Walt Disney World's New Fantasyland Expansion - What Would've Been & What Will Be

Disney put rumors to rest in 2009 by announcing plans to expand Magic Kingdom's Fantasyland of Walt Disney World Florida.  Pictured above is the original concept of what the new Fantasyland's outcome would be.  However, quite a few of the cool attractions pictured above are no longer going to be a reality future guests.

What didn't make the RE-make:

Cinderella's ChateauCinderella's Chateau would've given guests the chance to meet Cinderella in her childhood home - and allowed for an encounter with Lady Tremaine, Druzella and Anastasia.  No dark ride experience was planned for this project.  It was mainly an "ear"mmersingly entertaining way to provide a Meet-and-Greet to fans of this classic Disney tale.  Inside the Chateau, knighting ceremonies would've taken place for the lil' guys - gals would've enjoyed assisting the Fairy Godmother in transforming Cinderella from her peasant get-up into the iconic princess we know her to be - and guests would've celebrated with song and dance.  A great way to mix and mingle with such beloved characters.  Disney Imagineers wiped this idea off of the map to allow space for The Seven Dwarf's Mine Train attraction which is pictured further down in the final concept drawing of the new Fantasyland.

Aurora's CottageAurora's Cottage would've been similar to the Meet-and-Greet style of Cinderella's Chateau.  Inside guests would meet Flora, Fauna and Merryweather and help them prepare for Aurora's birthday party by creating cards for her to enjoy.  After surprising Aurora, it was planned for her to mingle with guests at the party and read the cards aloud.  Like the Chateau, no dark ride was planned for this attraction either.  Just another fun way to meet a popular Disney princess.  Aurora's cottage was also erased from the final outline of the new Fantasyland to make room for The Seven Dwarf's Mine Train.

Pixie HollowThis attraction planned to shrink guests to the size of Tink and the rest of her fairy friends, and allow them to experience Pixie Hollow up close and personally.  Total Meet-and-Greet type of attraction with no ride included.  Great chance for guests to take photos with their favorite characters from Pixie Hollow and I would imagine the atmosphere would've been beyond awesome.  What kid - and kid at heart - doesn't want to be able to be shorter than a blade of grass?  This was also taken away from the final drawing of the new Fantasyland.  By the looks of the earlier concepts of the new Fantasyland, Pixie Hollow was placed in 2 different sites.  At one time it was to be located next to Aurora's Cottage blending into the Storybook Circus area.  Prior to that, it was located in the farthest corner of the dedicated area for Storybook Circus, behind Journey of the Little Mermaid.  Now, it's just a figment of imagination.

100 Acre Wood
Winnie the Pooh is still included in the new Fantasyland coming to the Magic Kingdom.  The only change is that it the 100 Acre Wood will stretch no further than what it does currently.  The queue line for The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh attraction was updated a few years back to provide guests with entertaining Pooh Corner activities to take part in while waiting to board the ride.  It was mentioned that the 100 Acre Wood will somehow blend into the new Fantasyland perfectly.  There really aren't many official details provided anywhere online to secure that idea.  I'm sure whatever the plan is, Disney will make it happen with great taste! 




In 2011, Disney released what WILL BE the new Fantasyland with the gorgeous map-out provided above.  I have to admit that I am a little let down that Cinderella's Chateau, Arora's Cottage and Pixie Hollow did not make the final-cut.  In my opinion they should have at least kept - or created new designated spots for the other princesses.  Many enthusiasts argue with the opinion that the new Fantasyland isn't too "boy friendly".  Personally, when I think of a fairytale themed forest I imagine an abundance of Meet-and-Greet's with the characters in their own themed environments.  Unfortunately for the lil' guys, princesses over-populate Disney's storytelling.  Deep down though, they would find a way to enjoy it just as much as the gals.

Below is a list of what presently WILL BE included in the re-vamp & expansion of Walt Disney World's Fantasyland.

Belle's Cottage
This is the home of Belle and her father Maurice.  Guests will not only be able to meet with Belle one-on-one, but they will also enter the cottage and be able to take part in theatrical styled activity re-telling the "tale as old as time".  Very similar to the old attraction "Storytime with Belle", but within a more themed environment with some sure-to-be exciting "bells and whistles".

Beast's Castle

You would think that this would've been the perfect chance to create a kick-ass ride, but unfortunately that isn't the case.  However, the Beast's Castle will be home to the sure-to-be GORGEOUS Be Our Guest restaurant.  Guests will be able to dine with pleasure in rooms designed to mimic the castle in the Disney film.  The ball-room is a definite.  It's been mentioned that the West Wing will be open for dining as well, along with other noticable areas.  I'm sure there will be some level of entertainment added to this unique dining experience, however it's basically just a place to eat and possibly meet some characters.  Don't get me wrong, I love Beauty and the Beast.  It's one of my favs!  I'm sure the dining experience will be great, but I think there was room for a lot more with this attraction though.

Gaston's Tavern

This area of the land will house Gaston's Tavern where guests will be able to dine in true Gaston style - antlers and all!  Sorry wishful thinkers, I would assume the available ale in this area will include only ginger.  Along with the tavern, where I'm sure guests will catch chances to meet with Gaston himself - there will be shops for purchasing themed gifts from.

Journey of the Little Mermaid

Prince Eric's seaside castle sets the scene for princess Ariel's designated area of the new Fantasyland.  Not only will it look awesome and make guests feel like they are strolling right by the sea - this area will also host Journey of the Little Mermaid, a new story-telling ride similar to the one located in Disney's California Adventure.  This themed attraction & area is what I am most excited about!  Along with the ride and facade, Ariel's Grotto will make a return allowing fans to once again meet with Ariel.  There are a few additional quirks that will take place in this part of the new land as well.  So psyched about this one!  I just wish all of the other new themed areas had a ride as well.

Seven Dwarf's Mine Train & Cottage



This is sure to be an awesome addition and update to Snow White's Scary Adventure.  Guests will not only be able to visit the home of the Seven Dwarfs.  They will also be able to take a journey into the mines where the dwarfs work, and experience a coaster meets dark-ride top notch attraction!  I was sad to hear that Snow White's Scary Adventure was taken out earlier this year, but I cannot wait to see what the new version has in store! 

Princess Fairytale Hall


Formerly known as Snow White's Scary Adventure, the Princess Fairytale Hall will allow guests to mix and mingle with all of the Disney princesses in their own themed corners of this fancy hall dedicated to them.  I hope this will be a good make-up for not giving each princess their own themed part of the new land.  I'm sure it will be magical and beautiful like everything else Disney does.  No ride of course, just a total meet-and-greet.  Not to sound like a broken record, but it was still sad seeing Snow White's ride taken away...




Closed and becoming Fairytale Hall...


Storybook Circus

Instead of typing a big explanation, I figured it would be best to just provide a video of the newly opened Storybook Circus - which is the first area already available to enjoy in the new Fantasyland at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom!

Also, enjoy a more detailed look inside the Dumbo Circus tent queue: