Photo by Ted and Dina Hathaway
Here is the Question of the Week
For the past year the talk about WDW has been mainly about the new Fantasyland. New rides, restaurants, and theme changes are rapidly approaching. With 2012 coming fast, what are you looking forward to most about the new Fantasyland?
Lauren R. (DVC Member) Anyone with small children knows how excited they become upon seeing Dumbo flying high in the air. I know it's a ride we could find at any traveling carnival, but there is magic within that little gray elephant. So much magic in fact that otherwise sane adults willingly stand in the blazing hot sun for two hours just to allow their child to experience the ride. I know, as I've been that adult. There are no fans circulating overhead, no roof to block the unforgiving Florida sun and most importantly, nothing to keep little ones well entertained while they wait. With the expansion of Fantasyland at Walt Disney World due to be completed in 2012, the concern of possible heatstroke diminishes. Dumbo the Flying Elephant, traditionally found behind Cinderella's Castle and to the right, will find a new home in the now defunct Mickey's Toontown Fair. It is slated to not only have extended coverage from the sun but to actually have two rides running simultaneously. The major problem with Dumbo now is supply and demand; Lots of riders, few seats and an extended time period for loading and unloading. Explaining to a hot, tired and no longer patient 3 year old they have to wait even longer than the hour they just stood in line isn't fun! My hope is with the second Dumbo (and therefore a higher seating capacity), added with protection from the sun and an interactive, entertaining queue, wait times can be significantly cut down. Fantasyland has always been where my small boys feel most at home in the Magic Kingdom. It's great to know that Disney is thinking not only of their enjoyment but also their safety. And maybe they also considered at least a very little bit, parents' sanity, including my own.
Bill W. (18 Time Visitor) The Fantasyland expansion will bring plenty of new and exciting offerings Magic Kingdom's Fantasyland. The one I am looking forward to the most is "Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid." To me, nothing says Fantasyland more than a Dark Ride. Rides like the bygone Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, Peter Pan, and The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, transport you to a fantasy world of books and stories. I love the Little Mermaid story and music, the Voyage of the Little Mermaid is one my favorite shows at Walt Disney World. A Little Mermaid themed ride is a perfect addition to the other Dark Ride offerings in Fantasyland. I can already see myself being serenaded by Ariel, Flounder, and Sebastian as we glide under the sea in a giant Clam-mobile. I can't wait to experience it for real next year!!
Ted H. (Annual Passholder) What I look for most out of the New Fantasy expansion in 2012, is a return of the magic of Disney. What does that mean you ask? I'm a Florida passholder and my fiancée and I have been to the parks over 40 times this year, and most of the times its not to go on any particular ride or eat at any certain restaurant, but just the magic. Half the fun at being at Disney is being at Disney, watching all the excitement around you. Unfortunately during the expansion what you see from the north side of Magic Kingdom is a big green wall that takes away from the feel of being in Fantasyland. And once those walls come down and you get to see what Magic the Disney Imagineers have created, I don't believe it'll be one particular ride or restaurant that catches your eyes, but just the whole wonderfulness of the expansion and how it seamless bridges the old Fantasyland and the new. Can't wait to see the magic.
James H. (Cast Member DCL) With all the news about the new Fantasyland expansion, it's hard not to get excited about my next trip to The Walt Disney World Resort. From the first mention of the new seven dwarfs mine train attraction, with it's all new ride vehicle technology, I can immediately tell it will soon become a cherished favorite at the Magic Kingdom. Then we move to the new "Be Our Guest" restaurant, a quaint quick service dining location during the day, and a beautiful dining experience by night. This lavish restaurant promises to be a unique addition to the world-class dining experiences that Disney Parks continues to offer their guests. However the one addition that I am most looking forward to is The Little Mermaid dark ride. I first learned of WDI's plans for this attraction when searching the special features of "The Little Mermaid" DVD. I watched a document on "The ride that almost was," and learnt all about the planned attraction as well as take a virtual ride through. Then to my disappointment I learnt that WDI had moved their plans to the side. After waiting for this ride to make its return from the WDI vault, finding out that it was to be included in the new fantasyland expansion was extremely exciting! And with all the other little additions, I can tell that the new Fantasyland will soon become home to many happy memories for many guests."
Bill S. (Author) While I am very excited for everything new that is coming to Fantasyland in 2012-2013, the thing I am most intrigued with is the brand new Dumbo ride. Taking away an opening day classic like Dumbo the Flying Elephant is a tragedy, and I know people are saying that the new ride will be better. Dumbo is one of thos symbolic rides that people immediately think of when they think of Magic Kingdom. I am interested in seeing how good this much larger, double circular Dumbo with the interactive waiting area will be. You know Disney World has to pull out all the stops for this, otherwise there is going to be quite a backlash by the Disney Purists out there. It will be very fun to see when it makes its way to Disney World next year.
One thing is for sure, with all the new attractions, dining, and extras Disney is planning for the new Fantasyland, it will definitely be something to go see. Thank you for reading Blog 1 Part 1 of the Disney World Nation. Please come back in a few days when 6 more Disney fans give their opinions on this topic. Have a magical night
Bill Sauerbier
No comments:
Post a Comment