Fantasyland expansion at Walt Disney World

Things to Do

The highly-anticipated Fantasyland grand opening at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando (Dec. 6) showcases a variety of new experiences for families to enjoy.

Set in one of the tents in Storybook Circus, Pete's Silly Sideshow character greeting shines the spotlight on Minnie Magnifique (Minnie Mouse as a circus star), Madame Daisy Fortuna (Daisy Duck as a fortune teller), The Great Goofini (Goofy as a stunt pilot) and The Astounding Donaldo (Donald Duck as a snake charmer). Storybook Circus is part of the expansion project which nearly doubles the size of Fantasyland, a multiyear project set to grand open Dec. 6, 2012 at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

Guests take flight with Goofy on "The Barnstormer" featuring The Great Goofini, a family coaster attraction featuring Mickey's best pal---and the circus' stuntman---in his very own aerial acrobatics act. Located in Storybook Circus, the Barnstormer is part of New Fantasyland, a multiyear project and the largest expansion in Magic Kingdom history.

Located in Magic Kingdom, Prince Eric's castle is home to Ariel and her friends in Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid. This new attraction will take guests through beautifully rendered scenes featuring classic songs from the popular animated feature film. The attraction is part of New Fantasyland, a multiyear project and the largest expansion in Magic Kingdom history. Grand opening of New Fantasyland is set for Dec. 6, 2012 at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

Arriving at the shoreline of Prince Eric's Castle, Magic Kingdom guests encounter waterfalls, cliffs and even a shipwreck as they descend through the grottos and caverns to meet Ariel and her friends in Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid. This new attraction takes guests through beautifully rendered scenes featuring classic songs from the popular animated feature film. The attraction is part of New Fantasyland, a multiyear project and the largest expansion in Magic Kingdom history at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

Guests take a spin on "Dumbo, the Flying Elephant" at Magic Kingdom Park. With an unprecedented two Dumbos aloft, guests get to their flights faster aboard one of the park's most iconic attractions. Connecting the two Dumbos, a new "big top" area allows guests to immerse themselves in circus lore in a series of fun, interactive experiences before a spin with their favorite circus elephant. The double Dumbos help anchor the Storybook Circus area of New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park -- part of the largest expansion in Magic Kingdom history.

Guests take a spin on "Dumbo, the Flying Elephant" at Magic Kingdom Park. With and unprecedented two Dumbos aloft, guests get to their flights faster aboard one of the park's most iconic attractions. Connecting the two Dumbos, a new “big top” area allows guests to immerse themselves in circus lore in a series of fun, interactive experiences before a spin with their favorite circus elephant. The double Dumbos help anchor the Storybook Circus area of New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park -- part of the largest expansion in Magic Kingdom history.

Casey Jr. Splash 'N' Soak Station brings the circus to New Fantasyland June 15 with a water play area where monkeys, elephants and giraffes splash along with guests. Joining Dumbo, the Flying Elephant and Barnstormer featuring the Great Goofini in Storybook Circus, Casey Jr. is the most recent phase to open in Magic Kingdom's Fantasyland expansion. Magic Kingdom is located at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

Guests take a spin on "Dumbo the Flying Elephant," as the first of two Dumbos took flight this spring. With a planned second Dumbo officially joining the circus in July, Magic Kingdom guests will get to their flights faster aboard one of the Magic Kingdom’s most iconic attractions. The double Dumbos help anchor the new Storybook Circus area of Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park -- part of the largest expansion in Magic Kingdom history.

When the second phase of Dumbo the Flying Elephant opens, waiting in line will become as much of an event as the ride itself. As guests arrive, they'll receive a circus ticket pager that will virtually hold their place and notify them when it's their turn to board the attraction. That will free them to go under the Big Top, where kids of all ages will be part of the show. The circus-themed experiences will provide an array of fun-filled games and interactive wonders while they wait to take to the skies. Dumbo the Flying Elephant is part of the expansion project which nearly doubles the size of Fantasyland, a multiyear project that began opening in phases in March 2012 at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

Walt Disney World Resort guests were treated to a first look at new castle walls unveiled Sept. 12, 2012 at Magic Kingdom. The castle walls are part of New Fantasyland, a multiyear project and the largest expansion in Magic Kingdom history. Grand opening of New Fantasyland is set for Dec. 6, 2012.

Tucked in a meadow just beyond the forest's edge, Maurice's Cottage brings a country scene to Magic Kingdom guests. With a winding stone pathway leading the way, guests are invited into Belle's childhood home for an inside look into Maurice's workshop at Enchanted Tales with Belle. This unique experience is part of New Fantasyland, a multiyear project and the largest expansion in Magic Kingdom history at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

1/23

Set in one of the tents in Storybook Circus, Pete's Silly Sideshow character greeting shines the spotlight on Minnie Magnifique (Minnie Mouse as a circus star), Madame Daisy Fortuna (Daisy Duck as a fortune teller), The Great Goofini (Goofy as a stunt pilot) and The Astounding Donaldo (Donald Duck as a snake charmer). Storybook Circus is part of the expansion project which nearly doubles the size of Fantasyland, a multiyear project set to grand open Dec. 6, 2012 at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

Today's Gallery Headlines

Alerts

PHOTOS: Day 5 of spring training for the Braves

Metro Atlanta students write valentines to veterans

PHOTOS: Georgia teams dance way to state championships

PHOTOS: Day 3 of Spring Training for Braves

PHOTOS: The Weeknd electrifies the crowd at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz stadium

PHOTOS: Beyoncé fans arrive for 4-night Atlanta Cowboy Carter Tour stop

PHOTOS: Juneteenth Parade held in College Park

PHOTOS: Rapper Rick Ross holds 4th annual car show in Fayetteville