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Fantasyland Expansion

BREAKING: New Fantasyland Opening Date of December 6 Announced!

7 August 2012 by Suzannah Otis 2 Comments

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Maurice's Cottage
Maurice’s cottage in New Fantasyland, where Enchanted Tales with Belle will take place. Image ©Disney

The Disney Parks Blog just announced the news we’ve all been waiting for, the date for the next phase of the New Fantasyland expansion to open to guests!

With Storybook Circus quickly becoming a favorite part of the new Fantasyland,  the Parks Blog today shared details of the next area of Storybook Circus to open, Pete’s Silly Sideshow. There guests can meet their favorite characters in their Storybook Circus-themed finest: Minnie Magnifique (Minnie Mouse as a circus star), Madame Daisy Fortuna (Daisy Duck as a fortuneteller), The Great Goofini (Goofy as a daredevil stunt pilot), and The Astounding Donaldo (Donald Duck as a snake charmer).

Locals and far-off visitors alike have been cheering the attention to detail we’ve seen in Storybook Circus, and have been anxiously awaiting the walls to come down so we may see more of that Imagineering magic in the Enchanted Forest.

We now know that opening on December 6  will be the highly anticipated Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid attraction, Ariel’s Grotto meet and greet location, the Be Our Guest Restaurant, Gaston’s Tavern and Enchanted Tales with Belle character interaction experience as well as Bonjour! Village Gifts.

Previews of these attractions will begin November 19.

I know I am not alone in being ridiculously excited for these new attractions and experiences. I was lucky enough to step “behind the wall” a few of months back and it looks like it will live up to expectations and be a magical place to stroll through and explore.

Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid
Prince Eric’s Castle at Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid. Image ©Disney

 

Chandelier from Be Our Guest Restaurant
Gorgeous chandelier from the Be Our Guest Restaurant. Image ©Disney

 

The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train coaster and Princess Fairytale Hall Meet and Greet location will be opening at later dates, so watch for future announcements. What are you most looking forward to when Enchanted Forest officially opens?

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Filed Under: Disney News, Walt Disney World Tagged With: #NewFantasyland, Ariel's Grotto, Be Our Guest Restaurant, character meet and greet, Disney, Disney parks, enchanted forest, fantasyland, Fantasyland Expansion, FLE, Gaston's Tavern, Magic Kingdom, New Fantasyland, New Fantasyland Expansion, opening dates, Pete's Silly Sideshow, Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid, Walt Disney World

PHOTOS: Inside Walt Disney World’s NEW Dumbo Interactive Kids Lounge

6 June 2012 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

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Disney fans may have been following the news of the opening of the next phase of the new Dueling Dumbos attraction at the Magic Kingdom’s Storybook Circus area, part of the new Fantasyland expansion. The Disney Parks Blog recently shared some video from inside the tent:

;

Thanks to Nicole Siscaretti we now have some photos from testing going on today at the Magic Kingdom. You can find more photos and awesome video of the activities and interactive areas inside the new Dumbo queue at Nicole’s new site: SparklyEverAfter.com – be sure to check it out! The area should be open permanently for all guests in the next few weeks.

[nggallery id=2]

Enjoy the photos – can’t wait to take my little guy down there to check it out in person soon!

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Filed Under: Disney Attractions, Disney News, Walt Disney World Tagged With: Circus, Disney parks, Dumbo, Dumbo lounge, Dumbo queue, Dumbo's circus, fantasyland, Fantasyland Expansion, interactive areas, interactive queue, kids play area, Magic Kingdom, New Fantasyland, Nex Gen, NextGen, Nicole Siscaretti, queue pagers, SparklyEverAfter, Storybook Circus, Timothy Mouse

What is #DisneySMMoms? Disney’s Social Media Moms Celebration!

