Fantasyland Expansion | Off to Neverland Travel - Disney Vacations

Photo Update of New Fantasyland Progress

Anticipation has been rising as construction of the New Fantasyland® continues! The Storybook Circus area has already opened, but the Fantasyland® Forest section is scheduled to open in phases beginning Holidays 2012.

Walt Disney World® Resort’s Imagineering team has been sharing sporadic photo updates of the area to share their excitement for the expansion. Enjoy all the detail and creativity in what will soon become the New Fantasyland®!

Prince Eric’s Castle, part of the Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid attraction.: Prince Eric’s Castle, part of the Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid attraction.

: Prince Eric’s Castle, part of the Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid attraction.

This portrait of Gaston will be in Gaston's Tavern: This portrait of Gaston will be in Gaston’s Tavern

: This portrait of Gaston will be in Gaston’s Tavern

Portrait of Beast which will be located in the Be Our Guest Restaurant: Portrait of Beast which will be located in the Be Our Guest Restaurant

: Portrait of Beast which will be located in the Be Our Guest Restaurant

A fence patched by handyman Maurice: A fence patched by handyman Maurice

: A fence patched by handyman Maurice

Weather vane on Maurice’s Cottage: Weather vane on Maurice’s Cottage

: Weather vane on Maurice’s Cottage

Heart shutters on Maurice’s Cottage: Heart shutters on Maurice’s Cottage

: Heart shutters on Maurice’s Cottage

Detail of Chimney on Maurice’s Cottage: Detail of Chimney on Maurice’s Cottage

: Detail of Chimney on Maurice’s Cottage

Details on Maurice’s Cottage in New Fantasyland: Details on Maurice’s Cottage in New Fantasyland

: Details on Maurice’s Cottage in New Fantasyland

Maurice’s Cottage in New Fantasyland: Maurice’s Cottage in New Fantasyland

: Maurice’s Cottage in New Fantasyland

Bronze Statue of Gaston will be part of a fountain outside Gaston's Tavern: Bronze Statue of Gaston will be part of a fountain outside Gaston’s Tavern

: Bronze Statue of Gaston will be part of a fountain outside Gaston’s Tavern

Enchanted Rose Mosaic at Be Our Guest Restaurant: Enchanted Rose Mosaic at Be Our Guest Restaurant

: Enchanted Rose Mosaic at Be Our Guest Restaurant

Enchanted Rose etched in stone at Be Our Guest Restaurant: Enchanted Rose etched in stone at Be Our Guest Restaurant

: Enchanted Rose etched in stone at Be Our Guest Restaurant

Enchanted Rose Stonework at Be Our Guest Restaurant: Enchanted Rose Stonework at Be Our Guest Restaurant

: Enchanted Rose Stonework at Be Our Guest Restaurant

Enchanted Rose Stonework at Be Our Guest Restaurant: Enchanted Rose Stonework at Be Our Guest Restaurant

: Enchanted Rose Stonework at Be Our Guest Restaurant

Enchanted Rose Etching at Be Our Guest Restaurant: Enchanted Rose Etching at Be Our Guest Restaurant

: Enchanted Rose Etching at Be Our Guest Restaurant

Enchanted Rose Detail at Be Our Guest Restaurant: Enchanted Rose Detail at Be Our Guest Restaurant

: Enchanted Rose Detail at Be Our Guest Restaurant

Enchanted Rose Chandelier at Be Our Guest Restaurant: Enchanted Rose Chandelier at Be Our Guest Restaurant

: Enchanted Rose Chandelier at Be Our Guest Restaurant

A key component to the Beauty and the Beast storyline, the Enchanted Rose plays an equally important role in the theming of the Be Our Guest Restaurant: A key component to the Beauty and the Beast storyline, the Enchanted Rose plays an equally important role in the theming of the Be Our Guest Restaurant

: A key component to the Beauty and the Beast storyline, the Enchanted Rose plays an equally important role in the theming of the Be Our Guest Restaurant

By Off to Neverland Travel|2017-06-27T10:22:26-05:00August 3rd, 2012|Categories: Disney News, Walt Disney World News|Tags: Disney World Fantasyland, Fantasyland Expansion, New Fantasyland|0 Comments

A Taste of the Upcoming “Be Our Guest Restaurant”

Earlier today, the Walt Disney World® Resort gave us a “taste” of what we can expect when the Be Our Guest Restaurant opens up later this year. Inspired by the Disney Movie Beauty and the Beast, the Be Our Guest Restaurant will seat over 500 guests and will feature foods with a French twist.

