Fantasyland is one of the "themed lands" at all of the Disneyland-style parks run by The Walt Disney Company around the world. It is themed after Disney's animated fairy tale feature films. Each Fantasyland has a castle, as well as several gentle rides themed after those Disney animated feature films.
Disneyland
History and environs
Fantasyland is one of the original themed lands at Disneyland. Fantasyland features Sleeping Beauty Castle at its main entrance, which is also the park's icon, and a central courtyard dominated by King Arthur Carrousel, in front of which sits a sword in an anvil; several times each day a costumed Merlin helps a child pull the sword from it. The entrance also contains a separate walk-through attraction that opened in 1957 but was closed from 2001 to 2008 due to security concerns following the September 11 attacks. The attraction reopened in May 2008.
The famed "Fantasy in the Sky Fireworks" show was introduced in 1956, but Tinker Bell's first flight wasn't until 1961. The first Tinker Bell was Tiny Kline, a former circus aerialist. Multiple shows have replaced this, most involving some sort of 'flying' character, such as Tinker Bell.
In 1983, Fantasyland received a major facelift (dubbed "New Fantasyland")Post card showing "New Fantasyland" http://www.perrific.com/disney/cards/card29.html and the attraction façades changed from a Renaissance motif to a fantasy mock up of a Bavarian village, similar to the European setting of many of the fairy tales Walt adapted. During the development of New Fantasyland, Dale Burner served as Disneyland's Fantasyland/Tomorrowland Director. An August 1982 issue of the employee publication Disneyland LINE identified Burner in this role while discussing preparations for the project and changes being made to Fantasyland facilities. The area was expanded to allow for more space between attractions. Existing rides were given small but helpful upgrades; new rides were added; and only a small handful of less popular attractions were removed. To commemorate the opening of New Fantasyland, the drawbridge was lowered on Sleeping Beauty Castle for only the second time ever (the first being the park's opening in 1955).
The plaque in front of the castle marks the spot where the Disneyland Time Capsule is buried. Sealed on the 40th anniversary of the park in 1995, it contains different items from the history of Disney parks, and is scheduled to be opened in the year 2035.
Current attractions and entertainment
Alice in Wonderland (1958–present) Casey Jr. Circus Train (1955–present) Dumbo the Flying Elephant (1955–present) It's a Small World (1966–present) Fantasy Faire Royal Hall Royal Theatre Fantasyland Theatre Holiday Fun with Santa and Friends (2024–2025; seasonal) "Bluey's Best Day Ever!" (2026, based on the Australian television series Bluey) King Arthur Carrousel (1955–present) Mad Tea Party (1955–present) Matterhorn Bobsleds (1959–present) Mr. Toad's Wild Ride (1955–present) Peter Pan's Flight (1955–present) Pinocchio's Daring Journey (1983–present) Pixie Hollow (2008–present) Sleeping Beauty Castle walk-through (1957–2001, 2008–present) Snow White Grotto (1961–present) Snow White's Enchanted Wish (1955–present) Storybook Land Canal Boats (1955–present)
Former attractions and entertainment Snow White and Her Adventures (1955–82) Canal Boats of the World (1955) Mickey Mouse Club Circus (1955–56) Mickey Mouse Club Theater (1955–82, replaced by Pinocchio's Daring Journey) Keller's Jungle Killers (1956) Skyway to Tomorrowland (1956–94) Motor Boat Cruise (1957–93) Midget Autopia (1957–66) Fantasyland Autopia (1959–99) Skull Rock (1960–82) Snow White's Scary Adventures (1983–2020) Videopolis (1985–2006) Fantasyland Depot (1961–93, re-themed as Toon Town Depot) Disney Afternoon Avenue, featuring the Disney Afternoon characters (1991): Baloo's Dressing Room Motor Boat Cruise to Gummi Glen Rescue Rangers Raceway Ariel's Grotto in Triton's Garden (1996–2008, replaced by Pixie Hollow) Fantasyland Theater: "Plane Crazy" Stage Show (1991–2012) Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage (1992–95) The Spirit of Pocahontas (1995–97) Disney's Animazement – The Musical (1998–2001) Minnie's Christmas Party (2001–02) Mickey's Detective School (2002–03) Snow White: An Enchanting Musical (2004–05) Disney Princess Fantasy Faire (2006–12) Mickey and the Magical Map (2013–20) Tale of the Lion King(2022–24) Pixar Pals Playtime Party (2024–25) Fantasia Gardens (1993–2006) Royal Theatre "Frozen" (2015–16)