13 April 2012 by Suzannah Otis 8 Comments

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Disney's Social Media Moms CelebrationFrom the first moment I discovered a little thing called “social media” I realized that the Disney online community was a powerful and devoted force. Disney knows this too, and Walt Disney World has had a team in place for many years now, inviting bloggers to experience the World and share those experiences with their readers. Of course the Walt Disney World Moms Panel (which now includes Adventures by Disney, Disney Cruise Line, RunDisney, and Disneyland) was perhaps the company’s first real visible foray into the worlds of social media and it has only grown from there. Even before I was selected as a member of the 2010 and 2011 Moms Panel, I was witnessing tweets from mom bloggers being hosted by Disney, organized by charter moms panelist and public relations maven, Laura Spencer and the Social Media/Public Relations team. I thought it was such a great idea to have bloggers of all types – mom bloggers, food bloggers, latina bloggers, bloggers of color, even Disney bloggers, see the Walt Disney World Resort first hand, and in turn spread that knowledge to readers everywhere. I know as a Disney/theme park/travel blogger, I have a certain readership that may expect Disney news or updates. However, for those who typically blog about day to day parenting topics, write reviews, or have another niche altogether, Disney knowledge may not be as widespread.

With the success of other blogging conferences, Disney decided to throw their mouse ears in the ring and hold their own pixie-dusted blogging conference. First held in 2010, the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration has been a coveted conference from the start. Abbreviated on twitter with the hashtag #DisneySMMoms, each year has offered attendees and their families an amazing opportunity to experience the Walt Disney World Resort at deeply discounted prices, enjoy a Deluxe Resort hotel, Disney park tickets, Disney dining and special tours. All while hosting some incredibly inspiring and informative speakers for the blogging crowd. Along with the process of connecting with other bloggers and receiving valuable tips on business, writing, and promoting yourself and your site, attendees are also given something Disney is most famous for – memories to last a lifetime.

Disney Social Media Moms Celebration Platinum Soiree Candy BarIn the past, attendees have gotten to see the Muppets, experience gourmet food and healthy kids alternatives, experience the special tours and events the Walt Disney World Resort has to offer, and hear famous personalities from Guy Kawasaki and Maxine Clark to Chris Brogan, Renee Sylar and David Tutera, share their business and personal successes. This year, we will again hear inspiring stories, but a lot of the focus also seems to be on the resort itself, with optional breakout sessions including meeting author Ridley Pearson, the amazing Wild Africa Trek, meeting with some of the amazing teams behind the Disney Parks blog and Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, and a behind the scenes tour of the all new Fantasyland expansion. The difference this year is that attendees were given these choices, so we will all be experiencing something different. For those following along the tweets, facebook and blog updates from attendees, you will now be reading completely unique updates. It certainly gives you a reason to check out the other bloggers and see what they are doing and sharing.

With that said, and with the 2012 Disney Social Media Moms Celebration less than two weeks away, I thought it would be a great opportunity to link up the bloggers who will be in attendance so we can all get to know them better. And before you think it’s JUST MOMS that will be there – guess again. There have been dads and non-parent bloggers each year. Truly, something for everyone – just like Disney!

Edit: The 2013 Disney Social Media Moms Celebration will be held from May 9-12 at the Walt Disney World Resort. I will not be attending this year, but feel free to submit your blog info in the comments below if you’d like to add yourself to the list. 🙂

I’m asking Disney Social Media Moms attendees to submit their blog links below and for all of us to check them out and be sure to follow along April 26-29 May 9-12 as they embark on their magical blogging conference! Thank you to Disney, especially Laura Spencer and Leanne Jakubowski and their teams for tirelessly organizing these events each year!

(check back to these links below as more attendees add their info!)

Disclosure:  many thanks to Disney’s Social Media Team for inviting me to register for the 2012 Disney Social Media Moms Celebration.  All opinions are, as always, my own. I have not been compensated or asked to post about Disney (I just can’t help myself!)

