Future Plans For WDW's Fantasyland

[Super Aurora]

Hey when I took a closer look at the new art released, doesn't it seem like the circus area has doubled in size? It also seems like next to Snow White's area there is a lot of open space so maybe that will be left empty for future attractions.

I'm guessing that "hill" like lump you see there is over cover the ride or where the ride is. The snow white concept doesn't look that bad. Kinda like it as oppose to a generic tent facades. Seems like this ride is sort of a dark ride as well so if there are animatronic in it, I can see why they scrapped the one they have now.

I don't like how ever how Dumbo got extended. that's too much dumbo

[Disney Duster]

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



Cinderella's beautiful chateau and transformation scene are gone. Aurora's neato tree cottage and who knows what fun things could have been in it are gone.

*big sigh*

TOO much Dumbo! And Snow White, did you really need ALL THAT? You couldn't have left SOME room for either Cindy or Rose? Grrrrr!!!!!!

The people at Disney who did this are stuuuuupid! They could have had almost all of it, but they blew it. Yea, let's expand Fantasyland...and only add two expanded versions of two old rides (Dumbo and Snow White) a clone of another park's ride (The Little Mermaid) and one new thing (Beauty and the Beast).

[pinkrenata]

Something doesn't feel right about the double Dumbo rides. I mean, yeah. I understand why they're doing it. But isn't part of the Disney experience about waiting in an hour-long line to go around in a circle a few times?

[David S.]

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



Cinderella's beautiful chateau and transformation scene are gone. Aurora's neato tree cottage and who knows what fun things could have been in it are gone.

*big sigh*

TOO much Dumbo! And Snow White, did you really need ALL THAT? You couldn't have left SOME room for either Cindy or Rose? Grrrrr!!!!!!

The people at Disney who did this are stuuuuupid! They could have had almost all of it, but they blew it. Yea, let's expand Fantasyland...and only add two expanded versions of two old rides (Dumbo and Snow White) a clone of another park's ride (The Little Mermaid) and one new thing (Beauty and the Beast).

I'm disappointed, too. Snow White is one of my favorite rides in the park, and I'm skeptical that the new "coaster" version will tell the story of the film as good as the current dark ride. Plus, I am extremely disappointed about losing Toontown. Like Wonderland Fever said, we always have to "lose a ride to get a ride" at WDW, despite them having nearly 30,000 acres of land to work with.

With all the land they are using for FL, they could have added SO much more. Disneyland will STILL have 6 additinal attractions in their Fantasyland that are completely missing in the MK (Pinocchio, Toad, Alice, Casey Jr., Storybookland, and Matterhorn) - 7 when you count the Snow White dark ride we are about to lose. Plus all the stuff that Duster mentioned got cut, as well.

I really hate to have to admit this, being a part-time Florida resident who is 40 hours away from Disneyland when in Florida and 30 hours away when in Louisiana.

But Disneyland OWNS the Magic Kingdom BIG TIME.

On just about Every. Possible. Level!

[Big Disney Fan]

Something doesn't feel right about the double Dumbo rides. I mean, yeah. I understand why they're doing it. But isn't part of the Disney experience about waiting in an hour-long line to go around in a circle a few times?

But some people don't like to wait in long lines. Think of how happy they'll feel about double the capacity.

[Super Aurora]

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



Cinderella's beautiful chateau and transformation scene are gone. Aurora's neato tree cottage and who knows what fun things could have been in it are gone.

*big sigh*

TOO much Dumbo! And Snow White, did you really need ALL THAT? You couldn't have left SOME room for either Cindy or Rose? Grrrrr!!!!!!

The people at Disney who did this are stuuuuupid! They could have had almost all of it, but they blew it. Yea, let's expand Fantasyland...and only add two expanded versions of two old rides (Dumbo and Snow White) a clone of another park's ride (The Little Mermaid) and one new thing (Beauty and the Beast).

I'm going to be optimistic on Snow White thing, but I do agree that they could of kept Cindy or Aurora's as well. Rather than have it just as a meet and greet,it could have something additional for it. I also agree with the too much dumbo. Looking at that concept art, the upper half could actually be something completely different and new.

But isn't part of the Disney experience about waiting in an hour-long line to go around in a circle a few times?

WAT?! You must be only one that feels that then.

[David S.]

Something doesn't feel right about the double Dumbo rides. I mean, yeah. I understand why they're doing it. But isn't part of the Disney experience about waiting in an hour-long line to go around in a circle a few times?

But some people don't like to wait in long lines. Think of how happy they'll feel about double the capacity.