Current restaurants and refreshments Edelweiss Snacks Maurice's Treats Red Rose Taverne Troubadour Tavern
Former restaurants and refreshments Character Foods (1955–81) Chicken of the Sea Pirate Ship/Captain Hook's Galley (1955–82, replaced by Dumbo the Flying Elephant) Welch's Grape Juice Stand (1956–81) Yumz (1985–2004) Enchanted Cottage Sweets & Treats (2004–2012) Village Haus Restaurant (1983–2017)
Current shops Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique The Castle Holiday Shop Stromboli's Cart Royal Reception Fairy Tale Treasures "It's a Small World" Toy Shop Le Petit Chalet The Mad Hatter
Former shops Merlin's Magic Shop (1955–83) Tinker Bell Toy Shoppe (1957–2008) Castle Candy Kitchen/Shoppe (1958–67) Arts & Crafts Shop (1958–82) Clock Shop (1963–69) Castle Arts (1983–87) Mickey's Christmas Chalet (1983–87) Geppetto's Arts & Crafts (1983–2007) Briar Rose Cottage (1987–91) Castle Christmas Shop (1987–96) Disney Villains (1991–1996) The Castle Heraldry Shoppe (1994–2017) Names Unraveled (1995–2005) Knight Shop (1997–98) Princess Boutique (1997–2005) Villains Lair (1998–2004) 50th Anniversary Shop (2005–06) Three Fairies Magic Crystals (2006–08)
Magic Kingdom
Expansion The area went through a large expansion and renovation between 2010 and 2014.
Conceptual artwork for the expansion shows several new additions and changes. Included is the dark ride themed to Disney Animation's 1989 film The Little Mermaid, and an area themed to Disney Animation's 1991 film Beauty and the Beast featuring the Beast's Castle with a new sit-down restaurant and Belle's cottage. Between the two attractions life-sized figures of Bambi and Thumper can be seen playing in the woodland with the Great Prince of the Forest watching them from a distance. There is also a rest area themed to Disney Animation's 2010 film Tangled, and an interactive queue for Peter Pan's Flight.Walt Disney World opens "Tangled" themed rest area, further expanding Fantasyland with device charging area and bathrooms Retrieved March 8, 2013
There were originally plans for an area and attraction based on The Chronicles of Narnia film series as part of the expansion but they were cancelled when Walden Media’s contract with C. S. Lewis' estate expired in 2011.Peter Pan's Flight debuts new themed queue taking Walt Disney World guests through the Darlings' house Retrieved July 8, 2015
Mickey's Toontown Fair was closed on February 11, 2011 in order to build the Storybook Circus area of the Fantasyland extension. Some elements of Mickey's Toontown Fair were demolished and others were re-themed to the new area. Storybook Circus is based on elements of the 1941 animated film Dumbo and other characters from the Mickey Mouse universe. The Dumbo the Flying Elephant ride was removed from Fantasyland and rebuilt in Storybook Circus, the new version doubling the capacity of the old ride and introducing an interactive queue. The Barnstormer at Goofy's Wiseacre Farm was renamed The Barnstormer featuring the Great Goofini. Storybook Circus has been completed and became fully open to the public on October 4, 2012. The first stage was completed on March 12, 2012 ("The Barnstormer", the renovated Storybook Circus train station, and the first half of the new Dumbo ride). The second phase of Storybook Circus (the second half of Dumbo, the indoor queue area, and the Casey Jr. Splash 'n' Soak Station) opened in July 2012. The third and final phase (Pete's Silly Sideshow and Big Top Souvenirs) saw the completion of Storybook Circus on October 4, 2012.
