Moments at Magic Kingdom.

1. That Humble Little Abode Known as Cinderella’s Castle

Perhaps this one is a given; setting eyes on Cinderella’s Castle for the very first time is enough to make any girl teary with joy. How I dreamed of this castle as a young girl! Whenever life was difficult, I could always escape to this magical place; dreaming of my Prince Charming waiting high up in the fortress. The iconic castle comes alive during the Christmas season with 200,000 Castle Dream Lights and Celebrate the Magic – a new nighttime spectacular featuring projection mappings, pyrotechnics and lighting. And then, it’s finished with a luminous fireworks display. Yes, I was crying – but so was everybody else. It truly is magical.

…

It All Began with an Invitation…

December 1, 2012 By Lena

… however, not just any invitation.

It was an ornate invitation, embossed with bronze and gold. It was heavy; but then I noticed the binding of a book, just peeking out from the side. And on the front – the most glorious words I’ve ever read. Words that made my hands shake with excitement. Words that have awakened the little girl inside me.

An invitation to join in celebrating the biggest story in Magic Kingdom history. An invitation to witness the Grand Opening of the NEW Fantasyland at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida.

Ladies and gentlemen, at 34½ years old… I can finally say: I’M GOING TO DISNEY WORLD!

This Wednesday, my family and I will head off to the land where “Once Upon a Time” always leads to “Happily Ever After”. With new attractions, two new castles, circus fun (the boys will adore this!) and more, the New Fantasyland will be unveiled before our eyes….