I'd rather they keep it where it is. I never really experience a long line for Dumbo, because I either hit Fantasyland early in the day when everything there is a walk-on, or late at night after the crowds have died down. In both cases, I avoid having the "Happiest Land Of All" reduced to a Sea Of Strollers and wall-to-wall-crowds with long waits for each 2-5 minute ride experience.

The main reason I like the Dumbo ride in it's current location is it's my favorite place from which to view the fireworks. With the ride positioned directly behind the Castle shells, you literally are up in the air with shells going off all around you, symetrically right in the middle of the action. In his new location, Dumbo will feel more distant and removed from the fireworks show, more in an Astro-Orbiter sort of way.

Plus, even when there is no firework show going on, there is something magical about making the turn while on the ride and then suddenly seeing the Castle all lit up at night. Dumbo with the Castle in the background (both with and without fireworks) is an iconic image that has made it's way into numerous park advertisements and specials and I think this at least subconsciously adds to the appeal of the ride for some people. It'll be a shame to lose that.

On the other hand, the new location may open up some possibilities to bring more story elements from the film into the attraction. Sadly, they missed a golden opportunity to add the Casey Jr. Circus Train attraction to the park, which would have worked perfectly in the new "Dumbo Circusland".

[pinkrenata]

Sadly, they missed a golden opportunity to add the Casey Jr. Circus Train attraction to the park, which would have worked perfectly in the new "Dumbo Circusland".

I think that would have been more fitting than adding an extra set of Dumbos. It might have even spread the lines out a bit too.

You're right about the location change -- that's going to be a bit odd.

I'll have to see the changes in order to buy that they really are the best idea possible. In any case, it sounds like avoiding Fantasyland altogether until at least Fall 2012 might not be the worst of ideas.

[DisneyAnimation88]

I can't say I'm too sorry that the Princess side of the expansion has been scaled back. I was disappointed at the lack of actual rides in favour of more meet-and-greets so I like the idea of the Snow White mine coaster. I'm not sure about the Dumbo part just yet, I think I'll have to experience it before I make my mind up whether I like it or not. I'm a little disappointed the original Snow White ride is going, if only because it's an original attraction. I like the idea of the expansion more now, simply because I thought the previous plans slightly alienated some guests based on demographics but the restaurant and the two rides that are now announced seem to have more appeal that the Princess attractions that have been discarded.

[Big Disney Fan]

Sadly, they missed a golden opportunity to add the Casey Jr. Circus Train attraction to the park, which would have worked perfectly in the new "Dumbo Circusland".

It wasn't necessarily their fault. As stated before on this thread, they did consider having the coaster be themed to Casey Jr., but between some of the character's distinctive attributes and some clearance issues with the track, they ultimately decided against it. Those of you who don't know what I'm talking about, look at this (thanks to JimHillMedia.com for this):

Given that the Barnstormer (where it stands now) is so close to where the new Dumbo Circus area is supposed to be built, the Imagineers (for a time, anyway) toyed with retheming this coaster as the Casey Jr. Circus Train. The only problem with that idea is that... Well, in order to be recognized as the Casey Jr. Circus Train, the front car of this roller coaster would have to resemble the character as seen in that 1941 Walt Disney Studios animated feature. And given that the Casey Jr. Circus Train has this very distinctive, rather tall smokestack, that meant that WDI was suddenly dealing with all sorts of clearance issues at Wiseacre Farm. Which led one wag at 1401 Flower Street to reportedly say: "Couldn't we just shortened the smokestack and call this the Casey Jr. Jr. Circus Train."

What disappoints me about this is that Goofy will still be the theme of the ride, but Mickey is nowhere to be found. They could've at least created a new home for Mickey in this area. Then again, look at the California Adventure, whose Mulholland Madness coaster is also getting a Goofy theme. And again, Mickey will be nowhere to be found.

[DisneyAnimation88]

What disappoints me about this is that Goofy will still be the theme of the ride, but Mickey is nowhere to be found. They could've at least created a new home for Mickey in this area. Then again, look at the California Adventure, whose Mulholland Madness coaster is also getting a Goofy theme. And again, Mickey will be nowhere to be found.

They are still putting Mickey and Minnie's houses somewhere else in the park aren't they?

[Big Disney Fan]

What disappoints me about this is that Goofy will still be the theme of the ride, but Mickey is nowhere to be found. They could've at least created a new home for Mickey in this area. Then again, look at the California Adventure, whose Mulholland Madness coaster is also getting a Goofy theme. And again, Mickey will be nowhere to be found.

They are still putting Mickey and Minnie's houses somewhere else in the park aren't they?

They're relocating the mice at least to the Exposition Hall on Main Street, or someplace generic. I don't particularly like that they just want to plop the characters in front of a plain wall or something generic like that, simply to make things more convenient for the guests. I also think that the placing on Main Street is a bit awkward, rather like how some people think that the Opera House at Disneyland is an awkward spot (right inside the entrance) to house Mr. Lincoln. But I digress.

Of course, everyone is insisting - arguing, even - that Mickey and the gang "live" not at WDW, but at Disneyland. Hence, the theme of the Toontown Fair, which were supposedly "vacation" homes.

[DisneyAnimation88]

Ahh I see. I won't miss Toontown that much but I was hoping they would keep the actual houses and put those somewhere. In that case, I don't really understand why they're closing a ride to give the princesses their own, unique meet-and-greet area and relocate them from the Judge's Tent but they're not for the most famous Disney characters of all. Do you know if the exposition hall is being rethemed for Mickey and Minnie?

[Jack Skellington]

Dusty if you ever go to Disneyland Paris, you should go see the Cinderella restaurant there, the exterior looks exactly like the tower that she lived in the movie, I know it's not the same but at least it's worth a picture or two.

[Big Disney Fan]

Ahh I see. I won't miss Toontown that much but I was hoping they would keep the actual houses and put those somewhere. In that case, I don't really understand why they're closing a ride to give the princesses their own, unique meet-and-greet area and relocate them from the Judge's Tent but they're not for the most famous Disney characters of all. Do you know if the exposition hall is being rethemed for Mickey and Minnie?

Nope. All I know is this (and it came from the same article by Jim Hill on the removal of Toontown Fair and the retheme of the Barnstormer):

When the Imagineers who were associated with this $300 million-plus project were quizzed about [the closure of Toontown Fair] at the D23 EXPO, they immediately got cagey. Saying things like "Don't worry. We've got plans for Minnie & Mickey." But now that rumors have begun to fly that Toontown Fair could close for dismantling as early as the first of the year, Mickey fans are now growing quite concerned. They just don't like the idea of Disney's Big Cheese becoming homeless.

Not to worry, though. The guys at WDI really do have a plan. Which involves Mickey changing from a country mouse to a city mouse.

To be specific, Mickey will be giving up his quaint country home in Duckburg USA and moving into the Town Square Exhibition Hall. Where -- in air conditioned comfort -- Mickey, Minnie and all of his Toontown pals will soon be able to greet Magic Kingdom visitors from the moment this theme park opens in the morning right up until the last guest heads out for the night.

Under the current plan, the Town Square Exhibition Hall (which was last overhauled in 2001 for WDW's "100 Years of Magic" promotion) will receive a fairly significant makeover. With all of that display space that's currently celebrates the early days of the motion picture industry being ripped out and then replaced with character-friendly photo-op environments.

Now before the Disney diehards start squawking ... Anyone who's ever walked through Town Square will have to acknowledge that this is already an area where the characters regularly pose for photographs & sign autographs. And given that setting up a new place to meet Mickey & friends towards the front of the Magic Kingdom will make things a whole lot more convenvient for the Guests (Not to mention making things a whole lot easier for those in charge of WDW's Zoo Crew. What with these friends-of-Mickey now being about to work inside in air conditioning, out of the weather and away from the heat & humidity), this seems like a win-win from an Operational standpoint.

Granted, this was from an article back in 2009, so I have no idea what's changed since then. I can only assume that they're sticking to their plan for the mice at least to be put in the Hall on Main Street. But I don't like that they have to be placed someplace generic and rather awkward. It also robs the building of my idea of putting in One Man's Dream from the Studios.

[WonderlandFever]

Here is a larger version of the expansion art

http://www.laughingplace.com/Showpic.as ... antasyland

I am wondering what else is going in the circus area, did they make it that big just to fill in the spaces for the picture or are they adding a lot of shops? I wish they would cut that in half and make it Wonderland.

[Wonderlicious]

I have mixed feelings on this. I like the fact that the Little Mermaid ride is still going to be there (and presumably a new grotto - Ariel needs to be seen more in mermaid form again instead of the dress that wasn't even in the movie!). Equally, I'm glad that Belle's village is intact (though I wish that the Enchanted Tales attraction wasn't there, and we had the Beauty and the Beast animatronic show originally planned for Euro Disneyland ). The Storybook Circus strikes me a lot as something of a placeholder with regards to its size; I can't see it taking up that much space in the long term, and there are rumours of Rapunzel related stuff eventually filling the gap left by Pixie Hollow.