Lunch will be quick-service, but a little different than what guests currently find at most counter service locations on property. Guests will order from either a touchscreen terminal or cashier and then have a seat inside the dining room. When your food is ready, it will be delivered to you at your table.

Some of the options on the lunch menu will include:

Braised Pork
Tuna Niçoise salad and a Croque Monsieur sandwich (carved ham, Gruyere cheese, béchamel)
Carved Turkey on a Warm Baguette with Dijon mayonnaise
Grilled Steak Sandwich with Garlic Butter Spread
Loaded Vegetable Quiche
Quinoa, Shallot and Chive salad
Kid’s Options
- Mickey Meatloaf
- Carved Turkey Sandwich
- Roasted Pulled Pork
- Whole-Grain Macaroni topped with Marinara and Mozzarella
- Seared Mahi Mahi

For dinner, the restaurant will transform into a table service location. Dinner menu options will include:

Appetizers
- A Charcuterie plate with cured meats and sausages
- Mussels steamed in white wine
- Potato Leek soup
- French onion soup
- Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette
Entrées
- Grilled Strip Steak with Pommes Frites
- Thyme-Scented Pork Rack Chop with Au Gratin Pasta
- Rotisserie Rock Hen with Roasted Fingerling Potatoes
- Pan-Seared Salmon in Leek Fondue
- Oven-Baked Ratatouille
- Sautéed Shrimp and Scallops with Veggies in Puff Pastry with Creamy Lobster Sauce
Dessert
- Cupcakes (Strawberry Cream Cheese or Triple Chocolate)
- Chocolate Cream Puff
- Passion Fruit Cream Puff
Kid’s Options
- Grilled Steak
- Whole-Grain Macaroni
- Grilled Chicken Breast
- Grilled Fish of the Day

Advance Dining Reservations for Be Our Guest Restaurant will open up some time in late August. The restaurant is scheduled to be open for the holidays. The Be Our Guest Restaurant is part of the New Fantasyland® Expansion which is taking place at Magic Kingdom® Park.

By Off to Neverland Travel|2017-06-27T10:22:40-05:00June 27th, 2012|Categories: Disney News, Walt Disney World News|Tags: Be Our Guest Restaurant, Disney World Restaurants, Fantasyland Expansion, Magic Kingdom Restaurants, New Fantasyland|0 Comments

New Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station Now Open at Magic Kingdom® Park

After several days of heavy rain in the Walt Disney World® Resort area, a wet play area is probably the last thing on the minds of guests right now. But as soon as the Florida sun and heat returns, the new Casey Jr. Splash ‘n’ Soak Station will be a popular hangout And as you can see in the photo gallery below, Disney Imagineers weren’t kidding when they included the word “Soak” in the name!

Casey Jr., the famous locomotive from Dumbo, and his train of circus animals fits perfectly into its surroundings at Storybook Circus. It joins the Dumbo the Flying Elephant® and The Barnstormer® attractions which had previously opened to guests earlier this spring.

The Storybook Circus area is just one part of the New Fantasyland® Area expansion that is happening at Magic Kingdom® Park.

Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station in New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park

Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station in New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park

Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station in New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park

Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station in New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park

Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station in New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park

Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station in New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park

Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station in New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park

Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station in New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park

Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station in New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park

Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station in New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park

Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station in New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park

Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station in New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park

By Off to Neverland Travel|2012-06-25T08:11:04-05:00June 25th, 2012|Categories: Disney News, Walt Disney World News|Tags: Casey Jr. Splash 'n' Soak Station, Fantasyland Expansion, Magic Kingdom, New Fantasyland, Storybook Circus|0 Comments

New “Queue-less Queue” coming to Dumbo the Flying Elephant® Attraction

Kids of all ages enjoy taking flight on the Dumbo the Flying Elephant® Attraction when they visit the Magic Kingdom® Park. But soon, the wait before boarding the attraction will be the “star of the show!”

As part of the New Fantasyland® Area expansion, the attraction will gain a second ride carousel and a new interactive queue which will be inside the big top tent in Storybook Circus. This queue is an innovative area created by Walt Disney Imagineering and will redefine how guests see “wait times.”

Guests wishing to ride the Dumbo the Flying Elephant® Attraction will receive a “circus ticket” (similar to pagers used at many restaurants). The “circus ticket” will hold their place in line and notify them when it’s their turn to take flight on the airborne pachyderms. While waiting, guests can take center stage by enjoying several play experiences all centered around the circus theme.

The new “queue-less queue” inside the big top tent is scheduled to open to guests in July. A similar system was tested back in 2009 at the Rock ‘n Roller Coaster® Starring Aerosmith at Disney’s Hollywood Studios™

By Off to Neverland Travel|2017-06-27T10:22:46-05:00June 5th, 2012|Categories: Disney News, Walt Disney World News|Tags: Disney World Fantasyland, Dumbo, Fantasyland Expansion, New Fantasyland, Storybook Circus|1 Comment

Final Days of Snow White’s Scary Adventures® Attraction

After 40 years of operation, Thursday, May 31st, will mark the final day of the Snow White’s Scary Adventures® Attraction at Magic Kingdom® Park. One of the fourteen remaining opening day attractions at Magic Kingdom® Park’s opening on October 1, 1971, the attraction will be removed to make way for the new Princess Fairytale Hall.

Princess Fairytale Hall is part of the New Fantasyland® Area expansion that is taking place right now at the Magic Kingdom® Park. This royal area will become the new home for guests to meet-and-greet their favorite Disney Princesses. Design of the building calls for a castle-like entrance of stone and stained glass windows, a large gallery with high ceilings and portraits of Disney Princesses, and elegantly finished rooms for guests to meet the Princesses in.

Princess Fairytale Hall is set to debut in late 2013. In the meantime, guests will find the Princesses in various meet-and-greet locations spread throughout the Magic Kingdom® Park. Consult your Times Guide for exact locations and times during your visit.

By Off to Neverland Travel|2017-06-27T10:22:46-05:00May 30th, 2012|Categories: Disney News, Walt Disney World News|Tags: Disney World Fantasyland, Fantasyland Expansion, New Fantasyland, Snow White's Scary Adventures|1 Comment

More Details Surface on Be Our Guest Restaurant

As the opening of the highly anticipated Be Our Guest Restaurant slowly draws closer, more and more details on this new dining location emerge. Back in March, we shared a video with you of the amazing mural that will serve as a backdrop making restaurant guests feel like they are part of the “Beauty and the Beast” movie.

Now, we are happy to bring you a video that details more of the inspiration behind the design and decor of the Be Our Guest Restaurant.

The Be Our Guest Restaurant is part of the New Fantasyland expansion that is currently taking place inside the Magic Kingdom® Park. The restaurant will serve as an additional counter-service location during lunch, but will offer table-service for dinner and is scheduled to open to the public prior to the holidays in 2012.

By Off to Neverland Travel|2017-06-27T10:23:00-05:00May 8th, 2012|Categories: Disney News, Walt Disney World News|Tags: Be Our Guest Restaurant, Disney World Fantasyland, Fantasyland Expansion, New Fantasyland|1 Comment

New Fantasyland® Updated Dates

Walt Disney World® Resort has pinpointed further opening information for upcoming phases of the New Fantasyland®.