Snow White's Scary Adventures closed on May 31, 2012. The original ride was removed and Princess Fairytale Hall, a new Disney Princess "meet and greet" area, opened on September 18, 2013, where the attraction previously existed.Princess Fairytale Hall to make royal debut on Sept 18 as Walt Disney World completes new home for Cinderella, Rapunzel Inside the Magic, Retrieved September 7, 2013 An area themed to Disney Animation's 1937 film Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs features the dwarfs' cottage and a new roller coaster ride called the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. The coaster features a first-of-its-kind ride system with a train of ride vehicles that swing back and forth, responding to the twists and turns of the track. Although not part of the original plans for the new Fantasyland, this attraction took the place of several proposed interactive Disney Princess meet and greets; these have been removed from the updated plans for the expansion. The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train opened on May 28, 2014, completing New Fantasyland.
On May 2, 2024, Magic Kingdom announced a new interactive game attraction, Smellephants on Parade, where guests can find 8 pachyderms throughout Storybook Circus in a search-and-sniff adventure.
Current attractions and entertainment Note: ▲ = Genie Plus / Lightning Lane available
Attractions Castle Courtyard Mickey's PhilharMagic – located inside the Fantasyland Theatre. ▲ Princess Fairytale Hall – offers indoor daily character greetings with Disney Princesses. ▲ Fairytale Garden – currently offering a daily outdoor character greeting with Mirabel Madrigal from Encanto. Enchanted Forest Enchanted Tales with Belle – an indoor daily interactive character greeting with Belle. ▲ Ariel's Grotto – an indoor daily character greeting with Ariel. ▲ Storybook Circus Casey Jr. Splash 'n' Soak Station Pete's Silly Sideshow – an indoor character greeting space featuring Minnie, Goofy, Donald, and Daisy. Named after Pete from the Mickey Mouse cartoons. Smellephants on Parade – a new interactive game where you go around sniffing elephant statues in Storybook Circus.
Rides Enchanted Forest The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Undersea Adventure ▲ Seven Dwarfs Mine Train ▲ Mad Tea Party ▲ The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh ▲ Castle Courtyard It's a Small World ▲ Peter Pan's Flight ▲ Prince Charming Regal Carrousel – named after Cinderella's prince. Storybook Circus Dumbo the Flying Elephant ▲ The Barnstormer ▲
Merchandise Castle Courtyard Fantasy Faire – the exit gift shop at Mickey's PhiharMagic. Sir Mickeys – gift shop themed after the Mickey and the Beanstalk segment from the 1947 Disney film Fun and Fancy Free. Guests can be "pixie-dusted" inside the store. Enchanted Forest Cottage of the Three Fairies - confectionery shop themed after the fairies’ cottage in the 1959 Disney film Sleeping Beauty. Hundred Acre Goods – specializes in Winnie-the-Pooh-themed merchandise. Bonjour Village Gifts Storybook Circus Big Top Souvenirs – a large gift shop that includes an ear-hat embroidery station and a smaller version of the confectionery.
Points Of Interest Castle Courtyard Rapunzel's Tower – a themed area and replica of Rapunzel's Tower from the 2010 Disney film Tangled. Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boutique – offers Disney Princess makeovers for children. Cinderella Fountain – Cinderella themed fountain located near the castle. Cinderella's Wishing Well – Cinderella themed Wishing well located near the castle. Storybook Circus Walt Disney World Railroad Fantasyland Railroad Station
Daytime shows Castle Courtyard Mickey's Magical Friendship Faire
Former attractions and entertainment Fantasyland Theatre Mickey Mouse Revue (1971–83) Magic Journeys (1987–93) Legend of the Lion King (1994–2002) 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea: Submarine Voyage (1971–94)