A Look at New Fantasyland with Imagineer Chris Beatty

MouseStation 438 - A Look at New Fantasyland with Imagineer Chris Beatty

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Show run time 0:49:24

On today's show, Mark talks with Chris Beatty, Creative Director for the Fantasyland Expansion, about what's coming up in New Fantasyland at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom.

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Feature: A Look at New Fantasyland with Imagineer Chris Beatty

Mark talks with Chris Beatty, Creative Director for the Fantasyland Expansion, about what's coming up in New Fantasyland at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom.

The Fantasyland Expansion was originally announced with a major slant toward princesses and fairies, and later shifted to have a more balanced approach. Chris noted that this was the earliest that fans were given the opportunity to see information about a project that was still in development. The land was still in "blue sky" phase, and a lot of it was changed. The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Coaster was originally in the plans during the blue sky phase, and was brought back. Chris noted that the Enchanted Tales with Belle attraction is being designed to appeal to all members of the family.

With the construction of the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, there's no need for two Snow White-themed attractions. Snow White's Scary Adventures will be rebuilt to provide a home in the castle courtyard for Cinderella, Belle, Aurora, and Snow White to have a royal place to meet the guests. When the princesses move to their new home, there has been no real thought put into who will replace them at Town Square Theater.

Storybook Circus will open early next year, but a lot of things are still up in the air and dates may change quite a bit. Dumbo will close in its current location, then the new Dumbo spinner will open up in Storybook Circus a short while later. The existing Dumbo spinner will go off for refurbishment, then be installed later next to the new spinner. Goofy's Barnstormer will reopen in the same general time frame as the first spinner, rethemed as The Great Goofini. The theme and usage of the tents in the back of the area have not yet been set. Everything is still in flux, and changes may happen between now and opening.

Beast's Castle is looking amazing, and everyone that walks through the ballroom is floored by how much it looks like the movie. The ride portion of the Little Mermaid attraction is identical to the one that has already opened at Disney California Adventure, but the queue and show building design is completely different. You travel to and into Prince Eric's castle as you approach the load/unload area. A wall is going up to separate the Castle Courtyard area from the Fantasyland Forest to provide a thematic transition from the neater courtyard area to the wilder forest.

Please note that the dates for openings and closings on the Walt Disney World website are always tentative, and may shift based on how construction is going.

Let us know what you think of the attractions and other changes planned for New Fantasyland!

Magical Moment

This week's Magical Moment comes via voicemail from Vickie from Starksboro, who told us about how a rainbow changed her family's outlook at the weary end of a day at Epcot.

Listener Feedback

This week's listener feedback was recorded back in October for the show that never was, and we're bringing it to you unedited.

Sharla called to give us her three wishes for the next major construction project at Walt Disney World. She wanted to have Cinderella Castle made more interactive, a couple more countries at World Showcase, and replacement of attractions like Sounds Dangerous and Stitch's Great Escape. Sharla also mentioned her new baby. Congratulations to Sharla and her hubby Lou!

John Rodriguez wrote in to update us on the new attractions at Disneyland Resort. He gave us a rundown on Star Tours: The Adventures Continue, World of Color, The Little Mermaid, Silly Symphony Swings, Little Mermaid, and Boardwalk Pizza, and Hungry Bear Restaurant.

Vickie from Starksboro called in with three and a half wishes for the next construction project. Vickie would like to see the Sorcerer's Hat at the Studios go away, the addition of South America and Australia to Disney's Animal Kingdom (with South America replacing Dinoland and Australia replacing Conservation Station), and adding more attractions to Pixar Place.

Mary Tesch wrote in to follow up on listener suggestions on places to eat for her son't birthday dinner near Disneyland. In the end, he picked Napa Rose. Mary's daughter selected Steakhouse 55 for her unbirthday dinner. Mary provided her thoughts on dinner, as well.

Jeffrey Contompasis wrote in to express excitement over the idea of bringing Avatar to Disney's Animal Kingdom.

Matt wrote in to give four wishes for construction projects for Disneyland Resort. He wished for a walkway from Critter Country to another area of the park, redevelopment of the Fantasyland Skyway station, the return of the Main Street Electrical Parade, and redevelopment of the Princess Fantasy Faire and Festival area.

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