One carousel of Dumbo the Flying Elephant®, a re-themed Barnstormer featuring the Great Goofini, and the Fantasyland Station of the Walt Disney World® Railroad opened as phase one back in March. The next phase, opening in July 2012, will include the second carousel of Dumbo the Flying Elephant® and a Casey Jr. Splash ‘n’ Soak play area.

Further plans include the openings of Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid, Be Our Guest Restaurant, Gaston’s Tavern, and Enchanted Tales with Belle opening before the holiday season at end of 2012. The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is expected to debut in 2014.

For more information on the New Fantasyland® area of the Magic Kingdom® Park, please click here to read our previous articles.

Note: Images are Walt Disney Imagineer Models. Actual construction may vary.

By Off to Neverland Travel|2017-06-27T10:23:01-05:00April 30th, 2012|Categories: Disney News, Walt Disney World News|Tags: Be Our Guest Restaurant, Disney World Fantasyland, Fantasyland Expansion, New Fantasyland, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Coaster, Storybook Circus|1 Comment

New Fantasyland Brings Creative Costuming to Magic Kingdom® Park

We have shared several articles about the New Fantasyland expansion and the great amount of attention Imagineers are paying to the little details. With these new areas of the Magic Kingdom® Park comes the need for new cast member costuming.

Walt Disney Imagineering and Creative Entertainment have worked hand-in-hand to create new costumes for each area of New Fantasyland. These unique garments help tell a story of your surroundings and create a rich sense of community.

With last week’s opening of Storybook Circus, we saw costumes inspired by the “Big Top.” The bold colors of them evoke the spirit of the ringmaster or sideshow barker with tails and detailing provide a look of the 1930s.

Take a look into the design process and story behind the New Fantasyland Costumes

By Off to Neverland Travel|2017-06-27T10:23:09-05:00March 20th, 2012|Categories: Disney News, Walt Disney World News|Tags: Disney World Fantasyland, Fantasyland Costumes, Fantasyland Expansion|0 Comments

New Fantasyland Continues to Take Shape at Magic Kingdom® Park

Last Wednesday, we shared about the “Soft Opening” of Storybook Circus at Magic Kingdom® Park.

Imagineers and construction crews are hard at work making sure no details are missed in every aspect of the New Fantasyland. Recently, a massive mural was installed at the Be Our Guest Restaurant. This mural will serve as a backdrop making restaurant guests feel like they are part of the “Beauty and the Beast” movie.

Take a look at this amazing mural and how much detail is being placed into it.

By Off to Neverland Travel|2017-06-27T10:23:09-05:00March 19th, 2012|Categories: Disney News, Walt Disney World News|Tags: Disney World Fantasyland, Fantasyland Expansion, Storybook Circus|0 Comments

“Soft Opening” of Storybook Circus at Magic Kingdom® Park

Some of Monday’s guests at Magic Kingdom® Park were among the first to experience parts of Storybook Circus! This “soft opening” brought one carousel of Dumbo the Flying Elephant®, a re-themed Barnstormer featuring the Great Goofini, and the Fantasyland Station of the Walt Disney World® Railroad to life and gave us a taste of what to expect for the rest of the expansion.

The Dumbo the Flying Elephant® attraction has received a new water feature at its base that sparkles and shines at night. When completed, Dumbo the Flying Elephant® will double its capacity with two carousels – the new one spinning clockwise while the old one will continue to fly counter-clockwise.

“The Barnstormer, Featuring The Great Goofini” is a family roller coaster taking you on the twists and turns of Goofy’s aerial acrobatics stunt show for the big top!

When complete, the Storybook Circus area will also have a Casey Jr. splash area.

Through this “soft opening” stage, Storybook Circus will not hold regular park hours, but will be open intermittently. This area of Storybook Circus is expected to officially open to the public by the end of March.

By Off to Neverland Travel|2017-06-27T10:23:10-05:00March 14th, 2012|Categories: Disney News, Walt Disney World News|Tags: Disney World Fantasyland, Fantasyland Expansion, Storybook Circus|0 Comments