I really like the look of the new Snow White area, but I'm disappointed that Snow White's Scary Adventures is going to be replaced by a simple meet-and-greet (which could have easily filled another hole some place else). I personally would have wanted a dark ride there (even a clone of Pinocchio's Daring Journey would be welcome), and I will admit that the Cinderella transformation show could have slot in here well considering the proximity to the castle. Having said that, could the new princess meet-and-greet area have something a bit more than just a photo opportunity with the likes of Cinderella and Jasmine? Disneyland Paris is getting a similar meet-and-greet area and it's supposedly going to feature interactive elements (moreover, it's being designed by WDI and not Disneyland Paris' entertainment team). It was supposed to open this year but is reportedly going to be postponed until next year.

http://www.dlrptoday.com/2011/01/19/dis ... d-to-2012/

And I hate to harp on about it, but a new façade for Peter Pan's Flight would be welcome.

[David S.]

Sadly, they missed a golden opportunity to add the Casey Jr. Circus Train attraction to the park, which would have worked perfectly in the new "Dumbo Circusland".

It wasn't necessarily their fault. As stated before on this thread, they did consider having the coaster be themed to Casey Jr., but between some of the character's distinctive attributes and some clearance issues with the track, they ultimately decided against it. Those of you who don't know what I'm talking about, look at this (thanks to JimHillMedia.com for this):

Yes, I know about the issues with retheming the coaster to Casey Jr. But I was thinking more along the lines of building a NEW Casey Jr. ride, from scratch, like the ones found in Disneyland and Disneyland Paris, to compliment the new Dumbo section. This would be a way to both enhance the Dumbo story elements in the new Dumbo section, and also add more rides (and capacity) to the park. Barnstormer could be given a different theme (or better yet, kept the same if Toontown could have stayed)

What disappoints me about this is that Goofy will still be the theme of the ride, but Mickey is nowhere to be found. They could've at least created a new home for Mickey in this area. Then again, look at the California Adventure, whose Mulholland Madness coaster is also getting a Goofy theme. And again, Mickey will be nowhere to be found.

I agree. I think the name/theme would have made MUCH more sense if Toontown was staying but instead of being "Mickey's Toontown Fair", evolved into "Mickey's Toontown Circus", where the circus has come to town instead of the fair. This would work well with the tents, the houses could stay, and it would explain how Dumbo is now keeping company with the "Fab 5" characters.

But evicting Mickey, Minnie, and Donald from the area but keeping Goofy around in that circus atmosphere just seems kind of random, and the cynic in me wonders if this might just be a way to retheme the coaster as cheaply as possible.

[Super Aurora]

Looking at the bigger image closer, I’m surprise how large the Snow white mine ride is. It look fun, and It look like inside the mine is sort of a dark ride(possibly) as I expected (think Splash mountain). I’d say this is an nice improvement over the small Snow White ride we come to know of.

The dumbo section look way too big. I agree with WonderlandForever and Wonderlicious that it should definitely be cut in half, and make the other half something else. Wonderland, Rapunzel (as Wonderlicious implied), pinocchio, or Sleeping Beauty even would been nice to place over.

I also agree with Wonderlicious about the Disney Princess place that will be in Snow white old ride. It’s lame and pathetic. That definitely could of been something else: Alice ride, Pinocchio ride, hell even bring back Toad. Anything! Not another meet and greet shit (how many do we fucking need?). I mean what’s the point of it even if Belle, Ariel, Snow White will have their own personal meet and greet leaving you with Aurora, and Jasmine?(Cindy’s probably the damn castle itself. and Rapunzel may have her own already, not sure on that)

But i like the mine cart ride so far.

[singerguy04]

Personally I'm a lot happier with this plan than the original. I thought the first idea was really boring, and didn't have a lot in it that I (as a male adult) would necessarily want to participate in. I also felt that the Cinderella Chateau was a little too much Cindy, and secretly wished that they'd replace it with Snow Whites cottage, lol.

Considering the new concept, my biggest complaint it the expansion of Dumbo's Circus. I'd almost prefer Pixie Hollow to be in there than have that much Circus. It seems to me home designed meet and greets for the fab 5 would be a much nicer fit, or even a villains themed area.

Off to the left of It's a Small World there's still a structure set up from when there was a chair lift. It's elevated, and is probably on top of a section of the Haunted Mansion ride, but I feel like since it's sort of a swiss theme and a lot of Tangled's design seems to give off that sort of feel, I'd think that'd be the perfect place for a Rapunzel something or another.

After closer examination of the Snow White area on the larger image, it looks as if a large part of the roller coaster is to the left of the cottage. It looks as though everything to the right of the cottage is a lot calmer and flat, so maybe this is prior to the main lift and a lot of story is developed. If look closely off to the right of the cottage it looks as though you can see the dwarfs crossing the log over some water. It also looks as though the track goes through the water underneath the log. It also looks to me as though the entrance to the ride is next to the path that leads to the cottage, does that mean that the cottage will be a Snow White meet and greet?

Overall, it does look as though there is still some dead space to the right of snow white, where at least the Aurora cottage attraction could have still fit...