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Filed Under: Disney Special Events, Walt Disney World Tagged With: #DisneySMMoms, 2013 Disney Social Media Moms, blog conference, Blogging, blogging conference, Chris Brogan, deluxe resort, Disney Cruise Line, Disney News, Disney parks, Disney Social Media Moms, Disney Social Media Moms attendees, Disney Social Media Moms Celebration, Fantasyland Expansion, Gary Buchanan, hardhat tour, Laura Spencer, Leanne Jakubowski, linky, mom bloggers, New Fantasyland, parent bloggers, Ridley Pearson, Social Media Moms, Thomas Smith, Walt Disney, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, Walt Disney World, walt disney world resort

Hidden Details in Storybook Circus in the New Fantasyland

14 March 2012 by Suzannah Otis 8 Comments

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Fantasyland Station
View approaching from Fantasyland Station

I was able to make it over to Storybook Circus yesterday and experience it firsthand, after sharing others’ photos of the opening day fun. If I may make a recommendation, I advise you to arrive in Storybook Circus via the WDW Railroad, which pulls up at the new Fantasyland Station, now named Carolwood Park. It is the best way to see the new area, where you immediately see new details and the attractions, rather than construction walls where the other parts of the new Fantasyland are busily being built. As you know, much of Disney’s magic is in the details, and this new area has no shortage of its own magical details.

I was ridiculously happy when I saw the new areas. The Carolwood Park station is just lovely. It fits right in to the 1940’s American snapshot that the traveling circus we see featured in the animated film Dumbo creates. The atmosphere is set right from the start, where the ground itself looks like a dirt road, well-traveled by trolley cars, horses, and circus animals alike – without actually being, you know, dirt.

One of my favorite parts of the Storybook Circus area is the actual train station. Around the back, you’ll find a brand new set of restrooms and the entrance area back onto the train. It is around the corner from the restrooms where we see stacks of luggage waiting to be boarded on the arriving and departing trains. Much in the vein of the amazingly themed Town Square Theatre, the details are here to discover for those who do more than just pass by on their way to attractions.

I’ve gathered some photos here of my favorite details. Be sure to look for them on your next visit, and maybe discover some more on your own! Click to enlarge.

Carolwood Park
Carolwood Park - Fair Weather Place

 

Carolwood Park Station
The gorgeous detail of Carolwood Park Station restrooms entrance

 

Carolwood Fire Dept
Carolwood Fire Dept. sign - love this detail.

 

Carolwood Park Station
Carolwood Park Station luggage closest to the restrooms. I wonder where that bird escaped to?

 

Carolwood Park Station
More luggage stacks with a barn-door look to this side of the station.

 

Carolwood Park Station
More Carolwood Park Station luggage stacks. And oats!

 

Carolwood Park
Close-up of luggage stacks.

 

Carolwood Park
Another close-up of luggage stacks.

 

Carolwood Park
More close-ups of luggage stacks. These circus-folk are well-traveled!

 

Azusa sticker
My favorite luggage sticker: Azusa Californa - Drink your OJ!

 

Chicago luggage sticker
Wonder who in Imagineering is from Chicago? 😉

 

You can see more luggage sticker close-ups here on flickr.

 

Storybook Circus
Bear tracks! And monkeys too! Behind these walls is where the new Casey Jr. Splash and Soak Station will be located. I wonder if that's where all these animals are headed to cool down?

 

Storybook Circus
Peanut shells and lion or tiger prints?

 

Storybook Circus
Heading toward Tomorrowland, animal tracks and brick road

 

Storybook Circus trashcan
Storybook Circus trashcan - can't wait to see the others in the new Fantasyland!

 

UPDATE! At the recent Orange Bird unveiling, my friends and I wandered over to the Storybook Circus area again, since one friend had not been yet. I was surprised to see these new props out on display and wanted to share them with you all!

Storybook Circus elephant tubs
Check out the new water tubs with some familiar elephant names...

