Mouse Extra

Now that the hubbub has calmed down from the big D23 Expo, we can more fully assess the Fantasyland expansion. First of all, Disney keeps hammering home that these plans are the largest expansion in the history of the Magic Kingdom. They love to tell us that Fantasyland will be doubling in size.
 
But its all a bit misleading. Its not as if this is adding new land to the Magic Kingdom. In fact, there is a fair amount of stuff being removed to make way for this “expansion.” Thus, we have to look at the equation. What is being added and what is being removed.

 
We all know is going in. A E-ticket Little Mermaid ride, meet and greets with Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty. A new dining experience at Beast’s castle and Gaston’s pub. A new Pixie Hollow with more meet and greets with Tinkerbell and friends. Dumbo is being moved into a big tent with a second identical ride. Dueling Dumbos if you will. There are a lot of interesting details about the additions. Apparently, the Beauty and the Beast eatery will be counter service for lunch and sit down for dinner. It will also apparently include more Living Character Initiative AAs. I assume that will mean we’ll get Mrs Potts, Chip, Luminere and some others talking to guests as they eat.
 
Disney is also experimenting with a new way to queue. Apparently, the guest will enter the Big Top for Dumbo and will recieve a number. They can then check out numerous interactive exhibits or just sit on the bleachers waiting for the Ring Leader to call out their number. Then they get on the ride. Interesting idea, I suppose, but we will have to wait and see how it will work.

 
 
You can view all of the concept art from Disney’s announcement here.
 
So what are we losing? Surprisingly not that much. Toontown is essentially gone. Disney has said they want to keep the Barnstormer presumably as part of the Circus area. In fact, if you look at the concept art, you will see the coaster near the Dumbo’s tent. Pixie Hollow, which will open later than the rest, will occupy the rest of the old Toontown area. The Princess stuff will take over the old 20,000 Leagues area so you can count on the Pooh Playground being a goner, as well. It appears the Carousel will be saved. I am not as clear on Snow White. Its right in the line of fire so to speak. I assume, however, it will be incorporated into the new area. I also have no idea about Winnie the Pooh or the The Tea Cups. I believe you can still see the Tea Cups in the concept art but Pooh is not as clear. I imagine that it will stick around as it is relatively new and is certainly popular.
 
I love these plans myself. What we are losing is relatively nothing in the scale of things. No more Judge’s Tent. Thats fine. No more Pooh Playground. Big whoop. Perhaps, there is a bit too much in the way of Princesses. But thats ok with me. Fantasyland has being going in the princess direction for some time. Perhaps the biggest loss is in the “what could have been” category. Another dark ride in lieu of one of these meet and greets would have been nice. The rumored Snow White Mine Car Coaster would have been quite cool and fun in this newly envisioned Princess Fantasyland.

Today’s posting is from Mike, contributing writer to Mouse Extra.