Happy one-year anniversary to New Fantasyland! The area, which is the largest expansion in Magic Kingdom Park history, enjoyed its grand opening ceremony exactly a year ago today. Time flies when you’re having fun!
New Fantasyland, which brought about the addition of Storybook Circus and dedicated “Beauty and the Beast” and “The Little Mermaid” areas to the park, was officially dedicated December 6, 2012, in a ceremony that featured “Once Upon a Time” actress Ginnifer Goodwin, pop star Jordin Sparks and Walt Disney Parks & Resorts Chairman Tom Staggs. Guests could now participate in a retelling of Belle and Beast’s love story atEnchanted Tales With Belle, have a snack at Gaston’s Tavern, dine inside Beast’s Castle at Be Our Guest Restaurant, or explore the caverns below Prince Eric’s castle to take a journey under the sea with Ariel.
Over the course of the past year, work has continued on the remaining two attractions in the New Fantasyland expansion. One of these, Princess Fairytale Hall, opened its doors in September as the go-to place to meet Cinderella and Rapunzel, who each greet guests daily alongside one of their other royal friends. The interior of the hall was inspired by design elements – and even specific props – seen in the films “Cinderella” and “Tangled.” The result was a truly regal look, with high ceilings, rich wood-paneling, handpainted princess portraits, themed wallpaper, glittering stained glass windows and more.
The final attraction in the New Fantasyland expansion is Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, which is set to debut in 2014. The mine train, which is currently under construction, will tell the story of Snow White through the eyes of the Seven Dwarfs. Keep it to TMSM for more updates on the new attraction, we can’t wait until it opens!
Michele also contributes theme park news for Fox 35 Orlando 11pm news and on the radio on WDBO.
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