Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom – 2012 Reviews and Information on the Fantasy Land Expansion
My wife and I spent a wonderful day at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom in May 2012. It was a beautiful sunny day, but not too hot to enjoy. It was just the two of us and we had been to the Magic Kingdom many times before so we were able to take our time to look around and really enjoy a relaxing day. We got there just as they opened and hopped on the train and went on our favorite ride at the Magic Kingdom, Splash Mountain. The wait was already quite long, so we opted to get a fast pass, so we could come back later and have a shorter wait.
We got back on the train and went back to the Main Street USA station. The train is a wonderful way to get around the different sections. You have a nice view of Main Street from the station. We took some photos from the balcony and then went down to the shops on Main Street. We went into the candy store and got some delicious english toffee and ate while watching the barbershop quartet. We noticed that people were lining up on the street for the parade, so we got there just in time to see a colorful and entertaining parade down Main Street.
When the parade was over, we decided to walk to use our fast passes for Splash Mountain. On the way we took some photos of Cinderella’s Castle, which was having a Musical show with all the characters. We also took some photos of a Mother Duck and hers cute little chicks of hers walking around her.
We got there in ten minutes, so the FAST Pass was worth it. Splash Mountain is a very fun ride. It’s one of Disney’s longest rides and combines entertaining music and animatronics with the thrill of getting wet on the final grand descent of Splash Mountain. We sat in the front and we both got very wet. It’s always fun to look at the photo taken of you during the big drop as you exit the ride. After Splash Mountain we ate some delicious funnel cake and then headed off to see how the Fantasyland renovation was going.
Fantasy Land Renovation and Expansion
Fantasyland is in the middle of the biggest expansion Walt Disney World has ever seen, which is a boon for Disney World since they still have a huge property available for expansion (unlike Disneyland in California). Disney World is also adding a new resort due for completion later this year called The Art of Animation Resort. Here the information we were able to find out about it.
Fantasy Land renovations that have been completed
Magic Kingdom New Dumbo Ride in Fantasy Land
The new Dumbo Ride is in place and you can see the old original Dumbo behind it. This is where Storybook Circus will be located with a big top between the two attractions. Under the tent they will have interactive games for children of all ages.
Fantasy Land Revamp Updated Barnstormer
We also went on the only other updated ride, The Barnstormer, which is essentially the same ride as before, but has a new The Great Goof Goofini. Little ones love this ride, which is what it’s all about!
Casey Jr., the famous engine from Disney’s Dumbo movie, has come to town and is making a splash! Located next to the Fantasyland Train Station and area restrooms at Storybook Circus in New Fantasyland, you’ll discover the Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station, a circus-themed water play area.
Fantasyland under construction
The other parts of Fantasyland that are still being worked on is the “Under the Sea, Journey of the Little Mermaid” ride, a version of which opened at Disneyland, California Adventure theme park. Guests will be able to walk to Prince Eric’s castle via “tide pools”. Guests will also be able to walk into the “castle caverns”. In the new attraction, guests will travel with Ariel and her friends through her exciting adventures above and below the waves, all set to a musical background of songs from the classic film. Nearby will be the Scuttle treasure hunt.
Under the Sea Fantasy Land Renovation
On the way to Ariel’s Grotto, you can enjoy the fun interactive games at Scuttle’s Savenger Hunt. You can search the seaside entrance to find Human World Seagull treasures like the snarfblatt and dinglehopper, and of course, Scuttle will be nearby to help you and the little ones with the hunt.
Castle of the Beast: The castle of the Beast, standing majestically on a hill across an old stone bridge from Ariel’s new home. Be Our Guest Restaurant will feature a luxurious dining experience in the castle’s elegant ballroom, gallery, and mysterious “west wing.” This magnificent facility will offer “Fine Fast Food” service during the day and full table service in the evening. Close to Belle’s Village, guests will find the lively Gaston’s Tavern and Bonjour, the village gift shop!
It will be a combination of a dark roller coaster, thrilling enough to offer thrills, but not terrifying enough to keep even non-thrillers away. The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train will take visitors on a rolling musical ride to the mine ‘where a million diamonds shine’. The roller coaster will feature a one-of-a-kind ride system with a train of vehicles rocking back and forth, responding to every twist and turn of the track. The journey will be accompanied by music from the classic Disney film and animated figures from Snow White and the Dwarfs.
Fantasy Land Renovation Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
New Princess Fairytale Hall Upon entering the space, this royal court will be where Aurora, Cinderella and other Disney princesses will greet their guests. The new meet and greet area will be located in the center of Fantasyland. Stone walls, stained glass windows and high ceilings will complete the castle courtyard look. Guests will line up in a large space filled with portraits of the princesses before splitting up into individual meeting rooms with the princesses.
The new Disney’s Art of Animation Resort has opened one of its first wings which is called Finding Nemo. The remaining wings, “Cars” will be released in June, “The Lion King” will be released in August and finally “The Little Mermaid” will be released in September. The resort offers the largest pool on the Disney Property and includes underwater music. The hotel will offer 2,000 rooms in total, with 1,120 family suites and the rest will be standard rooms.
Turkey Legacy and Ferry at WDW Magic Kingdom
Leaving the park, we stopped and ate one of the famous Turkey Legs. I took a nice photo of an egret on top of the building. We took the Ferry out of the park. The ferry is a nice and relaxing trip and is a good alternative to taking the monorail, if you’re not in a rush to leave. We had a nice relaxing day at Magic Kingdom. I can’t wait to go back and check out Fantasy Land once the expansion is complete. Be sure to visit my website, Florida Vacation Plans for great ideas for traveling to Florida.
