One notion among folks who aren't familiar with the Disney experience is that it's for the kids. Those of us who spend time at the parks know differently, of course, but there's one place where that idea is kind of true, and that's Fantasyland.
We don't usually spend much time in Fantasyland other than walking through, or at Be Our Guest, the Beauty and the Beast inspired restaurant, so it surprised us when we started planning this Photo Tour that we couldn't really present it in just one article. We decided to do a Part 1 and Part 2 just to bring out its best.
This month, we'll concentrate on the older parts, with what we consider to be the classic representation of Fantasyland. That's the area from behind Cinderella Castle, westward to Liberty Square.
Behind Cinderella Castle, you can visit the Princess Fairytale Hall where you can meet many of the Disney Princesses, including Rapunzel, Tiana, Elena of Avalor, and more. Photo by Donald Fink.
This is nothing more than a restroom in Fantasyland. It's interesting because it's themed after the movie “Tangled,” featuring Rapunzel. Photo by Bonnie Fink.
Several times during the day the story “The Sword in the Stone” is told, and a guest is invited to try to pull the sword from the stone. Photo by Bonnie Fink.
Who so pulleth out this sword of this stone and anvil is right wise ruler born of England. Photo by Bonnie Fink.
Everything you need for your princess and even a few things for your prince can be found in Sir Mickey's. Photo by Donald Fink.
While looking for your favorite princess doll at Sir Mickey's, be sure to keep an eye out for royalty. These cast members on the left were on their way to tell “The Sword in the Stone” story outside near the carousel. It can be a fun interaction for the kids if you happen to see them go by. Photo by Donald Fink.
If Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique isn't quite in the plan for your princess, you can still get the dress and make it happen. This dress is available at Sir Mickey's. Photo by Donald Fink.
We found Drizella, Cinderella's evil stepsister, near the castle, but their location and time varies. A cast member will be happy to assist you in finding them. Photo by Bonnie Fink.
Cinderella's Fairy Godmother can be found near the castle and other locations in Fantasyland. Photo by Bonnie Fink.
There's a Princess Merida meet and greet just outside Fantasyland in the Fairytale Garden, located near Tomorrowland. Photo by Bonnie Fink.
We're always impressed with the level of effort Disney makes to tell their story, and that's especially true with their art. Here is Cinderella's Fountain, a bronze appearing statue located near the check-in queue for Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, between Cinderella Castle and the carousel. Photo by Bonnie Fink.
There's a “sightline” hidden gem in Cinderella's Fountain. It's not quite lined up in the image above, but you can see that, if you were on one knee in front of the statue, at just the right angle, the crown in the background would appear to be atop Cinderella's head.
Inside the castle to the right you will find the entrance to Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. There was a lot of activity in there the day we came by, and the princesses needed their privacy, so, sorry, no pictures inside. Photo by Bonnie Fink.
There is a small pathway to the left of the castle that leads to Tomorrowland, you can find Cinderella's Wishing Well there. Often you can also find one of the Photopass Photographers there too. They'll help you get the perfect shot with the Castle in the background. Photo by Donald Fink.
“it's a small world” is indoors at the Magic Kingdom. The queue and boat boarding are in relative comfort from the Florida heat. Photo by Donald Fink.
“it's a small world” has been delighting people of all ages since the original production premiered at the 1964-1965 New York World's Fair. It's currently showing at Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Tokyo Disneyland, Disneyland Paris, and Hong Kong Disneyland. Photo by Bonnie Fink.
Ride through the Hundred Acre Wood in your oversized hunny pot. This ride re-creates the story of Winnie the Pooh. Photo by Donald Fink.
Mickey's PhilharMagic is a fun, 3D animated film featuring songs from many hit Disney movies. You can see and hear songs from “Beauty and the Beast,” “The Little Mermaid,” and “Lion King,” to name a few. The show is hosted by Donald Duck and runs about 12 minutes. Photo by Donald Fink.
When you enter Cinderella Castle from Fantasyland, you will find the entrance to Cinderella's Royal Table on the left. You can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner while speaking with Cinderella and other princesses. Photo by Donald Fink.
In the foyer to Cinderella's Royal Table, you can often find a princess waiting to greet you. Guests can get a picture here before entering the restaurant. Photo by Donald Fink.
One of the best themed quick service restaurants at the Magic Kingdom is, in our view, the Pinocchio Village Haus. Here you can enjoy a lengthy menu suitable for adults and kids as well as indoor seating in crisp air conditioning. Photo by Donald Fink.
We mentioned that we were impressed with the level of theming in Pinocchio Village Haus, and here is yet another example of the detail. Look closely at the stained glass above with the puppets of characters from the movie. You can see steins along the ledge, which goes along with the northern Italy, southern Bavaria styling. Photo by Donald Fink.
If you need something besides sugar, you can try this all-beef hotdog with tots from the Friar's Nook. Photo by Donald Fink.
At Story Book Treats it's all about the dessert, like this strawberry sundae. Story Book Treats is located next to the Friar's Nook. Photo by Donald Fink.
A cookie dough sundae, with vanilla soft serve, hot fudge, and a chocolate Minnie bow is also available at Story Book Treats, next to the Friar's Nook. Photo by Donald Fink.
Next time we'll cover the rest of Fantasyland, which will include Be Our Guest restaurant, Gaston's Tavern, the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and many of the other features and attractions found in the newer parts of the land.
