by Rosanna on July 19, 2010
This is Part 2 of a three-part series about the Fantasyland section of Walt Disney World‘s Magic Kingdom.
Once you step outside Cinderella Castle the enchantment does not end. Beside the castle you may find a special little place called Fairytale Garden where Belle (from Beauty and the Beast) stops several times a day to read a story and mingle with guests. Check the Park Times Guide to find out show times.
Willie the Giant
Moving on from Cinderella Castle, fans of Tinkerbell might want to get there early. The first one to enter
Tinkerbell’s Treasures, right on the other side of Cinderella Castle, may awaken the fairy by opening her wooden box on a shelf behind the cashier at the back of the shop. If you are not the first you may still observe the pixie dust trail she leaves as she moves through the shop during the day. Peeking through the first keyhole of the sewing drawer near the front of the shop you can catch a glimpse of her. The shop is divided into the Darling children’s nursery and Captain Hooks ship with the ship’s wheel in the middle.
Across from Tinkerbell’s Treasures you will find Sir. Mickey’s Shop, based on Disney’s version of Jack and the Beanstalk. Looking at the ceiling toward the back you might spot Willie the Giant lifting the roof to peak in the building. Down the street, before reaching Cinderella’s Golden Carousel you will find Excalibur protruding from an anvil just like in the legend of King Arthur. Another little detail, if you look down at the pavement you will find the bricks to be shaped like the blade of a sword.
[click to read on…]
by Rosanna on July 14, 2010
This is Part 1 of a three part series about the Fantasyland section of Walt Disney World‘s Magic Kingdom.
As you leave Main Street USA you enter the Old World setting of Fantasyland. Subtle differences in landscaping, sound and architecture gently merge from one land to another. On the far side of the central Hub in front of Cinderella Castle one passes the “Partners” statue of Walt and Mickey. You may notice the land rise toward the castle. Beneath the pavement are the Utilidors; facilities, offices and tunnels that allow for the flawless functioning of the show. All of The Magic Kingdom is raised in this way, above the Florida water table, using the earth dredged from the Seven Seas Lagoon, except for Mickey’s Toontown, which opened after the park was opened.
Fairy Tales Come Alive in Fantasyland
As you enter Fantasyland, the Disney classics based on the tales of the Brothers Grimm, are brought to life in this recreation of the old world. Castles, medieval style tents and other details inspire you to imagine yourself in a fairy tale handed down through the generations. The temporary tents were there originally to hide some unfinished work but remained as they add to the atmosphere.
Cinderella Castle is a prime example of the charm of the old world setting, seeming to tower above the land. In reality much of that is the result of forced perspective to trick the eye into thinking something is taller than it is. Many of the buildings in Disneyland are built to the scale of 80/60/40 with 80 being at the bottom and 40 at the top. This is necessary since the buildings can only be so high because of the requirement of airplane beacons over 200 feet.
The three-circle design of the stone fence as you approach the castle will cast Mickey’s shadow at certain times of the day. To prevent children from sticking their heads through the circles and getting stuck, the rose in the center was added. The original design remains on the front of Cinderella Castle to either side of the clock.
When you enter the castle be sure to look up to see the Disney coat of arms over the entrance and exit. Once inside if you look to the left you will see a mosaic of Cinderella’s story and notice along the way the columns are covered with carvings of her forest friends. Crests can be seen along the walls, family emblems of Disney executives and imagineers. A book of the various crests may be requested to identify each one. Behind the castle is a fountain with Cinderella’s likeness made in such a way that when you bend down to take a drink you are bowing to the princess as her crown magically appears on her head.
As you move on beyond the Cinderella Castle you will find Tinkerbell’s Treasures to your left. We’ll talk about the rest of Fantasyland in Part 2 of this series.
The whimsical ride, Peter Pan’s Flight, is located in the Fatasyland section of Disney’s Magic Kingdom and is geared towards children. Parents along for the ride with their child will be delighted by their child’s reactions to the fun they are having on Peter Pan’s Flight. So if you do go with your kids here are some hints not only Peter Pan’s Flight, but navigating most of Fantasyland.
- Park your strollers in one spot. Fantasyland is rather small so it is easier than loading and unloading at every ride.
- The best time to visit Fantasyland is before 11am and after 7pm. The lines for these rides can get extremely long during midday and in the summer months.
Peter Pan’s Flight starts as you board a pirate ship that suspends riders just a foot or so off the floor. As you sail above Nana’s doghouse and into the city lights of London, riders fly over Big Ben and then it’s off to the second star to the right and straight on till morning. as the story goes, you have now entered Never Never Land.
The ride continues to show you the wonders of Peter Pan’s home, flying you over the Indian camp, Captain Hook’s cove, and the tree where the Lost Boys live. Riders are also shown the mermaids, along with the Indian princesses held captive by Captain Hook. Finally riders on Peter Pan’s flight are entertained by the battle between Peter and Hook, and of course Disney didn’t forget about the ol’ crocodile that Captain Hook “loves” so much, too.
Out of all the the Fantasyland rides in Disney’s Magic Kingdom, this one gives riders the feeling like they are riding really riding through a movie set as a spectator to what’s going on. A great ride for all ages, even parents will be reminded why they loved this Disney Classic. If you are a fan of the Peter Pan movie, you’ll definitely love the ride and your children will too!