 

Storybook Circus details
More new details - "Melody Time Brass Horns - Always in Toon" and "Property of Hyacinth Hippo - the most exquisite sensation of the big top"!

 

Hyacinth Hippo
Hyacinth Hippo trunk and"The Big Bad Wolf - Balloonologist Extraordinaire - He'll huff and he'll puff and create the animal of your choice!"

 

I could post a hundred more photos, but for now I’ve created a Storybook Circus set on flickr and you can see the rest of my photos there. Including lots more of Dumbo and the Barnstormer. Enjoy!

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Filed Under: Commentary Land, Disney Attractions, Disney News, Walt Disney World Tagged With: animal tracks, Carolwood Park, Casey Jr., Disney details, Dumbo, fantasyland, Fantasyland Expansion, Fantasyland Station, hidden gems, Humphrey the Bear, Imagineering details, luggage stickers, new Dumbo, New Fantasyland, peanut shells, Storybook Circus, travel stickers, WDW Railroad

EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS: Fantasyland’s Storybook Circus Soft Opening!

12 March 2012 by Suzannah Otis 9 Comments

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Thanks to Twitter for giving me the heads up about the Fantasyland soft opening of the Storybook Circus area. Since I couldn’t make it over today, extra special thanks to friend and theme park news hound Banks Lee for letting us share the Storybook Circus opening photos here!

As of right now, the interactive queue created for the dueling Dumbo attractions is not yet opened. We’ll keep you posted with any updates.

 

Welcome to the Circus!
Welcome to the Circus! Photo ©Banks Lee. Notice the character line-up of Goofy, Dumbo, Casey Jr., Pete, and Humphrey!

I am personally SO excited to see Humphrey the Bear in the parks. While he may belong in a National Park according to his backstory, he has always been a favorite character of mine and the possibility of getting Humphrey merchandise makes me giddy!

Dumbo with water!
Dumbo with water! Photo ©Banks Lee

 

Wiseacre farm sign
Back of the former Wiseacre Farm sign! Photo ©Banks Lee

 

peauts in floor
Disney in the details! Peanuts in the cement in the ground! Photo ©Banks Lee. I have confirmed with Imagineering that the peanut shells are not real, peanut allergies are safe! 😉

 

Dumbo on park map
Dumbo on park map now! Photo ©Banks Lee

 

Dumbo on park map
Storybook Circus on the Magic Kingdom park map Photo ©Banks Lee. Another photo by AttractionsMagazine confirms that #35 on the map will be the Casey Jr. Splash and Soak Station play area. Fun!! Thanks @FLAOrangeBlossm for the tip!

 

The following photos are  © Facebook group – WDW and Back Again.

Storybook Circus Cast Member costumes
Storybook Circus Cast Member costumes!

 

Goofy's Barnstormer - The Great Goofini
Goofy's Barnstormer - The Great Goofini kids coaster is now open too.

 

WDW Railroad Fantasyland station
WDW Railroad Fantasyland Station now reopened! The clock face says "Carolwood Park" a lovely tribute to Walt's original backyard train set, named the Carolwood Pacific.

 

Friend and professional photographer David Manning just shared the following panoramic photos with me (click to enlarge):

 

Panoramic shot of the area from the Storybook Circus train station
Panoramic shot of the area from the Storybook Circus train station. Photo ©David Manning

 

Panoramic Dumbo
Panoramic shot of the new Dumbo. Photo ©David Manning

 

New Great Goofini Barnstormer
Amazing shot of the newly themed Barnstormer - The Great Goofini. Photo ©David Manning

 

Don’t forget to get your pilot’s license!

Dumbo pilots license
Photo ©David Manning

 

More to come when I get to the Magic Kingdom myself!

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Filed Under: Disney Attractions, Disney News, Walt Disney World Tagged With: Disney News, Fantasyland Expansion, new Dumbo, New Fantasyland, soft opening, Storybook Circus

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