If ever Aristotle’s saying, “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts” was true, it’s with regard to the new-and-improved Fantasyland in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. Upon close inspection, each element attracts certain, consistent criticisms (except for Gaston, he’s perfect and everyone loves him) – but add all the pieces together and the overall experience is extraordinary.
Ten Best Things About New Fantasyland
10. Best Bathroom Beacon in the World – I feel a little bit sad every time I see the amazingly perfect and gorgeous Tangled Tower – I want it to be an attraction. Alas, it’s only the greatest theme park restroom area known to man.
9. Walls of Great Beauty – The grand entrances to Fantasyland set the perfect tone for what you can expect overall. It feels big and majestic, royal and whimsical – all at once.
8. Beast’s Castle is a Sight to Behold – Both inside and out, this recreation from Beauty and the Beast is absolutely (and amazingly) perfect. While I might not love the food (although I’ve yet to try the breakfast), I adore every room and each tiny detail. Based on my experiences at both lunch and dinner, I recommend lunch.
7. Antlers in All of the Decorating – Even if you don’t want to eat, do step into the courtyard area around Gaston’s Tavern and have a look around. The details (check the fountain!) are awesome. Head on into the tavern and you’ll find it exactly as you’d imagine.
6. Little Mermaid’s Clever Queue – The queue is actually better than the ride for most of us. Unless you’re a little one who has yet to exhaust the ability to see the Little Mermaid’s story again and again, the wait may be better than the attraction. Plenty of things to see and do while waiting in line make this a great place to skip using a FastPass for and just soak up all the special touches.
5. Magical Details Do Not Disappoint – Look up, look down, listen carefully – all that we love about Disney’s attention to the minutia is alive and well in Fantasyland. Overall the new additions blend well with the “old” Fantasyland elements, but there are plenty of excellent tiny surprises to delight guests of all ages.
4. Belle is Everything You Hoped She Be – Enchanted Tales With Belle is worth a FastPass (or visiting during Extra Magic Hours). Interactive, fun, and special – I’ve not heard anyone say they didn’t love this meet-and-greet experience.
3. Pork Shank of Happiness – If you’ve been here at all before, you surely know how much our family adores the Roasted Pork Shank in Gaston’s Tavern. If you’re looking for a snack, there’s plenty to share. If you’re starving…it’s an awesomely satisfying hunk of meaty goodness.
2. Seven Dwarfs – Short but Sweet (HA! See what I did there?) – Two minutes is such a short time, I almost stress over how much there is to take in before the ride is over! A wonderful kiddie coaster, guests of all ages will love this attraction. You’ll want to ride it multiple times. I’d book a FastPass if arriving after park opening or expect a very long wait in line.
1. The Many Moods of Gaston – He’s worth waiting for. If it’s at all possible, while you’re in Magic Kingdom, do NOT miss seeing Gaston (in the courtyard near Gaston’s Tavern). Boys, girls, men, women – Everyone loves Gaston! He’s THE best character we’ve ever seen at Walt Disney World and I cannot recommend meeting him enough.
Have you visited the new Fantasyland area? What did you love most?