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.
